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02/24/1998 Special Meeting38 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1998 CALL TO ORDER: The Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines was called to order by Mayor Paul Jung at 7:05 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Tuesday, February 24, 1998. ROLL CALL: Roll call indicated the following aldermen present: Beauvais, Christiansen, Elstner, Higgason, Brookman, Sarlo, Smith, Arredia. Also present were: City Staff: City Manager Douthwaite, Director of Economic Development Klaus, Director of Finance & Administrative Services Egeberg, and Director of Community Development D'Onofrio LR Development: David Dresdner Lohan Associates: Dirk Lohan, Floyd Anderson, Kevin Pierce, Mike Barnes Construction Cost Systems, Inc.: Anthony Oliver Schwartz, Cooper, Greenberger & Krause: Ron Grais S. B. Friedman & Company: Steve Friedman Mayor Jung declared that the City Council was now resolved into a Committee of the Whole COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Alderman Sarlo, Chair UPDATE/ Alderman Sarlo briefly reviewed the purpose of this DOWNTOWN evening's meeting: REDEVELOP.: 1. Site Plan approval including library, garage and retail components; 2. Authorize library design; 3. Authorize retrofitting of the mall; and 4. Determine a financing plan. Alderman Sarlo introduced City Manager Douthwaite who stated that there are several issues that need to be addressed at some time, i.e. Are we or are we not going to embark upon this plan to construct a library as part of the downtown redevelopment program? If yes, then the City needs to engage the services of an architect to begin designing. Mr. Douthwaite stated, the next step would be to enter into a contract for the retrofitting of the Des Plaines Mall into a parking garage, and then a decision would have to be made on the financial component for the entire plan. Mr. Douthwaite introduced Mr. Dirk Lohan, President of Lohan Associates, who will bring the aldermen up to date on the additional conceptual design work that has been done in the last month, and answer any questions. After that, Mr. Douthwaite will ask Steve Friedman, City's financial consultant for this project, to give the aldermen his updated estimate of where the project is financially; Dr. Willis of School District #62 will then talk about having a day care facility as part of this plan; and then, finally, there will be a review of the possible alternative revenue sources that the Staff has developed. DISCUSSION: Mr. Dirk Lohan briefly reviewed the site boundaries stating that their wish is to revitalize the downtown area; it is ripe for redevelopment; it is important to have a center with a certain kind of life. When he was plA 39 2/24/98 PAGE TWO DOWNTOWN asked to incorporate retail businesses and a library, REDEVELOP. they were struck with what a nucleus of an idea this (Cont'd.) would be. Mr. Lohan then showed slides of the site plan from various angles and showed where the various components would be located, i.e. library, parking garage, retail, day care. Mr. Lohan stated that the central idea of this plan is to have the library clearly as a symbol of the belief and strength of Des Plaines. The library will be a four-story building, economically shaped (square), in a very compact form. Mr. Lohan stated that the plan is conceptual, not final. Mr. Lohan stated that the total amount of parking spaces will be': surface - 139 and inside the garage - 437. The library will consist of 80,00 sq. ft., the retail with the day care center will be 32,000 sq. ft. Alderman Beauvais stated her concern about the driveway along the side of the Library going into the parking garage; will it be safe for pedestrians? Will the sight distance be adequate when cars are pulling out of the stalls by the retail stores? Mr. Lohan assured the aldermen that every safety provision will be taken, i.e. speed bumps, reduced speed limit. Alderman Christiansen asked if the parking garage will accommodate vans and trucks. Mr. Lohan stated that the garage would accommodate vans and trucks no more than 13' high. Alderman Smith asked what would happen to the space allocated for the Day Care Center if it is not approved. Mr. Lohan stated that it would be used for retail. Alderman Brookman asked what the pros and cons are for a single vs. a multi-level building. Mr. Lohan stated a single level building would take up more land, would need more footings, but Des Plaines does not have a choice because it doesn't have the land. Alderman Sarlo asked how the retailers would handle service deliveries. Mr. Lohan stated that it would not be a problem because stores are often served from the front; they would put in that kind of store. Mr. Jim Blue, 1771 Sherwood Road, addressed the Committee of the Whole questioning whether the Library will be soundproof. Mr. Lohan stated that the proper design will ensure that; the decibel level will be reduced to complete silence or acceptable level; no problem. Mrs. Renee Emanuel, 1056 Stockton Avenue, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking how far she will have to walk from her car to the library if she parks in the parking garage. Mr. Lohan said no more than 100' and that will be under cover, out of the rain and snow. Mr. Tom Simeone, 621 Parsons Avenue, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking what Mr. Lohan's experience has been in other communities who have put their library downtown. Mr. Lohan stated very good, an example is Evanston; it has revitalized the area. Mr. Daniel Dudych, 306 Springfield Terrace, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that there is nothing wrong with the layout but what rationale was used to put the library downtown to revitalize the area; what makes the City think there will be additional businesses; this should have been put on a referendum asking "Are youin favor of moving the library to the downtown are?" Mr. 40 2/24/98 PAGE THREE DOWNTOWN Steve Friedman stated that the developer now has a more REDEVELOP. favorable response from potential retailers since the (Cont'd.) library became part of the plan, not so before; retailers say the Library makes a difference. AMENDED - 4/6/98 (see over) Ms. Wendy Wallace, 924 Margret Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole thanking Mr. Lohan for a very interesting presentation. Ms. Wallace asked how many parking spaces are at the Library now. Mr. Lohan said 125. At the new Library there would be 139 short term spaces (in front of retailers) and 71 public use spaces on the first level of the parking garage. Retailers would have the short term parking spaces and library users would be encouraged to park in the garage on the first level. Mr. Steve Friedman added that employees of the stores and library will park on the lower level or 2nd level of the parking garage. The lease with the 701 Lee Street building requires that the City provide 304 parking spaces which will be either on the lower, 2nd or third levels of the parking garage. The peak parking time is at 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. All parking spaces will be available at night and on the weekends. Mrs. Sue D'Hondt, 359 Alles Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking how much of the land will be public property. Mr. Friedman stated that the library will be on its own footprint, the retail will not be public property, the rest of the land will be public property. Mr. Dick Sayad, 290 Shannon Court, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating his concern about parking enforcement; who will check. Mr. Friedman stated that the bank and retail employees will have tags that are not valid on the surface level of the parking garage or in front of the retail stores; monitoring will be done by the parking enforcement officers (meter maids). Mr. Paul Steinhauer, 1020 E. Algonquin Road, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking if anyone has been in contact with Metra regarding a cross walk at that site; is there a market for putting condos over the retail stores; we would get more tax money if we did. Mr. Douthwaite stated that the City has had extensive discussions with Metra; they said no even after they were shown where other communities had this type of crossing; in the future METRA would like to phase out all crossings even in those communities that have them now; too much of a liability. Mr. David Dresdner, LR Development, answered Mr. Steinhauer's question regarding condos over the retail stores by stating that the site is small and should be balanced; parking would be a problem; they feel strongly that retail should stay retail --residential should stay residential; LR Development is planning to put a residential building in the area at Pearson Street and Prairie Avenue. Mr. Wayne Serbin, 835 Pearson Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that there was a cross walk across the tracks at one ,time, but someone got killed; the train tracks divide the town. Prl . . 11 • _- 1. -11.- .1.11 •. 1- . • . II . • 4 ing—i01cd ; why • —the • -..l Tit __. man 41 2/24/98 PAGE FOUR DOWNTOWN Mrs. Eleanor Fuhr, 1395 Carol Lane, addressed the REDEVELOP. Committee of the Whole stating that the library should (Cont'd.) not be moved; senior citizens live on a fixed income; does not believe the library will bring people downtown. Alderman Arredia stated that he is very concerned about the costs; too vague; before the City does anything, we have to come up with a dollar amount within a percentage of the actual amount. Mr. Steve Friedman explained how the planning will be costed; reviewed the budget as shown in his memo of February 19, 1998 (in file); a more detailed conceptual plan will be presented; this is a beginning point. Mr. Friedman stated that they plan to stay within $13,500,000 for the library, which includes all but the furniture, etc. Mr. Anthony Oliver, Construction Cost Systems, Inc., also explained the cost figures; they will stay within the budget; just check their references; they have been very successful; once a budget is set, they will stay within that budget. Mr. David Dresdner stated that non-binding letters of intent have been signed by various retailers; they now want to be a part of this exciting plan. Mr. Tom Simeone addressed the Committee of the Whole again stating that he has talked to a lot of people in his neighborhood who have young families and cannot be here this evening and they want the library downtown; people look for a library and all that goes with it. Alderman Brookman asked who will get the revenue from the parking spaces. Mr. Douthwaite stated that the City will continue to own the structure and collect the rent; the City may want to hire a management firm at some point. Alderman Beauvais asked why construction could not begin first on the retail and then the parking garage. Mr. Friedman stated that they need to move the cars off the site and into the garage so that the present parking site can be used for construction equipment. Alderman Beauvais asked if a date has been established for completion of the project. Mr. Dresdner stated that it will be either January or February of 2000. Mr. Douthwaite asked Superintendent of School District #62, Dr. Robert Willis and President of the Board, Paul Piszkiewicz, to address the Committee of the Whole regarding the possibility of their day care and early childhood programs becoming part of the downtown redevelopment plan. Dr. Willis stated that he is a resident of Des Plaines and would like to reaffirm his commitment to being a partner with the City in this project; this would be a high quality day care and early childhood facility. Mr. Piszkiewicz stated. that there have been preliminary discussions at their board meetings, but they have not taken any action because it is still in the conceptual stage; very interested; they find the program viable; there is no consensus as yet. Alderman Higgason asked if the move to this site would be feasible. Dr. Willis said yes, their program is self- sustaining. QY4 42 2/24/98 PAGE FIVE DOWNTOWN Alderman Brookman asked how people would pay for the REDEVELOP. tuition. Ms. Mary Ellen Bleeden, Director of the Early (Cont'd.) Childhood Center for School District #62 stated that they will have to keep the rates at a moderate level through fundraisers and grants. There would be approximately 120 children there from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Director of Finance Egeberg reviewed his memo of February 18, 1998, in which he outlined the alternative revenue options of a Home -Rule Sales Tax or a Telecommunications Tax to be used to produce the required revenue amount to pay the annual debt service for a proposed bond that would be used to construct the new Library. Mr. Douthwaite stated that there does not need to be a decision this evening on either the revenue source or the day care center. At the request of Alderman Sarlo, Director of Economic Development Klaus read a letter, dated February 20, 1998, from John P. Schuster of Motorola, who is a member of the Des Plaines Economic Development Commission and a resident. Mr. Schuster stated in his letter that he twice voted against what he considered to be ill- conceived library proposals, however, he would vote for this most recent library proposal "in a minute." Mr. Dick Sayad addressed the Committee of the Whole again reminding the City Council that when they ran for office they said they would represent their residents; he certainly hopes that they have gotten the pulse of the people and that this is the right thing for the City. Mr. Jim Ulett, 445 Rose Road, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that he is a member of the Des Plaines Economic Development Commission and the Commission feels strongly that this decision will shape the future of Des Plaines; move ahead. Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Smith, to recommend to the City Council to approve the Site Plan, including a library, garage and retail components, for the downtown redevelopment area bounded by Lee Street, Union Pacific Railroad tracks, Pearson Street and Prairie Avenue. Motion declared carried. Aldermen Christiansen, Brookman and Arredia voted no. Moved by Elstner, seconded by Smith, to recommend to the City Council to authorize design of the new library for the downtown development area. Motion declared carried. Aldermen Christiansen, Brookman and Arredia voted no. Moved by Elstner, seconded by Smith, to recommend to the City Council to authorize retrofitting of the Des Plaines Mall into a parking garage. Motion declared carried. Alderman Christiansen, Brookman and Arredia voted no. Mayor Jung assumed the chair and declared the City Council back in session. Moved by Sarlo, seconded by Elstner, to concur with recommend of Committee of the Whole to approve the Site Plan, including a library, garage and retail components, for the downtown redevelopment area bounded by Lee Street, Union Pacific Railroad tracks, Pearson Street and Prairie Avenue. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 5 -Beauvais, Elstner, Higgason, Sarlo, Smith NAYS: 3 -Christiansen, Brookman, Arredia ABSENT: 0 -None Motion declared carried. 1 1 1 43 2/24/98 PAGE SIX DOWNTOWN Moved by Sarlo, seconded by Elstner, to concur with REDEVELOP. recommendation of Committee of the Whole to authorize (Cont'd.) design of the new library for the downtown redevelopment area. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 5 -Beauvais, Elstner, Higgason, Sarlo, Smith NAYS: 3 -Christiansen, Brookman, Arredia ABSENT: 0 -None Motion declared carried. Moved by Sarlo, seconded by Elstner, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to authorize retrofitting of the Des Plaines Mall into a parking garage. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 5 -Beauvais, Elstner, Higgason, Sarlo, Smith NAYS: 3 -Christiansen, Brookman, Arredia ABSENT: 0 -None Motion declared carried. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Christiansen, that the Special Meeting of the City Council adjourn. Motion declared carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:01 p.m. gTh APPROVED BY ME THIS DAY 0 41:r1 ( , 1998 Paul W. /Yunc MAYOR Donna McAllister, CMC/AAE - CITY CLERK