Here’s a recap of our live coverage of tonight’s Evanston City Council meeting.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:45 p.m.
A packet with information on tonight’s agenda items is available online.
Meeting called to order at 7:45 p.m. Alderman Coleen Burrus, 9th Ward, is absent tonight.
Recognition of Team Evanston’s Boys U14 Premier Team … winner of the US Youth Soccer’s National President’s Cup.
For various job-training and work force development efforts … Lou Dickson of Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse gets key to the city. Also keys given to Susan Trieschmann, executive director of Curt’s Cafe (which offers job training programs for young offenders), Ann Jennett, founder of the Youth Job Center of Evanston and Hecky Powell or Hecky’s Barbecue.
City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz introduces “Insie Out Art Project” from Chute Middle School … with a video.
Says plans to do more to showcase art from the community in the Civic Center.
New art on the City Council Chamber walls is from Karl Johnson, an Evanston artist.
Police Chief Richard Eddington announces three promotions in the department.
- Detective Chelsea Brown promoted to sergeant.
- Detective Jeff Faison promoted to sergeant.
- Sgt. Mel Collier promoted to commander.
City manager announces community budget workshop Wednesday evening.
City Clerk says early voting starts Oct. 20.
Citizen Comment
Lou Harms, 2114 Livingson, on Harley Clarke mansion, says doubts city would be able to buy the mansion back, if the state decided to stop using it. Won’t have enough money, he says.
Jeanne Lindwall, 625 Library Place, says devil is in the details in the proposed state use of the Harley Clarke mansion — might end up with another state agency there later and concerned about what they might do with it.
On Cradle to Career initiatives … says that’s an excellent use of city tax dollars.
Barbara Janes, 802 Colfax St., says programs IDNR is proposing for Harley Clarke mansion would be really valuable assets for the city. Hopes it can go forward. But says its vital that property remain in the public domain and consistent with the lakefront master plan. Wants agreement to be made public before City Council votes on it.
Diane Tessick, with IDNR coastal management program, says that as state began looking at the costs — what would have to invest in the property — would like to make the investment — but a lot of funding only available if state owns the property.
Bennett Johnson, 708 Washington St., representing the Evanston Minority Business Consortium, says there’s a community that’s neglected, planning summit on violence, want comprehensive plan of action.Says local contractors have been neglected in construction opportunities in recent years.
Says if city had called minority contractors about Peckish Pig patio they could have done it.
Linda Damashek, 1318 Judson St., suggests covenant running with the land to assure continued public use of the mansion, or some other legal strategy to assure that.
Consent Agenda
Noting anything taken off the consent agenda …
- Alderman Rainey breaks up the entire City Council when she misspeaks and calls the “Cradle to Career” initiative the “Cradle to Grave” initiative.
- And, in a very unusual development, nothing is taken off the consent agenda.
Consent agenda approved.
Planning and Development Report
Final vote on 1413-15 Howard special use. Approved.
Final vote on Goldfish Swim School special use. Approved.
Call of the Wards
Wilson … says Streets Alive was great … right in front of his house. Remarkable event.
Says will be joint 4th and 9th wards meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Levy Center
Holmes … thanks for support of Cradle to Career … will meet at 1 p.m. tomorrow at ETHS with representatives of the United Way, hoping for support from them.
Tendam… says next 6th Ward meeting Thursday, Oct. 30 (not this month).
Rainey … praises Chute School “Inside Out” project.
Braithwaite … thanks Holmes for her work in the Cradle to Career initiative. And praises city staff and council for support of development in west Evanston. 2nd Ward meeting Thursday at 7 p.m.
Wynne … says Streets Alive was extraordinary event. Should do it more often. Praises accomplishments of the folks who received keys to the city tonight. Praises Cradle to Career initiative.
Council votes to move into executive session.
Public meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.