Here’s a recap of our live coverage of Monday night’s Evanston City Council meeting.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:25 p.m.
A packet with information on the agenda items is available online.
Meeting called to order at 7:28 p.m.
Mayor Daniel Biss chairs the meeting
All members of the City Council are present either on site or online.
Public hearing on 2023 budget
Eric Paset, of North Shore Apartments and condos, says property tax increases hurt landlords and working people (who are tenants) the most.
Says there’s lots of rental office space available in Evanston that could be rented for much less that the expected cost of renovating the Civic Center.
Mary Rosinski says the budget is very bloated. Needs more public comment.
Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) says wants to recess the hearing until a future date. Complains that there wasn’t sufficient notice.
Ald. Devon Reid (8th) suggests just scheduling a Saturday meeting instead.
Ald. Bobby Burns (5th) agrees with Reid.
Date and time for the Saturday session TBD.
Mayor adjourns the budget hearing.
Mayor’s announcement
Issues proclamation honoring the 140th anniversary of the founding of Second Baptist Church.
Manager’s announcements
City Manager Luke Stowe introduces …
Craig Lynch of YOU who announces that the Cradle to Career organization has launched a national search for new leadership. Says have developed three clear areas of focus for it’s collective impact work. Kindergarten readiness, getting youth and young adults ready for careers and as health initiative as well.
Special order of business
SP1 – Climate action and resilience plan implementation update
Cara Pratt, sustainabilty and resilence coordinator for the city, says on one level things look good…
but the city’s progress has been heavily dependent on purchasing renewable energy certificates — which are expected to become much more scare and pricey in the future.
Calls for a bunch of new efforts in the future.
Details in the presentation in the council packet … including hiring two new city staffers to work on the projects.
Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) says city has yet to devote the resources to make serious progress on the goals. Says instead of adding two people — should actually add four or five.
Says need to get individuals and community groups to collaborate on programs.
Ald. Eleanor Revelle (7th) says the RECs have made it possible to show progress without actually changing behaviors. Says residents agree that climate change is happening — but everybody needs to step up their game to meet he goals.
Reid suggests a bigger increase in the wheel tax to fund CARP programs.
Nieuwsma says he has a made a referral to consider a “carbon fee” as a new revenue source.
Says some state level changes in funding should help advance the CARP objectives.
Mayor Biss says he supports increasing city staff on the CARP program. Says will have to say no to other things that are good — to be able to move forward on climate action.
Consent agenda
Off consent: A2, A4, A6, A13, A14 (tabled in committee), H1.
With those exceptions, consent agenda approved.
A2 – Amazon credit card activity
Approved (Suffredin abstains)
A4 – $500K ARPA funds for Family Focus Welcoming Center
Kelly says city needs a coordinator for social service programs to ensure accountability.
Harris says she’s confident Family Focus will get the record done well.
Approved 9-0.
A6 – Suburban tree consortium contract for fall 2022
Approved 9-0.
A13 – Boiler replacement at Noyes Center
Kelly says should have reached out to local firms to do the job.
Approved 9-0.
H1 – Agreement with LEAP regarding Reimagining Public Safety Committee
Burns moves to hold the proposal. Says has been meeting with Chief Stewart, Polep and Director Ogbo. Needs more clarity. Burns seconds the hold. So action postponed to Nov. 14.
Call of the Wards
Reid … Ward meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday with budget discussion at 7p.m. with 5th Ward
Geracaris … Wednesday ward meeting 7 p.m.
Kelly … Thursday, Oct. 27, NU/City Committee, property tax discussion Nov. 3 … others sessions also coming up next month.
Harris … Oct 27 2nd Ward meeting. Police Chief Stewart, plus budget discussion
Wynne … 3rd and 4th ward meeting at Crown 7 p.m. Nov. 1 on budget.
Burns … 5th Ward meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. …budget and zoning.
Suffredin… ward budget meeting Nov. 1. … 6th, 7th and 9th ward
Revelle … Nov. 3 NU stadium project .. looking at zoning and code amendments NU will seek.
Council votes to go into executive session to discuss collective bargaining. Public meeting ends at 9:52 p.m.