A group of 9^th Ward residents gathered at the Robert Crown Community Center for a quarterly ward meeting. Alderman Coleen Burrus welcomed everyone and introduced guests: Officers Rick Whitehead and Nate Basner, with the EPD Problem-Solving Team; Suzette Robinson, Director of Public Works; Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager; Martha Gaines, Ridgeville Park District Commissioner; Greg Clarke, with EBSA, and Josh Brechner, 9^th Ward Intern.

Alderman Burrus announced that an ordinance to reduce the speed limit on Oakton Street to 20 mph around the clock (24/7) was being prepared. The affected area would include Oakton Street between Dodge Avenue on the west and Custer Street on the east.

She also announced that this coming spring (2012) Gordon Foods will begin construction on its new store at 2424 Oakton Street just east of the Shell Station.

Responding to a resident’s question, Alderman Burrus pointed out that the City’s Economic Development Division is talking with various parties to find a suitable tenant for the vacant property at Oakton Street and Asbury Avenue (former Osco store).

A referendum to abolish Evanston Township could be prepared for the Primary Election on March 20, 2012. Senator Jeff Schoenberg has reached out to Attorney General Lisa Madigan to determine the appropriate language for the proposed referendum.

Greg Clarke, a 9^th Ward resident and representative of the Evanston Baseball Softball Association (EBSA) gave an update about plans to reuse the recycling center facility as an indoor multi-sports venue. He said that the EBSA, AYSO and other local sports groups have been looking for an indoor sports facility to accommodate both youth and adults.

Mr. Clarke stated a non-profit consortium would be formed to lease the property from the City. The consortium would raise funds and pay for needed changes to convert the Recycling Center into indoor practice space. He hoped that the renovated facility would be ready in the fourth quarter of 2012 or early 2013.

Presently, it stores off-season equipment, such as snowplows for Streets & Sanitation and boats for Recreation divisions. Responding to questions, Mr. Clarke said new storage space would be found, on-site parking would be used for the sports center and the consortium would hire and pay for a full-time person to staff the facility.

Public Works Director Suzette Robinson noted that the FY 2012 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) provides for water main replacement and street resurfacing along Main Street from Maple to Hinman avenues. Another 9^th Ward project would resurface Madison Street from Ridge to Custer avenues with funding from the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT).

Ms. Robinson noted this coming winter is expected to exceed the projected 50-inch snowfall (cumulatively). She advised residents to follow the posted street signs when in doubt about snow parking regulations. People are encouraged to sign up for the City E-Newsletter to keep abreast of snow emergency days and parking updates.

During snow emergencies, employees of Public Works, Forestry and Utilities departments are used for snow removal and work 12-hour shifts. Ms. Robinson stated that presently, Evanston has more people as a resource than snow removal equipment.

Alderman Burrus added that volunteers are needed to help seniors and the disabled with snow removal and moving parked cars on even and odd weekdays. Officer Basner interjected that residents use caution when someone comes to their door and asks about snow removal.

City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz reported that 2011 had been a 10-month fiscal year in preparation for the City’s move to a calendar year fiscal reporting system. He noted that the total proposed budget for FY 2012 is $251,000,000.

In response to residents’ questions about police and fire pension funding, he stated that in past years the pensions were funded at 40%. That number rises to 48% for FY 2012 and he cited that 3% of the Evanston’s property tax goes to fund those pensions. Mr. Bobkiewicz explained that non-police and life-safety employees are covered by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), which is a separate self-funded entity. There are some 400 police and fire pension boards throughout Illinois.

The City Manager said Evanston would look at raising parking fees and City Council would receive feedback from local business associations before making a decision. He reported on a proposal to switch to parking kiosks and remove meters throughout the City. A $100,000 investment in license plate recognition software would increase revenues by going after parking ticket scofflaws.