Evanston public meetings in 2024

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission will meet to review utility reliability, lead service line replacement, and capital projects, and will vote on whether to support City Council passage of the Healthy Building Ordinance and the Stretch Energy Building Code. The commission will also review its 2024 goals and set 2025 goals.

• Vote on support for Healthy Building Ordinance
• Vote on support for Stretch Energy Building Code
• Lead Service Line Replacement Plan draft comments
• Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Grants and Loans Program
• Electrical Reliability, Supply and Contract Extension

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates on previous accessibility inquiries and grievances, including Pooch Park parking, sidewalk repairs, and Centennial Park picnic areas. They will also review new inquiries, such as a sidewalk repair at 1121 Noyes and Parks & Rec catalog procedures, plus provide feedback on Envision Evanston 2045 and review their work plan.

• Pooch Park accessible parking update
• Sidewalk repair requests update
• Centennial Park accessible picnic pads/furniture
• New inquiry: sidewalk repair at 1121 Noyes
• Parks & Rec catalog and registration procedures

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Evanston Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Equity Scorecard, a tool designed to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda includes the scorecard's introduction, instructions for use, and the criteria for assessment. The commission will discuss how the scorecard will be applied to City Council referrals and other decisions.

• Equity Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, positive equity impacts, alternative approaches, accessibility, feasibility, accountability, and success indicators.
• Scorecard applies to new projects, policy drafting, housing development, zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement design.
• Process assigns three commission members to independently review each scorecard, with final recommendation approved by commission vote.
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, Do Not Support.

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The M/W/D/EBE Development Committee will discuss a draft procurement code that includes responsible bidder requirements, review updates on the MWDEBE award proposal and small business survey, and receive staff reports on LEP and MWDEBE tracking. The committee will also set 2025 meeting dates. The agenda includes approval of the September 18, 2024 minutes.

• Discussion of draft Procurement Code with responsible bidder ordinance
• Update on MWDEBE Award Proposal (2024.04)
• Update on MWDEBE Small Business Survey
• LEP Projects Tracking Updates
• 2025 MWDEBE Development Committee Meeting Dates

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will vote on its 2025 chair and co-chair, the Special Project Grant Process, the Cultural Fund Timeline, and the 2025 meeting calendar. Members will also review and provide feedback on the Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan's placemaking, arts, and culture chapter, discuss the 2025 budget, and plan for the council's 50th anniversary.

• Vote on 2025 Arts Council Chair and Co-Chair
• Vote on Special Project Grant Process 2025
• Vote on 2025 Cultural Fund Timeline
• Review Envision Evanston: Placemaking, Arts, and Culture draft
• Approval of 2025 meeting calendar

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss and vote on recommending 2025 entitlement grant allocations by goal based on estimated CDBG ($1,375,000) and HOME ($275,000) grants, including reallocating $4,830.35 of unexpended 2023 CDBG admin funds. They will also review and approve CDBG funding for specific programs, including $450,000 for housing rehab and $250,000 for code enforcement, and vote on the draft Amended Citizen Participation Plan and the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan/2025 Action Plan. Public input is invited on the amended Citizen Participation Plan and the draft Consolidated Plan, with the 30-day comment periods closing.

• Vote to recommend 2025 CDBG ($1,375,000) and HOME ($275,000) allocations by goal
• Reallocate $4,830.35 of unexpended 2023 CDBG admin funds to Livable Communities goal
• Approve $450,000 for 2025 CDBG Housing Rehabilitation program
• Approve $250,000 for 2025 CDBG Housing Code Enforcement
• Vote to recommend draft Amended Citizen Participation Plan and draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan/2025 Action Plan

Liquor Control Review Board

The Evanston Liquor Control Review Board will consider applications for new liquor licenses from three private businesses and five city-owned community centers, plus two ordinances amending the liquor code. The board will also approve minutes from its November 18, 2024 meeting and hear public comment.

• Myen, Inc. d/b/a Cozy, 1741 Maple Ave — Class D (Restaurant) license
• LTF Club Operations d/b/a Life Time Fitness, 1618 Sherman Ave — Class D (Restaurant) license
• Khasvi, Inc. d/b/a Hops & Grapes, 816 ½ Church St — Class E (Restaurant) license
• City of Evanston — Class Z licenses for Fleetwood Jourdain, Levy Senior Center, Arrington Lagoon, Robert Crown, and South End community centers
• Ordinance 3-O-25 amending one-day liquor license fees; Ordinance 5-O-25 amending liquor code sections 3-4-1 and 3-4-6

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will vote on renewing grant allocations for Case Management, Safety Net, and Support Services programs for FY2025, totaling $1,236,783. The recommendation includes reducing Impact Behavioral Health's award and terminating Meals on Wheels funding. The committee will also review its 2025 meeting schedule and topics. Approval would send the allocations to City Council for a final vote on January 13, 2025.

• Renewal of $1,036,783 in Community Grant Program funds plus an estimated $200,000 in CDBG funds for FY2025 social services
• Recommendation to reduce Impact Behavioral Health Partners Clinical Services award from $50,000 to $25,000
• Recommendation to terminate Meals on Wheels' $31,500 allocation due to reduced service and reporting non-compliance
• Approval of November 21, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of 2025 SSC meeting dates and topics, including a new grant application cycle opening in summer 2025

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will meet to approve October minutes, hear committee reports on ADA and Dementia Friendly initiatives, and receive a 2025 vision presentation from Parks and Recreation Director Audrey Thompson. The agenda is largely routine, with no new business or public comment listed.

• Audrey Thompson, Parks and Recreation Director, to present Vision for 2025
• Approval of October 11, 2024 meeting minutes
• ADA Committee report
• Dementia Friendly Committee report (no January meeting)
• Next meeting scheduled for January 9, 2025

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes, hear a staff update on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, set 2025 meeting dates, and discuss feedback for Envision Evanston 2025. They will also review and suggest changes to a comprehension plan and outline 2025 action items. The agenda includes routine items like public comment and staff reports.

• Approval of November 12, 2024 meeting minutes
• Staff report on Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program by Lauren Ruiz
• Discussion of 2025 meeting dates (no January or August meetings)
• Feedback for Envision Evanston 2025
• Review and suggestions for Comprehension Plan

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will review three Certificate of Appropriateness applications for alterations to homes in the Lakeshore Historic District, including a bay addition, roof changes, and window replacements. The commission will also adopt 2025 meeting dates and approve the November meeting minutes. Public comment is allowed.

• 1012 Lake Shore Blvd: new single-story bay addition, roof deck railing, window restoration, chimney removal (landmark, 1894 Tudor Revival)
• 1314 Judson Ave: raise ceiling, alter roof form, replace windows, truncate screened porch in Lakeshore Historic District
• 1423 Elmwood Ave: second-story hipped roof addition, new and replacement windows (landmark)
• Adoption of 2025 meeting dates
• Approval of November 12 meeting minutes

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider two ordinances that would raise fees for rental housing registration and inspections, and for vacant building registration and inspections. Staff recommends adopting both ordinances, with the rental fee proposal including two alternative fee structures aimed at reducing the impact on small landlords. The committee will also hear public comment on these items.

• Ordinance 101-O-24: Increases rental registration and inspection fees, adds re-inspection fees, with two alternative fee schedules
• Proposed rental fee changes could raise annual revenue by up to $321,487, to $422,587
• Ordinance 103-O-24: Increases vacant building inspection and registration fees
• Public comment period for residents on agenda items

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider several ordinances, including increasing fees for long-term care facilities, residential parking permits, and lakefront parking meters. The council will also receive an update on public engagement for the Civic Center/Police Fire Headquarters project and vote on numerous contracts for recreation instruction programs.

• Ordinance 97-O-24: 50% increase in long-term care facility fees
• Ordinance 98-O-24: increase annual fees for residential parking permits
• Ordinance 99-O-24: increase parking meter rate at lakefront spaces
• Approval of payroll ($3,651,969.53), bills list ($20,938,467.27), and credit card activity ($252,125.74)
• Contracts for fitness, martial arts, tennis, soccer, volleyball, pickleball, and other instruction programs

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the November 11, 2024 minutes and public comment. The meeting is largely procedural, with no specific items listed for action.

• Approval of minutes from November 11, 2024
• Review and scheduling of referrals
• Public comment period

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider approving the City of Evanston's payroll, bills list, and credit card activity, along with several contracts for recreation instruction services. The agenda includes consent calendar items for fitness, martial arts, tennis, soccer, volleyball, golf, Lego engineering, pickleball, sports officiating, chess, outdoor adventure, and basketball programs. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.

• Approval of payroll ($3,651,969.53), bills list ($20,938,467.27), and credit card activity ($252,125.74)
• Contract with Marla Lampert Fitness for fitness instruction (3-year term, 60% vendor / 40% city revenue split)
• Contract with Connelly Academy for martial arts instruction (3-year term, 70% vendor / 30% city revenue split)
• Contract with Sports for Life for tennis instruction (1-year term, 70% vendor / 30% city revenue split)
• Single-source agreement with Snapology of Chicago for Lego engineering instruction (requires two-thirds council vote)

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will decide whether the internal investigation of Complaint Register 24-12 was complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The commission will also vote on approving minutes from its October 9, 2024 meeting, take public comment, and may enter a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint Register 24-12 for completeness and fairness
• Approval of minutes and executive session minutes from October 9, 2024
• Public comment period
• Possible motion to convene executive session for personnel discussions under ILCS 120/2a

Economic Development Committee

The Evanston Economic Development Committee will consider recommending City Council approval of three funding items: a $95,600 TIF grant to Button Bakery for renovations at 719 Main Street, and two contracts for gateway murals totaling $74,614. The committee will also approve its 2025 meeting dates and receive economic development reports.

• TIF funding not to exceed $95,600 for Button Bakery renovations at 719 Main Street
• Contract with Art Encounter for two gateway murals, not to exceed $50,000
• Contract with Alfonso Piloto Nieves for West Village mural, not to exceed $24,614
• Approval of 2025 meeting dates (9 meetings, excluding March and August)
• Public comment and approval of October 23, 2024 minutes

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Evanston Administration & Public Works Committee will meet on November 25, 2024, to consider a consent agenda of routine financial approvals and contract awards. Items include approving payroll and bills totaling over $9.7 million, a $418,260 contract for Fire Station 5 metal panel replacement, a $125,200 sole-source contract for holiday lights, and a $985,000 federal grant for strategic investments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy debates listed.

• Approve payroll ($3,640,661.13), bills list ($5,810,170.67), and credit card activity ($263,654.49) for various periods.
• Award $418,260 contract to Garland DBS for Fire Station 5 metal panel replacement, funded by 2024 GO Bond.
• Authorize $125,200 sole-source contract to Illuminight Lighting Inc. for holiday lights in six business districts.
• Accept $985,000 U.S. DOT grant to launch Putting Assets to Work (PAW) implementation.
• Approve $265,000 intergovernmental agreement with CTA for special transit police detail services.

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2025 budget of $395.6 million, along with several property tax levies for 2024, including a 0.4% increase for general operations and a 4.5% increase for the library. The council will also vote on a 23.3% increase in water charges and a 13.5% decrease in sewer user rates, among other fee changes. Several items are introductions for future action, including increases to rental registration, vacant building, and residential parking permit fees.

• Ordinance 77-O-24: Approves FY 2025 budget of $395,638,418
• Ordinance 78-O-24: 2024 property tax levy of $34,912,720 (0.4% increase)
• Ordinance 93-O-24: Increases water charges by 23.3%
• Ordinance 94-O-24: Decreases sewer user rate by 13.5% to $2.66 per billing unit
• Contract award to Garland DBS for Fire Station 5 metal panel replacement ($418,260)

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting for routine procedural business: approving minutes, hearing public comment, and holding a closed session to interview police officer candidates. No substantive policy decisions or contract actions are listed on the agenda.

• Closed session for police officer candidate interviews
• Approval of minutes from previous regular meeting
• Public comment period

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to review new accessibility inquiries and grievances, including service dog issues, a sidewalk repair request, accessible voting equipment, and a pedestrian crossing button. The committee will also receive updates on Inclusion & Accessibility Division programs, an adapted pickleball court, and the 2024 ADA Annual Report.

• Review of service dog grievance: Brothers K
• Sidewalk repair request: 900 Judson
• Accessible voting equipment at Civic Center
• Pedestrian crossing button at 2425 Main St
• Future adapted pickleball court at James Park

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, take public comment, and consider items. The main substantive action is a closed session for firefighter and police officer candidate interviews. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Closed session for firefighter and police officer candidate interviews
• Approval of minutes of regular meeting
• Public comment period

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will review performance data for case management and safety net programs to decide on renewals for FY2025. The agenda includes a review of agency program questions and assessment measures, as well as a report on anticipated available funds. The committee will also consider approving the minutes from its October 17, 2024 meeting.

• Review of case management and safety net programs for FY2025 renewal
• FY2025 Anticipated Available Funds report
• Approval of October 17, 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment period

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool designed to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda outlines the scorecard's purpose, criteria, and process for use when making referrals to City Council. This is a procedural review of the tool itself, not a decision on a specific project.

• Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, positive equity impacts, alternative approaches, accessibility, feasibility, accountability, and success indicators
• Process assigns three commission members to independently review each scorecard
• Final recommendations are voted on by the commission and submitted to project leads for inclusion in City Council materials
• Tool applies to housing development, land use changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, and tax abatements

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council is meeting to discuss nominations for Chair and Co-Chair, review key recommendations from its October retreat, and consider the Vision 2025 report. The council will also receive updates on public art projects, including installations at the Civic Center, Noyes, and Quinlan Park, and the maintenance of 'The Sea of the Ear' by Takashi Soga. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and confirming a quorum for the December meeting.

• Review of retreat recommendations focusing on City Council awareness and coalition-building with other departments
• Update on A Bright Night for the Arts event scheduled for December 7 at Studio 5
• Public art budget discussion
• Updates on public art installations at Civic Center, Noyes, and Quinlan Park
• Maintenance update for 'The Sea of the Ear' by Takashi Soga

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will consider approving a $72,500 renewal contract with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization and Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing for landlord-tenant services in 2025. The committee will also discuss the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the 2025 Action Plan, and the Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Public comment is scheduled on the draft plans.

• Renewal contract for landlord-tenant services with MTO and LCBH, not to exceed $72,500 for Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2025
• Renewal funding to administer the Inclusionary Housing Waitlist
• Introduction of Draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan
• Discussion of Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan
• Public comment on draft plans and amended Citizen Participation Plan

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider a request from Celtic Knot LLC for a Class D (Restaurant) liquor license at 2022 Central Street, Evanston. The board will also approve minutes from its June 24, 2024 meeting and take public comment. The agenda includes only this one new business item.

• Celtic Knot LLC d/b/a The Celtic Knot Public House, 2022 Central Street, request for Class D (Restaurant) license
• Approval of meeting minutes from June 24, 2024
• Public comment period

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility reliability, water and sewer capital projects, and sustainability efforts. They will hear a presentation from ComEd, receive staff reports, and vote on the 2025 meeting calendar and leadership. The agenda also includes discussion of a draft lead service line replacement plan and demand response opportunities.

• ComEd presentation by Edith Ruiz and Godwin Itteera
• Monthly utility reliability report including lead service line replacements
• Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project status
• Vote on 2025 Meeting Calendar
• Vote for 2025 Chair and Vice Chair

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is holding a regular meeting. The main item of new business is a review of the goals and objectives in the 2023-2024 COAD work plan. The agenda also includes approval of the October 11, 2024 meeting minutes, committee reports, and public comment.

• Review of 2023-2024 COAD work plan goals and objectives
• Approval of October 11, 2024 meeting minutes
• Reports from ADA and Dementia Friendly Evanston committees
• Staff reports and updates

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will discuss the FY 2025 proposed budget, debt and debt service, and results of a revenue and expense idea survey. The revised budget reduces the use of General Fund reserves from $12.55 million to $11.085 million by incorporating 13 revenue ideas. The committee will also approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Discussion of FY 2025 proposed budget with $395,638,418 in expenses and $357,131,156 in revenues (revised)
• Discussion of debt service schedule and impact of $10 million in new GO bonds (1.24% tax levy increase, ~$22.77 on $400,000 home)
• 13 revenue ideas incorporated, including credit card convenience fees, rental program fees, and permit fee increases
• Parking Fund revenue additions of $575,000 from fees and permits
• Correction to Good Neighbor Fund spending reducing revenues and expenses by $1.25 million

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to approve minutes from September and October, hear from guest speaker Caroline McGraw, Digital Services Specialist, and discuss resource development, outreach, and committee member roles. The agenda also includes reviewing the committee's mission, vision, and previous work plans. The October meeting lacked a quorum, so no formal votes were taken then.

• Guest speaker Caroline McGraw, Digital Services Specialist, to present
• Approval of meeting minutes from September 10 and October 8, 2024
• Discussion of Dementia Friend training for City staff
• Review of committee member roles and responsibilities
• Review of 2022 and 2023-24 work plans

Preservation Commission

The Evanston Preservation Commission will review and comment on IDOT's proposed Church Street bike and pedestrian improvements, assessing potential adverse impacts on two National Register-eligible historic resources: Evanston Township High School and the North Shore Channel. The commission will also decide on three Certificates of Appropriateness for property alterations and discuss a potential demolition at 1311 Judson Avenue.

• Review of Church Street bike/pedestrian project affecting Church St., McDaniel St., and Dempster St., with potential impacts on Evanston Township High School and North Shore Channel
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 318 Greenleaf Street: fenestration changes, entry portico, and gable dormer (continued from Oct. 8)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 2945-2949 Central Street: wood pergola/arbor, outdoor seating, and modification to prior approval for new window and overhead doors
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 614 Judson Avenue: converting three-season room to habitable space, altering fenestration, and adding shed roof dormer
• Discussion (no vote) on 1311 Judson Avenue: consultation on condition and potential demolition of a contributing resource in Lakeshore Historic District

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is meeting to consider routine approvals, including payroll and bills, several contracts for water treatment and facility improvements, and lease agreements for studio spaces. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items on the consent calendar.

• Payroll for Oct 7-20, 2024: $3,614,857.07; Bills List for Nov 12, 2024: $4,351,280.37
• Contract with Air Comfort LLC for West Filter Plant dehumidification: $247,786.00
• Contracts for FY 2025 water treatment chemicals (Bid 24-36): total $919,445.88
• Sole-source purchase of Envirosight RovverX system: $133,910
• Sole-source purchase of two AutoVu SharpZ3 license plate recognition systems: $63,600.00

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the October 28, 2024 meeting, public comment, and a vote on virtual councilmember participation. The meeting is largely procedural, focused on managing the committee's referral workload.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of October 28, 2024
• Approval of virtual councilmember participation
• Public comment period

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider introducing two ordinances for planned developments: a 230-unit, five-story residential building at 910-938 Custer Avenue and a 12-story mixed-use building with 110 units at 1621-1631 Chicago Avenue. The committee will also vote on approving its 2025 meeting schedule. Both development proposals are recommended by the Land Use Commission and include inclusionary housing units.

• Ordinance 92-O-24: Special use for 230-unit, 5-story building with 48 parking spaces and 23 inclusionary units at 910-938 Custer Avenue
• Ordinance 95-O-24: Special use for 12-story mixed-use building with 110 units (8 inclusionary) and 10,832 sq ft commercial space at 1621-1631 Chicago Avenue
• Approval of 2025 Planning & Development Committee meeting schedule (twice monthly, second and fourth Mondays)
• Custer Avenue project requests 8 site development allowances, including reduced parking and height/density increases
• Both projects are in transit-oriented locations near CTA and Metra stations

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider introducing the FY2025 budget of $395,638,418 and several 2024 tax levies, including a 0.4% increase for general operations. They will also introduce ordinances to raise water charges by 23.3% and decrease sewer rates by 13.5%. The agenda includes a discussion on the Lead Service Line Replacement Plan and numerous consent agenda items for contracts and development approvals.

• Ordinance 77-O-24: FY2025 budget of $395,638,418
• Ordinance 78-O-24: 2024 tax levy of $34,912,720 (0.4% increase)
• Ordinance 93-O-24: water rate increase of 23.3%
• Ordinance 94-O-24: sewer rate decrease from $3.08 to $2.66 per unit
• Ordinance 95-O-24: 12-story mixed-use building at 1621-1631 Chicago Avenue

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee will meet to discuss and act on several items, including approving minutes from prior meetings, a resolution in memory of former Alderperson Delores A. Holmes, updates on truth-telling sessions and home improvement programs, and financial and disbursement reports for reparations recipients. The committee will also welcome a new operations manager and hear public comment.

• Resolution in memory of former Alderperson Delores A. Holmes
• Update on truth-telling sessions for healing and reconciliation
• Reparations Home Improvement Update
• Financial report and disbursement updates for Direct Descendant and Ancestor recipients
• Introduction of Vanessa A. Johnson-McCoy as Operations & Engagement Manager

Special Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will hear a staff overview of the City's Rental Inspection Program, covering inspection scheduling, violation criteria, re-inspection, non-compliance processes, and resources for property owners. The item is for discussion only, with no vote scheduled. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the June 25, 2024 special meeting.

• Rental Inspection Program overview (discussion only)
• Approval of June 25, 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment period (15 minutes, max 5 minutes per speaker)

Northwestern University-City Committee

The Northwestern University-City Committee will meet to discuss updates on the Lakefront Campus Football Facility, the NU Ryan Field truck route, and the University's proposed demolition and/or new construction on its T1, T2, and U1 District properties. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the September 11, 2024 meeting, public comment, and unfinished business items. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and updates.

• Lakefront Campus Football Facility update (temporary facility at Lanny and Sharon Martin Athletic Facility)
• Discussion of NU Ryan Field truck route, including dust, tarp, and enforcement concerns
• Proposed demolition and/or new construction on T1, T2, and U1 District properties
• Public comment period
• Approval of September 11, 2024 meeting minutes

Special City Council Meeting - Truth in Taxation Public Hearing

The Evanston City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a Truth in Taxation public hearing on the proposed 2024 property tax levy, which supports the FY 2025 Budget. The council will also discuss the FY 2025 Proposed Budget, including a proposed water rate increase and the Capital Improvement Program, and consider several tax levy ordinances. The total proposed property tax levy (including Library) is $58,283,145, a 0.1% decrease from 2023.

• Public hearing on 2024 tax levy totaling $58,283,145 (0.1% decrease from 2023)
• Discussion of FY 2025 Proposed Budget of $397,684,953 (Ordinance 77-O-24)
• Discussion of water rate increase in FY 2025 budget
• Discussion of 2024 tax levy ordinances: General Operations $34,912,720 (0.4% increase), Library $8,845,484 (4.5% increase), General Assistance $769,231 (28.9% decrease)
• Discussion of debt service property tax abatements totaling $7,354,132 (Resolutions 55-R-24 through 71-R-24)

Rules Committee

The Evanston Rules Committee is meeting to consider several items, including a resolution to amend City Council Rule 6 on citizen comment, an ordinance to change the membership criteria of the Housing and Development Committee, and approval of the 2025 meeting schedule. The committee will also vote on appointing a councilmember to the Equity and Empowerment Commission and an ordinance regarding the City Clerk's duties.

• Resolution 80-R-24: Requires public commenters to sign up at least 15 minutes before meetings
• Ordinance 89-O-24: Revises HCDC membership to require at least two members from low/moderate-income areas
• Approval of 2025 City Council and Rules Committee meeting schedule
• Ordinance 88-O-24: Amends City Code 1-7-2(N) on General Duties of the Clerk
• Appointment of councilmember to Equity and Empowerment Commission

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee will consider three action items: approving the 2025 meeting schedule, adopting an ordinance to prohibit cat declawing unless medically necessary, and sending an ordinance to City Council that would ban amplified music or sounds on the public way. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Ordinance 86-O-24: Prohibits declawing of cats, with $2,000 fine per violation
• Ordinance 87-O-24: Prohibits amplified music or sounds on the public way, requiring a City permit
• Approval of 2025 Human Services Committee meeting dates (12 meetings, including a Tuesday session in September)
• Approval of minutes from October 7, 2024 meeting

Finance and Budget Committee (Special)

The Finance and Budget Committee will discuss the proposed 2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the FY 2025 budget, including revenue and expense ideas. The CIP discussion covers funding challenges, legacy infrastructure needs, and specific projects like alley and sidewalk improvements. The committee will provide direction on priorities for the City Council.

• Proposed 2025 CIP includes $7,109,000 in G.O. Bonds and $39,235,400 in non-G.O. Bond funds for ongoing projects
• Staff recommends $1,000,000 transfer from general fund reserves for special assessment alley improvements
• $750,000 proposed to begin removing paver block sidewalks in downtown business district
• Discussion on moving $6.4 million in annual investment projects from G.O. Bonds to operating budget
• Fountain Square replacement budget included following 9/9/24 council discussion

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is meeting to consider a consent calendar of routine financial approvals, including payroll, bills, and credit card activity, as well as several contracts for engineering, fleet equipment, and facility improvements. The agenda also includes a resolution to adopt an updated hazard mitigation plan and an ordinance to amend resident parking districts. Most items are for action, with one ordinance introduced for future consideration.

• Payroll $3,653,410.81 and bills list $11,731,041.18 for approval
• Contract with T.Y. Lin for water utility fence design, $437,896
• Purchase of 5 fleet vehicles/equipment totaling $338,206.90
• Joint boat purchase with Wilmette/Winnetka, $33,333.33
• Ordinance 91-O-24 amending resident parking districts

City Council

The Evanston City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY2025 proposed budget and consider a consent agenda with multiple contracts, purchases, and ordinance introductions. Items include a water utility fence design contract, street resurfacing engineering, fleet vehicle purchases, a joint emergency boat purchase, and several ordinance changes. The meeting also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and minutes.

• Public hearing for FY2025 proposed budget
• Contract award to T.Y. Lin International for water utility perimeter fence security design, $437,896
• Purchase of five fleet vehicles and equipment totaling $338,206.90
• Joint boat purchase with Wilmette and Winnetka for emergency operations, $33,333.33
• Ordinance to restrict horse-drawn carriages (17-O-24) and to end breed restrictions for residential properties (70-O-24)

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council is holding a retreat to review and discuss its bylaws and the Arts Council Ordinance. The meeting includes public comment, communications, and announcements, with the main substantive item being the bylaws and ordinance review.

• Review and discuss bylaws and Arts Council Ordinance

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee will hear from city staff on the Law Department's role in disability services and accessibility in the Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan and zoning code. The committee will also review new accessibility inquiries and grievances, including sidewalk blockages, parking issues, and construction safety concerns.

• Discussion of Envision Evanston 2045 accessibility in new comprehensive plan and zoning code
• Review of sidewalk blocked at 1400 Greenleaf
• Review of lack of accessible parking at 1426 Oak Street
• Review of sand barrier at South Blvd Beach
• Review of unsafe platforms during construction by Jewel on Chicago Ave.

Economic Development Committee

The Evanston Economic Development Committee is considering several action items, including a proposed $250,000 business relocation/retention grant program, contracts for gateway murals, TIF funding for a property renovation, and a design presentation for City Center Plaza. The committee will also discuss updates on economic development grants and a lighting design proposal for underpasses. The agenda includes both items for action and discussion.

• Proposed $250,000 business relocation/retention grant program (2nd request)
• Contracts for three gateway murals: Art Encounter (up to $75,000) and Damon Lamar Reed for Church & Dodge mural (up to $24,000)
• TIF funding not to exceed $217,015 for Evanston Made to renovate property at 1800 Dempster Street
• Presentation on draft final design for City Center Plaza
• Discussion on lighting design and installation under Metra and CTA bridges (RFP 24-29)

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission meets Friday, October 18, 2024, at 7:15 AM at the Water Treatment Plant, 555 Lincoln Street. The agenda includes staff reports on utility reliability, sewer capital projects, and a sustainability update on the Healthy Building Ordinance. Commissioners will discuss unfinished business on electrical reliability and renewable heating and cooling, and take up new business on the draft Lead Service Line Replacement Plan and demand response opportunities. Public comment is scheduled, and the next meeting is November 15, 2024.

• Draft Lead Service Line Replacement Plan – comments (new business)
• Electrical Reliability, Supply and Contract Extension (unfinished business)
• Renewable Heating and Cooling Opportunities (unfinished business)
• Staff report on monthly utility reliability: electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks, lead service line replacements
• Sustainability team update on the Healthy Building Ordinance

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee is deciding whether to recommend that City Council renew the Mental Health Provider Program at up to $125,000 for FY2025, split as $70,000 for Skylight Counseling Center and $55,000 for Metropolitan Family Services. The committee will also review Community Needs Assessment survey results and a 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan overview, and vote on nominating a chair and vice chair. Staff reports cover case management and safety net performance measures for January-June 2024.

• Mental Health Provider Program renewal for action: up to $125,000 total, $70,000 Skylight Counseling Center and $55,000 Metropolitan Family Services
• Program to date has spent $104,695 serving 280 participants; City Council originally approved a $350,000 budget
• Community Needs Assessment Survey Outcomes & 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Overview
• Nomination of Chair and Vice Chair (for action)
• Staff report: 2024.1.6 Case Management and Safety Net Assessment Measures

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool it created to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes how the scorecard is meant to be used: a city project lead fills out project information, three commission members conduct an independent review, and the commission votes on a final recommendation that is passed along to city leadership and the City Council. The document is a blank template with ten criteria and no specific projects, contracts, or dollar amounts listed.

• Equity Scorecard covers new project development, policy or ordinance drafting, housing development, changes to land use and zoning, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement design
• Process: project lead submits the form to [email protected]; three EEC members review independently and results go to the next EEC meeting for a vote
• Ten review criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, positive equity impacts, alternative approaches, accessibility, feasibility, community accountability, and success indicators
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, or Do Not Support
• No specific projects, contracts, or dollar amounts appear in the agenda text

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The M/W/D/EBE Development Committee meets Oct. 16, 2024, to approve September minutes and take up old business including an M/W/D/EBE award proposal, a Northwestern University update on the stadium project and minority/woman goals, and results of a small business survey that drew 74 respondents. New business covers an update on City webpages and apps, plus staff tracking of Local Employment Project (LEP) projects. The agenda is largely discussion and updates; no binding votes on contracts or ordinances are listed.

• M/W/D/EBE Award Proposal (2024.04) for two community service awards, funded by a National League of Cities grant and/or LEP Penalty Fund
• Northwestern University update on the Stadium Project and minority/woman goals
• M/W/D/EBE Small Business Survey results: 74 business owners responded; 84% not certified as DBE/MBE/WBE, 52% interested in certification
• City Webpages & Apps Update under new business
• LEP Projects Tracking Updates staff report (Sept. 18, 2024 summary)

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee meets Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue. The committee will vote on whether to repeal and replace the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and will receive updates on the ARPA-funded Green Homes Pilot, the Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) waitlist and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) units, and Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO) landlord-tenant services. It will also discuss the HUD 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and approve minutes from September 17, 2024.

• Vote: Approval to Repeal and Replace the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (For Action)
• Green Homes Pilot Update: $1 million ARPA-funded program; about $92,000 spent to date; pilot end revised to December 2025 (For Action: Accept and Place on File)
• CPAH Waitlist and IHO Information Report: 1,011 households on the waitlist; 78 existing IHO units (For Discussion)
• MTO Landlord Tenants Services Report and Highlights Q1-Q3 2024 (For Discussion)
• HUD 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Discussion

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council meets Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. The agenda includes discussion of a $2,000 Special Projects Grant request from the Haitian Community Organization, nominations for Chair and Co-Chair, and planning for "A Bright Night for the Arts" on December 7 at Studio 5. The Council will also hear updates on public art at the Civic Center, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, and Quinlan Park, and consider approval of the September 17, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Special Projects Grant request of $2,000 from the Haitian Community Organization for its July 4th festival at James Park and back-to-school book and supplies drive
• Nominations for Chair and Co-Chair of the Evanston Arts Council
• Planning update for "A Bright Night for the Arts" on Saturday, December 7, at 6 p.m. at Studio 5, 1934 Dempster Street
• Mayor's Award for the Arts nominations due Friday, November 1; consideration of more structure for the award
• Request for up to 3 Arts Council members to help draft Noyes Cultural Arts Center exhibition guidelines; updates on public art at the Civic Center, Noyes, and Quinlan Park, and maintenance of 'The Sea of the Ear' by Takashi Soga

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee meets Oct. 14, 2024 to review a consent calendar of contracts and purchases, plus minutes from its Sept. 23 meeting. Items include a $6,185,061.70 Bills List and $3,646,076.20 payroll, a Green Bay Road Corridor Improvement bid acceptance, and several sole-source or single-source purchases requiring a two-thirds City Council vote. The committee makes recommendations to the City Council, which takes final action.

• Payroll of $3,646,076.20 (Sept. 9–22) and Bills List of $6,185,061.70 (Oct. 15)
• Green Bay Road Corridor Improvement bid acceptance; $4,805,815 Surface Transportation Program grant plus $889,303 additional funding needed
• Contract with Suburban Tree Consortium for 256 trees at $101,362.39
• Sole-source datacenter networking purchase from Heartland Business Systems for $382,686.25
• Single-source horizontal directional drilling machine from USABlueBook for $282,951.35

Referrals Committee

The Evanston Referrals Committee meets Monday, October 14, 2024, at 4:30 PM in Room 2403. The agenda includes public comment, approval of the August 26, 2024 minutes, and review and scheduling of referrals made to date. The committee will select which referrals to prioritize for scheduling; the agenda does not list specific referral items or dollar amounts.

• Approval of the Referrals Committee minutes of August 26, 2024
• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date, with the committee selecting which to prioritize
• August 26, 2024 minutes show referrals routed to Rules, the Land Use Commission, APW, Finance and Budget, and Human Services Committee

City Council

The Evanston City Council meets Monday, October 14, 2024, to discuss the FY 2025 Proposed Budget ($342.2 million) and the proposed 2025 Capital Improvement Program. The council will also vote on authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a lease with Celadon Construction Corporation NFP for rehabilitation of the Harley Clarke Mansion at 2603 Sheridan Road, described as a projected $29,293,010 private investment. A consent agenda includes contracts for trees, vehicles, water main lead service line work, and police review commission changes.

• FY 2025 Proposed Budget of $342.2 million presented for discussion (down $13.4 million from FY 2024 adopted budget)
• Authorize City Manager to negotiate lease with Celadon Construction Corporation NFP for Harley Clarke Mansion, 2603 Sheridan Road, projected $29,293,010 private investment
• Contract with Suburban Tree Consortium for 256 trees at $101,362.39
• Single-source purchase of horizontal directional drilling machine from USABlueBook for $282,951.35 (ARPA funded)
• Ordinance 41-O-24 amending Citizens Police Review Commission powers and duties

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Evanston Commission on Aging and Disabilities meets Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 3:00 PM at the Levy Senior Center. The agenda is largely procedural: approving the July 11, 2024 minutes, public comment, committee and staff reports, and unfinished business on a commission letter and members' intentions and commitment levels. No votes on ordinances, contracts, or fee changes appear on the agenda.

• Approval of the July 11, 2024 meeting minutes
• Unfinished business: update on the letter from the Commission
• Unfinished business: intentions of current COAD members and their commitment level
• Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024

Animal Welfare Board

The Evanston Animal Welfare Board meets Oct. 9, 2024 to approve its 2025 meeting schedule and discuss three animal ordinances. It will take up Ordinance 70-O-24, which would end breed-based dog restrictions in rental housing and add dog licensing and rabies vaccination rules, and Ordinance 86-O-24 to prohibit cat declawing, including setting penalties. Staff will also update the board on Ordinance 17-O-24 regulating horse-drawn carriages.

• Ordinance 70-O-24: amend Title 5, Chapter 3 and Title 9, Chapter 4 to bar rental agreements from banning specific dog breeds and require rabies vaccination for dogs and cats
• Ordinance 86-O-24: prohibit cat declawing; board asked for input on penalty amounts for first and later offenses
• Ordinance 17-O-24: staff update on horse-drawn carriage regulation; action is to accept and place on file
• 2025 meeting schedule proposed: Jan. 8, April 9, July 9, Oct. 8, 2025
• Approval of minutes from the July 10, 2024 meeting

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission is meeting to vote on whether the internal investigation of Departmental Inquiry 23-03 was complete, thorough, objective, and fair. That inquiry stems from a June 2023 complaint that an officer and a service desk officer mishandled a resident's report about a neighbor walking a dog off-leash. The commission will also review a draft letter recommending training related to Complaint Register 24-02, and may convene in closed session to discuss personnel.

• Vote on whether the DI 23-03 internal investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair
• Approval of a draft CPRC letter recommending training for Complaint Register 24-02
• Approval of minutes and executive session minutes from the September 4, 2024 meeting
• Possible closed executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(a), (c)(1) to discuss personnel

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee is meeting to review the FY 2023 Single Audit and consider transferring $3.3 million from the General Fund to two other city funds. It will also discuss the proposed FY 2025 budget. The meeting includes routine approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.

• Review of the FY 2023 Single Audit, with staff recommending the City Council accept and place it on file
• Proposed transfer of $2,300,000 from the General Fund to the Equipment Replacement Fund
• Proposed transfer of $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Special Assessment Fund
• Discussion of the FY 2025 Proposed Budget (no vote scheduled)
• Approval of minutes from the August 27 and September 10, 2024 meetings

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission meets Oct. 8, 2024, to decide three Certificates of Appropriateness in Evanston historic districts. Items include a rear addition and deck demolition at 711 Michigan Avenue, alterations and zoning relief at 318 Greenleaf Street, and rehabilitation of a former Pure Oil service station at 2945 Central Street. The Commission will also approve September minutes and hear staff updates on the Cultural Heritage Awards and Envision Evanston 2045.

• 24PRES-0134: 711 Michigan Avenue (Lakeshore Historic District) — demolish rear deck and build a single-story rear addition; continued from July 16
• 24PRES-0137: 318 Greenleaf Street (Lakeshore Historic District) — alter windows, add entry portico and gable dormer; applicant seeks major zoning relief for 30.7% lot coverage (30% max) and street side-yard parking
• 24PRES-0138: 2945 Central Street (Landmark) — rehabilitate former Pure Oil service station with new windows, doors, blue clay tile roof, copper awning, and wood pergola/fence
• Approval of Sept. 10, 2024 meeting minutes
• Staff updates on 2024 Cultural Heritage Awards and Envision Evanston 2045 review timeline

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Evanston Dementia Friendly Subcommittee (DFEI) meets Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the Evanston Public Library. The agenda includes approval of the September 10, 2024 meeting minutes, public comment, staff reports, and continued discussion of unfinished items: movie afternoons, the Dementia-Friendly Evanston website, DFEI meeting structure, and membership opportunities. No new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of the September 10, 2024 meeting minutes
• Continued discussion of quarterly movie afternoons for caregivers of individuals with dementia
• Continued work on the Dementia-Friendly Evanston website
• Discussion of DFEI meeting structure and membership/participation opportunities
• Update on the monthly Dementia Friendly Illinois Zoom call (third Wednesday at 1:00 PM)

Human Services Committee

The Human Services Committee meets Oct. 7 to act on several items: a request to remove a privately owned elm at 3439 Park Place, a resolution naming part of Hartrey Avenue for Donald Michelin, Sr., an ordinance waiving building permit fees for income-eligible seniors, and ordinances on amplified music and horse-drawn carriages. It will also discuss tabling changes to the General Assistance Program and accept a police complaints report.

• Variation request to remove a 15.2-inch elm at 3439 Park Place; staff recommends denial, citing no current risk
• Resolution 50-R-24 to designate Hartrey Avenue between Emerson Street and Lyons Street as 'Donald Michelin, Sr. Way'; signs cost about $200
• Ordinance 90-O-24 to waive building permit fees for income-eligible seniors and seniors experiencing hardship
• Ordinance 87-O-24 to prohibit amplified music or sounds on the public way
• Ordinance 17-O-24 to restrict horse-drawn carriages in the city

City-School Liaison Committee

The Evanston City-School Liaison Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. Agenda items include a wraparound community health pilot, construction projects and safety communication, grant opportunities, a C2C partnership, athletics transitioning, and election coordination. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from its May 8, 2024 meeting. The attached May 8 draft minutes describe prior discussion of wraparound services, a $900,000 Guaranteed Income Initiative funded by ARPA, summer programming, and parking and construction coordination.

• Approval of May 8, 2024 meeting minutes
• Wraparound Community Health Pilot discussion
• Construction projects and safety communication
• Grant opportunities
• C2C partnership; athletics transitioning; election coordination

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is meeting to vote on two proposed $250,000 grant programs: one for Main Street facade and sign improvements funded by Chicago-Main TIF money, and one for business relocation/retention that would need City Council budget approval. The committee will also hear an update on Civic Plaza planning from consultant Living Habitats and review economic reports. The meeting includes routine approval of July 31, 2024 minutes and public comment.

• Proposed $250,000 Main Street Post Construction Facade and Sign Improvement Program, funded by Chicago-Main TIF (balance about $600,000), offering up to $5,000 per business with no match required
• Proposed $250,000 Economic Development Business Relocation/Retention Grant, which would raise the grants budget from $665,956 to $915,956 and requires City Council approval
• Living Habitats to present Civic Plaza planning update; final design approval sought at October 23, 2024 meeting
• Economic reports include August 2024 RETT showing 13 residential and 2 commercial sales, and July 2024 unemployment rate of 5.9% in Evanston
• Approval of meeting minutes from July 31, 2024

911 - Emergency Telephone System Board

The Evanston Emergency Telephone System Board meets Sept. 26, 2024 to discuss and vote on its FY2025 annual budget and approve its 2025 meeting schedule. The board will also welcome new Assistant Communications Manager Alicia Atkinson and hear a staff update on the Tyler Technologies CAD/RMS project. The draft FY2025 budget shows about $1.465 million in revenue and $1.862 million in expenses, with notes citing radio airtime fees, CAD annual fees, and a future backup 911 center.

• Approval of FY2025 Emergency Telephone System Board annual budget (draft: ~$1.465M revenue, ~$1.862M expenses)
• Approval of 2025 ETSB meeting schedule; October meeting subject to cancellation based on budget approval
• Welcoming new Assistant Communications Manager Alicia Atkinson
• Staff update on Tyler Technologies Enterprise CAD/RMS project
• Approval of minutes from the January 25, 2024 regular meeting

ADA Advisory Committee

Evanston's ADA Advisory Committee meets Sept. 26, 2024 at 3:00 PM at the Evanston Public Library (1703 Orrington Ave.) with guest speakers Caroline McGraw, Digital Services Specialist, and Lara Biggs, Capital Planning and Engineering Bureau Chief. The committee will discuss the city website accessibility project, the capital improvement program's ADA budget, and dog beach updates, and will review new inquiries and grievances. It will also consider approval of minutes and hear public comments.

• Guest speakers on Evanston website accessibility project and capital improvement program ADA budget
• Dog beach updates and questions
• Grievances reviewed: Fountain Square flower pot placement; sidewalk blocked at 1400 Greenleaf; lack of accessible parking at 1426 Oak Street; sand barrier by South Blvd Beach; unsafe platforms during construction by Jewel on Chicago Ave
• Feedback on Evanston's role in ensuring accessibility at special events
• Next meeting: October 24 at Levy Senior Center, Locust Room

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee meets Sept. 23, 2024 to act on a 16-item consent calendar covering city payroll, bills, technology contracts, sewer and road work, and a real-estate purchase. Most items are routine approvals, but several involve notable spending: an $8,392,292.22 bills list, a $350,000 purchase of 1833 Brown Avenue for affordable housing, and Green Bay Road corridor funding. The agenda also includes a parking ordinance amendment and a request for $208,500 toward a track and lighting at New Foster School.

• Payroll of $3,837,312.60, Bills List of $8,392,292.22, and credit card activity of $284,730.31
• Resolution 54-R-24: purchase of 1833 Brown Avenue for up to $350,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund
• Resolution 53-R-24: Green Bay Road Corridor project accepting $4,806,815 in STP funds with $5,066,836 in local matching funds
• Contract award to Pipe View, LLC for 2024 Small Diameter Sewer Cleaning (Bid No. 24-33) at $143,933.20
• Ordinance 74-O-24 amending City Code Section 10-11-10 to expand Residential Parking District D

City Council

Evanston's City Council meets Monday, September 23, 2024, to act on a consent agenda covering payroll, bills, technology and parking contracts, sewer cleaning, park renovations, and several resolutions and ordinances. Notable votes include committing $5,066,836.00 in matching funds to receive $4,806,815.00 in federal Surface Transportation Program money for the Green Bay Road Corridor Improvement Project, and buying property at 1833 Brown Avenue for up to $350,000. The agenda also includes a $400,000 ARPA allocation for a health pilot and a $0.25 per kilowatt hour electric vehicle charging fee.

• Resolution 53-R-24: accept $4,806,815.00 in STP funding and commit $5,066,836.00 in matching funds for the Green Bay Road Corridor Improvement Project
• Resolution 54-R-24: purchase real property at 1833 Brown Avenue for up to $350,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund
• A1: approve payroll of $3,837,312.60, Bills List of $8,392,292.22, and credit card activity of $284,730.31
• A6: award Pipe View, LLC a $143,933.20 contract for 2024 Small Diameter Sewer Cleaning (Bid No. 24-33)
• A10: Change Order No. 1 with All-Bry Construction for Independence and Larimer Park Renovations, adding $94,530.00 and extending completion to November 30, 2024

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission holds its regular meeting on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 7:15 AM at the Water Treatment Plant, 555 Lincoln Street. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes, public comment, and staff reports on utility reliability, Sewer Fund capital projects, and a sustainability update on the Healthy Building Ordinance. Members will discuss unfinished business on electrical reliability and a watermain/sewer heat exchange opportunity, and take up new business on a geothermal/ground source heat exchange introduction and stormwater management master plan follow-ups.

• Staff report on monthly utility reliability: electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks, service repairs, lead service line replacements
• Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project status update
• Sustainability team report on the Healthy Building Ordinance
• New business: introduction of geothermal/ground source heat exchange opportunity
• New business: stormwater management master plan follow-ups

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is presenting its Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool for evaluating projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes how the scorecard is used: a city project lead completes a project information form, three commission members independently review it, and the commission votes on a final recommendation that is forwarded to city leadership and the City Council. The document is an introduction to the scorecard and its ten review criteria; no specific projects, contracts, or votes are listed in the agenda text.

• Equity Scorecard to be applied to new project development, policy or ordinance drafting, housing development, land use and zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, and tax abatements
• Three commission members assigned to independently review each scorecard
• Ten criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, accessibility, and success indicators
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, or Do Not Support
• Project leads submit forms to [email protected]

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The Minority, Women, Disadvantaged & Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee meets Sept. 18, 2024, to continue reviewing a proposed Responsible Bidder Ordinance that would set new qualification rules for contractors on public works projects of $25,000 or more. The committee will also revisit an M/W/EBE award proposal and a small business survey that drew 74 responses, and hear staff updates on Local Employment Program project tracking. The agenda follows up on July 17 discussions where the ordinance was presented and compliance issues on two projects were debated.

• Responsive Bidder Ordinance would require OSHA 10-hour training, apprenticeship participation, subcontractor disclosure, and a 20% self-performance minimum on public works contracts of $25,000 or more
• M/W/EBE Award Proposal listed for continued discussion
• Small Business Survey results from 74 local businesses to be reviewed
• Staff report on LEP Projects Tracking Updates, including prior compliance disputes on BID 22-70 Evanston Animal Shelter and BID 23-26 Watermain Improvements
• Approval of July 17, 2024 meeting minutes

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee meets Sept. 17, 2024, at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center to vote on $250,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships funding for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program run by Connections for the Homeless. The committee will also discuss a draft framework for the Evanston Housing4All / Strategic Housing Plan, a draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and the 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan. It will also approve minutes from the July 16, 2024 meeting.

• Vote on $250,000 in HOME funds for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program, administered by Connections for the Homeless
• Discussion of the draft Evanston Housing4All / Strategic Housing Plan framework
• Discussion of a draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
• Discussion of the 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan update
• Approval of minutes from the July 16, 2024 meeting

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council meets Sept. 17 to discuss upcoming art projects, a 2025 Year of the Arts celebration, and public art maintenance. Votes are scheduled on a proposal to repair vandalized murals at South Blvd and Custer St, and on a budget for accessibility at Bright Night and the Mayor's Award. The council will also discuss chair positions and council vacancies.

• Vote on EMAP proposal to repair vandalized murals at South Blvd and Custer St
• Vote on budget for accessibility at Bright Night and Mayor's Award
• Update on 2025 Year of the Arts and EAC 50th Anniversary celebration proposal
• Discussion of October retreat date, chair positions, and council vacancies
• Updates on public art at Civic Center, Noyes installation, Quinlan Park, and 2024 spring maintenance projects

Human Services Committee

The Human Services Committee meets Sept. 16 to decide whether to advance Ordinance 41-O-24, which would add training requirements, body-worn camera review, and investigative file access to the Citizens Police Review Commission. The committee will also determine next steps on a beekeeper's operation at 3040 Grant Street, accept a 2024 communicable disease report, and discuss changes to General Assistance and Emergency Assistance programs. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the Aug. 19 meeting.

• Ordinance 41-O-24: amends Title 2, Chapter 14 to add powers and duties to the Citizens Police Review Commission, including mandatory body-worn camera footage review and investigative file review
• Beekeeper review: committee to decide whether to approve or deny a beekeeper's operation at 3040 Grant Street after a prior recommendation to relocate hives was declined
• Communicable disease report: staff recommends accepting and placing on file the 2024 CD and STI report; the CD unit responds to over 600 confirmed non-COVID cases and over 200 suspected cases annually
• General Assistance/Emergency Assistance: discussion on modifying programs and using assistance funds to pay property taxes
• Minutes approval: vote on minutes from the Aug. 19, 2024 Human Services Committee meeting

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:30 AM in Room 2404 of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. The agenda lists approval of the 8/28/2024 minutes, public comment, and items for consideration, but does not describe any specific items. The only substantive entry is a closed session to discuss interview questions; no decisions, contracts, or dollar amounts are stated in the agenda.

• Closed session to discuss interview questions
• Approval of minutes from the 8/28/2024 meeting
• Public comment period
• Items for consideration listed without details

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Evanston Commission on Aging and Disabilities meets Sept. 12, 2024 at the Levy Senior Center to approve its July 11 minutes and receive staff updates. Staff report that Yazari Gutierrez has been hired as senior services coordinator. Members will also discuss an update on a letter from the commission and the commitment level of current members. No new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of July 11, 2024 meeting minutes (for action)
• Staff update: Yazari Gutierrez hired as senior services coordinator
• Unfinished business: update on the letter from the commission
• Unfinished business: intentions and commitment level of current COAD members
• Next meeting scheduled for October 10, 2024

Northwestern University-City Committee

The Northwestern University-City Committee meets Sept. 11, 2024 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center to discuss Northwestern's plans for a temporary football game facility at the Lanny and Sharon Martin Athletic Facility, including temporary bleachers and enclosed box seats, to host most home games in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The committee will also discuss the NU Ryan Field truck route and unfinished business on the University's T1, T2, and U1 District properties, including proposed demolition and new construction. The agenda also includes routine items: approval of meeting minutes and public comment.

• Presentation on NU's temporary football facility at the Lanny and Sharon Martin Athletic Facility with temporary bleachers and enclosed box seats for the 2024 and 2025 seasons
• Discussion of the NU Ryan Field truck route
• Unfinished business on NU's proposed demolition and/or new construction at its T1, T2, and U1 District properties
• Unfinished business on planning, land use, building, and zoning issues for NU's T1, T2, and U1 District properties
• Public comment period

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee meets Sept. 10, 2024, to discuss the draft FY 2025 Capital Improvement Program and several funding challenges. Staff will present the draft CIP, parking fund needs, water and sewer rates, an ARPA fund update, and participatory budgeting. No votes are scheduled; all items are listed for discussion only.

• Draft FY 2025 CIP identifies water main/lead service line, legacy parks, and legacy facilities needs
• Staff recommends transferring an additional $1,000,000 from general fund reserves for special assessment alley improvements, with 86 people on the waitlist
• Proposed 2025 budget includes $750,000 to begin removing paver block sidewalks in the downtown business district
• Fountain Square repair/replacement to be discussed as a special order at the 9/9/24 City Council meeting
• Water and Sewer Fund rates and capital needs discussion, including direction on maintaining the Water Fund balance

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission meets Sept. 10, 2024, to decide two Certificates of Appropriateness for rear additions in local historic districts. A third case at 711 Michigan Ave was withdrawn by the applicant and is pending re-application for Oct. 8. The Commission will also discuss a volunteer program tied to the Preserve 2040 Plan and a newsletter call for content; no vote is scheduled on those discussion items.

• 24PRES-0123: 909 Colfax Street (Northeast Historic District) — demolish a single-story mudroom and build a one-story mudroom and screen porch addition
• 24PRES-0124: 829 Michigan Ave. (Lakeshore Historic District) — add a third story above the existing footprint and enlarge a side dormer
• 24PRES-0086: 711 Michigan Avenue (Lakeshore Historic District) — withdrawn by applicant; pending re-application for Oct. 8
• Approval of July 16, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion only: Associate Membership Program and Corps of Volunteers under Preserve 2040 Initiative 2.10

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Evanston Dementia Friendly Subcommittee meets Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 3:00 PM at the Evanston Public Library. The agenda includes approval of the July 9, 2024 meeting minutes and a staff report that Yazari Gutierrez has been hired as the senior services coordinator. Unfinished business covers movie afternoons, Longest Day campaign business cards, a website update, meeting-minute duties, DFEI meeting structure, membership, and short- and long-term goals. No new business items are listed.

• Approval of the July 9, 2024 meeting minutes (for action)
• Staff report: Yazari Gutierrez hired as senior services coordinator
• Discussion of Movie Afternoons; no date was set at the July meeting
• Update on business cards used in the Longest Day Campaign
• Dementia-Friendly Evanston website update; July minutes noted a target date of October 1

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Evanston Administration & Public Works Committee meets Sept. 9, 2024, to act on a consent calendar of contracts, purchases, and policy items. The largest item is a $1,342,130 contract with Bolder Contractors for the 2024 Lead Service Line Private Side Replacement Pilot Project, funded partly by a $1,000,000 state grant. The committee will also consider a $497,641 ambulance purchase, a $795,960 Google Workspace renewal, and a $0.25 per kWh fee for electric vehicle charging. Most items are on the consent calendar for action; two ordinances are listed for introduction.

• $1,342,130 contract with Bolder Contractors for 2024 Lead Service Line Private Side Replacement Pilot Project (Bid No. 24-30), funded by $1,000,000 DCEO grant, $140,810.50 Water Fund, $120,790 West Evanston TIF, $80,520 Five-Fifths TIF
• $497,641 purchase of a 2026 Horton Conversion Ambulance from Foster Coach Sales for the Fire Department
• $795,960 three-year Google Workspace Enterprise Plus license renewal with Daston Corporation ($207,960 per year)
• $58,200 per year for three years (2025-2027) for Otis Elevator service agreement at Civic Center, Service Center, Maple Ave. Garage, and Church Street Garage
• Ordinance 69-O-24 to charge $0.25 per kWh user fee for electric vehicle charging and eliminate hours of operation

City Council

Evanston City Council meets Monday, September 9, 2024, to act on a consent agenda of contracts, ordinances, and resolutions, plus special presentations. Items include a $1,342,130 lead service line private-side replacement pilot contract, a $497,641 ambulance purchase, and a $795,960 Google Workspace renewal. The council will also hear updates on Fountain Square and Envision Evanston 2045, and a FY 2024 mid-year financial presentation with no recommended action.

• Contract award with Bolder Contractors, Inc. for the 2024 Lead Service Line Private Side Replacement Pilot Project (Bid No. 24-30) at $1,342,130.00, funded partly by a $1,000,000.00 Illinois DCEO grant
• Purchase of a 2026 Horton Conversion Ambulance from Foster Coach Sales, Inc. for $497,641.00, funded from the FY2026 Automotive Equipment Fund
• Three-year sole-source renewal with Daston Corporation for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus licenses totaling $795,960.00 ($207,960 per year)
• Ordinance 69-O-24 amending parking meter zones to charge a $0.25 per kilowatt hour electric vehicle charging fee and eliminate charger hours of operation
• Ordinances 71-O-24, 72-O-24, and 73-O-24 setting compensation for City Council members, the Mayor, and the City Clerk

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee meets Sept. 5, 2024 to accept and file updates on reparations disbursements to Ancestor and Direct Descendant recipients, plus a financial report. Staff reports 132 of 141 qualified Ancestor recipients have made a benefit selection, with estimated disbursements of $3,392,974.81, and 71 Direct Descendants have selected benefits totaling $1,675,000. The committee will also discuss an update on a reparations lawsuit extension and dates for a fall Ancestor Dinner, and mark 5 years since the November 2019 reparations resolution.

• Ancestor disbursement update: 132 of 141 qualified recipients selected; estimated $3,392,974.81 across home improvement, mortgage assistance, and cash benefits
• Direct Descendant update: 71 recipients selected; estimated $1,675,000, mostly cash benefits
• Reparations Financial Report: $55,956.22 in donations as of Sept. 1, 2024; $1,000,000 Real Estate Transfer Tax transferred for 2024
• Discussion of update on Reparations Lawsuit Extension
• Housing Education & Resources Expo Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. at Evanston Township High School, Door 6

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission meets Sept. 4, 2024, to vote on whether two completed internal police investigations — Complaint Register 24-04 and 24-06 — were complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The commission will also consider approving minutes from its July 10, 2024 meeting and may convene in closed executive session to discuss personnel matters. Public comment is scheduled.

• Vote on Complaint Register 24-04, an April 18, 2024 complaint alleging officers mistreated a man during a domestic disturbance call at Oakton and Wesley
• Vote on Complaint Register 24-06
• Approval of July 10, 2024 meeting minutes
• Possible executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) to discuss personnel

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool it created to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes how the scorecard is meant to be used: a city project lead completes a project information section, three commission members conduct an independent review, and the commission votes on a final recommendation that is submitted with materials going to leadership, boards and commissions, City Council, the Mayor, and the City Manager. The scorecard lists ten criteria, including stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, accessibility, and success indicators. The agenda is a framework and blank form; it does not show any specific project, vote, or dollar amount decided at this meeting.

• Equity Scorecard is intended for use on new project development, policy or ordinance drafting, housing development, changes to land use and zoning, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement process design
• Review process: a project lead submits the form to [email protected], the commission assigns three members to review independently, and a final recommendation is approved by a vote of the commission
• Ten scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, positive equity impacts, alternative approaches, accessibility and inclusion, feasibility and sustainability, ongoing community accountability, and success indicators
• Final recommendation options are Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, or Do Not Support
• The scorecard was created by the commission with input from the Evanston City Council and community partners, and cites Race Forward's Racial Equity Impact Assessment Toolkit, the Twin Cities Equity Scorecard, and the Evanston District 65 Equity Rubric as inspirations

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission meets Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Room 2404 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the July 12, 2024 meeting, public comment, and a closed session for lateral police officer interviews. No ordinances, contracts, or dollar amounts appear on the agenda.

• Closed session for lateral police officer interviews
• Approval of minutes from the July 12, 2024 meeting
• Public comment period
• Items for communication

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee meets to discuss four items, all for discussion only with no votes scheduled. Topics include how to allocate roughly $10 million in one-time permit revenues from Northwestern University's Ryan Field construction, mid-year 2024 financials, public safety pension data, and 2023 IMRF pension reporting. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from its July 9, 2024 meeting.

• Discussion of ~$10.8M received in Northwestern Ryan Field permit fees as of Aug 23, with total expected to reach ~$11M; roughly $10M remains to be allocated by City Council
• Mid-year financials: General Fund revenue at $67,801,300 (51% of budget) and expenses at $68,824,833 (48%) through June 30, 2024
• Staff vacancy rate tracking around 8% ($7.4M) versus 4% ($3.7M) budgeted
• Public safety pension contributions for Evanston totaled $25,565,498 in calendar year 2023, compared with peer communities
• Discussion of 2023 IMRF GASB 68 employer reporting schedules

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee meets Aug. 26, 2024, to act on a consent calendar of spending items and contracts, including payroll, a $15,015,752.36 bills list, and several construction and engineering agreements. Most items are recommended for City Council approval; two items seek direction only. The agenda also includes minutes approval and public comment.

• Payroll of $4,412,047.20 and $4,200,007.24, a $15,015,752.36 bills list, and $305,325.49 credit card activity
• $624,980 contract with Ampol Group International Inc. for Bent Park Field House renovations
• $297,600 not-to-exceed contract with TERRA Engineering, Ltd. for 2025 annual projects survey, design, and construction engineering
• $1,076,853 Amendment No. 1 with A. Epstein & Sons International Inc. for Chicago Avenue Corridor Improvements
• Discussion on free beach passes for non-resident Northwestern, District 65, and ETHS students

Referrals Committee

The Evanston, IL Referrals Committee meets Monday, August 26, 2024 at 4:30 PM in Room 2403. The agenda includes public comment, approval of the July 22, 2024 minutes, and review and scheduling of referrals made to date. The committee will select which referrals to prioritize for scheduling. The attached July 22 minutes show two referrals: Line 33 referred to Planning and Development to be heard by September 2024, and Line 34 referred to APW to be heard July 22, 2024.

• Approval of the Referrals Committee minutes of July 22, 2024
• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date, selecting those to be prioritized
• July 22 minutes: Line 33 referred to Planning and Development to be heard by September 2024
• July 22 minutes: Line 34 referred to APW to be heard July 22, 2024
• July 22 minutes approved 2-0 (Biss and Revelle aye; Suffredin absent)

City Council

Evanston's City Council meets Monday, August 26, 2024, to act on a consent agenda covering payroll, bills, capital contracts, and several resolutions and ordinances. Major spending items include a $15,015,752.36 bills list, a $624,980 contract with Ampol Group International Inc. for Bent Park Field House renovations, and a $1,076,853 amendment for Chicago Avenue Corridor design work. The agenda also includes compensation ordinances for the Mayor, City Council, and City Clerk, plus a discussion on free beach passes for non-resident students.

• Bills List for August 27, 2024: $15,015,752.36; payroll for July 1-14: $4,412,047.20 and July 15-28: $4,200,007.24
• Contract with Ampol Group International Inc. for Bent Park Field House renovations: $624,980
• Amendment No. 1 with A. Epstein & Sons International Inc. for Chicago Avenue Corridor Improvements: $1,076,853
• Ordinances 71-O-24, 72-O-24, 73-O-24 setting compensation for City Council members, the Mayor, and the City Clerk
• Discussion on expanding free beach passes to District 65 and ETHS students in Skokie zip code 60203 and reviewing Northwestern student residency policy

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee meets on August 19, 2024, to act on several items, including a review of an objection to a beekeeper's license for 1817 Asbury Avenue, acceptance of the Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report, and a General Assistance update. The committee will also consider Ordinance 70-O-24 to end breed restrictions for residential properties and add dog vaccination requirements, and Ordinance 17-O-24 to restrict horse-drawn carriages. A resolution to designate an honorary street name for Dr. Edward A. Blumen on Maple Avenue is also on the agenda, along with a discussion on a permit waiver for seniors.

• Beekeeper license objection for an apiary at 1817 Asbury Avenue; committee has authority to deny or grant the license
• Ordinance 70-O-24: amending landlord-tenant regulations to end breed restrictions for residential properties and adding vaccination requirements for dogs
• Ordinance 17-O-24: amending city code to restrict the use of horse-drawn carriages
• Resolution 41-R-24: designating Maple Avenue between Church Street and Clark Street as 'Dr. Edward A. Blumen Way'; approximate cost $200 from a $68,000 budget
• Discussion of a permit waiver system for seniors who have lived in Evanston for 10+ years and have household income at or below 80% of area median income

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission holds its regular meeting on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 7:15 AM at the Water Treatment Plant, 555 Lincoln Street. The agenda includes approval of the July 19, 2024 minutes, public comment, and staff reports from Mr. King covering monthly utility reliability (electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks, service repairs, lead service line replacements), water and sewer fund capital project status, and a sustainability team update including electricity procurement. New business items are geothermal/ground source well access, electrical reliability and supply, and stormwater management master plan follow-ups. Unfinished business covers ongoing PFAS and watermain geothermal project updates.

• Staff report on monthly utility reliability: electric system outages, basement backups, water main breaks, service repairs, and lead service line replacement updates
• Water & sewer fund capital improvement project status report
• Sustainability team update including electricity procurement
• New business: geothermal/ground source well access
• New business: electrical reliability and supply; stormwater management master plan follow-ups

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool for evaluating projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes how the scorecard is used: a city project lead completes a project information form, three commission members conduct an independent review, and the commission votes on a final recommendation that is submitted with materials to leadership, boards and commissions, City Council, the Mayor, and the City Manager. The scorecard covers ten criteria, including stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, accessibility, feasibility, and community accountability. The agenda text is a blank template with no specific project, policy, dollar amount, or vote listed for this meeting.

• Equity Scorecard applies to new project development, policy or ordinance drafting, housing development, changes to land use and zoning, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement process design
• Process: project lead submits a Project Information form to [email protected]; the commission assigns three members to review independently
• Commission reviewers may consult with the project lead and community stakeholders, then complete the scorecard individually for the staff liaison
• Results go into the meeting packet for discussion at the next EEC or special meeting, with a final recommendation approved by a vote of the EEC
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, or Do Not Support

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission meets Aug. 14, 2024, at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center to review two completed Evanston Police Department internal investigations, Complaint Register 24-04 and 24-06. Staff recommends the Commission determine each investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair; both items are listed for action. The agenda also allows for public comment and a possible closed executive session on personnel matters.

• Vote on Complaint Register 24-04, an April 18, 2024 complaint alleging three Evanston officers mistreated a man during a domestic disturbance call at Oakton and Wesley
• Vote on Complaint Register 24-06, a second completed internal investigation (details not included in the agenda text)
• Public comment period of 25 minutes, with each speaker limited to 5 minutes
• Possible executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(a), (c)(1) to discuss personnel
• No minutes are presented for approval

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meets July 31, 2024, to discuss several economic development items, including the Callan Plaza planning services contract with MKSK, business retention grants, and a commercial real estate market update. The committee will also review the Evanston Legacy Business Alliance launch and receive economic development reports. Most items are for discussion only; the MKSK contract was already approved by the City Council on July 22, 2024.

• MKSK Callan Plaza planning services (RFP 24-25) project scope review; contract approved by City Council on July 22, 2024; MKSK proposed $39,500 planning phase plus $500 reimbursables and optional add-ons
• Discussion of a new Business Retention Grant program proposed by Councilmember Kelly, to be considered for the 2025 budget
• Living Habitats Theater Plaza/Civic Plaza working session for plaza improvements centered at 909 Davis Street
• Evanston Legacy Business Alliance launch; Legacy Business Fund has $6,000 remaining after $79,000 in approved grants
• Evanston Commercial Real Estate Market Challenge within COVID Recovery Context discussion

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council meets Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center to decide how to allocate $7,055 in remaining Special Project Grant funds among six applicants reviewed at the July 16 meeting. The Council will also discuss a request for funds for a crane to install the Noyes sculpture. The agenda includes public comment and is otherwise procedural.

• Special Project Grant recommendations totaling $7,055: Artruckish $1,215, Family Focus of Evanston $1,840, Shorefront Legacy Center $2,000, Side Lot and Mezcla Media Collective $2,000, Bellydance by Phaedra $0, RE|dance group $0
• Total requested by six applicants was $11,613 against $7,055 available
• Request for funds for a crane to install the Noyes sculpture
• Grant guidelines cap awards at 50% of project budget up to $2,000

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Evanston Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool it created to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes how the scorecard is meant to be used: a city project lead fills out project information, three commission members review it independently, and the commission votes on a final recommendation that is passed along with materials to city leadership and the City Council. The document lists the scorecard's ten criteria, covering topics such as stakeholder engagement, identified inequities, accessibility, funding feasibility, and public accountability. No specific projects, contracts, dollar amounts, or votes are listed in this agenda.

• Scorecard is intended for use on new projects, ordinance drafting, housing development, land use and zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, and tax abatements
• Review process: three EEC members complete independent reviews, with results discussed at a later EEC meeting and a final recommendation approved by vote
• Ten criteria include stakeholder engagement, root causes of disparities, adverse impacts, accessibility, feasibility, and success indicators
• Final recommendation options range from Strongly Support to Do Not Support
• Project lead submits forms to [email protected]

ADA Advisory Committee

Evanston's ADA Advisory Committee meets July 25, 2024 at the Evanston Public Library to review and vote on recommended updates to the City code covering sidewalk cafes. The committee will also discuss CTA and Metra accessibility, review new and previous accessibility inquiries, and hear updates on the ADA Transition Plan and the Inclusion & Accessibility Division. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with approval of minutes, public comments, and adjournment.

• Vote on recommended updates to City code for sidewalk cafes
• Discussion of CTA accessibility and Metra accessibility (ramps vs. elevators)
• New inquiries: detectable warning paver at 718 Ridge; accessible parking sign at 839 Dodge lot; accessible parking at 1426 Oak
• ADA Transition Plan updates on picnic pad and web accessibility
• Lara Biggs scheduled to visit in September about the dog beach; next meeting September 26

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee meets July 22, 2024, to review a consent calendar of purchases, contracts, and code changes, plus an update on a network communications disruption. Items include payroll and bills, electric vehicles and a refuse truck, fuel, fire engine repair, and two consulting contracts. Several purchases are single- or sole-source and would need a two-thirds City Council vote. The committee also takes up two stop-sign ordinances and extended liquor hours at Northwestern football games.

• Payroll of $4,146,022.52 and Bills List of $6,956,230.61 for approval
• Three fleet vehicles: two 2024 Nissan Ariya EVs at $45,793.50 and $46,490.80, and a refuse truck at $369,655.26
• Fuel purchase from Al Warren Oil Co. up to $900,000 for July 6, 2024–July 5, 2025
• Fire Engine #324 repair by MacQueen Emergency Group for $25,625.60
• Contracts with MKSK, Inc.: $149,500 for Environmental Equity Investigation and up to $40,000 for Callan Plaza planning

Referrals Committee

The Evanston, IL Referrals Committee meets Monday, July 22, 2024 at 4:30 PM in Room 2403. The agenda includes public comment, approval of the July 8, 2024 minutes, and review and scheduling of referrals, in which members will review the list of referrals made to date and select those to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda does not list specific referrals or dollar amounts for this meeting.

• Approval of the Referrals Committee minutes of July 8, 2024
• Review and scheduling of referrals: committee members will select which referrals to prioritize for scheduling
• At the July 8 meeting, Line 15 was re-referred to APW to be heard immediately
• At the July 8 meeting, Line 31 was referred to Rules to be heard at the next meeting
• At the July 8 meeting, Line 32 was referred to APW to be heard for the July 22, 2024 meeting

City Council

Evanston's City Council meets July 22, 2024, to act on a consent agenda covering payroll, bills, fleet purchases, contracts, and several ordinances. The agenda also includes a discussion of the Envision Evanston 2045 policy update and a proposed $75,000 CDBG allocation to the Small Business Recovery Program. Most items are on the consent agenda, meaning they are grouped for a single vote unless pulled for separate discussion.

• Payroll of $4,146,022.52 and Bills List of $6,956,230.61 for approval
• Lease/purchase of two 2024 Nissan Ariya EVs ($45,793.50 and $46,490.80) and a refuse truck for $369,655.26
• Fuel purchase from Al Warren Oil Co. up to $900,000 for July 2024–July 2025
• $149,500 contract with MKSK, Inc. for an Environmental Equity Investigation
• Change Order No. 1 adding $753,051 to the Ecology Center Renovation, raising the contract to $3,072,041.00

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission meets on July 19, 2024, at the Water Treatment Plant, 555 Lincoln Street. The agenda includes staff reports on utility reliability, water and sewer capital projects, and sustainability benchmarking. Under new business, the commission will discuss geothermal/ground source well access and a new municipal and residential electric supply agreement. Unfinished business includes lead service line replacement concepts and ongoing PFAS and watermain geothermal project updates.

• New Municipal and Residential Electric Supply Agreement (new business)
• Geothermal/Ground Source Well Access (new business)
• Lead service line (LSL) replacement additional concepts (unfinished business)
• Staff report on monthly utility reliability: electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks, lead service line replacements
• Water & sewer fund capital improvement project status and sustainability benchmarking ordinance submissions update

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool it created to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes how the scorecard is meant to be used: a city project lead fills out project information, three commission members independently review it, and the commission votes on a final recommendation that is shared with city leadership. The document is a blank scorecard template with ten criteria and no specific projects, contracts, or dollar amounts listed.

• Equity Scorecard covers new projects, policy or ordinance drafting, housing development, land use and zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, and tax abatements
• Three commission members are assigned to independently review each scorecard
• Ten criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, positive equity impacts, alternative approaches, accessibility, feasibility, community accountability, and success indicators
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, or Do Not Support
• Project leads return completed forms to [email protected]

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The M/W/D/EBE Development Committee meets July 17, 2024 to review Local Employment Program (LEP) compliance and minority/women/EBE business tracking reports, and to take up a Responsive Bidder Ordinance. Staff reports show two projects — the Evanston Animal Shelter and Water Main Improvements — were found not compliant with LEP hiring rules, and one penalty of $9,636.06 was received. The committee will also continue work-plan discussions on a business directory, a business survey, and the Rebuilding Exchange/Ryan Field agreement.

• New business: Responsive Bidder Ordinance
• LEP penalty increase from 1% to 5% under consideration after bidders reportedly chose penalties over hiring Evanston residents
• Bid 22-70 Evanston Animal Shelter (CCC Holdings Inc., $6,849,309) ruled NOT COMPLIANT by Law Department
• Bid 23-26 Water Main Improvements (Bolder Contractors Inc., $1,606,238) ruled NOT COMPLIANT; 12.8% compliance
• 2023 Water Treatment Plant Roof Improvement penalty check received 7/12 for $9,636.06

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council meets July 16, 2024 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center to consider six proposals for Special Project Grant funding, with $7,055 in remaining funds. The Council will also discuss an Envision Evanston get-together the week of August 5 and a September retreat on charter and bylaws. Public art updates are scheduled for Quinlan Park, the Civic Center, Noyes, spring maintenance projects, and the Explorer sculpture by Erik Blome. The August Public Art meeting is canceled.

• Six Special Project Grant proposals under consideration: Artruckish, Bellydance by Phaedra, Family Focus of Evanston, Shorefront Legacy Center, Side Lot and Mezcla Media Collective, and Re dance group
• Remaining Special Project Grant funding: $7,055
• Artruckish requests $1,773 for a 'Visit Evanston' poster project by Julie Cowan
• Bellydance by Phaedra requests $2,000 for a Middle Eastern dance concert
• Public art updates: Quinlan Park, Civic Center, Noyes installation, Explorer by Erik Blome, and 2024 spring maintenance

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee meets Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Room 2404. The main action item is a vote to recommend allocating $75,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development funds to the Small Business Recovery Program. The committee will also hold a training/refresher discussion, approve June 18, 2024 meeting minutes, and hear staff reports and updates.

• Vote to recommend $75,000 in CDBG Economic Development funds to the Small Business Recovery Program, which would fund roughly seven to ten additional grants of up to $10,000 each
• Staff memo notes the program received 84 applications requesting about $1.2 million against a $400,000 budget, leaving 34 requests unfunded
• CDBG eligibility requires owners to be low-to-moderate income (at or below 80% Area Median Income) and businesses to be micro-enterprises with 5 or fewer employees
• Approval of the June 18, 2024 meeting minutes
• Committee training/refresher discussion

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will discuss the Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan update with consultants HDR Inc. and McAdams, then hold public hearings on three Certificates of Appropriateness for properties in historic districts. A previously scheduled demolition and addition at 724 Colfax Street was withdrawn by the applicant and is pending re-application for September 10. The Commission will also approve minutes from its June 11, 2024 meeting.

• 24PRES-0085: New two-and-one-half story single-family home and detached alley-accessible garage on a vacant lot at 1036 Forest Avenue in the Lakeshore Historic District
• 24PRES-0086: Demolish rear attached deck and construct a single-story rear addition at 711 Michigan Avenue in the Lakeshore Historic District
• 24PRES-0087: Demolish side/rear stair and deck, build new deck and swimming pool, alter rear fenestration, and enclose screen porch with rooftop deck at 2115 Sherman Avenue in the Northeast Historic District
• 24PRES-0068: 724 Colfax Street demolition and addition withdrawn by applicant; pending re-application for September 10 meeting
• Envision Evanston 2045 update: Phase 1 engagement findings and preliminary report presented by HDR Inc. and McAdams

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear public comment, and discuss items for consideration. The main action is a closed session for lateral police officer candidate interviews. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Approval of May 31, 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Closed session for lateral police officer candidate interviews

Social Services Committee

The agenda for the Evanston, IL Social Services Committee meeting on 2024-07-11 contains only portal navigation text and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussions. It appears to be procedural boilerplate with no substantive content to report.

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will meet to approve June minutes, hear committee updates, and discuss staff transitions, including Rachel Stams moving to the Community Responder Program and the ongoing search for a Senior Services Coordinator. The Long Term Care Committee remains on hold until 2025, and members will discuss their commitment levels. The agenda is largely procedural with no major votes or public hearings scheduled.

• Approval of June 13, 2024 meeting minutes
• Rachel Stams transferred to Community Responder Program; Senior Services Coordinator position being interviewed
• Commissioner Cherie Lockett resigned
• Long Term Care Committee meetings paused until 2025
• Northshore Village Network seeks to diversify membership

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will review completed internal investigations into a complaint about a traffic stop and two departmental inquiries, deciding whether each was complete, thorough, objective, and fair. They will also consider approving letters requesting second reviews of two other inquiries. The meeting includes public comment and a possible executive session on personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint Register 24-02: traffic stop for illegal window tint, allegations of harassment and excessive force
• Review of Departmental Inquiry 23-13
• Approval of letter for second review of DI 23-08
• Approval of letter for second review of DI 23-16
• Possible executive session on personnel matters

Animal Welfare Board

The Animal Welfare Board will discuss a proposal to prohibit declawing cats in Evanston, brought by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, along with policies on medical care for incoming animals and a spay/neuter ordinance. The board will also vote on approving minutes from its November 2023 and January 2024 meetings.

• Discussion of anti-declawing initiative proposal
• Discussion of policy on incoming animals requiring medical services
• Discussion of ordinance on spays/neuters
• Approval of minutes from Nov 15, 2023 and Jan 10, 2024 meetings

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will consider a recommendation to the City Council to accept the FY 2023 Audit Report. The meeting also includes an educational presentation on city fund balances and discussions regarding CIP project budgeting and 2024 bond issuance.

• Recommendation to accept and place on file the FY 2023 Audit Report
• Presentation on City of Evanston Fund Structure, Fund Balances, and Finance Terminology
• Discussion regarding budgeting for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects
• Update on 2024 Bond Issuance

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Evanston Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comment and staff reports, and review the Dementia Friendly planning tool. The committee will also receive updates on a symposium and on the Dementia Friendly Illinois meeting. The agenda is largely routine and procedural.

• Review of Dementia Friendly Planning tool
• Update on symposium
• Update on Dementia Friendly Illinois meeting
• Approval of minutes from 4/9/2023 meeting

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider consent agenda items including payroll, bills, and contracts, plus several ordinances and resolutions. Notable actions include a $693,577 contract for the Evanston Dog Beach Access Project, a $93,300 water service installation at 2527 Oakton Street, and liquor license increases for four businesses. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Contract award to John Keno & Company for Evanston Dog Beach Access Project, $693,577
• Water service installation at 2527 Oakton Street, $93,300, funded by ARPA
• Ordinances to increase Class D liquor licenses for La Cocinita, Shinsen, and GIIG Evanston
• Ordinance to increase Class C liquor license for GEM Museum Suites
• Settlement resolution in Alyssa Shevlin v. City of Evanston

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select those to prioritize for scheduling. They will also approve the minutes from the June 24, 2024 meeting. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific new items listed for decision.

• Approval of minutes from June 24, 2024 meeting
• Review and scheduling of referrals (list available online)

City Council

The Evanston City Council will hold a public hearing on a $2,000,000 grant application to rehabilitate Hilda's Place, a 30-bed homeless shelter, under the state's CDBG-CV Urban Shelter Program. The council will also vote on several ordinances and contracts, including a leaf blower ordinance, a guaranteed income program expansion, and multiple liquor license increases. Consent agenda items include payroll, bills, and various contract awards.

• Public hearing for $2,000,000 CDBG-CV grant to rehabilitate Hilda's Place homeless shelter
• Ordinance 60-O-24 amending leaf blower regulations (Title 8, Chapter 26)
• Project 8092: expanding guaranteed income eligibility to more families
• Contract award to John Keno & Company for Evanston Dog Beach Access Project ($693,577)
• Ordinances increasing Class D liquor licenses for La Cocinita, Shinsen, GIIG Evanston, and GEM Museum Suites

Preservation Commission Special Meeting

The Preservation Commission will hold a discussion regarding the Evanston Dog Beach Access Project in the Lakeshore Historic District. The meeting is for review and comment only, and no vote will be taken during this session.

• Review of the Evanston Dog Beach Access Project (Bid 24-18)
• Discussion regarding a potential contract award to John Keno & Company, Inc.
• Presentation of construction plans for ADA accessible access at the dog beach

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss accessibility-related inquiries and grievances, including sidewalk cafes, residential accessible parking, Farmers' Market parking, and Main Street sidewalk construction. The committee will also review recent training sessions and upcoming events such as the Disability Pride Parade and ReelAbilities Film Showing.

• Review of new inquiries/grievances: sidewalk cafes, residential accessible parking, Farmers' Market parking, Main Street sidewalk construction
• Training updates: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training (June 7), Inclusion Panel (June 8), Disability Awareness for CARE team (June 18), Verbal Intervention for Library security (June 20) and CARE team (June 28)
• Upcoming events: Disability Pride Parade (July 20), ReelAbilities Film Showing (July 23)
• Inclusion & Accessibility Division updates: South End Community Center Open House, sensory room, adapted boccia
• Thank you letter to Mayor approved

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider recommending $82,000 in funding for Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau for FY2025, and will discuss the scope of the Living Habitats 'Civic Plaza' planning project. They will also receive updates on Evanston Thrives placemaking kits and Enjoy Evanston communications, plus an economic development activity report.

• Approval of $82,000 funding for Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau FY2025 (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025)
• Discussion of Living Habitats 'Civic Plaza' / Theater Plaza planning services (RFP 24-19) scope, reporting cadence, and community engagement
• Update on Evanston Thrives Placemaking Kits and Enjoy Evanston communications
• Economic Development Activity Report: Open/Closed Businesses

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee will review and vote on a draft report recommending 26.5% pay increases for the Mayor, City Clerk, and Council Members, effective January 1, 2025. The report also proposes a monthly cash stipend for officials who opt out of city health insurance. The committee will also approve minutes from its June 12 meeting.

• Proposed Council Member salary: $20,000 annually (from $15,990)
• Proposed Mayor salary: $32,000 annually (from $25,317)
• Proposed Clerk salary: $81,000 annually (from $64,120)
• Proposed $208.33 monthly opt-out credit for health insurance
• Approval of June 12, 2024 meeting minutes

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss research on Just Cause ordinances and three proposed amendments to the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO): a Notice of Reason for Non-Renewal, an Anti-Displacement Fund, and a Tenant Right to Purchase. The committee previously approved other RLTO amendments in April 2024 and agreed to this discussion. No votes are scheduled; the items are for discussion only.

• Discussion of Just Cause ordinances, including Seattle's model with 16 approved reasons for eviction
• Proposed Notice of Reason for Non-Renewal requiring landlords to disclose reasons and pay 2 months' rent or actual damages if not provided
• Proposed Anti-Displacement Fund to pay relocation assistance to low-income tenants and reimburse landlords for damages
• Tenant Right to Purchase proposal giving renters 90 days to organize and buy their building before sale
• Research shows Just Cause ordinances reduced evictions by 0.808 percentage points in four California cities

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is meeting to consider a consent calendar of routine public works items, including contract awards, change orders, and purchases. Notable actions include a $2.75 million alley and sidewalk improvement contract, a $693,577 dog beach access project, and several smaller contracts and purchases. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a settlement resolution.

• Contract award to Capitol Cement Co., Inc. for 2024 Alley and Sidewalk Improvements (Bid 24-21) for $2,753,227.25
• Contract award to John Keno & Company, Inc. for Evanston Dog Beach Access Project (Bid 24-18) for $693,577
• One-year sole source software agreement with Accela for $146,485.22
• Single-source purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Pickup for the Police Department for $80,345
• Resolution 38-R-24 authorizing settlement of claims in City of Evanston v. Copenhaver Construction

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the June 10, 2024 minutes and public comment. No specific items are listed for decision beyond the scheduling review.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of June 10, 2024 minutes

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider four applications for new liquor licenses: three Class D (restaurant) licenses and one Class C license. The board will also approve minutes from its March 15, 2024 meeting. Public comment is scheduled.

• La Cocinita Restaurant LLC, 1625 Chicago Avenue, Class D (Restaurant) license
• Ichijikin, Inc. d/b/a Shinsen, 1322 Chicago Avenue, Class D (Restaurant) license
• GIIG Evanston, LLC, 709-711 Howard Street, Class D (Restaurant) license
• BCH 1555, LLC d/b/a Museum Inn & Suites, 1555 Oak Avenue, Class C license
• Approval of March 15, 2024 meeting minutes

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to act on several items, including adopting a new city flag, establishing ranked-choice voting, and approving up to $400,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund to negotiate the purchase of 1831-1835 Brown Avenue for affordable ownership housing. The council will also discuss an update on the Envision Evanston 2045 plan and consider a leaf blower ordinance. Consent agenda items include multiple contract awards and change orders.

• Resolution 39-R-24: Adopting a new city flag
• Approval of up to $400,000 from Affordable Housing Fund for purchase of 1831-1835 Brown Avenue
• Ordinance 58-O-24: Establishing ranked choice voting
• Contract award to John Keno & Company for Evanston Dog Beach Access Project ($693,577)
• Contract award to Capitol Cement Co. for 2024 Alley and Sidewalk Improvements ($2,753,227.25)

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider introducing Ordinance 59-O-24, which would rezone 1611 Church Street from the WE1 District and oWE Overlay District to the R4 General Residential District and grant major variations for a co-housing townhome development. The proposal would adaptively reuse a vacant industrial warehouse building into seven townhomes and one amenity guest sleeping room. The committee will also vote on approving the minutes from the May 28, 2024 meeting.

• Ordinance 59-O-24: Map amendment from WE1 & oWE Overlay to R4 General Residential District for co-housing townhomes at 1611 Church Street
• Major variations requested for the co-housing development
• Adaptive reuse of vacant 11,395 sq ft industrial warehouse (National Awards building) into 7 townhomes
• Proposal includes 3 detached garages with 13 parking spaces, solar panels, and all-electric building
• Approval of minutes from May 28, 2024 meeting

Utilities Commission

The Utilities Commission is meeting to review staff reports on utility reliability, water and sewer capital projects, and sustainability efforts, including emissions forecasting and a stretch code grant application. The main action item is a resolution to amend the Plan of Operation and Governance for the city's electricity aggregation program. The agenda also includes discussion of lead service line replacement concepts and updates on PFAS and watermain geothermal projects.

• Resolution 92-R-20 amending the Electricity Aggregation Program's Plan of Operation and Governance
• Monthly utility reliability report (outages, basement backups, water main breaks)
• Water & sewer fund capital improvement project status
• Sustainability update: emissions forecasting and stretch code grant application
• Lead service line replacement concepts and PFAS/geothermal project updates

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool it created to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The scorecard is intended for use when making referrals for City Council consideration, covering areas such as housing development, zoning changes, budget allocations, and public subsidies. The agenda consists of the scorecard's introduction, instructions, and a blank 10-criteria evaluation form; no specific projects, contracts, or votes are listed.

• Equity Scorecard created by the Equity & Empowerment Commission with input from City Council and community partners
• Tool intended for use on new projects, ordinances, housing, land use and zoning, budget allocations, public subsidies, and tax abatements
• Three EEC members assigned to independently review each scorecard; final recommendation approved by EEC vote
• Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, and accessibility
• Final scorecard submitted to project lead for inclusion with materials to City Council, Mayor, and City Manager

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing and discussing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda includes the full scorecard template with criteria for stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, and other factors. The commission will use this tool when making referrals to City Council to ensure equity is considered in decisions like housing, zoning, and budget allocations.

• Equity Scorecard criteria include 10 questions on engagement, inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, benefits, alternatives, accessibility, feasibility, accountability, and success indicators
• Scorecard applies to new projects, policy drafting, housing development, land use/zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement design
• Review process assigns three commission members to independently review each scorecard, with final recommendation approved by commission vote
• Final recommendations range from Strongly Support to Do Not Support, with options for modifications or more information

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council is meeting to discuss and vote on several public art items, including the Noyes Public Art installation and a maintenance plan for 2024-25. They will also discuss the Evanston Symphony Orchestra's recent awards, a Cultural Fund grant to Ubuntu Diaspora Co., and other updates.

• Vote on Noyes Public Art installation
• Vote on 2024-25 maintenance plan, including invoice from Janet Austin Art
• Discussion of Cultural Fund grant to Ubuntu Diaspora Co. (potential transfer to The Community Works)
• Discussion of Evanston Symphony Orchestra's Community Orchestra of the Year award
• Updates on Quinlan Park, Civic Center public art, and spring maintenance projects

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss the scope, timeline, and process for updating Evanston's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, including potential increases to minimum requirements and in-lieu fees. They will also discuss the Strategic Housing Plan. The meeting includes public comment, approval of April minutes, and staff reports.

• Discussion: 2024 Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Update
• Discussion: Strategic Housing Plan
• Approval of minutes from April 16, 2024 meeting
• Public comment period (15 minutes, max 5 minutes per speaker)

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will consider directing staff to draft a resolution adopting a policy for reviewing unbudgeted expenses and cost overruns, with a $500,000 threshold for additional review. The committee will also discuss direct pay refunds for sustainability projects, the liquor tax, pickleball court cost increases, and benchmarking data. The agenda includes approval of the May 14, 2024 minutes and public comment.

• Policy for unbudgeted expenses: $500,000 threshold for review, covering General Fund, Capital Improvement Program Fund, and Water Fund
• Discussion of direct pay refunds for sustainability projects, potentially ~$140,000 for 2023 activities
• Discussion of the 6% liquor consumption tax, generating $3 million annually for the General Fund
• Discussion of pickleball court cost increase
• Discussion of comparable community benchmarking data

Social Services Committee

The joint Housing & Community Development and Social Services Committees will consider recommending the Final 2024 Action Plan to City Council. The plan governs $2,201,271 in federal CDBG, HOME, and ESG entitlement funds from HUD, with no ESG funds awarded this year. Approval would send the plan to City Council on June 24, 2024.

• Approval to recommend 2024 Action Plan with $2,201,271 total (CDBG $1,870,368; HOME $330,903; ESG $0)
• No ESG funds awarded; Evanston fell $731 below the minimum allocation threshold
• $97,224 reallocated from Homelessness to Affordable Housing goal, triggering a second 30-day public comment period
• HOME funds for 1805 Church project: 33 affordable units, $550,000 from 2021-2024 allocations
• Connections for the Homeless and YWCA seeking state ESG funds to offset loss

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will meet to approve minutes, hear committee updates, and address unfinished business. The main items are filling the chair positions for the Dementia Friendly Evanston and Long Term Care committees after John Straus stepped down. The commission will also discuss a thank-you email from the North Shore Village Network about expanding membership diversity.

• John Straus has stepped down; new chair needed for Dementia Friendly Evanston
• Long Term Care Committee still needs a chair
• Update on letter from the Commission (pending approval from prior meeting)
• North Shore Village Network seeks to expand membership to a more diverse population
• Next meeting scheduled for July 11, 2024

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee will discuss the City Clerk's duties, review HR follow-up items, and refine a draft report on compensation for the Mayor, City Council, and Clerk. The draft report notes that cash compensation has not been adjusted since 2016 and recommends paying officials at the high end compared to other suburbs. The committee is expected to develop formal compensation recommendations, with a draft ordinance to come later.

• Discussion with Committee Member Greene and City Clerk Duties
• Review HR follow-up items
• Review the Draft Compensation Committee Report
• Develop Compensation Recommendations

Preservation Commission

The Evanston Preservation Commission will review three Certificate of Appropriateness requests, including a continued case to demolish a garage and build an accessory dwelling unit at 1525 Judson Avenue. They will also consider alterations at 2300 Lincolnwood Drive and 724 Colfax Street, plus discuss Cultural Heritage Awards. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• 24PRES-0046: Demolish garage and construct two-story ADU with ground-floor parking at 1525 Judson Avenue (Lakeshore Historic District), continued from May 14
• 24PRES-0067: Add four skylights and three gable dormers to west roof at 2300 Lincolnwood Drive (Landmark)
• 24PRES-0068: Demolish wood deck and stair, construct single-story addition and new deck at 724 Colfax Street (Northeast Historic District)
• Discussion of Cultural Heritage Awards, including nomination form and Arts Council update
• Approval of May 14, 2024 meeting minutes

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider consent agenda items including contracts for sidewalk and streetlight improvements, engineering services, and an EV lawnmower, plus ordinances expanding residential parking districts. It will also vote on approving prior meeting minutes and hear public comment.

• $1,181,221.75 contract with Alliance Contractors for Sidewalk and Street Light Improvement Project (Bid 24-26)
• $176,363 amendment to Singh & Associates for engineering on Greenleaf Street and Hartrey Avenue sidewalk/streetlight project
• $63,955 single-source contract with Singh & Associates for Streetlight Improvement Project Phase III engineering
• Ordinance 55-O-24 expanding Residential Parking District F; Ordinance 56-O-24 adding blocks near Central St. Metra Station and Ryan Field to District 6
• $170,005 annual SaaS fee for Tyler Technologies Public Safety CAD software

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee is meeting to review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the May 13, 2024 minutes and public comment. No specific new items are listed for decision.

• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of May 13, 2024
• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Public comment period

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to consider a range of items, including introducing an ordinance to establish ranked choice voting for elected officials, as approved by voters in a 2022 referendum. The consent agenda includes approvals for contracts, budget amendments, and zoning changes, with several items involving significant dollar amounts.

• Ordinance 58-O-24: Establishing ranked choice voting for elected officials
• Contract with Alliance Contractors for $1,181,221.75 for sidewalk and street light improvements
• Ordinance 43-O-24: Amending FY2023 budget with net reduction of $52,234,143 to $344,972,907
• Resolution 34-R-24: Moratorium on new vacation rental licenses for non-owner occupied properties
• Ordinance 52-O-24: Amending Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider several items, including a resolution to impose a moratorium on new vacation rental licenses for non-owner-occupied properties, and ordinances for special use permits for a daycare center, an animal hospital, and an extension to pave a parking lot. The committee will also approve minutes from a prior meeting and hear public comments.

• Resolution 34-R-24: Moratorium on new vacation rental licenses for non-owner-occupied properties until June 30, 2025 or third-party enforcement contract
• Ordinance 53-O-24: Special use permit for daycare center at 1601 Simpson Street (Infant Welfare Society of Evanston)
• Ordinance 54-O-24: Special use for animal hospital (GoodVets) at 518 Main Street
• Ordinance 57-O-24: Extension to pave unimproved parking lot at apartment hotel at 1555 Oak Avenue
• Approval of minutes from May 28, 2024 meeting

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will review four completed internal investigations (Complaint Register 24-01 and Departmental Inquiries 23-09, 23-14, 23-16) and vote on whether each was complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The commission may also enter executive session to discuss personnel matters and discuss a draft letter regarding a second review of DI #23-08.

• Review of Complaint Register 24-01: allegation of illegal left turn by police officer; recommended not sustained/unfounded
• Review of Departmental Inquiry 23-09
• Review of Departmental Inquiry 23-14
• Review of Departmental Inquiry 23-16
• Discussion of draft letter for second review of DI #23-08

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear public comment, and discuss a proposal to apply Evanston Fire Department lifeguard preference points to police and fire recruitment processes. The agenda also includes closed-session interviews for firefighter and police officer candidates. No final decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of EFD lifeguard preference points for police and fire recruitment
• Closed session for firefighter and police officer candidate interviews
• Approval of minutes from the regular meeting
• Public comment period

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider recommending a consultant for the Downtown Evanston Civic Plaza Plan, Engagement, Design, and Implementation (Bid No. 24-19), funded by ARPA and part of the Evanston Thrives priorities. They will also review an update on the Small Business Recovery Program and discuss downtown economic trends and a possible expanded ban on single-use plastics. The agenda includes approval of minutes from April 24, 2024, and public comment.

• Approval of contract for Civic Plaza planning services (Bid No. 24-19), funded by ARPA, part of $3 million Evanston Thrives commitment
• Small Business Recovery Program grant update and proposal to use TIF/Legacy Business funding for additional grants
• Discussion of Downtown Evanston economic trends
• Discussion of expanded ban on single-use plastics
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 24, 2024

Compensation Committee

The Evanston Compensation Committee will meet to discuss potential increases in elected officials' compensation, including interviews with the Mayor and City Clerk, and a discussion with HR. They will also review and revise their draft report, which preliminarily suggests raising councilmember salaries to around $20,000. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Discussion with Mayor and City Clerk on compensation impacts, including candidate recruitment and per capita costs
• Discussion with HR on compensation and benefits
• Review and revisions to draft report recommending councilmember salary increase to ~$20,000
• Approval of May 15, 2024 meeting minutes

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider approving the City of Evanston's payroll and bills list, annual membership dues, and several contracts for repairs and equipment. The agenda includes a consent calendar with items such as fire truck repair, boiler repair, picnic shelter renovations, gymnastic equipment, and a parking easement agreement with Life Time Fitness. The committee will also vote on approving the minutes from previous meetings.

• Approval of payroll ($3,413,669.64) and bills list ($5,666,273.08)
• Annual membership dues to Northwest Municipal Conference: $25,528.00
• Fire Department Ladder Truck #23 repair: $26,117.17 to Interstate Power Systems
• Boiler repair at Service Center (2020 Asbury): $64,890.00 to Boiler Equipment Company
• Easement agreement with Life Time Fitness for 150 parking spaces at 821 Davis Street

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the full list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of the prior meeting's minutes, and adjournment. The prior meeting's minutes show a referral (Line 27) was sent to Administration and Public Works to be heard by the end of June.

• Review and scheduling of all referrals made to date
• Approval of May 13, 2024 minutes
• Public comment period
• Prior referral (Line 27) assigned to Administration and Public Works

City Council

The Evanston City Council will discuss proposals to replace the city's 6% liquor consumption tax, which generates $3 million annually, with alternatives such as a food and beverage tax, a packaged liquor tax, or an increased home rule sales tax. The council will also consider consent agenda items including budget amendments, bond issuance, and various contracts.

• Discussion of replacing liquor tax with 1.5% food and beverage tax, 1.25% food and beverage tax plus 3% packaged liquor tax, or increasing home rule sales tax to 1.5% and reducing liquor tax to 2%
• Ordinance 46-O-24: Authorizing up to $35,500,000 in 2024 General Obligation Bonds for capital improvements, including $17,000,000 for water projects
• Ordinance 43-O-24: Amending FY2023 budget with net reduction of $52,234,143 to new total of $344,972,907
• Approval of payroll ($3,413,669.64) and bills list ($5,666,273.08)
• Authorization to purchase property at 729-39 Howard Street using TIF funds

Planning & Development Committee

The Evanston Planning & Development Committee will review two special use ordinances for religious institutions, accept the 2023 Preservation Commission Annual Report, and approve prior meeting minutes. The committee is deciding whether to recommend adoption of these ordinances for City Council action.

• Ordinance 49-O-24: Special Use to expand a religious institution at 1819-1825 Dodge Avenue in R4 General Residential District
• Ordinance 50-O-24: Special Use for a religious institution and major parking variation at 1567 Maple Avenue in D3 Downtown Core District
• Accept and place on file the 2023 Preservation Commission Annual Report
• Approval of minutes from March 11 and April 8, 2024 meetings

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to hear guest speakers from the CTA and the City of Evanston about transportation and mobility, and to discuss accessibility-related updates. The agenda includes updates on the South End Community Center, disability awareness trainings for library staff and lifeguards, and upcoming events like the Abilities Expo, ReelAbilities film showing, and Disability Pride Parade. The meeting is open to public comments.

• Guest speakers from CTA and City of Evanston on transportation and mobility
• Update on South End Community Center
• Library staff disability awareness training
• Lifeguard disability awareness training
• Upcoming events: Abilities Expo (June 21-23), ReelAbilities film (July 9), Disability Pride Parade (July 20)

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will discuss grant updates, cultural fund recommendations, and public art maintenance. Votes are scheduled on repairing the Eco-Center sculpture and replacing 'Willow Dust' at Quinlan Park. The meeting also includes updates on the Lakefront Arts Festival and the council's 50th anniversary.

• Vote on $1,251 repair for Janet Austin's Eco-Center sculpture
• Vote on replacing 'Willow Dust' with works by Tess Little at Quinlan Park
• Discussion of 2024 Cultural Fund proposed funding recommendations
• Update on Special Project and Cultural Fund grants
• Guest presentation on Cultural Heritage Awards

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility reliability, capital projects, and sustainability updates. They will vote on whether to post an article about the Stormwater Master Plan on the city website, and review 2023 accomplishments. The meeting also covers lead service line replacements and ongoing project updates.

• Vote on posting D. Lanyon's Stormwater Master Plan article on city website
• Lead Service Line Replacement Plan discussion
• Monthly utility reliability report (outages, basement backups, water main breaks)
• Water & sewer fund capital improvement project status
• Review of 2023 UC accomplishments

Compensation Committee

The Evanston Compensation Committee will review and revise a draft report on elected officials' compensation, including comparisons to other municipalities and findings from interviews with council members. The committee will also identify further inquiries and persons to interview, and review revised 2024 City Council compensation and insurance costs. The draft report notes compensation has not been adjusted since 2016 and recommends addressing the lack of increase.

• Review and revisions to draft report on compensation, including statistical comparison to 16 other Chicago suburban municipalities
• Discussion of possible further inquiries and persons to interview
• Review of revised 2024 City Council compensation and insurance costs
• Draft report notes compensation levels unchanged since 2016
• Draft report indicates Evanston pays at higher end for Mayor, Council Members, and Clerk compared to other municipalities

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The M/W/D/EBE Development Committee will meet to approve prior minutes, hear a research proposal on racial business disparities, and review staff reports on minority/women business enterprise tracking and local employment program compliance. The committee will also discuss work plan updates across three working groups.

• Approval of March 20, 2024 minutes and April 17, 2024 notes on file
• Research proposal by Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell on racial business disparities in Evanston
• M/W/D/EBE Tracking Report
• LEP Tracking Report
• Work plan updates including business survey, self-declaration process, and Ryan Field agreement

Finance and Budget Committee

The Evanston Finance and Budget Committee will consider Ordinance 43-O-24, which would amend the total Fiscal Year 2023 budget by a net reduction of $52,234,143, bringing it to $344,972,907. The amendment reconciles funds that exceeded or fell short of adopted budgets, including increases for the General Fund and decreases for ARPA, Water, and other funds. The committee will also discuss a policy for unbudgeted capital expenses, PPRT as a pension funding source, and benchmark metrics from peer communities. Additionally, they will consider scheduling conflicts for the June meeting.

• Ordinance 43-O-24: FY2023 budget amendment, net reduction of $52,234,143 to $344,972,907
• General Fund increase of $15,317,352 for wage increases, transfers, capital overages, and ambulance purchase
• ARPA Fund decrease of $15,000,000; Water Fund decrease of $45,000,000
• Discussion on framework for policy on unbudgeted capital expenses
• Discussion on PPRT as a source of pension funding

Preservation Commission

The Evanston Preservation Commission will review two Certificate of Appropriateness requests: one to demolish a garage and build a two-story accessory dwelling unit at 1525 Judson Avenue, and another to demolish a garage, restore a facade, and build a new garage at 1630 Ashland Avenue. The Commission will also consider adopting a single revised Certificate of Appropriateness application form to replace three existing forms. The agenda includes public comment, approval of minutes, staff reports, and a discussion on preservation collaboration.

• 24PRES-0046: Demolish garage and construct two-story ADU with ground-floor parking at 1525 Judson Avenue (Lakeshore Historic District)
• 24PRES-0047: Demolish garage, restore first floor north elevation, and construct tandem two-car garage at 1630 Ashland Avenue (Ridge Historic District), with requested zoning variations for setbacks
• Review and adoption of a single revised Certificate of Appropriateness Application form to replace three existing forms
• Public comment period (3 minutes per person)
• Discussion of Preservation Consortium and Corps of Volunteers (no vote)

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will discuss the Raw Water Intake Replacement project and vote on a consent calendar of contracts and expenditures, including a $2.7 million street resurfacing contract, a $500,000 Good Neighbor Fund allocation for community electrification incentives, and various water system and facility maintenance agreements.

• Contract with J.A. Johnson Paving for 2024 Rebuild IL/MFT Street Resurfacing Project, $2,711,904.14
• Resolution 33-R-24 allocating $500,000 from Good Neighbor Fund for community electrification incentives
• Amendment to Stantec agreement for Standpipe Water Quality Study, increasing contract to $420,539.64
• Purchase of 244 trees from Suburban Tree Consortium for $85,797.65
• Authorization to purchase property at 729-39 Howard Street using Howard Ridge TIF funds

City Council

The Evanston City Council will hold a discussion-only presentation on preliminary FY2025 budget conversations, including councilmember priorities such as sustainability, affordable housing, and spending efficiencies. The consent agenda includes approval of contracts and expenditures, notably a $2.7 million street resurfacing project and a $35.5 million bond ordinance for capital improvements.

• Contract with J.A. Johnson Paving for 2024 Rebuild IL/MFT Street Resurfacing Project, $2,711,904.14
• Ordinance 46-O-24 authorizing up to $35,500,000 in General Obligation Bonds for capital projects
• Resolution 33-R-24 allocating $500,000 from Good Neighbor Fund for community electrification incentives
• Purchase of 244 trees and planting services from Suburban Tree Consortium for $85,797.65
• Amendment to Stantec water quality study contract, increasing total to $420,539.64

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the minutes from the April 29, 2024 meeting and public comment.

• Review and scheduling of referrals
• Approval of April 29, 2024 minutes

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will hear a presentation from the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County on coordinated entry, and will vote to accept and place on file a new process for requesting agency/program information. The committee will also approve minutes from the April 11 meeting and receive a revised 2024 meeting topics calendar.

• Presentation: Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County, Coordinated Entry
• For action: Accept and place on file process to request agency/program information
• Approval of April 11, 2024 meeting minutes
• Revised 2024 SSC meeting topics calendar

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Evanston Commission on Aging and Disabilities is holding a regular meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comment, and receive committee and staff updates. The main substantive item is a letter drafted by the ADA Committee regarding 909 Davis, which is listed under unfinished business. The agenda is otherwise largely procedural, with no new business listed.

• Letter drafted by ADA Committee regarding 909 Davis
• Aging Well Movie Night tonight at 6:30
• Aging Well Conference Friday 17th, 8:30-1:00 pm
• Long Term Care committee did not meet in April
• Next meeting June 13, 2024

Human Services Committee

The Human Services Committee will vote on a $400,000 American Rescue Plan Act allocation for the Evanston Pathway to Wellness, a one-year pilot targeting diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity in vulnerable populations, especially census tract 8092. The committee will also consider an ordinance regulating video gaming and discuss ending pet breed restrictions for residential units. A police complaints report is scheduled to be accepted and placed on file.

• $400,000 ARPA funding for Evanston Pathway to Wellness pilot program
• Ordinance 30-O-24 amending video gaming regulations (Title 3, Chapter 36)
• Discussion on ending pet breed restrictions for residential properties
• Accept and place on file Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report
• Approval of March 4, 2024 meeting minutes

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee will hear a presentation from Liberty Bank, receive updates on disbursements to direct descendant and ancestor reparations recipients, and review the April financial report. The committee will also consider accepting and filing these updates and reports.

• Presentation by Liberty Bank (Forest Park, IL)
• Direct Descendent Reparations Recipients Disbursement Update: 65 of 80 recipients made selections, totaling $1,587,500
• Ancestor Reparations Recipients Disbursement Update: 129 recipients selected, approximately $3 million dispersed
• Reparations Financial Report: $52,457.22 in donations, $350,050 from Real Estate Transfer Tax
• Working group updates: Economic Development, Community Unity, Epistemic, Education, Housing

Northwestern University-City Committee

The Northwestern University-City Committee will discuss Northwestern's plans for a temporary football game facility at the Lanny and Sharon Martin Athletic Facility, which will host most home games for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The committee will also discuss the Ryan Field truck route and ongoing issues related to planning, land use, building, and zoning for the University's T1, T2, and U1 District properties. Public comment will be accepted remotely due to health concerns.

• Discussion of NU's temporary football facility at the Lanny and Sharon Martin Athletic Facility, including temporary bleachers and enclosed box seats
• Discussion of NU Ryan Field Truck Route
• Discussion of proposed demolition and/or new construction on T1, T2, and U1 District properties
• Approval of minutes from the February 7, 2024 meeting

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is discussing whether to increase compensation for Evanston's Mayor, City Council, and City Clerk, including reviewing historical salary data and health insurance costs. The committee will also meet with councilmembers to hear their views on pay, economic barriers to running, and benefits. No final decisions are being made at this meeting; it is for discussion only.

• Review of elected officials' compensation history from 2000 to 2024, including Mayor ($25,317), Councilmembers ($15,990), and City Clerk ($64,120) for 2020-2024
• Discussion of historical breakdown of city and employee portions of health insurance costs
• Review of 2024 City Council compensation and insurance costs and types
• Meeting with councilmembers to discuss compensation, additional jobs, and healthcare options
• Approval of minutes from April 10 and April 17 Compensation Committee meetings

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will review four completed internal investigations (Complaint Register 23-06, Departmental Inquiries 23-08 and 23-09, and a second review of Complaint Register 23-02) to determine if each is complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of minutes, and a possible executive session on personnel matters. The commission is taking action on these items, not just discussing them.

• Review of Complaint Register 23-06: allegations of officer indifference and failure to arrest at a Target battery call; one officer found to have violated body-worn camera policy, recommended oral reprimand
• Review of Departmental Inquiry 23-08
• Review of Departmental Inquiry 23-09
• Second review of Complaint Register 23-02
• Possible executive session to discuss personnel matters

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select those to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the minutes from the March 25, 2024 meeting. No specific items are listed for decision in the agenda text.

• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of March 25, 2024
• Review and scheduling of referrals

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider a consent agenda with multiple contracts and change orders, including a $4.58 million water main improvement project and a $2.35 million aerial tower truck for the fire department. A feasibility report on the Noyes Cultural Arts Center will be discussed. The meeting also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and special events.

• Contract award to Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp. for 2024 Water Main Improvements (Bid 24-05) at $4,578,387
• Purchase of Pierce Enforcer 100' Ascendant Tower Truck from MacQueen Emergency for $2,345,621
• Change Order No. 1 with Ballard Marine Construction for 1909 Raw Water Intake Replacement, increasing contract to $47,650,803.23
• Approval of payroll ($3,571,103.83) and bills list ($6,032,571.71)
• Resolution 31-R-24 for IDOT street patching, markings, crack sealing, and rejuvenation in the amount of $970,000

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar of contracts, change orders, and resolutions, including a $4.58 million water main improvement project, a $2.35 million fire truck purchase, and several smaller contracts and change orders. The agenda is largely routine approvals of previously recommended items, with no major policy debates listed.

• Contract award to Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp. for 2024 Water Main Improvements Project (Bid 24-05) in the amount of $4,578,387.00
• Purchase of a Pierce Enforcer 100' Ascendant Tower Truck for Fire Department from MacQueen Emergency for $2,345,621.00
• Change Order No. 1 with Ballard Marine Construction for 1909 Raw Water Intake Replacement, increasing contract to $47,650,803.23
• Resolution 31-R-24 authorizing IDOT street patching, pavement markings, crack sealing & rejuvenation of various streets for $970,000
• Resolution 6-R-24 authorizing an easement agreement with Northwestern University for subsurface fiber optic telecommunications installation

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to review updates on previous accessibility inquiries and grievances, and to consider new ones, including AMC Theatre equipment for low-vision individuals and disability communication in emergency departments. The committee will also discuss training and education updates, such as CPI Verbal Intervention trainings and the Aging Well Conference, and welcome new members. This is a discussion-focused meeting with no votes or formal actions listed.

• Review of new grievance: AMC Theatre equipment for individuals with low vision
• Review of new grievance: Emergency departments communication re: disabilities
• Update on previous grievance: Movie theatre volumes
• Update on previous grievance: Re-painting bike path along lakefront
• Training updates: CPI Verbal Intervention, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, ADA Symposium

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is deciding whether to recommend that the City Council approve several Evanston Thrives initiatives funded by ARPA, with about $1 million of the $3 million already obligated. The committee will also discuss a business registration directory update and receive an open/closed business report. The agenda includes approval of minutes from April 3, 2024, and public comment opportunities.

• Theater/Civic Plaza (Maple-Church-Davis) - $500,000
• Arrington Lagoon Building - $100,000
• Replace Downtown Garbage/Recycling Cans - $165,104
• Establish Clear Business District Gateways - $500,000
• Callan Plaza (Howard Street) - $150,000

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility reliability, capital projects, and sustainability updates. They will vote on posting an article about the Stormwater Master Plan on the city website, and will hear about the Lead Service Line Replacement Plan and other ongoing projects.

• Vote on posting D. Lanyon's Stormwater Master Plan article on city website
• Source Water Protection Plan presentation
• Lead Service Line Replacement Plan discussion
• Monthly utility reliability report (outages, basement backups, water main breaks)
• Building Decarbonization Legislation update

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is presenting the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool for evaluating projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes how the scorecard will be used, including a process where three commission members independently review proposals and the full commission votes on a final recommendation. This is a procedural presentation of the tool itself, not a decision on any specific project.

• Introduces the Evanston Equity Scorecard for evaluating projects, policies, and practices
• Scorecard covers areas like housing development, land use and zoning, budget allocations, and tax abatements
• Review process assigns three commission members to independently assess each proposal
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral/More Information Needed, Do Not Support

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is meeting to review responses from City Council members to a survey about their duties, time commitment, out-of-pocket expenses, and compensation. The survey responses are attached for discussion. No formal decisions are on the agenda; the meeting is primarily for discussion.

• Review of City Council member survey responses on compensation
• Survey covers time spent on duties, out-of-pocket costs, and views on fair pay
• Responses include estimates of 10-50+ hours per week on council duties
• Some members report out-of-pocket expenses up to $3,000 annually
• Discussion of whether higher compensation would make the job full-time

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The Minority, Women, Disadvantaged & Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee is meeting to discuss updates to its work plan, including a business survey, a community contributions award proposal, and city webpages. They will also review staff reports on MWDEBE tracking and LEP compliance. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the March 20, 2024 meeting.

• Review of April 2024 MWDEBE tracking report showing $2,884,862 in total project amounts with 24.2% MWDEBE participation
• Discussion of LEP penalty balance of $92,328.61 as of April 12, 2024
• Work plan updates on business survey, self-declaration process, and business directory
• Proposal for two community contribution awards for MWDEBE and Evanston businesses
• Discussion of Rebuilding Exchange and Ryan Field agreement

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will dedicate its April 16, 2024 meeting to reviewing and deliberating on 13 Special Project Grant applications. The council will also consider options for finalizing grant recommendations, including voting at a special meeting or at the May meeting. Additionally, the council will discuss public art maintenance, including a $2,500 repair for the 'Homage to the Whooping Crane' sculpture.

• Review of 13 Special Project Grant applications, each requesting up to $2,000
• Discussion of options for final grant recommendations: average allocations, special meeting, or May meeting
• Action on $2,500 maintenance for 'Homage to the Whooping Crane' sculpture
• Discussion of maintenance for sculptures at Lakefront, Ecology Center, and Cartwright Park
• Update on Quinlan Park leased sculpture removal and replacement

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss and vote on recommending amendments to Evanston's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) to City Council. The amendments include 13 items agreed upon in January, such as limiting late fees, requiring fee disclosures, and increasing non-renewal notice to 90 days. Three additional proposals—tenant right to purchase, notice of reason for non-renewal, and a housing provider mitigation fund—are for discussion only. The committee will also approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Vote to recommend 13 RLTO amendments to City Council, including limiting late fees to $50 or 5% of rent, increasing non-renewal notice to 90 days, and removing tenant responsibility for attorney fees in evictions
• Discussion of legal concerns on 'Just Cause' revisions, tenant first right to purchase, notice of reason for non-renewal, and housing provider mitigation fund
• Approval of January 29, 2024 special meeting minutes and March 19, 2024 meeting minutes
• Staff update on 2024 plans update calendar

Social Services Committee

The Evanston Social Services Committee will hold a regular meeting to discuss funding priorities for fiscal years 2025/26. The agenda includes approval of the February 8, 2024 meeting minutes, public comment, and a discussion on FY 2025/26 funding. No final decisions are expected; the item is listed as a discussion.

• Approval of February 8, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of FY 2025/26 funding priorities
• Public comment period

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is holding a regular meeting to approve prior minutes, receive committee reports, and discuss staff updates. The agenda includes updates on the ADA Committee, Dementia Friendly Initiative, and Long-Term Care Committee, which still needs a chair. Staff announced upcoming events, including the Aging Well conference on May 17th and a Power of Attorney event on June 6th. The commission will also consider changing its meeting time, with the constraint that meetings cannot start before 9:00 am.

• Long-Term Care Committee still needs a chair
• Aging Well conference scheduled for May 17th
• Film Night on May 9th featuring 'Night at Mister Kelly's'
• Power of Attorney event on June 6th with CJE
• Discussion on changing meeting time, cannot be before 9:00 am

Compensation Committee

The Evanston Compensation Committee is reviewing data on elected officials' insurance costs, comparative compensation in other communities, and demographic profiles to inform potential recommendations on council pay. The committee will also develop interview questions for City Council members and select a chair. No final decisions are being made at this meeting.

• 2024 City Council insurance costs: city pays $162,330.92 for elected officials' health insurance; officials pay $0
• Comparative salary survey: Evanston Mayor $25,317, City Clerk $64,120, Councilmembers $15,990 per year
• Comparative data for 15 communities on salaries, health insurance coverage, budgets, and demographics
• Discussion of whether council and mayor roles should be considered full-time instead of part-time
• Committee to develop interview questions for City Council members

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will discuss several items including the property tax loss factor, financing options for replacing Fire Department aerial ladder truck T-22, an ARPA funding update, the Noyes Cultural Arts Center Master Plan, a policy on unbudgeted capital projects, and preliminary FY2023 year-end financials. The meeting also includes approval of March 12, 2024 minutes and a presentation by incoming Chair Shari Reiches on her goals.

• Discussion on property tax loss factor, with staff recommending 3% for all levies
• Discussion on financing options for replacing aerial ladder truck T-22, noting $300,000+ repair costs for reserve truck 311R
• ARPA funding obligation and expenditure update
• Discussion on Noyes Cultural Arts Center Master Plan
• Discussion on policy for unbudgeted capital projects and cost overruns

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to approve minutes from its March 11 meeting, hear public comment (none signed up), and discuss the Dementia Friendly Evanston Initiative (DFEI) with guests. An update from Adrienne about a Dementia Friendly Communities meeting is also on the agenda.

• Discussion with guests about DFEI
• Update from Adrienne on Dementia Friendly Communities meeting
• Approval of minutes from 3/11/24 meeting

Preservation Commission

The Evanston Preservation Commission will consider adopting a single revised Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application to replace three existing forms, review a reimagined Cultural Heritage Awards Program, and adopt its 2023 Annual Report. The commission will also hear a presentation on Shorefront Legacy Center's Black history archival work and discuss a realtor training program and the Noyes Cultural Arts Center feasibility study.

• Adoption of revised single COA application for all scopes of work, replacing minor, major, and window/door forms
• Review of reimagined Cultural Heritage Awards Program expanding beyond built heritage
• Adoption of 2023 Preservation Commission Annual Report
• Presentation by Shorefront Legacy Center on Black history initiatives
• Discussion of Noyes Cultural Arts Center feasibility study and draft comment letter

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is reviewing and voting on a consent calendar of routine contracts and expenditures, including a $3.38 million contract for Independence and Larimer Park renovations, several pavement maintenance contracts, and various service agreements. The agenda also includes a proposal for beach chair and bike rentals at Clark St. Beach and a resolution for an honorary street name. Most items are staff recommendations for approval, with no major policy debates listed.

• Contract with All-Bry Construction for Independence and Larimer Park Renovations: $3,384,000
• Pavement crack seal contract with Patriot Pavement Maintenance: $80,000 annually
• Reclamite pavement program contract with Corrective Asphalt: $30,000 annually
• Hot mix asphalt single-source contract with Builders Asphalt: up to $50,000
• Beach chair and bike rentals at Clark St. Beach with Chicago Bike and Roll

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The committee will also consider approving the minutes from its March 25, 2024 meeting. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific new items listed for decision.

• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes from March 25, 2024
• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider two items. First, it will vote on a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an operating agreement with BCH1555, LLC for an apartment hotel at 1555 Oak Avenue, a step required for the shared housing license. Second, it will introduce an ordinance for a special use permit for a tattoo and body art establishment, Sweetheart Ink, at 530 Kedzie Street, which the Land Use Commission recommends for approval.

• Resolution 30-R-24: Authorizes City Manager to sign operating agreement with BCH1555, LLC for apartment hotel at 1555 Oak Avenue
• Ordinance 44-O-24: Special use for tattoo & body art establishment, Sweetheart Ink, at 530 Kedzie Street in C1a Commercial Mixed Use District
• Apartment hotel inspections by Fire Department and Property Standards found code-compliant on Feb 22 and Feb 29
• Operating agreement includes emergency access via Knox box, compliance with city codes, and noise management
• Hotel operations to be managed by First Hospitality; no leases offered, all units marketed daily

City Council

The Evanston City Council will discuss pursuing grant funding for a temporary shelter to house new arrivals, and will vote on a consent agenda of routine contracts and expenditures, including pavement maintenance, park renovations, and software licenses. The meeting also includes public comment and proclamations for Arbor Day and Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month.

• Discussion on grant funding for a temporary shelter for new arrivals
• $3,384,000 contract with All-Bry Construction for Independence and Larimer Park Renovations
• $700,000 contract extension with J.A. Johnson Paving for pavement patching
• $98,592.96 renewal of CAD software license with CentralSquare Technologies
• Approval of payroll ($3,385,107.27) and bills list ($3,808,648.94)

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee will hear a presentation on a proposed research study by Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell to identify racial patterns in business activity and support Black businesses. The committee will also receive updates on home improvement and disbursements to ancestor and direct descendant reparations recipients, and accept financial reports. Public comment is scheduled.

• Presentation and consideration of research proposal by Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell on racial patterns in business activity
• Update on Reparations Home Improvement program by Micheal Dykes
• Accept and file ancestor reparations recipients disbursement update
• Accept and file direct descendant reparations recipients disbursement update
• Accept and file April's Reparations Financial Report

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will review and potentially approve several Evanston Thrives initiatives funded by ARPA, totaling an estimated $2,042,454. Staff seek guidance on projects including a downtown civic plaza, business district gateways, and placemaking equipment. The committee will also hear an update on open and closed businesses and receive announcements from members.

• Theater/Civic Plaza (Maple-Church-Davis) - $500,000
• Arrington Lagoon Building - $84,850
• Replace Downtown Garbage/Recycling Cans - $165,104
• Establish Clear Business District Gateways - $500,000
• Callan Plaza (Howard Street) - $150,000

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider approval of the City of Evanston payroll and bills list totaling over $7.4 million, along with several contract awards and purchases. Items include a summer bus transportation contract, fleet equipment purchases, a fire department policy management platform, radios for alternative police response teams, and various other services. The committee will also introduce several liquor license ordinance amendments.

• Payroll $3,419,028.23 and bills list $4,055,811.38
• Contract with Compass Transportation for summer bus service, not to exceed $69,189.25
• Single-source purchase of three fleet vehicles totaling $596,064.03 (sewer truck, Nissan Ariya, Chevy Silverado EV)
• Sole-source contract with Lexipol for fire department policy platform, $80,219.59
• Ordinances to add grocery store liquor license, allow wine off-premises, and increase liquor license caps for TOCA and Paragon

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the minutes from the March 11, 2024 meeting and public comment.

• Approval of minutes from March 11, 2024 meeting
• Review and scheduling of referrals list (available online)
• Prioritization of referrals for future hearings

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to discuss and vote on several significant items, including a $900,000 allocation for a second round of guaranteed income, a $25 million loan for lead service line replacement, and a discussion on replacing a fire department aerial ladder truck. The agenda also includes numerous consent agenda items covering contracts, purchases, and liquor license ordinance changes.

• Approval of $900,000 from ARPA funds for second round of guaranteed income
• Ordinance 29-O-24: borrowing up to $25,000,000 from IEPA for lead service line replacement
• Contract award for Parks and Recreation summer bus transportation (Compass Transportation, $69,189.25)
• Single-source purchase of fleet equipment including a Vactor sewer truck ($485,010) and electric vehicles
• Ordinances to add grocery store liquor license, allow wine sales off-premises, and increase liquor license caps

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss accessibility issues and grievances. Items include bus stop and CTA accessibility with a CTA ADA manager visit planned for April, plus new inquiries on bike path repainting, tactile buttons for fitness equipment, a ramp at Noyes, and curb cuts. The committee will also review training updates and membership outreach.

• Bus stop/CTA accessibility with CTA ADA manager visit in April
• Re-painting bike path along lakefront
• Tactile buttons for fitness equipment
• Ramp request for Noyes main entrance
• Grace Lutheran Church curb cuts

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The City of Evanston is introducing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool to be used when making referrals for City Council consideration. The scorecard is designed to ensure equity is intentionally considered in the development, evaluation, and implementation of City policies, programs, and practices. The document outlines the process for project leaders and the Equity and Empowerment Commission (EEC) to use the scorecard, including a 10-question criteria and a final recommendation.

• Establishes the Evanston Equity Scorecard for City Council referrals
• Applies to new projects, policy drafting, housing, zoning, budget, subsidies, and tax abatements
• Defines equity broadly to include race, income, disability, gender identity, age, and language access
• Assigns three EEC members to independently review each scorecard
• Includes a final recommendation vote by the EEC (Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral, Do Not Support)

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The M/W/D/EBE Development Committee will consider a waiver request from Kovilic Construction for the Church Street Boat Ramp dredging project, which would exempt the contractor from MWDEBE subcontracting goals. The committee will also approve minutes from prior meetings, discuss staff reports, and update its work plan, including the Ryan Field agreement and business survey.

• Waiver request for Church Street Boat Ramp dredging (Kovilic Construction)
• Approval of minutes from Feb 21, Dec 20, 2023, and Oct 18, 2023 meetings
• 2024 Committee Meeting Calendar discussion
• Work plan updates: business survey, website development, Ryan Field agreement
• Community Contributions Award Proposal

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council is meeting to approve past meeting minutes, discuss public art maintenance and mural projects for 2024, and consider leadership openings. The agenda includes updates on several murals planned across the city, as well as routine administrative items.

• Approval of minutes from October 2023 through February 2024
• Public art maintenance at Lakefront, Ecology Center, and Cartwright Park
• Quinlan Park leased sculpture removal and replacement
• 2024 mural projects at 824 Noyes Street, 1723 Simpson Street, 909 Davis Street, and CTA underpass at Clark Street
• Discussion of Arts Council chair and vice chair openings for fall 2024

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss and vote on recommending approval of $1,000,000 in HOME-ARP funding for rehabilitation of the non-congregate shelter at 1566 Oak Avenue (the former Margarita Inn) and $150,000 for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, both to Connections for the Homeless. The committee will also consider accepting the 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the city's CDBG, HOME, and Emergency Solutions Grant programs, and receive a presentation on 2024 planning updates related to the City Council's affordable housing goal. Public comment will be taken on the CAPER and other agenda items.

• Vote to recommend $1,000,000 HOME-ARP for non-congregate shelter rehab at 1566 Oak Avenue
• Vote to recommend $150,000 HOME-ARP for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance to Connections for the Homeless
• Approval of 2023 CAPER for CDBG, HOME, and Emergency Solutions Grant programs
• Presentation on 2024 planning and program updates for affordable housing goal
• Approval of February 20, 2024 meeting minutes

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is holding a regular meeting with a largely procedural agenda: call to order, approval of February minutes, public comment, and adjournment. The only substantive item is a closed session for firefighter candidate interviews, with no public decisions or discussions listed.

• Approval of minutes from February 2, 2024 meeting
• Closed session for firefighter candidate interview
• Public comment period

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider two new liquor license applications and four proposed ordinance changes to Evanston's liquor code. The board will also vote on approving minutes from its January 12, 2024 meeting. The ordinances, if passed by City Council, would create a new grocery store liquor license, allow wine sales for off-premises consumption under an existing license, permit alcohol service at 7 a.m. for restaurants, and add a license category for city-owned properties.

• TOCA Training Centers – Evanston, LLC requests Class W license (Commercial Recreation Facility) at 2454 Oakton Street
• Six Spoons, Inc. d/b/a Paragon requests Class D (Restaurant) license at 503 Main Street
• Ordinance 33-O-24 creates Class L-3 Grocery Store Liquor License with $5,000 annual fee
• Ordinance 34-O-24 allows F-3 license holders to sell wine for off-premises consumption
• Ordinance 35-O-24 expands Class D alcohol service hours to start at 7 a.m.

Social Services Committee

The Evanston Social Services Committee will discuss and set funding priorities for the FY 2025/26 grant cycle. The agenda includes approval of February 8, 2024 minutes, public comment, and a staff report. The discussion builds on prior conversations about community needs, program outcomes, and budget transparency.

• FY 2025/26 funding priorities discussion
• Approval of February 8, 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment opportunities (written, phone, or video)
• Staff report on social services programs

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is meeting to approve minutes, receive staff and committee reports, and hear a presentation from Sharon Stolz of the North Shore Senior Center. The agenda includes updates on dementia-friendly initiatives and long-term care, but no votes on policy items are scheduled. The meeting is largely procedural, with public comment closed as no one signed up.

• Presentation by Sharon Stolz on North Shore Senior Center programming
• Dementia Friendly Movie 'Queen Bees' at Levy Center on April 4, 6-8 pm
• Review of AARP Illinois 2024 State Legislative Agenda
• No public comment signed up
• Next meeting scheduled for April 18

Compensation Committee

The Evanston Compensation Committee is meeting to review its 2016 and 2020 recommendations to the City Council on elected official compensation, and to discuss future agenda items and research topics. The committee will also select dates for future meetings. This is a discussion and planning session, not a final decision on compensation.

• Review of 2016 recommendation: alderman salary to $15,990, mayor to $25,317, effective May 1, 2017
• Review of 2020 recommendation: 0% increase for 2021-2022, then matching non-union raises for 2023-2024
• Discussion of future agenda items and topics to research
• Action on selecting next meeting date

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will decide whether the completed internal investigation of Departmental Inquiry #23-15 is complete, thorough, objective, and fair. They will also discuss proposed updates to Chapter 14 of the city code regarding the commission, and may enter executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Review of Departmental Inquiry #23-15 (reckless driving complaint, not sustained)
• Discussion of proposed updated Chapter 14 - Citizen Police Review Commission
• Possible executive session for personnel matters
• Public comment period (25 minutes, 5 minutes per speaker)

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will decide on funding for 2022-2024 capital projects, including the timing and amount of General Obligation bonds, use of a line of credit, or other sources. They will also discuss policies on unbudgeted capital projects, unallocated ARPA funds, credit card fees, and the property tax loss factor. The agenda includes approval of the February 13, 2024 minutes.

• Recommendation to issue $18,012,000 in GO bonds for 2022-2023 CIP projects and $18,479,000 for water projects
• Discussion on policy for unbudgeted capital projects and cost overruns
• Discussion on unallocated ARPA funding
• Discussion on credit card fees
• Discussion on property tax loss factor

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will meet to approve prior minutes, hear staff updates on upcoming events, and discuss a new business item: the Dementia Friendly America community application. The meeting is largely procedural, with updates on a movie night, a disability awareness event, and a training flyer.

• Approval of minutes from February 13, 2024 meeting
• Dementia Friendly Movie scheduled for April 6, 6-8pm at Bobby's Room
• Disability awareness event held Feb 28 for city staff
• Renewal Memory Partners event on March 5 at Evanston Public Library
• Discussion of Dementia Friendly America Community Application

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is meeting to consider a consent agenda of routine approvals, including contracts, settlements, and resolutions. Notable items include an $810,000 subrecipient agreement for a rent assistance program, a $25 million loan authorization for lead service line replacement, and several contract awards and extensions for city services and infrastructure projects.

• Approval of $810,000 subrecipient agreement with Connections for the Homeless for rent assistance
• Ordinance 29-O-24 authorizing $25,000,000 loan from Illinois EPA for lead service line replacement
• Contract award to Utility Dynamics Corporation for $483,271 for street light improvements
• Contract extension with SAFEbuilt for Ryan Field Stadium plan review, up to $140,000 plus $50,000 budget increase
• Settlement approvals in Cope v. City of Evanston & SP Plus and Rochman v. City of Evanston

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the January 22 meeting minutes and public comment. This is a routine procedural meeting with no specific decisions listed on the agenda.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of January 22

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will vote on a text amendment to allow more efficiency homes per lot and a special use for a 12-unit efficiency home development at 1915-17 Grant Street, which the Land Use Commission recommends denying. It will also introduce a special use for JBS Thrift at 1630 Orrington Avenue. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.

• Ordinance 19-O-24: Text amendment to increase efficiency home ground floor max from 500 to 600 sq ft and allow more than one per lot via special use
• Ordinance 18-O-24: Special use for 12 efficiency homes at 1915-17 Grant Street, requiring relief for 12 units (max 6, or 8 with IHO bonus) and 0 ft parking setback (3 ft required)
• Ordinance 24-O-24: Special use for JBS Thrift resale establishment at 1630 Orrington Avenue in D3 Downtown Core District
• Approval of minutes from February 12, 2024 meeting

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to consider a consent agenda with multiple contracts, ordinances, and resolutions, including a $25 million loan for lead service line replacement and a $810,000 rent assistance program. The agenda also includes discussions on amending citizen comment rules and a potential delivery fleet fee.

• Ordinance 29-O-24: Borrow up to $25,000,000 from Illinois EPA for lead service line replacement
• Subrecipient agreement with Connections for the Homeless: $810,000 for rent assistance
• Contract with Utility Dynamics Corp: $483,271 for street light improvements
• Contract with PremiStar LLC: $38,744-$41,104/year for ice refrigeration maintenance at Robert Crown
• Resolution 25-R-24: Amending City Council Rule 6 on citizen comment

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to vote on its revised 2024 meeting schedule and to receive staff reports on utility reliability (electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks) and water/sewer capital project status. The agenda also includes updates on rooftop solar, Climate Action Plan implementation, Building Performance Standards, lead service line replacements, and ongoing projects like PFAS and watermain geothermal.

• Vote on Revised 2024 Utilities Commission Meeting Schedule
• Monthly utility reliability report (electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks)
• Water & sewer fund capital improvement project status
• Update on Rooftop Solar on City Buildings
• LSL Replacements – Additional Concepts

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee is meeting to accept and file the March financial report for the Reparations Fund. The report details donations and real estate transfer tax revenues, and notes that cannabis tax data cannot be shared due to confidentiality. The meeting includes public comment and announcements.

• Accept and file March's Reparations Financial Report
• Reparations Fund donations total $52,457.22 as of Jan. 8, 2023
• Real estate transfer tax transfers of $164,984 as of Feb. 23, 2024
• Cannabis tax data withheld due to fewer than 5 dispensaries (confidentiality)
• Public comment preregistration required by 8:30 a.m. on meeting day

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee will vote on accepting a police complaints report, recommend suspending leaf blower enforcement from March 18 to April 8, 2024, and approve an honorary street name sign for Washington Street. They will also discuss a draft ordinance regulating video gaming. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Accept and file Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report (3 complaints, 3 compliments)
• Resolution 21-R-24: suspend leaf blower enforcement (City Code 8-26-5) from March 18 to April 8, 2024
• Resolution 20-R-24: honorary street name 'Bennett J. Johnson Way' on Washington Street between Custer and Sherman Avenues (approx. $200 cost)
• Ordinance 30-O-24: discussion on amending Title 3 Chapter 36 regarding video gaming regulation

Economic Development Committee

The Evanston Economic Development Committee will consider recommending a sales tax-sharing agreement for SKA Motors (City VW) at 1033 Chicago Avenue, with a proposed 50% share of sales tax over five years capped at $1 million. The committee will also vote on canceling or rescheduling the March 27, 2024 meeting, and receive updates on the Enjoy Evanston marketing campaign and the Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan.

• Sales tax-sharing agreement for SKA Motors (City VW): 50% share over 5 years, capped at $1 million
• Cancel or reschedule March 27, 2024 committee meeting
• Enjoy Evanston marketing and communications update
• Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan presentation
• February 2024 Economic Development Report

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider several contracts and ordinances, including a $571,431.25 sewer rehabilitation contract, a $339,185 play equipment purchase, and an emergency contract for Lincoln Street Bridge repairs. The agenda also includes approval of payroll and bills, a proposal for an Alternative Community Response Initiative, and two parking-related ordinances. Most items are on the consent calendar and are expected to be approved collectively.

• Contract with National Power Rodding Corp. for 2024 CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation – Contract A (Bid 24-04) in the amount of $571,431.25
• Single-source contract with Ozinga Ready Mix for concrete materials in the amount of $80,000
• Pre-purchase of play equipment for Independence and Larimer Park Renovations from Landscape Structures for $339,185.00
• Resolution 18-R-24 authorizing emergency contract and payments to Lorig Construction for Lincoln Street Bridge emergency repair
• Ordinances amending loading zones and Evanston Resident Only Parking Districts

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to vote on a consent agenda that includes several contracts and ordinances. Key items include a $571,431.25 sewer rehabilitation contract, a $339,185.00 pre-purchase of play equipment for park renovations, and an emergency contract for Lincoln Street Bridge repairs. The council will also consider zoning changes for efficiency homes, including a proposed development at 1915-17 Grant Street that the Land Use Commission recommends denying, and an ordinance to modify cannabis dispensary hours. Public comment is scheduled, and the meeting includes roll call, announcements, and appointments to boards and commissions.

• Contract with National Power Rodding Corp. for 2024 CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation – Contract A (Bid 24-04) for $571,431.25
• Contract with Landscape Structures for pre-purchase of play equipment for Independence and Larimer Park Renovations for $339,185.00
• Resolution 18-R-24 authorizing emergency contract and payments to Lorig Construction for Lincoln Street Bridge emergency repair
• Ordinance 18-O-24 for a Special Use with Zoning Relief for an Efficiency Home Development at 1915-17 Grant Street (Land Use Commission recommends denial)
• Ordinance 25-O-24 to modify maximum allowed hours of operation for Cannabis Dispensaries

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to review new accessibility inquiries and grievances, including issues at the Mobile DMV, Robert Crown Library, bus stops along Oakton, and other locations. They will also discuss upcoming training and education updates, including the Disability Awareness Event on Feb. 28, and committee membership efforts.

• Review of grievances: Mobile DMV inaccessible camera, Robert Crown Library computer tables, bus stops along Oakton, NorShore Cab Company, Devil Dawgs loud music, garbage pick-up accommodation
• Disability Awareness Event on Feb. 28 planning
• Committee membership flyer and webpage form
• March meeting date changed to 3/21
• Dog Beach improvement info

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is considering two resolutions regarding office space for city hall functions. Resolution 19-R-24 would authorize the City Manager to negotiate leases with 3, 5, 7, and 10-year terms, replacing the previously approved 15-year lease at 909 Davis Street. Resolution 20-R-24 would authorize executing a 10-year lease at 909 Davis Street. The committee will also take public comment and handle any consent calendar items.

• Resolution 19-R-24: Authorizes negotiating leases with 3, 5, 7, and 10-year terms for city hall office space, replacing the 15-year lease approved in January.
• Resolution 20-R-24: Authorizes executing a 10-year lease at 909 Davis Street for city hall office space.
• Background: Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Avenue has deterioration, accessibility, and code compliance issues; renovation estimated at $63 million, replacement at $52 million.
• Public comment sign-up available via City Clerk's online form or by phone/text at 847-448-4311.

Special City Council

The Evanston City Council is holding a special meeting to reconsider its January 22, 2024 decision to lease office space at 909 Davis Street for city hall functions. Councilmembers Kelly, Burns, Suffredin, and Reid are proposing Resolution 19-R-24, which would direct the City Manager to negotiate leases with 3, 5, 7, and 10-year terms, replacing the previously approved 15-year lease with a 7-year opt-out. An alternative resolution, 20-R-24, would authorize a 10-year lease at 909 Davis Street. The meeting also includes routine items such as roll call, public comment, and adjournment.

• Resolution 19-R-24: Authorizes City Manager to negotiate leases for city hall office space with 3, 5, 7, and 10-year terms, replacing Resolution 9-R-24.
• Resolution 20-R-24: Authorizes City Manager to execute a 10-year lease at 909 Davis Street for city hall office space.
• Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Avenue is deteriorated, non-compliant with ADA and building codes; renovation estimated at $63 million, replacement at $52 million.
• Previous Resolution 9-R-24 (15-year lease with 7-year opt-out) passed 6-3 on January 22, 2024.

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The Minority, Women, Disadvantaged & Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the Rebuilding Exchange and Ryan Field agreement, review tracking reports, and plan the 2024 meeting calendar. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes and updates on committee work plans.

• Rebuilding Exchange + Ryan Field Agreement Update
• M/W/D/EBE Tracking Report
• LEP Tracking Report
• 2024 Committee Meeting Calendar
• Business Survey Discussion

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will review and vote on revisions to its Cultural Fund and Special Project Fund grant guidelines, including increasing the maximum Cultural Fund award from $4,000 to $6,000 for 2024 and possibly raising the Special Project Fund cap from $1,000 to $1,500 or $2,000. The council will also discuss public art maintenance projects, storage of the city's art collection, and the Meals on Wheels mural. Votes will determine changes to funding eligibility for individual artists and revisions to scoring language for equity and BIPOC-led applications.

• Vote to increase Cultural Fund maximum award to $6,000 for 2024 (from $4,000 in 2023)
• Vote to increase Special Project Fund maximum from $1,000 to $1,500 or $2,000
• Vote to change 'favored' to 'encouraged' in scoring rubric for BIPOC-led applications
• Discussion on whether Special Project Grants remain rolling or have set deadlines
• Update on 2024 Ecology Center maintenance projects: Shore Bird and Meg Chilidae, Prairie Sanctuary

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will consider allocating $20,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund to support the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a database used by homeless service providers. They will also review and file an update on the Green Homes Retrofit pilot program, which has faced delays, and discuss funding guidelines for FY 2023-24 CDBG public facilities improvement projects. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Allocate $20,000 to Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County for HMIS
• Accept and file update on One Stop Shop/Green Homes Retrofit Program (delayed, no construction started)
• Funding guidelines and applicants for FY 2023-24 CDBG Public Facilities Improvements Projects
• Approve minutes from December 12, 2023 meeting

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool designed to evaluate city projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda includes the scorecard's introduction, instructions for use, and the criteria for evaluation. The commission will discuss how the scorecard will be used for referrals to City Council and other decision-making bodies.

• Equity Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, positive equity impacts, alternative approaches, accessibility, feasibility, accountability, and success indicators.
• Scorecard applies to new projects, policy drafting, housing development, zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement design.
• Review process assigns three commission members to independently evaluate each proposal, with final recommendation voted on by the commission.
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral/More Information Needed, Do Not Support.

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to approve minutes, hear public comment, and receive staff updates on outreach to the Alzheimer's Association and North Shore Senior Center. They will discuss improving the Dementia Friendly Toolkit and efforts to support caregivers and businesses. The agenda is largely routine, with no major decisions or votes scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from January 9, 2024 meeting
• Update on Dementia Friendly Illinois meeting and new communities
• Planned meeting with Glenn Earich and Sharon Stolz from North Shore Senior Center
• Outreach to Alzheimer's Association for support group training
• Discussion on improving Dementia Friendly Toolkit

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will hear a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace non-original cladding with fiber cement siding at 1046 Michigan Avenue, a designated landmark in the Lakeshore Historic District. The commission will also consider amending the Statement of Significance for the Harley Clarke Mansion and Grounds at 2603 Sheridan Road, and receive presentations on the Envision Evanston 2045 plan and handling of inadvertently discovered ancestral remains.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 1046 Michigan Ave: replace non-original cladding with fiber cement lap siding and trim
• Amend Statement of Significance for 2603 Sheridan Road (Harley Clarke Mansion) to add separate statement for dune landscape
• Presentation on Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan and zoning code by HDR, Inc.
• Presentation on inadvertent discovery and re-interment of ancestral remains by Eli S. Suzukovich III, PhD
• Discussion of a realtor certification program for historic preservation (no vote)

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will vote on Resolution 15-R-24, which allows the city to spend up to $29,176,500 on capital projects and reimburse itself from future 2024 general obligation bond proceeds. The committee will also approve a list of seven peer communities for future analyses and discuss the property tax loss factor, credit card fees, preliminary 2023 financials, and options for the Civic Center and Police/Fire Headquarters.

• Resolution 15-R-24: $29,176,500 in GO bond reimbursements for Capital Improvement, Library, and Water funds
• Approval of peer communities list: Skokie, Oak Park, Des Plaines, Bloomington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Park Ridge
• Discussion on property tax loss factor
• Discussion on credit card fees
• Discussion on preliminary 2023 financials and Civic Center/Police-Fire HQ options

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar of contracts, change orders, and resolutions, including major capital projects like the Service Center North Fuel Island Replacement and the Ecology Center Renovation. The agenda also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and credit card activity, plus several resolutions for street resurfacing and a settlement.

• Contract award to Stenstrom Petroleum Services Group for $1,577,362 for the Service Center North Fuel Island Replacement (Bid 23-58)
• Contract award to Central Rug & Carpet for $2,318,999 for the Ecology Center Renovation (Bid 23-55)
• Change Order No. 4 to Bolder Contractors for $1,606,238.33 for 2023 Water Main Improvements and Street Resurfacing
• Resolution 13-R-24 to use $2,306,600 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for street resurfacing
• Ordinance 22-O-24 to add resident parking-only districts on Keeney St and South Boulevard

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider several significant items, including adopting the One Howard Street Economic Recovery Plan, an intergovernmental agreement with Wilmette regarding Ryan Field, and a presentation on the Envision Evanston 2045 plan. The consent agenda includes numerous contracts, ordinances, and resolutions covering infrastructure, public safety, and community development.

• Resolution 17-R-24: Intergovernmental agreement with Village of Wilmette regarding Ryan Field
• One Howard Street Economic Recovery Plan adoption
• Contract award to Stenstrom Petroleum Services Group for $1,577,362 for fuel island replacement
• Contract with Bodala, LLC for $2,318,999 for Ecology Center renovation
• Ordinance 22-O-24: Adding resident parking-only zones on Keeney St and South Boulevard

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee is considering four ordinances, including a text amendment to allow more than one efficiency home per lot via special use, a special use for 12 efficiency homes at 1915-17 Grant Street (recommended for denial), a special use for a thrift store expansion at 1630 Orrington Avenue, and a text amendment to modify cannabis dispensary operating hours. The committee will vote on whether to introduce these ordinances to the full City Council.

• Ordinance 19-O-24: Text amendment to increase efficiency home ground floor max from 500 to 600 sq ft and require special use for more than one per lot
• Ordinance 18-O-24: Special use for 12 efficiency homes at 1915-17 Grant Street, with zoning relief for 12 units (max 6, or 8 with IHO bonus) and 0 ft parking setback (3 ft required); LUC recommends denial
• Ordinance 24-O-24: Special use for JBS Thrift resale establishment at 1630 Orrington Avenue in D3 Downtown Core District
• Ordinance 25-O-24: Text amendment to modify maximum allowed hours of operation for cannabis dispensaries
• Public comment available via online form or phone/text 847-448-4311

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the full list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda includes public comment, approval of the January 22, 2024 minutes, and the referral review item. The prior meeting's minutes show two referrals were directed to other bodies.

• Review and scheduling of all referrals made to date
• Approval of January 22, 2024 minutes
• Public comment period

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss the Stormwater Master Plan, review monthly utility reliability reports, and receive updates on capital projects, rooftop solar, climate action, and building electrification. The agenda includes discussion items on lead service line replacements and 2024 goals, but no final decisions are scheduled.

• Stormwater Master Plan presentation by Ms. Nash and Hey & Associates
• Monthly utility reliability report (electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks)
• Water & sewer fund capital improvement project status
• Update on Rooftop Solar on City Buildings
• Building Electrification Ordinance discussion

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is holding a regular meeting with routine items: approving minutes, receiving committee reports, and hearing staff updates. They will discuss an article about a proposed Illinois caregiver tax credit and plan for upcoming events, including the Aging Well Conference.

• Discussion of article on AARP-backed caregiver tax credit proposal
• Staff report on Sharon Stolz from North Shore Senior Center speaking at March meeting
• Aging Well Conference on May 17th, with film night on May 9th, seeking volunteers
• Committee reports from Dementia Friendly, Long Term Care, and ADA committees
• Public comment period with no one signed up

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will discuss 2024 Public Services Funding Priorities to guide the FY 2025/26 grant application cycle, considering City Council goals and the 2022 EPLAN community needs assessment. The committee will also nominate a vice chair and review revised 2024 meeting topics. Public comment is invited.

• Discussion of 2024 Public Services Funding Priorities
• Nomination of Vice Chair
• Revised 2024 SSC Meeting Topics
• Approval of November 11, 2023 meeting minutes

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will decide whether two completed internal investigations (Departmental Inquiries #23-06 and #23-10) were complete, thorough, objective, and fair, and whether to approve a letter requesting further review of Complaint Register #23-02. The commission may also enter executive session to discuss personnel and will discuss proposed updates to Chapter 14 of the city code governing the commission.

• Review of Departmental Inquiry #23-06 (assault complaint at Sam's Club, 2400 block of Main Street)
• Review of Departmental Inquiry #23-10
• Decision on letter for further review of CR# 23-02
• Discussion of proposed updated Chapter 14 - Citizens Police Review Commission ordinance
• Possible executive session on personnel matters

Northwestern University-City Committee

The Northwestern University-City Committee will discuss several items related to Northwestern's impact on nearby neighborhoods, including signage and rules for a basketball court, notification of construction plans, and issues like noise, traffic, and parking around Ryan Field and other university properties. The agenda also includes discussion of a proposed band shell and other structures, as well as ongoing concerns about noise from chillers. The meeting will be held remotely due to an executive order, with public comment accepted by phone or in writing.

• Signage and enforcement of rules for basketball court next to Foster Walker dorm (T2)
• Discussion of notification to residents near T1, T2, U1 districts about construction and related noise, traffic, parking
• Discussion of planning, land use, zoning in T1 buffer zone between U2/Ryan Stadium and residential neighborhoods
• Discussion of plans for future band shell and ancillary structures outside stadium in U2 district
• Discussion of noise from chillers on north side of Welsh Ryan Arena

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee will vote to accept and file the Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report, which includes three complaints and 30 letters, cards, and compliments. They will also discuss an update to the leaf blower ordinance and approve minutes from the November 28, 2023 meeting. Public comment is invited.

• Accept and file Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report (3 complaints, 30 letters/cards/compliments)
• Discuss leaf blower ordinance update
• Approve minutes of November 28, 2023 regular meeting
• Public comment sign-up available via City Clerk's online form or phone/text

Rules Committee

The Evanston Rules Committee is meeting to consider several rule changes, including eliminating term limits for board, committee, and commission members, clarifying the Compensation Committee's membership, and moving an April City Council meeting date to accommodate Passover. The committee will also discuss a proposal to allow documented residents to vote in municipal elections, which staff recommends postponing.

• Resolution 11-R-24: Eliminate term limits for board, committee, and commission members
• Resolution 10-R-24: Clarify Compensation Committee membership to be non-councilmembers
• Ordinance 23-O-24: Amend Reparations Committee term limits
• Move April 22, 2024 City Council meeting to April 29, 2024 for Passover
• Discussion of voter enfranchisement for documented residents (postponement recommended)

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving prior minutes and hearing public comment. The main item is an executive session for police officer interviews, followed by a return to public session to vote on appointments. No specific names, numbers, or contract details are listed in the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from 11/28/2023 meeting
• Public comment period
• Executive session for police officer interviews
• Voting on appointments after executive session

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the direct descendant intake process, outreach to Black financial institutions, and a draft ordinance to stagger committee term limits. They will also review the February newsletter, working group updates, and accept the ancestor reparations recipients disbursement update and December financial report. The meeting includes public comment and approval of previous minutes.

• Draft ordinance 23-O-24 to amend Title 2, Chapter 17 of City Code to stagger Reparations Committee term limits
• Ancestor Reparations Recipients Disbursement Update: 124 of 140 qualified applicants have made selections, with estimated disbursements totaling $2,953,595.81
• Reparations Financial Report: $52,457.22 in donations and $3,000,000 in Real Estate Transfer Tax revenue received; $1,000,000 to be transferred to the fund in 2024
• Update on OKAY Cannabis dispensary at 100 Chicago Avenue, with tax revenue going to the Reparations Fund
• Direct Descendant intake process and Community Wealth Day Fair discussion

Preservation Commission

The Evanston Preservation Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for a wooden deck and window/door changes at the landmark home at 1117 Sheridan Road. They will also elect 2024 officers, adopt the 2024 annual work plan, and discuss (without voting) the construction management plan for the Mt. Pisgah Apartments development and potential changes to the Statement of Significance for the Harley Clarke Mansion.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for deck and fenestration changes at 1117 Sheridan Road (landmark, Tudor Revival, 1912)
• Election of 2024 Commission officers
• Adoption of 2024 annual work plan with Preserve 2040 initiatives
• Discussion of construction management plan for 1813-1815 Church Street (Mt. Pisgah Apartments) to protect adjacent landmark at 1817 Church Street
• Discussion of amending Statement of Significance for 2603 Sheridan Road (Harley Clarke Mansion)

Special Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss proposed amendments to Evanston's Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance, which was last revised in 2016. The changes aim to align with Cook County rules and modern housing policies, covering items like late fees, security deposits, and tenant rights. The committee is not voting at this meeting; staff will present the full set of proposed changes for discussion. Additional topics for future consideration include a Tenant Right to Purchase, an Anti-Displacement Fund, and a Notice of Reason for Non-Renewal policy.

• Limit late fees to $50 or 5% of rent, whichever is lower
• Remove requirement to pay interest on security deposits
• Increase lease non-renewal notice from 30 to 90 days
• Proposed Tenant Right to Purchase: 90-day notice and option period
• Proposed Anti-Displacement Fund: relocation assistance up to 2x monthly rent

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates on previous accessibility inquiries and grievances, review new complaints about CTA stops, stoplight timing, sidewalk obstructions, and mobile DMV sites, and hear training and education updates from Disability Services. The agenda is largely discussion-focused with no formal votes or decisions scheduled.

• Review of new grievances: inaccessible CTA stops, stoplight/pedestrian signal length, parked cars blocking sidewalks, sidewalk width along Main, mobile DMV sites for 2024
• Update: accessible entrance signs at Noyes installation complete
• Training: Manager Ruiz met with Public Works, Community Development, Parking Services, Library departments
• ADA Transition Plan Annual Update feedback
• Disability Awareness Event scheduled for Feb. 28

911 - Emergency Telephone System Board

The Evanston 911 Emergency Telephone System Board will meet to discuss and approve the 2023 Annual Financial Report, which details revenues and expenditures for the 911 system. They will also receive an update on the status of the new CAD (computer-aided dispatch) system project. The agenda includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Discussion and approval of the 2023 Annual Financial Report, showing total funds available of $3,309,271.81 and total expenditures of $1,635,994.05
• Update on the project status for the new CAD system
• Approval of minutes from the October 26, 2023 regular meeting

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider recommending City Council approval of a sales tax-sharing agreement for SKA Motors Evanston (dba City VW) at 1033 Chicago Avenue, projected to cost about $2 million over ten years. It will also consider recommending $250,000 in Tax Increment Financing for Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse's expansion to 1265 Hartrey Ave. The committee will discuss a 2023 grant update and receive updates on business registration, the Chicago North Shore CVB, and economic data.

• Sales tax-sharing agreement for SKA Motors (City VW) at 1033 Chicago Ave, projected $2M cost over 10 years
• $250,000 TIF request for Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse expansion to 1265 Hartrey Ave
• 2023 Economic Development Division grant update
• Business Registration Directory update including MWEDBE
• Chicago North Shore CVB fourth quarter 2023 update

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is reviewing a consent calendar with multiple contracts, purchases, and ordinances for City Council action. Key items include authorizing the purchase of real property at 430 Asbury for up to $2,600,000, establishing Special Service Area No. 10 for the Howard Street corridor, and approving several sole-source contracts and change orders. The committee will also consider minutes from the January 8, 2024 meeting.

• Resolution 7-R-24: Authorize purchase of real property at 430 Asbury for up to $2,600,000 from General Fund Reserve
• Ordinance 3-O-24: Establish Special Service Area No. 10 for Howard Street commercial corridor marketing and streetscape improvements
• Ordinance 4-O-24: Levy annual property tax for SSA No. 10 in amount of $92,624 ($95,403 as extended)
• Ordinance 12-O-24: Authorize sale of city-owned property at 504 South Boulevard for affordable housing redevelopment
• Change Order No. 6 with Stantec for 1909 Raw Water Intake Replacement: increase contract by $568,597 to $2,702,050

City Council

The Evanston City Council will discuss the adaptive reuse of the Harley Clarke Mansion and a feasibility study for relocating the Civic Center and Police/Fire Headquarters. They will also vote on a lease for office space at 909 Davis Street to house city hall functions. The consent agenda includes numerous contracts, ordinances, and resolutions, including a settlement payment and several liquor license increases.

• Discussion on REI responses for adaptive reuse of Harley Clarke Mansion (2603 Sheridan Road)
• Resolution 9-R-24: Lease at 909 Davis Street for City Hall office space
• Resolution 7-R-24: Purchase of real property at 430 Asbury for up to $2,600,000
• Ordinance 3-O-24: Establishing Special Service Area No. 10 for Howard Street corridor
• Ordinance 12-O-24: Sale of city-owned property at 504 South Boulevard for affordable housing

Referrals Committee

The Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the January 8 meeting minutes and public comment. The January 8 minutes show referrals were sent to various boards and commissions with hearing dates in early 2024.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of January 8, 2024 meeting minutes
• Referrals to Liquor Control Review Board, Utilities Commission, Environment Board, Rules, and Human Services (from prior minutes)

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool designed to evaluate city projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda includes the scorecard's introduction, instructions for use, and the criteria for review. The commission is discussing how to apply this tool to future City Council referrals.

• Equity Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, positive equity impacts, alternative approaches, accessibility, feasibility, accountability, and success indicators.
• Scorecard applies to new projects, policy drafting, housing development, zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement design.
• Review process assigns three commission members to independently evaluate each proposal, with final recommendation voted on by the commission.
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, Do Not Support.

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will consider allocating $20,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund to support the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which tracks services for homeless individuals in suburban Cook County. They will also discuss funding guidelines and applicants for FY 2023-24 CDBG Public Facilities Improvements Projects, with $300,000 budgeted for nonprofit capital improvements. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a staff update on the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance.

• Allocation of $20,000 to Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County for HMIS
• Review of CDBG Public Facilities Improvements Projects (budget $300,000, awards $25,000-$125,000)
• Approval of December 12, 2023 meeting minutes
• Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) project update

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will discuss and plan several initiatives, including a city-wide arts survey, defining the council's role and activities, and beginning preparations for its 50th anniversary in 2025. The meeting also includes public comment, introduction of a new member, and updates on public art and a program partnership.

• Discussion of City Arts Survey charter and scope
• Planning for EAC 2024 plan and defining EAC's role
• Initial planning for EAC 50th Anniversary in 2025
• Public Art Update
• Fleetwood Jourdain program partnership discussion

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility operations and environmental initiatives. Agenda items include a source water protection plan, monthly utility reliability reports, updates on rooftop solar and building electrification, and a 2022 communitywide greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The commission will also review a city electrical supply contract and set 2024 goals.

• Source Water Protection Plan presentation
• Monthly utility reliability report (electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks)
• Rooftop Solar on City Buildings update
• Building Electrification Ordinance discussion
• City Electrical Supply Contract presentation

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider two applications for new Class D (Restaurant) liquor licenses: Peckish One, LLC d/b/a Peckish Pig and Devil Dawgs Evanston, LLC d/b/a Devil Dawgs Evanston at 921 Church Street. The board will also approve minutes from its December 8, 2023 meeting. Public comment will be heard.

• Peckish One, LLC d/b/a Peckish Pig — request for Class D (Restaurant) License
• Devil Dawgs Evanston, LLC d/b/a Devil Dawgs Evanston, 921 Church Street — request for Class D (Restaurant) License
• Approval of meeting minutes from December 8, 2023

Special Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee is meeting to accept and file reports on the randomization of Direct Descendant reparations applicants, disbursement updates for Ancestor recipients, and December's financial report. They will also hear an update on the OKAY Cannabis dispensary opening at 100 Chicago Avenue. The meeting includes public comment, a commemoration, and a presentation on Evanston's Black history.

• OKAY Cannabis dispensary to open at 100 Chicago Avenue in early February, contributing sales tax to reparations
• Randomization of Direct Descendant reparations applicants: report to be accepted and filed
• Ancestor reparations disbursement update: 117 of 140 recipients have made selections, totaling $2,953,595.81
• Reparations Financial Report: $52,457.22 in donations, $3,000,000 transferred in 2023, $4,400 in 2024
• Public comment limited to 1 minute per person

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will consider staff recommendations for FY2024 funding allocations for Case Management, Safety Net, and Support Services, totaling $1,275,733. The committee will also nominate a vice chair. The agenda includes a decision on how to allocate $55,000 freed up by the Housing Authority of Cook County's withdrawal from the grant renewal process.

• Approve FY2024 funding allocations: $1,275,733 total ($1,036,783 Community Grant Program, $238,950 estimated CDBG)
• Decide allocation of $55,000 from Housing Authority of Cook County withdrawal
• Options include moving funds to Support Services or distributing CPI-U increases to case management and safety net programs
• Nomination of vice chair
• Public comment period

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will review completed internal investigations for Complaint Register #23-02, #23-04, and Department Inquiry #23-11, and vote on whether each is complete, thorough, objective, and fair. They will also discuss proposed changes to City Code Title 2, Chapter 15 and new commission rules. The meeting includes public comment and may go into executive session for personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint Register #23-02
• Review of Complaint Register #23-04
• Review of Department Inquiry #23-11
• Discussion of proposed modifications to City Code Title 2, Chapter 15 and new CPRC rules
• Possible executive session for personnel matters

Animal Welfare Board

The Animal Welfare Board is reviewing Ordinance 17-O-24, which would restrict horse-drawn carriages on city streets and in parks, and discussing cat policies. They will also review the 2023 animal shelter recap and statistics, including a 94.8% save rate and 363 animals handled.

• Ordinance 17-O-24: restricts horse-drawn carriages, requiring permits and compliance with traffic rules
• 2023 shelter stats: 94.8% save rate, 363 animals handled (22.6% increase over 2022)
• Food pantry distributed 22,916 lbs dry food, 17,633 lbs litter, 42,306 cans to ~225 families
• Custodial program: 1,335 days of care for 19 animals
• Foster program: 303 families, 505 animals, 33,344 days of care

Finance and Budget Committee

The Evanston Finance and Budget Committee will discuss the bond and interest environment for issuing bonds, criteria for selecting peer communities for benchmarking analyses, and the FY 2024 adopted budget with updated FY 2023 financials. They will also vote on approving the November 14, 2023 meeting minutes and the proposed 2024 meeting dates.

• Discussion on issuance of bonds with Speer Financial
• Discussion on criteria for comparable community analyses (population, proximity)
• Discussion on FY 2024 adopted budget and FY 2023 financials
• Approval of 2024 proposed committee meeting dates
• Approval of November 14, 2023 meeting minutes

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comment, and receive staff updates. Discussion items include reviewing a previously circulated document, asking members to recruit new businesses for the Age Friendly Businesses program, and brainstorming ways to support caretakers. The next meeting is scheduled for February 13, 2024.

• Approval of minutes from December 12, 2023 meeting
• Discussion on revitalizing Age Friendly Businesses by recruiting new businesses
• Focus on caretaker support ideas
• Next meeting set for February 13, 2024

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is reviewing a consent calendar of routine approvals, including payroll, bills, and multiple sole-source contracts for recreation programs. Notable items include a contract for automatic license plate readers, a settlement in a lawsuit, and ordinances to vacate and sell city-owned property on South Boulevard for affordable housing.

• Contract with Flock Safety for ALPRs and cameras, $48,500/year for 5 years
• Settlement authorization in Kelly et al. v. City of Evanston (2021 CH 00515)
• Ordinances 1-O-24 and 2-O-24 vacating a portion of Hinman Avenue south of South Boulevard
• Ordinance 5-O-24 authorizing negotiation of sale of city-owned property at South Boulevard for affordable housing
• Approval of payroll totaling $6,898,840.42 and bills list of $11,563,590.33

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider a vacation rental license application for an accessory dwelling unit at 2404 Ridge Avenue, owned by Rick Sweitzer. The committee will make a recommendation to the City Council, which will decide whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the license. The agenda also includes approval of the October 9, 2023 meeting minutes.

• Vacation rental license for 2404 Ridge Avenue (two-bedroom unit, up to 4 guests, managed via Airbnb)
• Approval of minutes from October 9, 2023 meeting

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to consider a consent agenda that includes approving contracts, purchases, and policy changes. Key items include a five-year contract with Flock Safety for automatic license plate readers, several sole-source agreements for recreation programs, and updates to the Climate Action Plan. The meeting also includes discussion of the Municipal Service Center Master Plan and an amended contract for the City Manager.

• Contract with Flock Safety for automatic license plate readers and cameras, $48,500 per year for five years
• Sole source purchase of Dell Data Domain DD6400 backup appliance upgrade, $25,482.24
• Renewal of Cisco Systems Security Enterprise License Agreement, $491,234.20 over three years
• Approval of payroll totaling $6,898,840.42 and bills list of $11,563,590.33
• Resolution 5-R-24, amended contract for City Manager Luke Stowe

Referrals Committee

The Evanston Referrals Committee will review the list of referrals made to date and select which ones to prioritize for scheduling. The agenda also includes approval of the November 20, 2023 minutes and public comment. This is a routine administrative meeting focused on managing the committee's workload.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of November 20, 2023