The Evanston City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting Thursday at which aldermen are expected to extend the city’s COVID-19 state of emergency declaration through April 13.
The city’s declaration was issued by Mayor Steve Hagerty on March 15, but for it to continue in effect it requires City Council consent.
In a memo to aldermen, Assistant City Attorney Brian George says given that “there is no immediate end to the COVID-19 outbreak in sight,” city staff is recommending the extension be approved.
The new date, April 13, is the date of the next scheduled City Council meeting.
The Council is also scheduled to discuss other issues related to the COVID-19 situation at the special meeting but has no other action items on its agenda.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center.
Most City Council members and city staff will participate in Thursday’s meeting remotely, because an executive order issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker suspends in-person attendance requirements for public meetings.
And, due to public health concerns, residents will not be able to provide public comment in-person. Written public comments may be submitted in advance to the city clerk’s office by completing an online form.
The meeting will be streamed online by the city and we plan to also carry it on Evanston Now’s home page.