Here’s a recap of our live coverage of tonight’s Evanston City Council meeting.
The meeting is scheduled to begin about 7:30 p.m.
A packet with information on tonight’s agenda items is available online.
Meeting called to order at 7:36 p.m. 7 aldermen present, 2 absent.
Mayor Tisdahl says Aldermen Wynne and Grover are at the National League of Cities meeting.
Health Director Evonda Thomas-Smith announced the Women Out Walking program.
City Clerk Rodney Greene says 534 voters have voted early so far, compared to 384 at same point last year.
Citizen Comment
Virginia Beatty, 1509 Forest Ave., objects to use of asphalt for planned new surface of Ladd Arboretum paths. Raises other concerns.
Marko Pavisic, 1914 Sherman Ave., of NU Students for Sensible Drug Policy, wants to reform drug laws. Suggests administrative adjudication for marijuana possession and other changes.
Judy Kemp, 1026 Forest Ave., says EvanstARTs report is finally finished. Copies will be available on city website and Evanston Community Foundation website soon.
Lisa Weber, 2752 Marcy Ave., owner of Heaven Meets Earth Yoga on Central Street says there’s a shortage of parking in the area around her business. Suggests preference for parking on the street for customers of neighboring businesses. But excited that there’s lots of growth in the business district.
Alderman Mark Tendam, 6th Ward, says there is a serious long-term problem in the area and believes need off-street parking in the area.
Bonnie Wilson, Evanston Township Assessor, announces appointment of new deputy assessor, Mitzi Gibbs. Urges taxpayers to get their exemption requests in as soon as possible, preferably before the end of the month.
Consent Agenda
We’ll note anything taken off the consent agenda.
- A 4 – Landmark properties recording grant
- A 5 – Ladd Arboretum preliminary design
Consent agenda approved.
Historic preservation landmark recording grant. Held in committee for issues discussed here.
Ladd Arboretum
Alderman Fiske questions use of asphalt for the path.
Suzette Robinson, public works director, says subsurface is not permeable — so would require extensive excavation to use a permeable surface that would be damaging to trees.
Also says crushed stone isn’t feasible to keep open through the winter — can’t be plowed.
Fiske says permeable materials dissipate heat. Likes that.
Robinson says not opposed generally — says switched plans for lagoon path to permeable concrete because the subsurface there is sand.
Braithwaite asks what’s used for canal path in Skokie. Is told they’ve used asphalt — and are able to keep it open year round.
Council approves proposal.
Call of the wards
Rainey says Peckish Pig will be open soon.
Fiske makes reference to Human Services Committee regarding the issue raised regarding drug penalties in citizen comment.
Braithwaite says will reschedule ward meeting for sometime in early April.
Alderman Wilson moves that council go into executive session.
Public meeting ends at 8;30 p.m.
