HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-06-27-1994y96
ITY COUNCEL
June 27, 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 Develonment
Human Services
Alderman Newman
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Holsman
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Drummer
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order on Monday, June 27, 1994, at 8:43
P.M. in the City Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Newman
Alderman Drummer
Alderman Guthrie
A Quorum being present.
ABSENT: Alderman Heydemann
TARDY: None
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
PRESENTATION
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Holsman
Jim Tillman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association presented a plaque to the Evanston Fire Department to thank
them for their help over the past four years in fighting 40 muscular diseases. Fire Chief James Hunt accepted the
plaque and said that he was pleased to accept this award on behalf of the Evanston Fire Fighters and was proud of
all of the hard work they and their colleagues across the country had put in to collect money for the MDA.
A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City
Clerk's office.
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June 27, 1994
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Manager Eric Anderson reminded everyone that the Monday would be the Fourth of July holiday and that there
would be no sanitation, yard waste or recycling collection. All routes will be collected a day later than their regular
schedule.
Mr. Anderson noted that on Page 8 of the Agenda, the Parking Committee was listed as meeting at 7:30 P.M. on
June 28 and said that it is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.
MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Lorraine H. Morton thanked Mr. Tillman for coming to Council and recognizing the efforts of the Evanston
Fire Fighters.
Mayor Morton announced that she had attended the renaming of the Chandler -Newberger Center the previous day.
She said that she was delighted that the City was able to honor Mr. Newberger for his many years of service to the
Recreation Department and to the community.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Robvn Douglass. 10 Canterbury, Wilmette, presented a petition to Mayor Morton signed by Evanston residents
regarding the treatment of pigeons trapped as the viaducts are being screened to prevent them from roosting there;
offered more pictures of trapped pigeons to Council; protested what she characterized as inhumane treatment of the
pigeons by the contractor hired to screen the viaducts and asked that this issue be placed on the Council's agenda
for a full discussion.
Bill Hartgering. 1821 Asbury Avenue, a back yard neighbor of 1830 Ridge Avenue, spoke in favor of the proposal
to turn it into senior housing; noted that in the 17 years he has lived there, he has seen this commercial strip get
better and better as people bought and rehabbed properties and thought that this would be an excellent use of what
is currently an eyesore. The biggest concern is taking the property off the tax rolls, but noted that it is being sold
for back taxes. He said that he was in favor of this group putting real money and real development into this
property that was so close to his back door. He urged Council to vote in favor of it.
Rav Anderson. 1102 Judson Avenue, a realtor and resident of Evanston for 22 years, said that he was proud to
respond to questions about what property values had done in Evanston and what the fabric of Evanston was. He
said that the City has a rich fabric to draw on and thought that it was important for this development to provide
affordable housing for senior citizens who wish to live independently, but cannot afford the more expensive facilities
in the City. He felt that it would add to the overall fabric of Evanston and would allow us to say that the City does
not cater only to the wealthy, but to those in aced as well. He said that we don't want to price our senior citizens
out of Evanston. He strongly urged Council to approve the proposal.
Tom Bartnik, with Chicago Associates, Planners and Architects, architects of the NTSW proposal for 1830 Ridge,
said that he wished to address two safety issues related to the project. He emphasized that there is adequate room
for curbside drop-off in front of the building, without the car being in the traffic lane. He also said that there is
no problem with pedestrian safety, as there is nothing to go to directly across the street and it is an easy walk down
to the traffic light at Church Street to get across Ridge. He discussed the staff report on the need for the housing
and said that only two facilities in the City are comparable. One facility - Primm Towers - has a 60 person waiting
list and even with this facility, only 36 of them could be housed. He noted that the demand (at Primm Towers) was
geared more toward one -bedroom units and said that they have the ability to adjust their floor plan to go up to 27
one -bedroom units. He encouraged Council to approve the plan.
Jim Stavish. 8050 Monticello, Skokie, Executive Director of the Niles Township Sheltered Workshop (NTSW), said
that he has made inquiries about the need for the Haar Pavilion and felt that the information he has received could
be interpreted in many ways, depending on point of view. He believed there is a need in Evanston for this facility -
an independent living facility for low and moderate income seniors. He noted that Primm Towers has a three year
June 27, 1994
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waiting list and 1900 Sherman and Noyes Court also have waiting lists. He said that other senior facilities were
not comparable. He felt there was a need for one -bedroom apartments for this population in this part of the City.
He said that NTSW had a commitment to Evanston seniors who need affordable housing that would allow them to
remain in the community. He noted that the agency had served Evanston residents since its beginning and that
currently 36 % of their clients are Evanston residents. He reviewed the number of Evanston residents in each of
the three programs provided by NTSW. He noted that Richard Haar, their late executive director and an Evanston
community leader, began the vision for affordable independent living in Evanston and he wished to see that dream
become a reality. He said that theirs is the only valid offer for the property at this time, the funding is in place and
they are ready to go. He said that the risk was theirs and urged Council to vote yes.
Jim Vo¢ler. 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, counsel for zoning matters for NTSW, reiterated Mr. Stavish's
comments about the need for the project and reminded Council that the project had to go through extensive due
diligence and underwriting requirements before this loan was approved by the First National Bank of Chicago and
the various state and federal funding agencies approved this loan. Therefore, he felt the need had been
demonstrated. He urged Council not to lose sight of what they were being asked to approve and what the Zoning
Board of Appeals had approved. He pointed out that need was not one of the things considered by the ZBA, but
that it did find this project to be consistent with the Comprehensive General Plan, and discussed various goals
related to housing within that plan. He urged Council not to lose sight of those factors and support the petition.
Alderman Feldman moved to extend the time allotted to Citizen Comment. Seconded by Alderman Holsman.
Motion carried. No nays.
Mary Gerlacker., Director of the Mather Retirement Community, told Council that the Mather currently has 23
vacancies and said that a person with minimal income can qualify for entrance into the facility. She noted that with
the room, each person receives three meals, housekeeping service and health care for life. The charitable
component is funded by the Mather Foundation. She said that the facility allows people to live independently and
urged Council to consider that it has the 23 available units at this time.
John Wertheimer, Linden Realty, said that his company specialized in adaptive reuse of properties and has
developed a number of properties in Evanston. He noted that they have been interested in the 1830 Ridge property
for a couple of years and wanted to put low-cost office space in the building, which would result in a tax bill
$35,000 higher that it would be under this proposal and noted that other property taxes will have to go up because
this and other facilities are off the tax rolls. He suggested that the staff report on vacancies in senior housing
demonstrated that there was no need for this type of facility. He noted that the project needs a text amendment
before it can proceed. He emphasized that, while the property has been vacant for a few years and paying minimal
taxes, with the present proposal the City and the other taxing bodies will be losing $35,000 a year now and forever
in the future.
Italo Botti. 919 Grove Street, owner of a studio workshop on Grove since 1974, said he opposed having his property
included in proposed Special Service District #5 because it seemed to him that just ten or twelve years ago the street
was repaved and new lights were put in. He questioned the need for renovation of the streetscape and Fountain
Square and said that he did not like the way Fountain Square had been redone the last time. He said that he didn't
see any valid reason for doing it and thought that he had enough trees in front of his building and felt that there
should be another public hearing to discuss this. He objected to raising taxes to pay for this and said that he had
very little foot traffic to his building and dealt mostly with out-of-town people. He said that someone should
explain why it needed to be done again.
Harry Shubart. 1218 Elmwood Avenue, from the Tax Accountability Committee, said that he had just learned that
the proposal for Special Service District #5 was going to be voted on this evening and felt that, in light of its $16
million cost, there should be additional public hearings on it to allow for additional input. He said that he liked the
proposal, but felt that it could be made even more effective with some additional changes that would lower the cost.
He suggested that the public did not know about the hearings. He stressed the importance of the downtown area
and said that he had a list of suggestions that would improve it. He urged Council to delay passage of the plan and
asked that they hold further public hearings.
1 ` I 4 June 27, 1994
Norman Jacobs. 990 Grove Street, objected to having his 960 Grove Building property included in the
district. He noted that he had objected to it several months ago. He said that his property was not "downtown"
and that the CNW tracks were a natural barrier from that area. He pointed out that no one walks down his block
to go shopping, since there is only an office building, a studio and a bank on the block and felt it made no sense
to include it. He said that the new taxes required to support the district would further exacerbate his problems of
high taxes and a depressed market, making it even more difficult to rent his space, which has been one-third vacant
for the past four or five years. He agreed that there should be more discussion on the proposal before it is adopted
and whether his block ought to be included.
Carol Mitchell, 1227 Elmwood Avenue, property manager for the Barry Realty Company, said that the plan is
designed to attract more people to the downtown area and she did not believe that it would do that. The only thing
she felt would accomplish that would be to put in more parking. She said that parking is the number one problem
for her properties and with the additional taxes, she felt that it would be difficult for the buildings they managed
in the downtown area to compete in the rental market. She reported that she had been in the City for four years
and had just discovered that there was one hour free parking in the downtown garages. She questioned what had
been done to advertise that fact. She felt that parking - not trees and lights - was the issue. She stated that people
don't shop at night, so why did the City need more lighting. She felt that it should be discussed further.
Alderman Feldman moved to further extend the time for citizen comment. Seconded by Alderman Newman. Motion
carried. No nays.
Mark M. Murahv. 1400 Chicago Avenue, said that he had lived next to Greenwood Care since October and was
shocked about what was going on there. He reported that there have been numerous disturbances, including loud
music playing at night, fights in the front, patients begging, drug use in the back alley and patients urinating and
vomiting under his second floor window. He said that he has filed reports with the Health Department on two
occasions, including one where liquids and cups were thrown out of windows. He also reported being awakened
on numerous occasions by police who were in the process of removing patients from the facility - most recently at
2:15 A.M. on June 20. He said that it was affecting the neighborhood in a negative way and presented safety
concerns because patients seem to be unattended for large periods of time, both day and night. He also saw it as
a problem for the children in the neighborhood. In response to a question from Mayor Morton, Mr. Murphy said
that he had spoken to the manager, Mr. Kaepke, and found him to be less than responsive. He said that he couldn't
do anything about any complaints unless Mr. Murphy could identify the individuals involved. Mr. Murphy said
it was impossible to know who had thrown the liquids out of the window. He said that it appeared to him that the
facility had a lack of management and a lack of supervision of the patients.
Judith Richter. 1400 Chicago Avenue, reported that she had lived in her building for 23 years and had seen many
changes over those years and the ones in last couple of years haven't been very good. She presented a petition
containing signatures she collected from her building and the building on the other side of Greenwood Care. She
noted that recently as she sat down to dinner, one of the patients urinated right under her first floor window in her
full view. She explained that she has called the police a numerous occasions and does so to make sure that a report
of the disturbances is on the record. She felt that is should not be the neighbors' responsibility to monitor the
activities of the patients and pointed out that, by state law, they should all be wearing identification bracelets. She
urged the Council to do something so she can live in peace.
Carol Burmeister. 1400 Chicago Avenue, said that she had lived in the building for five years, having returned to
Evanston because she felt that it was a community for everyone and where everyone should feel safe. She reported
that she had written a letter to her alderman, who was not present this evening, with copies to the Council. She
said that she was tired of calling Greenwood Care to complain about loud radio playing, fighting between the two
buildings or out front, and excessive horn honking at shift changes. She did not believe that they were properly
supervised. She reported that residents of the area no longer want to take their children to Raymond Park because
they feel intimated by Greenwood Care residents. She did not feel that such a facility belonged in a densely
populated area with heavy traffic and expressed concern that the might be hurt. She questioned whether the area
was zoned for such a facility. She said that she wanted to continue to live in the City of Evanston, but not under
these circumstances and asked that Council to come up with some solutions so the management would take greater
responsibility for their patients.
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5 June 27, 1994
Deborah Kav Korv. 1400 Chicago Avenue, reported that the week before she had had her purse snatched by a
patient of Greenwood Care who also assaulted her. She was rescued by staff members, but was left shocked and
shaken. She also reported that she had been followed to Raymond Park by a patient and was frightened by him.
She expressed ongoing concern for her safety and said that she would move out of Evanston when her lease was
UP.
Alderman Newman moved to refer the netitions and letters to the Human Services Committee and asked that thev
look at these complaints. and to receive comments from the Mental Health Board.
CONSENT AGENDA:
(Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket 142-6B-
94: Ordinance 34-0-94 - Amending Landlord/Tenant Regulations and Docket 123-SB-94: Ordinance 52-0-94 -
Redevelopment Agreement between City and Home Depot. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye
- Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried.
-0)
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
* Approval of Minutes of the Council Meeting of June 13, 1994. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (8-01
ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:
BILLS AND PAYROLL
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending June 28, 1994; for City of Evanston
payroll for the period ending June 12, 1994; and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts,
summarized as follows:
City of Evanston bills $ 5,718,725.55
City of Evanston payroll 1,259,935.24
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
PURCHASES:
* Approval of the bid from Midwest Emergency Vehicle Sales for a Fire Department Ambulance at a total cost of
$111,792.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Midwest Emergency Vehicle Sales $111,792.
Bourbonnais, IL
Wheeled Coach Industries 110,308.
Winter Park, FL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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June 27, 1994
* Approval of the low bid from Freeway Ford Truck Sales, for eight Dump Trucks for Various Divisions at a total
cost of $628,247.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Freeway Ford Truck Sales $628,247.
Lyons, IL
Northwest Ford Truck Center 661,496.
Franklin Park, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Wil-Shore Ford Motor Sales for two Mini Pick -Up Trucks for the Traffic
Engineering Division at a total cost of $24,737.50.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Wil-Shore Ford Motor Sales $24,737.50
Wilmette, IL
Freeway Ford Truck Sales 32,310.00
Lyons, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Nels Johnson Tree Experts for Contract Removal of 42 Public Elm Trees at a total ,
cost of $17,912.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Nels J. Johnson Tree Experts $17,912.
Evanston, II.
Sunrise Tree Service 19,680.
Long Grove, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Regal Business Machines for the 1994-95 Typewriter Maintenance contract at a
total cost of $6,640.00 (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from American Demolition Corp for Demolition of 1031 Sherman Avenue at a total cost
of $6,900.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
American Demolition Corp $ 6,900
Bloomingdale, IL
Robinette Demolition 12,000
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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June 27, 1994
* Approval of the proposal from Municipal Software, Inc., for Water Utility Billing and Collection Program at a
cost of $63,210. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from J.D. Architectural Products for Evanston Art Center Coach House Window
Replacement at a total cost of $12,880.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
J.D. Architectural Products $12,880
Arlington Heights, IL
Litran/Krez Associates 54,000
Glenview, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Artley Paving & Contracting for the 1994 Street Maintenance Contract, at the unit
prices bid, for a total estimated cost of $208,991.31.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Artley Paving & Contracting $208,991.31
Wheeling, IL
J.A. Johnson Paving Co. 212,581.75
Arlington Heights, IL
Arrow Road Construction Co. 246,023.35
Mount Prospect, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Lenny Hoffman Excavating, for Special Assessment #1399 - Thayer Street, at the
unit prices bid, for a total estimated cost of $95,353.40.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder
Alternate 1
Alternate 2
(Asphalt)
(Concrete)
Lenny Hoffman Excavating
$95,353.40
$112,661.00
Wilmette, IL
J.A. Johnson Paving
98,196.60
No Bid
Arlington Heights, IL
DiPaolo Company
118,118.00
113,113.50
Glenview, IL
Alliance Contractors
No Bid
128,522.00
Woodstock, IL
Capitol Cement
127,598.00
149,382.00
Chicago, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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June 27, 1994
* Approval of the proposal from Oce Office Systems for a Copier for the Main Library at a cost of $13,900. (Non -
Bid Item, 2/3 City Council Majority Required) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Land Design Collaborative, Inc., for Design Services for the Downtown
Revitalization Plan for Special Service District #5 at a cost of $750,006. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal of The Buske Group for Cable Television Franchise Consultant Services at a total Phase
I cost of $30,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Data Research Associates for Library Automation Hardware and Software at a cost
not to exceed $203,581. (Non -bid Item, requires 2/3 majority vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from PCC/Valcom for Local Area Network hardware and Software at a cost not to
exceed $81,909. (Non -bid item, requires 2/3 majority vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Logicraft, Inc., for CD-ROM Neworking Hardware and Software for the Main
Library at a cost not to exceed $41,050. (Non -bid item, requires 2/3 majority vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal of Data Research Associates for Automation Hardware and Software for the North and
South Branch Libraries at a cost not to exceed $13,124. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of proposal of Envirodyne Engineers, Inc., for Clark Street Viaduct Engineering Services over and
beyond their scope of services at an additional cost of $4,167.09. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of Change Order #7 for the Library Construction Contract to W.E. O'Neil Construction at a cost of
$18,997. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of a contract with David M. Griffith & Associates for Cost of Service Study at a cost of $8,000.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of a contract with Morrison Associates, Ltd., for Council and Staff Goal -Setting Consulting services
at an estimated cost not to exceed $17,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL
(8-0)
* Docket 137-6B-94: Resolution 45-R-94 - League of Women Voters' Lease of
Civic Center Suace - Consideration of proposed Resolution 45-R-94, by which
the City Council would renew the League of Women Voters' Lease of Civic
Center Space for one year at a monthly rental of $131.50 per month.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
* Docket 138-6B-94: Resolution 46-R-94 - 1232 Fowler Avenue -
Consideration of proposed Resolution 46-R-94, by which the City Council would
authorize the designation of a Reserved Space for the Disabled at 1232 Fowler
Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL.
9 June 27, 1994 �O
* Docket 139-613-94: Ordinance 65-0-94 - Sneed Limit - Harrison/McDaniel -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 65-0-94, by which the City Council would
amend Section 10-11-1, Schedule H(B), of the Code of the City of Evanston to
reduce the Speed Limit to 20 MPH on Harrison Street between McDaniel
Avenue and Lincolnwood Drive. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT
AGENDA
* Docket 140-6B-94: Ordinance 66-0-94 - Neighborhood Traffic Controls -
Michigan/Hamilton. Dewev/Pavne. Brummel/Richmond. Pitner/Lee -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 66-0-94, by which the City Council would
amend Section 10-11-, Schedule V(C) and V(D) of the Code of the City of
Evanston to establish 4-Way Stops at the intersections of Michigan Avenue and
Hamilton Street and at Dewey Avenue and Payne Street; and 3-Way Stops at
Brummel Street and Richmond Avenue and at Pitner Avenue and Lee Street.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 141-6B-94: Ordinance 67-0-94 - Removal of No Left Turn Restriction
Hartrev/DobsonBrummel - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 67-0-94, by
which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-3, Schedule III(A) of the
Code of the City of Evanston to remove the No Left Turn regulations at Hartrey
Avenue at its intersections with Dobson Street, Brummel Street and two alleys.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 130-0A-94: Ordinance 60-0-94 - Creation of Special Service District
#55 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 60-0-94, introduced on June 13,
1994, by which the City Council would create Special Service District #5.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
* Docket 131-6A-94: Ordinance 62-0-94 - Limiting No Turn on Red -
Chicago/Main - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 62-0-94, introduced on
June 13, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-3,
Schedule III(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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
* Docket 132-6A-94: Ordinance 63-0-94 - Disposition of Property -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 63-0-94, introduced on June 13, 1994, by
which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to negotiate a contract
for the sale of 2230 Main Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
HUMAN SERVICES CONUY[IWEE:
No action items
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CONMMTEE:
Docket 142-6B-94: Ordinance 34-0-94 - Amending Landlord/Tenant
Regulations - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 34-0-94, by which the City
Council would amend the Landlord/Tenant Regulations and require that the
names and ages of each individual occupying an apartment be placed on the
lease but not on the application for consideration.
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10 June 27, 1994
Alderman Kent said that he removed this docket from the Consent Agenda because he had some questions on it.
In response to several of his questions, Alderman Newman reported that it had been discussed with the City/School
Liaison Committee and the information he received from representatives of the school districts is that a student
cannot live with a relative and enroll in an Evanston school unless that relative has legal guardianship of that child.
Alderman Kent introduced Ordinance 34-0-94. Marked introduced.
OTHER COMMITTEES:
* Docket 143-613-94: Consultine Contract for Evaluation of Financial Guarantee
for Construction in Research Park - Consideration of a recommendation that the
City Council approve the proposal of Balcor Consulting Group to assist in the
City's evaluation of a possible financial guarantee for the construction of a
building in the Research Park. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
Docket 123-513-94: Ordinance 52-0-94 - Redevelonment Agreement between
Citv and Home Denot - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 52-0-94,
introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council would approve the
Redevelopment Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute said
Agreement.
Alderman Engelman said that he believed that agreement has been reached, but the lawyers are still working on the
specific wording. He moved to table this item until July 11, so that both sets of lawyers can sign off on the
wording. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. This docket item is tabled until the July
11, 1994 meeting. (Alderman Moran abstained from voting due to a possible conflict of interest.)
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS:
All items on Consent Agenda.
HUMAN SERVICES:
Alderman Feldman reported that the Committee had held a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Clean
Air Ordinance and will report to the Council with recommendations soon.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Docket 121-513-94: Ordinance 42-0-94. ZPC 94-IM - Zonine 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 Drummer.
Alderman Newman expressed his opposition to this ordinance because there are currently no residential uses in an
01 District and he thought that senior housing was an incompatible use in a commercial district. He noted that
Council considered compatibility when it discussed a text amendment proposed to allow the sale of used cars in open
lots. He thought that if this text amendment were to be approved the City would be inviting organizations to ask
11 June 27, 1994
Sob
for tax exempt status and opening up another vehicle for taking property off the tax rolls. He noted that there
currently are ten properties devoted to senior housing that are off the tax rolls, and while it is an important use in
the community, when properties go off the tax rolls other citizens pay more. Sometimes it is justified to say that
the community is willing to forgo taxes on a property to permit its use as senior housing. He cited the
memorandum prepared by the Director of Health and Human Services which shows there to be a substantial number
of vacancies in senior housing and noted that because of these vacancies, a number of senior buildings in his ward
are being opened to people from Chicago and other suburbs. That means Evanston taxpayers are subsidizing people
from other communities to come live here. In the 1990's, with high taxes, that is not the way to go. He emphasized
that if someone from Evanston, even with low income, goes through the application process for the Mather
Foundation, they will be admitted immediately. He noted that the North Shore Hotel also has immediate openings
for Evanston residents. He also reminded Council that the City is going to court to protest the Mather Foundation
wanting to take an additional facility off the tax rolls, which will cost the City $250,000 a year. He felt that none
of the 01 Districts were that compatible with senior housing, emphasized his concern with the eroding tax base and
urged Council to vote no this text amendment. He also pointed out that there was no senior group advocating that
this facility is needed.
Alderman Engelman said that Alderman Newman made very valid points when he discussed the need for this facility
and the problem of taking it off the tax rolls. But he stressed that Council should not be considering who the
applicant is for the special use under the text amendment while it is considering the amendment. That should be
considered separately when Council gets to the next docket item. He said what they should be concerned with is
whether an independent living facility is an appropriate special use in a commercial district and whether it will
benefit Evanston. He said that Council could decide that independent living facilities were appropriate in an 0
District and then vote against granting the request of this applicant because there is no need today for senior housing
or because it does not want the property off the tax rolls. He noted that the Zoning Ordinance is a planning
document - how a City wants to see its land used. The O District was created to promote office uses in certain
areas, and pointed out that a special use is not a permitted use and allows Council to make that decision on a case
by case basis. It would allow adaptable reuse of particular land and he supported it. He noted that this area has
had a particularly difficult time in getting redeveloped and pointed out that the O District is designed as a buffer
zone between residential areas and commercial areas of higher density. He could not think of something with lower
impact than an independent living facility, which would create much less traffic and congestion than a well -used
office. He thought it would be a good idea to make an area such as the 1800 block of Ridge available if the right
independent living facility comes along. Council would be able to allow an adaptive reuse of this property when
commercial development does not want to utilize it. He noted that the Fountain Square Building will have a lot of
office space available when the library vacates it and said that there are other building in the downtown areas with
office vacancies and the 01 Districts may have another use than for offices, and, by allowing an independent living
facility to apply, would stimulate economic development. However, he did not think that Council had to grant every
request. He urged Council to allow the adaptive reuse of that facility and support the text amendment.
Alderman Drummer thanked Alderman Engelman for his clear explanation and noted that the buffer zone is very
important in Evanston. He recalled that there had been an application for this site several years ago for eight
condominiums. The neighbors did not want that type of use, but they do favor this type of use.
He did not believe that there would be many instances where such a facility could be located in an 01 District and
favored the text amendment. He felt that all the talk of taxes was pie in the sky and reminded Council that this
property has been sitting vacant or had a low level use for a number of years. He said thought that the $15,000
of payments -in lieu -of taxes this project would generate would be about what it is currently paying. He urged
Council to adopt the text amendment.
In response to a question from Mayor Morton, Alderman Engelman said that the text amendment was suggested
by the applicant, but that it was possible for Council to vote for the text amendment and be opposed to granting the
proposed special use applied for by NTSW. He said that the issues were totally different. He noted that all
independent living facilities were not operated by tax exempt entities.
Alderman Feldman said that he appreciated Alderman Engelman's efforts to divorce the granting of the text
amendment from the request of the applicant, but said that Council would not be discussing it if NTSW had not
brought it up. He found it hard to divorce the two. He said that if this site is typical of other 0 sites, he thought
12 June 27, 1994
it to be inappropriate. He thought it to be one of the worst sites for an independent living facility for seniors
because it was not near any recreation and residents had to go a significant distance to cross the street. He said that
if Council is talking about O Districts for independent living facilities, it has to talk about specifics. The remedy
of a text amendment is always available. He could see no good reason to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow
this and noted there has no demand for it elsewhere. He said that he could not support it because it would allow
a facility of this nature on this site, which is inappropriate.
Alderman Newman read the purpose statement for the 01 District and said that in Evanston there is little
commercial property and much residential property. To create additional opportunity for more residential uses that
would take the property off the tax rolls, he did not believe to be in the best interests of the City. He also did not
believe that there was any compelling need for this type of facility and would not begin looking to place them in
the 01 Districts. He noted that interest was expressed in Citizen Comment in developing this site as a commercial
property and felt that the City should be supporting the private development of commercial property in Evanston
so the pressure can be reduced on the residential taxpayer.
Corporation Counsel, Herb Hill, announced that Section 6-3-4-6F of the Zoning Ordinance required that for the text
amendment to be adopted, it must be approved by a majority of the Council (Corporate Authorities, which includes
the mayor), so it must be approved by six members.
Alderman Holsman said that during a previous discussion of a proposed text amendment, the majority of the Council
opposed granting a special use because it was a drastic measure and inappropriate for the site. He asked what was
the compelling difference in these two cases.
Alderman Engelman said that there is a difference between this text amendment and the one previously discussed
to allow the sale of used cars in open lots. You have to look at what you are being asked to amend. He said that
he did not believe the sale of used cars in open lots to be desirable in that location or any other, while he felt that
this is a desirable use and not one that Council wants to discourage. If you want to discourage something, you don't
give yourself flexibility and it you want to encourage something, you do. He said that he believes in promoting
development in the community and since the market may be saying that this location is not going to be developed
as office space, something else should be tried that would benefit Evanston and the taxpayers. An independent
living facility would be a clever adaptive reuse for a site that was unable to be redeveloped as a commercial property
in the past eight years.. He emphasized that he did not want to consider the current applicant, which is really an
apartment building for a certain population, while considering the text amendment. He noted that it was only four
blocks from the Levy Center, but emphasized that consideration of this text amendment should be separated from
the current proposal.
Alderman Holsman said that he was still unclear why it was more desirable to have flexibility with this special use
than the one with used car lots. He asked whether, if Council approves this text amendment, it will be down -zoning
this property from commercial to residential. Alderman Engelman clarified that it would not. (It would be retaining
its commercial designation while permitting a special use process for a residential use.)
Mayor Morton asked Alderman Engelman if he supported the residential density of 400 square feet per person.
He said that he would like to see more square feet per person, but noted that could be addressed during the special
use process.
Alderman Newman moved to call the question. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye -
Aldermen Feldman, Newman, Kent and Holsman. Voting nay - Aldermen Drummer, Guthrie, Moran and
Engelman. Motion failed. (4-4) (Reauired a two-thirds maioritv.)
Alderman Guthrie moved to table this ordinance until the meeting of July 11. Seconded by Alderman Drummer.
Roll call. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Moran, Engelman. Voting nay - Feldman, Newman, Kent, Holsman.
Due to a tie vote the mayor is required to vote. Mayor Morton voted aye. Motion carried. (5-41
13 June 27,1994
50�
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 Guthrie moved to hold over this docket item until the next meeting. Seconded by Alderman Drummer.
At the request of two aldermen this docket item will be held over until the next meeting.
OTHER COMMITTEES:
Docket 144-6B-94: Consulting Contract for Evaluation of Research Park -
Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City
Manager to enter into a consulting contract with Balcor Consulting Group to
assist in the evaluation of the Research Park.
Alderman Engelman moved approval of this docket item. Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Drummer said that he appreciated all the work the Economic Development Committee has done on the
Research Park issue. He pointed out that the contract comes in two parts and noted that he had voted in favor of
the $8,000 portion, but that the, other part for $40,000 scared him off. He said that he could not vote for a $40,000
consultant fee to evaluate the Research Park, because he felt that he had all the knowledge he needed to have to
move the park forward. Motion carried.
Docket 14-lB-94: Ordinance 129-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing
Redevelopment Plan and Proiect - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 129-0-
93, introduced on January 24, 1994, by which the City Council would adopt and
approve a Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment plan and Project for the
Church/Chicago area. No Action.
Docket 15-1B-94: Ordinance 130-0-93 - Tax Increment 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.
Alderman Engelman reported that the Economic Development Committee has a special meeting scheduled for July
6 and noted that at the next City Council meeting, the aldermen may be asked to consider whether to issue any
Industrial Revenue Bonds to help an Evanston manufacturing business that is the third largest manufacturing
employer in the City. He noted that the committee is looking at how the City can promote the retention of the
City's manufacturing base and what it can do to address the concerns of the manufacturers who contribute to the
tax base and provide skilled jobs. He said that it is an industry the City wants to keep and the committee wants to
look at creative ways in which to keep them here.
In response to a question from Mayor Morton, Alderman Engelman said that the committee is looking at special
tax classifications, Tax Increment Financing concepts, Industrial Revenue Bonds and hope to come back to Council
60?
14 June 27, 1994
in the fall with a whole myriad of economic development tools that could be available for both manufacturing
businesses and other types of economic development enterprises, including partnerships between businesses and the
City to promote marketing efforts, such as was done with the Special Service District and EVMARK.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton introduced the following names for appointment:
Lucy A. Elain
1633 Cleveland Street
Betty Sue Ester
1419 Grey Avenue
and the following names for reappointment:
Katie Maahs Bally
2648 Asbury Avenue
Andrew J. Heindel
742 Asbury Avenue
Nicki Pearson
IIIIJudson Avenue
Environment Board
for term ending July 15, 1998;
Housing and Community Development Act Committee
for term ending July 15, 1997;
Ladd Arboretum Committee
for term ending July 15, 1997;
Library Board
for term ending July 15, 1997;
Mental Health Board
for term ending July IS, 1998.
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the above names for appointment and reappointment to boards and
committees. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Alderman Feldman reported that the gas station on the corner of Dodge and Oakton is arbitrarily ignoring its
agreement with the City to close at 10 o'clock and is staying open until 11:00 or 11:30 in the evening. He said that
they have made no effort to be accommodating with staff and that their lawyer appears to be stalling that
accommodation. For all intents and purposes they operating illegally. He said that the sentiment of the community
had been to allow them to operate as long as they would conform to the same agreement as the former operators
had with the City. He reported that he has had complaints about the noise. He asked Mr. Rasmussen to see that
they conform to the agreement and suggested that the City must come to some kind of agreement to allow them to
legally stay in the community.
He reported that he had supported the ordinance to create Special Service District #5, but said that the City must
be concerned with more than trees and lights, but also the kind of tenants there are in the various districts. He said
that Evanston does not want to have fast food blight, and said he was concerned about the number of fast food
restaurants in the downtown area, which he thought added little to the City. He felt that some irreversible damage
had already been done and hoped that more won't be allowed to come in.
Alderman Newman praised the NTSW as a fine organization and thanked them for all the work they had done in
the community, but he hoped that at the next meeting Council would consider their proposal on the facts. He noted
that the soft costs have already come up to $70,000 per unit and said that someone can purchase a unit in Sherman
Gardens for substantially less and you can get one -bedroom condos for less. He pointed out that NTSW has never
developed senior housing before and have made no provision for vacancies in their first year. He urged everyone
to look closely at the numbers.
I.
1
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15 June 27, 1994 0 /
Alderman Newman reported that he had met with the manager of Greenwood Care, Rich Kaepke a number of times
and that Mr. Kaepke had met with representatives of the Dempster Street Merchants Association. But, despite the
high regard in which he holds Mr. Kaepke, he hopes that the Human Services Committee finds a way to solve the
problems created by residents of the facility. He noted that they impact the whole neighborhood, including
Raymond Park, which is in his ward. He said that the goal for mental health facilities should be that they are
compatible with the area in which they are located.
Alderman Newman congratulated the Chamber of Commerce for putting on the excellent Fountain Square Arts
Festival this past weekend. He reported that it was well attended and proves that the downtown area merchants are
committed to the community and the arts. He thanked both the Chamber and the artists. Mayor Morton agreed
with Alderman Newman and noted that there was a different layout this year that enabled visitors to the fair to move
around to view the whole fair more easily.
Alderman Engelman said that during the debate on the text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Alderman Newman
had raised a number of good questions, but he urged the aldermen to divorce the question of the current applicant
from the question of whether independent living facilities would be an appropriate adaptive reuse in an 01 District.
He agreed with Alderman Newman about the Fountain Square Art Fair and thought it wonderful that the downtown
businesses support it, even though it impacts their business. He said that they are willing to put up with it because
it puts the City in a good light. He reported that he had heard a number of comments from non -Evanston residents
about how wonderful the art fair was and what wonderful stores Blockbuster and Barnes and Noble were. The
people said that they would come to shop there, so the art fair also serves to promote existing businesses in the
downtown area.
Alderman Engelman announced that there are two job fairs scheduled for Best Buy and Target. Target continues
recruitment for supervisor positions and will hold another job fair in early August for entry level positions. Best
Buy continues recruitment for all of their positions through July. The job fairs are being held at the Holiday Inn
on Sherman Avenue.
Alderman Guthrie said that she had received excellent reports on the Custer Street Fair, which took place two
weekends before.
Alderman Guthrie announced that there will be a meeting in Baker Park to discuss renovation of that park on 'July
8, at 6:30 P.M. The renovation is scheduled to begin this fall.
Alderman Kent thanked Director of Streets and Sanitation, Zeltee Edwards, for his help with clean-up efforts in the
Fifth Ward.
Alderman Kent made a reference to the Economic Development Committee to provide him with the data showing
how much economic development has taken nlace in the Fifth Ward since 1966. or the earliest available records.
He asked for information on anv businesses that the Economic Development Committee helned bring to his ward
as well as the monev spent in the Fifth Ward for economic development purposes.
Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Kent made a reference to the Administration and Public Works Committee to begin a studv on the hiring
of twentv more police officers. He said that many of his constituents are not satisfied with the response time to
police calls in the Fifth Ward. Their quality of life is being impacted. He did not want to bash the police
department, he just wanted to take a good police department and make it better. He reported that he keeps a journal
of complaints, when people call him that the police have not responded to their call and he goes over to observe
the situation and records his observations. He did not think he had seen problem -oriented policing in the places it
needs to be and thought it needed to be in place immediately. He did not want to be in a position where his
constituents call him and ask him what is happening because they have not seen a squad car, or if they see one, it
cruises through and does not address those situations that impact on the quality of life of his constituents. He
wanted the City Council to understand what these neighborhoods are experiencing that are hardest hit by crime and
other situations, and felt that the only way to make EPD a stronger and better police department is to continue to
I16 June 27, 1994
give them what they need. His continued concern is what is not being driven away - the congregating on the streets,
the loitering and drinking in the parks - what he has talked about over and over. But he did note that he has seen
much improvement in his area since he's been alderman, but said that his journal tells him that Council needs to
give the police department more men to face the problems they encounter on the street.
Alderman Moran referred the TVort from the Mavor's Coi iitte, on Panhandling_ to the Human Services
Committee for review and to take action as annronriate.
Alderman Moran reported that the new hand rail on the northwest corner of Central and Green Bay, near the new
embankment, had been hit by someone and was in a sorry state, and had been for some time. He requested that
the appropriate City Department go out there and develop an action plan to have it fixed.
Alderman Drummer noted that he had inherited a large industrial district through remapping of the wards and while
he has found some undesirable things there - mostly having to do with appearances - there are a number of
flourishing businesses there. He made reference to the Neihoff proposal before the EDC and said that Ms. Neihoff
is a constituent of his. He also made reference to a letter he had received from a constituent whose organization
had recently received a donation from Shand Morahan Corporation, and who urged the City to help find creative
ways to try and retain businesses such as Shand Morahan. It encouraged the City to not ignore businesses who have
invested in the community, while offering incentives to lure new companies into Evanston. He said that it was time
to refocus what the City was doing. He urged each aldermen to visit all the businesses in his or her ward to see
if there was anything that they could do to help that business, and indicated that he had already made some of the
calls in his ward. He announced that he and the Chamber of Commerce would be calling on two companies at the
end of Greenleaf west of Dodge on Wednesday, June 29, at 8:00 A.M., and invited any interested alderman to
attend. He felt that it was important to help those industrial areas because they are important to Evanston's future.
He explained that the purpose of these visits is to try and foster a partnership between the City and those existing
industrial businesses, and emphasized how important it is to retain those businesses which provide high -paying
skilled jobs. He again encouraged Council members to visit the businesses in their ward.
Mayor Morton noted that there was a small industrial section in the Fifth Ward. Alderman Drummer said that he
was sensitive to Alderman Kent's concerns and will support every effort to find out what has been done and what
can be done in the Fifth Ward. He reminded Council that one of the intentions of the Research Park was to nurture
and develop businesses and prototypes there and when they get ready to go to production and expand, we were to
encouraged them to stay in Evanston. He noted that some Research Park businesses have left Evanston when they
expanded because the City didn't have the space or the incentive packages to invite them to stay. He was glad the
mayor reminded him of the industrial space in the Fifth Ward and said that we need to prepare for the day in the
near future when another company in the Research Park is ready to go from prototype to production and be ready
to find a way to keep them here, possibly in the Fifth Ward. Then some of his constituents can go over to the Fifth
Ward and get a job.
Alderman Holsman thanked Alderman Kent for his reference on additional police. He said that is an issue important
to his constituents.
He reported that he had attended several neighborhood meetings, one with a small group of Howard/Hartrey
neighbors in an attempt to come to a determination where the north end of the Hartrey wall will terminate. The
group came up with several ideas that they will present to the larger group at a meeting in the near future. He also
attended a meeting of the Elks Park Neighbors concerning gang activity, safety and property maintenance of some
of the rental property in the area. The neighbors also expressed concern about a piece of property that had been
burned out and had been in that state for some time.
Alderman Holsman reported that a group of neighbors in that area had instituted their own graffiti removal program
and each has a designated area where he removes graffiti as soon as it appears.
He also reported that the Custer Street Fair was excellent and thought that it had been even better than last year's
fair. He felt that it helped put South Evanston in a good light.
17
June 27, 1994
Alderman Holsman announced that the next City/Chamber Committee meeting will be at 7:30 A.M. on Thursday,
June 30th, where they will be discussing the Northlight Theater situation. He invited everyone to attend.
He also reported that he had attended the Evanston Neighborhood Conference Potluck, which he said was well
attended and the food was marvelous. He invited everyone to attend future ENC events.
Alderman Holsman renewed his viewer survey request and asked any of his constituents who were watching the
City Council meeting to please give him a call and let him know at 475-2043.
Mayor Morton called Council's attention to the memorandum and vacation schedule that had been placed on their
desks. She said that she would like to discuss it at the next Council meeting.
Alderman Engelman moved that Council recess into a Closed Session to discuss disposition of property and
litigation. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Feldman, Newman, Drummer, .Guthrie,
Kent, Moran, Engelman and Holsman. Motion carried. No nays.
Council so recessed at 11:08 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 12:47 A.M.
Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved and adjourned at 12:48 A.M.
KIRSTEN F. DAVIS
CITY CLERK
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