Here’s a recap of our live coverage of Monday afternoon’s Evanston City Council Administration and Public Works Committee.
A packet with information on the agenda items is available online.
Meeting called to order at 4:35 p.m. Ald. Bobby Burns (5th) chairs the session.
Nobody signed up to speak at public comment.
Consent agenda
Items A1-A7. Off consent: A2, A3, A7.
Remaining items on consent agenda approved.
A2 – Change order for HVAC improvements contract at water utility administrative offices
Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) praises Tim Gray of water staff for proposing the change, which Nieuwsma says will increase short-term cost but save money in the long run and be environmentally beneficial.
Approved 5-0.
A3 – One year extension to Backflow Solutions contract
Ald. Peter Braithwaite (2nd) asks whether a local plumber could do the job. Water production chief, Darryl King, says no.
Approved 5-0.
A7 – Farmhouse Restaurant year-round sidewalk café with permanent fixtures
Braithwaite asks whether city is encouraging the year-round, permanent sidewalk cafes.
Community Development Director Johanna Nyden says staff has been talking to the restaurants — but winter is the biggest challenge for sidewalk cafes — especially where sidewalks are relatively narrow.
Nyden adds that the request for permanent fixtures is what triggers seeking City Council approval. (In recent years Council has shifted to staff the approval process for sidewalk cafes with temporary fixtures.)
Nyden says it doesn’t appear a lot of restaurants actually are interested in permanent fixtures.
Approved 5-0.
Items for consideration
A8 – Extension of license to Comcast for building, etc. on Mulford Street
Approved 5-0.
A9 -SKIDATA professional services agreement
Approved 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 5 p.m. Planning and Development Committee meeting to start at 5:15 p.m.