Evanston public meetings in 2025

Utilities Commission

The Utilities Commission will review monthly utility reliability and capital improvement project summaries. The meeting includes discussions on energy procurement for July 2027 and feedback regarding water service line material notifications.

• Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program discussion
• Energy Procurement 4.0 for July 2027
• Water Service Line Material Notification Feedback
• Review of Water/Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project Summaries

Parks and Recreation Board

The Board will consider several items including temporary sculpture installations at Twiggs and Independence Parks and a public art donation. Members will also discuss playground project priorities, dog park rules, and potential picnic permit fee changes.

• Two-year lease for 'Voronoi Chair' at Twiggs Park ($7,000)
• Two-year lease for 'The Martians Are Coming' at Independence Park ($7,000)
• Proposed donation of 'Attached' by artist Janet Austin
• Grey Park Dog Park Rules and Regulations
• Proposed Picnic Permit Fee Changes

Five-Fifths TIF Advisory Committee

The Five-Fifths TIF Advisory Committee will discuss a draft framework for a new small business support grant program. The discussion will cover potential eligibility criteria, funding allocation, and application processes for businesses within the TIF boundary.

• Discussion of Five-Fifths TIF Small Business Support Program draft framework
• Review of potential grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $50,000
• Discussion of eligible costs including property improvements and workforce development

Environment Board

The Environment Board will discuss the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, the Stormwater Master Plan, and a draft Environmental Equity Investigation. The board will also review its own priorities and consider approving the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Discussion of Lakefront Protection Ordinance
• Discussion of Stormwater Master Plan recommendations
• Discussion of Environmental Equity Investigation draft
• Action to approve 2026 meeting dates
• Updates from CARP, Healthy Buildings, and Natural Areas taskforces

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is presenting a new tool designed to evaluate city projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The scorecard provides a structured process for commission members to review items such as housing development, budget allocations, and zoning changes before they are submitted to the City Council.

• Introduction of the Equity Scorecard for evaluating city policies and projects
• Establishment of a review process involving three commission members per project
• Criteria for review including stakeholder engagement, root causes, and accessibility

ADA Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss several inquiries and grievances regarding accessibility. Topics include signage, snow removal procedures, and accessible parking at Levy. The meeting will also address transportation policies and upcoming committee schedules.

• Discussion of signage at CJE SeniorLife
• Inquiries regarding snow removal at the hospital, Library, Chase Bank, and bus stops
• Discussion of accessible parking at Levy
• Review of Levy bus transportation policies
• Discussion of accessible ticket purchases for Bulls games

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The M/W/D/EBE Development Committee is reviewing its 2026 workplan and proposed meeting schedule. The committee is also reviewing previous minutes and discussing ongoing strategies to support minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises.

• Proposed 2026 committee meeting schedule
• 2026 MWDEBE Committee Workplan review
• Approval of March 19, 2025, meeting minutes
• Review of April 16, 2025, meeting notes (no quorum)

Healthy Buildings Technical Committee

The Healthy Buildings Technical Committee will review 2024 benchmarking data and discuss energy use intensity targets proposed by ASHRAE. The committee is also tasked with determining a baseline year standard and property type classifications.

• Presentation on Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act by Illinois Green Alliance
• Review of 2024 Evanston Benchmarking Data
• Discussion of ASHRAE Energy Use Intensity targets
• Action to determine Baseline Year Standard
• Action to determine Property Type Classification

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will meet to elect a Chair and Co-Chair and discuss the 2026 Cultural Fund. The council will also consider allocating $1,600 in remaining Special Project Grant funds to Chicago Ballet Arts.

• Vote for Chair and Co-Chair of the Arts Council
• Allocation of $1,600 in Special Project Grant funds to Chicago Ballet Arts
• Update on NEA Grant Notice of Compliance
• Feedback on draft statement regarding Noyes Cultural Arts Center
• Summer Arts Festival Steering Committee update

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will consider recommendations for the 2026 Action Plan and estimated federal grant allocations. The meeting includes discussions on specific CDBG funding for housing rehabilitation, code enforcement, and public infrastructure projects.

• Recommendation of 2026 CDBG and HOME grant allocations by goal percentage
• 2026 Housing Rehabilitation funding request of up to $661,000
• 2026 Housing Code Enforcement funding request of up to $200,000
• Public infrastructure projects including Lake Sidewalk, Dewey Sidewalk, Ridge Avenue Gap Infill, and Dodge Gap Infill (up to $150,000 each)
• Closing of the 30-day public comment period for the Draft 2026 Action Plan

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission will meet to conduct interviews for firefighter/paramedic candidates during an executive session. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes from the August 21, 2025, meeting.

• Executive session: Firefighter/paramedic candidate interviews
• Approval of August 21, 2025, meeting minutes

Joint Review Board

The Joint Review Board will review annual reports for five Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts for the 2024 fiscal year. The meeting includes the selection of a chairperson and a review of board procedures and duties.

• Review of TIF 5 Howard Ridge FY 2024 Annual Report
• Review of TIF 6 West Evanston FY 2024 Annual Report
• Review of TIF 7 Dempster Dodge FY 2024 Annual Report
• Review of TIF 8 Chicago Main FY 2024 Annual Report
• Review of TIF 9 Five Fifths FY 2024 Annual Report

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is reviewing its 2025-2026 workplan and discussing advocacy efforts regarding school closures. Members are also addressing accessibility concerns for the Evanston dog beach and local sidewalks.

• Review of the 2025-2026 Workplan
• Advocacy regarding District 65 school closures (Dawes and Willard Elementary)
• Updates on permanent accessibility solutions for the Evanston dog beach
• ADA Advisory Committee report on sidewalk improvement timelines
• Introduction of new Commissioners

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider a request from 4 Suns, LLC for a $400,000 TIF grant to build out a restaurant at 1826-30 Dempster Street. The committee will also review the 2026 meeting schedule and a new chair rotation schedule.

• TIF grant request of $400,000 for Choice Authentic restaurant at 1826-30 Dempster Street
• Adoption of the Economic Development Committee Chair Rotation Schedule
• Approval of the 2026 Economic Development Committee meeting dates
• Discussion regarding Economic Development Committee work planning

Board of Local Improvements

The Board of Local Improvements will review alley project updates and budgets, consider a new petition for the alley north of Park Place east of Lawndale Avenue, and approve an assessment method for the alley north of Hayes Street east of Crawford Avenue. The board will also discuss the alley north of Church Street east of Benson Avenue, where a property owner has offered to fully fund improvements.

• Petition for alley N of Park Pl, E of Lawndale Ave (estimated cost $726,000)
• Approve assessment method for alley N of Hayes, E of Crawford (estimated cost $400,000; city share $200,000)
• Discussion of alley N of Church, E of Benson with potential full-cost funding by Varsity LLC
• Alley projects update and budget summary for 2025 special assessments
• Public comment on assessment method for alley N of Clinton Pl, E of Orrington Ave

Land Use Commission

The Land Use Commission will review a proposed text amendment and a special use request regarding distance requirements for Child Residential Care Homes. The items involve a request by applicant Karen Croteau for the R4a zoning district and the property at 824 Gaffield Place.

• Zoning Text Amendment #25PLND-0049: Modifying distance requirements for Child Residential Care Homes in R4a districts
• Special Use #25ZMJV-0046: Request for a Child Residential Care Home at 824 Gaffield Place
• Review of Land Use Commission Rules & Procedures amendments
• Adoption of the 2026 Meeting Calendar

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will review a proposal to demolish the existing house at 111 Burnham Place in the Lakeshore Historic District and construct a new principal structure, evaluating it against applicable standards. The commission will also hear a presentation on the water treatment plant security fence and gate project, approve 2026 meeting dates, and discuss officer nominations and a possible January special meeting.

• 111 Burnham Place: Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition and new construction in Lakeshore Historic District
• 555 Lincoln Street: Water Treatment Plant security fence and gate project presentation
• Approval of 2026 meeting dates, with August cancelled and January/July moved to third Tuesday
• 2026 officer nominations and potential January 2026 special meeting

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will approve November minutes, hear public comment, and discuss 2026 meeting dates, upcoming events, and the 2025-2026 workplan. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or financial items.

• Approval of November 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of 2026 Dementia Friendly Evanston meeting dates (e.g., Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10)
• Upcoming event: Evanston Symphony Orchestra's 'A Very Special Concert' on Dec 14, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
• Review of 2025-2026 workplan highlights, including Dementia Friends training and community outreach

City Council

The City Council will review several items including a $1.98 million contract for the Main Library roof replacement and amendments to the Welcoming City Ordinance. The agenda also includes approvals for water treatment chemical contracts, utility infrastructure repairs, and various recreational program renewals.

• Contract award of $1,981,358 for Main Library roof replacement with Garland/DBS, Inc.
• Approval of Ordinance 75-O-25 to amend the 'Welcoming City Ordinance'
• Contract award of $1,105,666.50 for FY 2026 water treatment chemicals
• Demolition contract of up to $103,550 for city-owned property at 801-809 Main Street
• Approval of $2,900,472.60 change order for the 2025 Water Main Improvements project

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar of routine financial approvals, including payroll and bills, contract renewals for recreation programs, and several construction and equipment contracts. Notable items include a $1.98 million Main Library roof replacement, $1.1 million in water treatment chemicals, and a $2.9 million change order for water main improvements. The meeting also includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Payroll $3,993,137.31 and bills list $23,088,190.03
• Main Library roof replacement contract with Garland/DBS, Inc. for $1,981,358
• FY 2026 water treatment chemicals contracts totaling $1,105,666.50
• Change Order No. 1 for 2025 Water Main Improvements and Street Resurfacing: $2,900,472.60
• Demolition of city-owned property at 801-809 Main Street for $103,550

Healthy Buildings Accountability Board

The Board will hold elections for a Chair and Co-Chair. Members will also discuss the Healthy Buildings Ordinance, including topics such as equity prioritized buildings and benchmarking noncompliance.

• Election of a Chair and Co-Chair
• Review of the Healthy Buildings Ordinance
• Discussion on Equity Prioritized Buildings
• Discussion on Benchmarking Noncompliance
• Update on the Healthy Buildings Technical Committee

Special Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will discuss and choose evaluation models for allocating FY2026 Community Grant Program funds for case management and safety net services. The committee faces a $377,837 gap between the $1,414,817 requested and the projected available funding. Staff present three options for initial allocations, ranging from score-based cuts to program prioritization. The committee will also set its 2026 meeting topics and dates.

• FY2026 grant requests total $1,414,817; projected funding is flat, leaving a $377,837 shortfall
• 19 applications received from 16 agencies (4 case management, 15 safety net)
• Staff propose three allocation models: score-based cuts, initial program cuts, and program prioritization
• Committee to finalize allocation recommendations for City Council review in December
• 2026 meeting schedule includes January vote on FY2026 allocations and November renewal decision

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force will discuss goals and strategies for 2026. The body also plans to vote on approving the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Discussion of CIT 2026 Goals and Strategies
• Action to approve the 2026 meeting schedule

Lighthouse Landing Complex Committee

The Lighthouse Landing Complex Committee is meeting for routine business: approving minutes, hearing public comment and reports from member groups. The main discussion topics are water safety at Lighthouse Beach, updates on the Harley Clarke Mansion, and possible changes to Lighthouse entrance fees for district property owners. No formal action items are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of water safety at Lighthouse Beach
• Updates on Harley Clarke Mansion
• Discussion of Lighthouse entrance fees for property owners in the district
• Reports from Lighthouse Park District, Jens Jensen Gardens, Garden Club of Evanston, and Ecology Center

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will vote on whether two completed internal investigations (CR 25-08 and CR 25-10) were complete, thorough, objective, and fair, and will adopt its 2026 meeting schedule. The commission will also discuss policy on contact with citizens with disabilities and the difference between a Complaint Register and an Administrative Review. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a public comment period.

• Review of Complaint Register 25-08: dog attack 911 call, officer did not activate body-worn camera, recommended shift-level counseling
• Review of Complaint Register 25-10: traffic stop near Lincoln Street and Sherman Avenue, allegations of aggressive conduct
• Adoption of 2026 CPRC Meeting Schedule
• Discussion of policy on contact with citizens with disabilities
• Discussion of Complaint Register vs. Administrative Review

Preservation Commission Special Meeting

The Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the nomination of 2700 Hurd Avenue for local landmark designation. The commission will consider evidence to determine if the Georgian Revival building meets specific historical or architectural criteria.

• Public hearing for landmark nomination of Willard Elementary School (2700 Hurd Avenue)
• Nomination submitted by resident Thomas Weber

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee will consider four items: an ordinance to align basketball court hours with racquet courts, approval of the 2026 meeting schedule, accepting a police complaints report, and a tree removal variation request. The meeting includes public comment and is open to residents.

• Ordinance 74-O-25: Extends basketball court hours to 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (lighted) and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (non-lighted), matching racquet courts
• 2026 Human Services Committee meeting schedule (12 dates, first Monday of each month)
• Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report: 2 complaints, 8 compliments; includes AR 25-01 (officer used racial slur, sustained violation of Rules 2 & 18)
• Variation request to remove a privately owned tree at 1809 Grant Street

City Council

The City Council will vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and several property tax levies. The agenda also includes decisions on various municipal contracts, fleet vehicle purchases, and sidewalk cafe permits.

• Adoption of FY2026 Budget totaling $404,012,869 in budgeted expenses
• Property tax levies for General Assistance ($768,750) and Evanston Public Library ($9,723,951)
• Purchase of 12 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptors for $593,448.00
• Agreement with Windfree Solar for the Evanston Accessible Solar Program
• Contract with TruePoint Solutions, LLC for a Civic Platform Upgrade in the amount of $668,392

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is reviewing several items including vehicle replacements for police, fire, and C.A.R.E. teams. The agenda also includes engineering agreements for water plant systems and solar program contracts.

• Purchase of twelve 2026 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptors for $593,448.00
• Three-year agreement with Valdes Architecture & Engineering for $231,908.00
• Contract with Ghafari Associates, LLC for Water Plant Fire Suppression Master Plan for $116,24 41.50
• Agreement with Windfree Solar for the Evanston Accessible Solar Program
• Purchase of two 2026 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptors for C.A.R.E. Team for $95,730.00

Utilities Commission

The Utilities Commission will review monthly utility reliability reports and capital improvement project summaries. The meeting includes discussions on the Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program and feedback regarding water service line material notifications.

• Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program endorsement
• Vote on the 2026 Meeting Calendar
• Vote for 2026 Chair and Vice Chair
• Review of monthly utility reliability report
• Water/Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project summaries

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will review the Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan and consider community affiliate application renewals. The meeting also includes a presentation on 'Putting Assets to Work' regarding the redevelopment of the Police and Fire Headquarters, Civic Center, and Noyes Cultural Arts Center.

• Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan review
• Community Affiliate Application Renewals
• Presentation: Putting Assets to Work (Police/Fire HQ, Civic Center, Noyes Cultural Arts Center)
• Natural Area Ordinance Task Force discussion
• 2026 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Schedule

Environment Board

The Environment Board will review a presentation regarding the results of the Environmental Equity Investigation. The meeting also includes updates on the Parks and Greenspace Strategic Plan and a vote to confirm a board member to the Natural Areas Taskforce.

• Presentation: Environmental Equity Investigation by MKSK Consulting & Partners
• Action: Confirming an Environment Board Member to the Natural Areas Taskforce
• Discussion: Parks and Greenspace Strategic Plan Update
• Update: CARP Implementation Taskforce
• Notice: Lakefront Protection Ordinance discussion moved to December

Five-Fifths TIF Advisory Committee

The Five-Fifths TIF Advisory Committee will review the FY 2026 proposed budget and discuss the financial status of the fund. The committee will also discuss a draft framework for a new small business support grant program.

• Proposed FY 2026 TIF budget includes $700,000 for District 65/202 revenue-sharing
• Proposed FY 2026 budget allocates $210,000 for Foster School track lighting
• Proposed FY 2026 budget includes $200,000 for the Affordable Housing Fund program
• Proposed FY 2026 budget includes $50,000 for a Small Business Grant program
• Discussion of small business grant eligibility, including potential grant sizes of $5,000–$50,000

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is presenting the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool designed to evaluate city projects and policies through an equity lens. The document outlines the process for commission members to review items such as housing development, zoning changes, and budget allocations.

• Introduction of the Equity Scorecard for evaluating city projects and policies
• Establishment of a review process involving three assigned Commission members
• Application of the scorecard to areas including land use, zoning, and public subsidies

ADA Advisory Committee

The committee will review new accessibility grievances regarding Benson Ave. parking, snow removal, and the Brothers K Cafe entrance. Members will also discuss the 2026 committee work plan and receive updates on CTA capital projects and Parks & Rec winter registration.

• Inquiry: Benson Ave. parking
• Inquiry: Snow removal & accessibility
• Inquiry: Brothers K Cafe entrance
• Update: CTA Public Hearing for Proposed Capital Projects & Plans
• Review: 2026 Committee Work Plan

Healthy Buildings Technical Committee

The Healthy Buildings Technical Committee will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair, review a presentation on building energy benchmarking data, and discuss its timeline, building type classification, the Path to Zero framework, and meeting cadence. The agenda is largely procedural, with the benchmarking presentation providing data on compliance and energy use.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Benchmarking data presentation: 2024 compliance rate 68%, highest since 2016
• Discussion of Path to Zero standards and offset mechanisms
• Discussion of building type classification
• Approval of 10/29/25 minutes

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will introduce and discuss the draft 2026 Action Plan, which allocates estimated federal CDBG and HOME grants by goal percentages. The plan proposes 46% for affordable housing, 8% for homelessness, 15% for livable communities, 12% for public services, and 17% for administration, with no economic development funding. Public comment is open until December 16, 2025, and final allocations will be voted on in December. The committee will also hear a staff update on short-term rentals and approve minutes from the November 6 meeting.

• Draft 2026 Action Plan: estimated CDBG $1,690,000 plus $81,000 program income; HOME $275,000 plus $25,000 program income
• Affordable housing allocation increased to 46% of grants (up from 30% average 2020-2024)
• Housing rehabilitation funding increased by 32%
• Public comment period open until December 16, 2025
• Staff update on short-term rentals

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will discuss and potentially decide on several items, including the 2026 Special Grant evaluation proposal, Cultural Fund Grants, and a public art budget of $12,500 for sculpture maintenance and new proposals. They will also continue discussions on the P.A.W. initiative and the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, and consider nominations for Chair and Co-Chair.

• Public art budget: $12,500 for sculpture maintenance (Modern Metals, CSI, etc.), with $17,500 balance
• Discussion of 2026 Special Grant evaluation proposal and Cultural Fund Grants
• Review of mural maintenance proposal for South Blvd. mural (Art Encounter)
• Nominations for Arts Council Chair and Co-Chair
• Continuing discussion on P.A.W. and Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider three applications for new liquor licenses: a Class C restaurant license for Luna's Pub at 1995 Campus Drive, a Class C restaurant license for Burl at 2545 Prairie Avenue, and a Class E-3 event venue license for Palmhouse at 619 Howard Street. The board will also approve minutes from its August 1, 2025 meeting and take public comment.

• Luna's Pub (Compass Group USA, Inc.) requests Class C restaurant license at 1995 Campus Drive
• Burl (Central Prairie, LLC) requests Class C restaurant license at 2545 Prairie Avenue
• Palmhouse (Green Spoon, LLC) requests Class E-3 event venue license at 619 Howard Street
• Approval of August 1, 2025 meeting minutes

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will meet to approve October minutes, hear committee reports, and discuss new business including the Dawes and Willard Elementary School closures, Evanston Dog Beach, and COAD structure and vacancies. The agenda is largely procedural, with public comment and staff updates also scheduled.

• Approval of October 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Dawes Elementary School Closure
• Discussion of Willard Elementary School Closure
• Discussion of Evanston Dog Beach
• COAD Structure and Vacancies Update

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will decide which evaluation model(s) to use for initial funding allocations for case management and safety net programs in FY2026. The city received 19 applications requesting $1,414,817, but only about $1,036,980 is projected available, leaving a 36% gap. Staff present three options for the committee to consider, with a final allocation recommendation due in December.

• 19 applications from 16 agencies; total request $1,414,817 vs. projected flat funding of $1,036,980
• Option 1: allocate based on SSC score averages, requiring additional cuts of at least $224,766
• Option 2: initially withhold funding from lowest-scoring applicants (<80%)
• Option 3: decline <80% scorers, prioritize housing/shelter, apply 10% cut to remaining
• Funding source: City's 2026 Community Grant Program, Human Services Fund account 176.21.4651.65546

Board of Local Improvements

The Board of Local Improvements will consider approving assessment methods for three new alley petitions: north of Hartzell east of Ewing, north of Central east of Hurd, and north of Keeney east of Forest. The board will also receive updates on alley projects and budgets. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and public comment.

• Approve assessment method for alley north of Hartzell east of Ewing, estimated cost $408,000
• Approve assessment method for alley north of Central east of Hurd, estimated cost $360,000
• Approve assessment method for alley north of Keeney east of Forest (cost not specified in agenda)
• Alley projects update and budget summary
• Public comment period

Land Use Commission

The Land Use Commission will consider adopting proposed amendments to its Rules & Procedures, which clarify virtual participation, continuance requests, and deadlines for written evidence. It will also decide on a request for Major Variations at 2737 Highland Avenue to keep a concrete driveway and open off-street parking spaces in the front yard of an R1 Residential District property.

• Vote on Land Use Commission Rules & Procedures update
• Major Variation request at 2737 Highland Avenue (25ZMJV-0038)
• Variation from Section 6-8-2-12 (parking crossing front lot line)
• Variation from Section 6-4-6-3, Table 4-A (parking within 30 feet of rear property line)
• Public comment period

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for single-story additions to the rear and side of the landmark home at 1310 Main Street. The commission will also hear a presentation on the Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze program and receive a staff report on the Dempster Street Survey. Public comment is allowed, and the meeting minutes from October 14 will be approved.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 1310 Main Street: single-story additions to rear and side volumes
• Presentation on Illinois Property Tax Assessment Freeze for landmark and historic district homeowners
• Staff report on Dempster Street Survey
• Approval of October 14 meeting minutes

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes, hear public comment, and discuss collaboration with first responders on dementia awareness, including reviewing questions for first responders. Staff reports and updates from the North Shore Senior Center and Dementia Friendly Illinois are also on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the first responder discussion.

• Approval of October 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion: Collaboration with First Responders on Dementia Awareness
• North Shore Senior Center updates and highlights
• Monthly Dementia Friendly Illinois Zoom Call Update
• Work Plan updates from the committee

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will discuss extending an 83-month agreement with Axon for police body-worn cameras, storage, Tasers, and other public safety services, at a projected cost of $5.9 million. The committee will also vote on approving the 2026 meeting schedule and minutes from prior meetings. The agenda includes routine approvals and one major discussion item.

• Discussion of 83-month Axon contract extension for body cameras, Tasers, storage, and Fusus RTCC platform, total $5,886,266.65
• Approval of 2026 Finance & Budget Committee meeting schedule (2nd Tuesday monthly, except August and December)
• Approval of minutes from Aug 26, Sep 9, and Oct 21, 2025 meetings
• Public comment period

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 October 27, 2025 minutes and public comment. The meeting is largely procedural, with no specific new items listed for decision.

• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes from October 27, 2025
• Review and scheduling of referrals from the online list

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider introducing the FY2026 budget of $403,987,896 and several 2025 tax levy ordinances, including a 19% increase in the main property tax levy. The agenda also includes discussion of the Dog Beach ADA access design and a proposed Property Tax Circuit Breaker Program, plus numerous consent agenda items for contracts and approvals.

• Ordinance 56-O-25: FY2026 budget of $403,987,896 ($342,083,097 excluding inter-fund transfers)
• Ordinance 57-O-25: 2025 tax levy of $41,553,400, a 19.0% increase over 2024
• Ordinance 66-O-25: Special Use Permit for 29-story mixed-use development at 601-615 Davis Street (Land Use Commission recommends against)
• Contract with CDM Smith Inc. for lead service line replacement engineering, $3,998,108 over three years
• Ordinance 71-O-25: Update to waste services and fees; Ordinance 72-O-25: Ambulance fee changes

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider approval of the City of Evanston's payroll and bills list, along with several contracts and resolutions. Key items include a $3.99M contract for lead service line replacement engineering, a $129K drone detection software agreement, and a settlement in a discrimination case. The agenda is largely routine consent items, with no major policy debates listed.

• Payroll $3,832,907.65 and bills $4,893,976.30
• Axon drone detection SaaS $129,000.88 (3 years)
• CDM Smith lead service line engineering $3,998,108 (3 years, option for 2 more)
• First Due fire/EMS software $35,325 year one
• Settlement in Alexis Quinn & Kerry Cokefair v. City of Evanston

Healthy Buildings Accountability Board

The Healthy Buildings Accountability Board is meeting to organize itself: electing a chair and vice-chair, reviewing board and committee responsibilities, and voting on a meeting schedule. Staff will update the board on staffing and a Department of Energy grant. Discussion topics include equity-prioritized buildings and benchmarking noncompliance.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Staff update on DOE grant
• Discussion of Equity Prioritized Buildings
• Discussion of Benchmarking Noncompliance
• Vote on Meeting Schedule

Special Housing & Community Development Committee

The Evanston Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss a draft ordinance amending the city's vacation rental rules, including a proposed cap of 25 short-term rentals per ward and a $500 annual license fee. They will also review feedback on the Housing4All draft housing plan. The meeting includes public comment, approval of prior minutes, and routine administrative items.

• Draft amendment to Title 5, Chapter 9 (Vacation Rentals) with per-ward cap of 25 licenses and $500 annual fee
• Proposed $250 non-refundable application fee for short-term rental licenses
• Requirement that property managers reside or maintain an office within 10 miles of Evanston
• Housing4All Draft Plan feedback discussion
• Approval of October 21, 2025 meeting minutes

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee will meet to approve minutes from October and September, discuss an upcoming Reparations Town Hall scheduled for December 4 at Second Baptist Church, and receive an update on cannabis dispensaries. The agenda also includes a business spotlight segment featuring three local Black-owned businesses. The October meeting lacked a quorum, so its minutes were deferred to this meeting.

• Discussion of Reparations Town Hall on December 4 at Second Baptist Church
• Update on cannabis dispensaries
• Approval of October 2, 2025 meeting minutes (deferred due to lack of quorum)
• Approval of September 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Business spotlight: Zora's Place (2223 Washington St.), NIA Wellness Oasis & Mama Ohm Marketplace (1708 Dodge Ave.), Free Flow Kitchen (1623 Simpson St.)

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force will meet to discuss the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, the Stormwater Master Plan, and the appointment of a CIT Chair, along with staffing and scheduling for future meetings. The agenda also includes approval of the October 1, 2025 minutes and public comment. This is a working session with no final votes scheduled.

• Discussion of Lakefront Protection Ordinance
• Discussion of Stormwater Master Plan
• Discussion of CIT Chair appointment
• Approval of October 1, 2025 minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for December 3, 2025

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will review the completed internal investigation of complaint CR 25-04, which alleges an officer was rude, yelled, and forcibly took an ID during a May 25, 2025 traffic stop. Staff recommends the commission find the investigation complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The commission may also convene into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint Register 25-04: staff recommends finding investigation complete, thorough, objective, and fair
• Allegations include rude yelling, threatening citations, forcibly taking ID, and bias based on accent
• Patrol Commander found no policy violations (Rules 2, 6, 18) - not sustained
• Deputy Chief found officer violated Rule 8 (leaving post without relief) - sustained, recommending shift-level counseling
• Public comment period of 25 minutes, 5 minutes per speaker

Special City Council Meeting

The Evanston City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the proposed FY 2026 budget and a series of property tax levies for 2025, including a 19% increase in the corporate and special service levy. The agenda includes a Truth in Taxation public hearing, a presentation on the proposed budget, and discussions on restructuring solid waste fees and the Capital Improvement Program. No final votes are scheduled; ordinances will be introduced on November 10 and adopted on November 24.

• Truth in Taxation hearing for 2025 property tax levy, total $65,759,433 as extended (12.9% increase)
• Ordinance 56-O-25: FY2026 budget of $403,987,896 in budgeted expenses
• Ordinance 57-O-25: 2025 tax levy of $41,553,400 as extended (19.0% increase over 2024)
• Discussion on restructuring solid waste fees, including new $7/month food and yard waste charge
• Proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Program presentation

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council is meeting to discuss the Putting Assets to Work (PAW) program and its potential relation to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The agenda includes a presentation on PAW followed by discussion, with no formal votes or decisions listed. Public comment is scheduled early in the meeting.

• Presentation on Putting Assets to Work (PAW) program
• Discussion on PAW and the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
• Public comment period at start of meeting

Healthy Buildings Technical Committee

The Evanston Healthy Buildings Technical Committee is meeting to organize itself, including electing a chair and vice-chair, reviewing responsibilities, and voting on whether to meet monthly or biweekly. Staff will provide an update on the Department of Energy grant and related staffing.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Vote on meeting cadence (monthly or biweekly)
• Update on staffing and DOE grant
• Discussion of path to zero and prioritization
• Discussion of property type classification

City Council

The Evanston City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY 2026 proposed budget and receive a presentation on a zero-based budgeting evaluation of the Public Works Department. The council will also consider several consent agenda items, including contracts, settlements, and a special use permit for a 31-story development.

• Public hearing for FY 2026 proposed budget
• Zero-based budgeting evaluation of Public Works Department (presentation only)
• Special use permit for 31-story mixed-use development at 601-615 Davis St. and 1604-1608 Chicago Ave.
• Sole-source contract with Illuminight Lighting Inc. for holiday lights, not to exceed $78,500
• Settlement resolution in Mary Pat O'Neil v. City of Evanston

Rules Committee

The Evanston Rules Committee is meeting to consider a single item: the appointment of a Finance and Budget Chair. The agenda includes public comment and approval of virtual participation, but the only substantive action is the appointment.

• Finance and Budget Chair appointment

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 September 8, 2025 minutes and public comment.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of September 8, 2025

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is meeting to consider approval of the city's payroll, bills list, and credit card activity, along with several contracts and resolutions. Items include a sole-source contract for holiday lights, a tree purchase and planting contract, software license renewals, a parking garage management agreement, and a settlement resolution. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.

• Payroll $3,961,006.03, Bills List $5,864,976.41, credit card activity $244,413.79
• Sole-source contract to Illuminight Lighting Inc. for holiday lights, not to exceed $78,500
• Contract with Suburban Tree Consortium for 296 trees, $110,387.40
• Sole-source agreement with SP+ for parking garage management, $634,369 (2026) and $654,966 (2027)
• Resolution 94-R-25 authorizing settlement in Mary Pat O'Neil v. City of Evanston

Environment Board

The Environment Board will review Evanston's 2024 greenhouse gas emissions inventory and 2025 action agenda, plus the proposed 2026 Sustainability Fund budget. They will also discuss the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, Parks and Green Space Master Plan, and environmental justice updates. The board is not taking formal action at this meeting, focusing instead on discussion and staff updates.

• 2024 GHG emissions down 43.3% from 2005 baseline (49% with RECs), slight regression from 2023
• 2026 Sustainability Fund: $1,501,309 in expenses, $262,000 revenues (excluding transfers), 37% revenue decrease
• Lakefront Protection Ordinance draft (Title 7, Chapter 18) under discussion
• Parks and Green Space Master Plan review
• Ecology Center Grand Reopening on October 29

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to hear from Assistant City Engineer Chris Sous about proposed 2026 ADA Capital Improvement Projects and gather committee feedback. The agenda also includes discussion of new accessibility inquiries and grievances, such as a service dog complaint at Walgreens, inaccessible restaurant entrance doors, and requests for accessible parking and microphone access at Levy Senior Center.

• 2026 ADA Capital Improvement Projects presentation by Chris Sous, Assistant City Engineer
• Walgreens service dog/service dog-in-training complaint
• Inaccessible entrance doors at Evanston restaurants
• Additional accessible parking request at Levy Senior Center
• CTA Public Hearing for Proposed Capital Projects & Plans

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is holding a work planning session to set goals for 2026, building on a September 2025 SWOT analysis and community survey. The discussion will focus on converting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into actionable priorities, including 'quick wins' and medium- to long-term goals. The agenda also includes approval of draft minutes from May and September 2025 and an economic development activity report.

• Discussion of 2026 Economic Development Committee Work Plan - Part II - Goal Setting
• Approval of draft minutes from May 28, 2025 and September 24, 2025
• Economic Development Activity Report
• SWOT analysis themes include high property taxes, downtown revitalization, and permitting challenges
• Community survey had approximately 85 respondents, including 17 businesses

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will hold its regular meeting, with discussions on the Special Grant Program, updates on A Bright Night for the Arts, and nominations for Chair and Co-Chair. The council will also review public art items, including the Foster/Maple gateway mural process, the public art budget, and potential lighting for Richard Hunt works. The meeting includes public comment and approval of the September 16 minutes.

• Discussion of Special Grant Program
• Update on A Bright Night for the Arts
• Nominations for Arts Council Chair and Co-Chair
• Public Art Budget: funding options for remaining funds
• Lighting on Richard Hunt works at Evanston Public Library

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will vote on renewing a $80,000 contract with Community Partners for Affordable Housing to administer the inclusionary housing waitlist, and will discuss the future of the MTO landlord/tenant walk-in hours program due to low attendance. The committee will also consider a referral to amend the city's vacation rental ordinance, provide feedback on the Housing4All draft plan, and vote on changing its meeting time to 6:00 p.m.

• Approval of up to $80,000 for CPAH to administer the Inclusionary Housing waitlist for 2026
• Discussion on MTO Landlord/Tenant Walk-In Hours Program, which saw only 8 Evanston attendees in 3 months
• Approval of renewal contract for landlord-tenant services with Metropolitan Tenants Organization and Law Center for Better Housing for 2026
• Referral to amend Title 5, Chapter 9 of City Code on Vacation Rentals
• Discussion and vote to change HCDC meeting time to 6:00 p.m.

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will consider recommending to the City Council that the FY 2024 Single Audit be accepted and placed on file, and will vote on a proposed increase to yard waste rates in the Solid Waste Fund. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from prior meetings and routine procedural items.

• Recommendation to approve increase in Yard Waste Fees in the Solid Waste Fund
• Accept and place on file the FY 2024 Single Audit
• Approval of August 26, 2025 Special Finance & Budget Committee minutes
• Approval of September 9, 2025 Finance & Budget Committee minutes

Special City Council Meeting

The Evanston City Council is holding a special meeting to continue its public hearing and vote on proposed changes to the draft Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The Community Development Department recommends the Council review and vote on edits suggested by Councilmembers, as recommended by the Land Use Commission. The agenda includes consent items with numerous text changes and chapter-by-chapter review starting with Chapter 10.

• Consent items include removing the word 'barriers' throughout the document and adding 'and inclusive' to all instances of 'welcoming'.
• Proposed edits to Chapter 10 (Housing) include changing 'Soaring Housing Costs' to 'Rising Housing Costs' and revising actions on housing stability and a housing database.
• Additions to Chapter 13 (Arts and Culture) describe the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, designed by Daniel Burnham in 1892.
• Strike language about park acreage standards in Chapter 9 (Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces).
• Add a new action under Economic Development Policy 5 to retain and attract light manufacturing and low-impact industrial uses.

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility reliability, capital improvement projects, and unfinished business including Energy Menu 3.0 and a privately initiated lead service line replacement program. New business includes a referral from Councilmember Geracaris for a Water Protection Ordinance to keep water infrastructure city-owned, plus water service line material notification feedback. The agenda is largely discussion-oriented with no final votes scheduled.

• Water Protection Ordinance referral to prevent privatization of public water infrastructure
• Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program discussion
• Energy Menu 3.0 update
• Water Service Line Material Notification Feedback
• Review of Water/Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project Summaries

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is discussing and potentially voting on the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda includes the scorecard's introduction, usage instructions, and criteria, but no specific proposals are listed for review at this meeting.

• Equity Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, and positive equity impacts
• Scorecard applies to new projects, policy drafting, housing, zoning, budget allocations, subsidies, and tax abatements
• Three commission members independently review each scorecard before a final vote
• Final recommendations range from Strongly Support to Do Not Support

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The Minority, Women, Disadvantaged & Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee is meeting to review staff reports on Local Employment Plan (LEP) project tracking, including compliance and penalties, and to discuss old business items such as a draft ordinance to codify the committee in city code and a resolution to reorganize the advisory committee. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from previous meetings, including one with no quorum, and a workplan/awards proposal. The meeting is largely procedural, with substantive discussion focused on LEP compliance and committee structure.

• Review of LEP projects tracking, including penalty assessments (e.g., $10,870.92 for 2024 Sidewalk Improvement, $37,579.95 for Oakton Corridor)
• Draft Resolution 78-O-21 to amend Title 2 of City Code and codify the MWEBE Development Committee
• Resolution 71-R-97 to reorganize the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Committee
• MWDEBE Committee Workplan and Award Proposal
• Approval of March 19, 2025 minutes and April 16, 2025 notes (no quorum)

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will consider an inflatable permit application with fees, a proposed urban farm at Ingraham Park, and park project recommendations. They will also discuss the Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan and receive a CIP monthly report.

• Inflatable permit fee: $150 for first unit, $75 per additional unit
• Proposed urban farm site at Ingraham Park
• Park project recommendation for James Park
• CIP park recommendation
• Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan discussion

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will discuss collaborating with first responders on dementia awareness, including reviewing questions for Evanston police and fire departments. They will also hear updates on upcoming events like the Holiday Stress Caregiving Program and the CJE Care Collective. The meeting includes approval of the September 9, 2025 minutes and public comment.

• Discussion on collaboration with first responders on dementia awareness
• Holiday Stress Caregiving Program on October 17 at Levy Center
• CJE Care Collective on October 28 at the library
• CJE Dementia Reality training on November 25
• Update on Dementia Friendly Illinois Zoom call

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to the landmark home at 144 Greenwood Street in the Lakeshore Historic District. Staff recommends approval of the request to modify window and screen openings and construct a roofed entry stair. The commission will also review the draft Housing4All Strategic Housing Plan and approve minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 144 Greenwood Street: modify three window openings, two screen openings, and construct a roofed entry stair
• Staff recommends approval of the 144 Greenwood Street request
• Discussion of Housing4All Draft Strategic Housing Plan (no vote)
• Approval of September 9, 2025 meeting minutes

City Council

The Evanston City Council will discuss the proposed FY 2026 budget and 2026 Capital Improvement Program, and vote on a resolution prohibiting use of city property for federal civil immigration enforcement. The consent agenda includes contracts for plaza construction, software licensing, and water intake repairs, plus several grant acceptances and ordinance amendments.

• Resolution 93-R-25 to prohibit use of city property for federal civil immigration enforcement and direct Welcoming City Ordinance implementation
• Contract with Alliance Contractors for Fountain Square South Plaza, $593,362 (partially ARPA-funded)
• Change Order No. 8 with Stantec for 1909 Raw Water Intake Replacement, $991,165 (total contract to $4,423,735)
• Single-source contract with ClearlyEnergy for BEAM platform, $30,903 over three years
• FEMA Port Security Grant for new safety vessel, $525,000 grant with $175,000 city match

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar of contracts and resolutions, including a $991,165 change order for the 1909 Raw Water Intake Replacement and a $593,362 contract for the Evanston Fountain Square South Plaza. The agenda also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and minutes, plus several single-source contracts requiring a two-thirds council vote.

• Change Order No. 8 with Stantec for 1909 Raw Water Intake Replacement: $991,165, extending contract to $4,423,735 and completion to June 30, 2026
• Contract with Alliance Contractors for Fountain Square South Plaza: $593,362, funded by ARPA and 2026 Project Bonds
• Single-source contract with ClearlyEnergy for BEAM platform: $30,903 over three years
• Resolution 92-R-25: Accept FEMA Port Security Grant for new safety vessel, total $700,000 with $175,000 city share
• Resolution 91-R-25: Apply for IDOT Safe Routes to School grant up to $100,000

Social Services Committee

The Evanston Social Services Committee is reviewing staff recommendations for FY2026 grant allocations to local nonprofit agencies providing safety net and case management services. The agenda includes a staff review of applications and a discussion of the allocation process, with presentations from agencies such as Turning Point, PEER Services, Lydia Home, Impact Behavioral Health Partners, Infant Welfare Society, Family Promise, and Family Focus. The committee will also vote on minutes and allow virtual participation.

• Staff recommends not supporting Turning Point's $35,000 request due to unclear need
• PEER Services requests $105,000, a 5% increase over FY25 award of $95,500
• Lydia Home requests $60,000 for a new mentoring program; staff has reservations
• Impact Behavioral Health Partners requests $75,000, up from $25,000 in FY25
• Infant Welfare Society requests $80,000 (case management) and $25,000 (safety net); staff suggests consolidating under safety net

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will meet to approve minutes from September 11, 2025, hear public comment, and receive committee reports. The ADA Advisory Committee will discuss accessible options for the Evanston dog beach, following a unanimous vote against temporary Mobi-Mats. The Dementia Friendly Evanston Committee will update on first responder engagement and upcoming community events. The agenda is largely procedural, with most substantive discussion occurring in committee reports.

• Approval of September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• ADA Advisory Committee report on dog beach accessibility options
• Dementia Friendly Evanston Committee update on first responder meeting and fall/winter events
• Public comment period
• Next meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025 at 909 Davis St.

Land Use Commission

The Land Use Commission will discuss and provide feedback on amendments to its rules and procedures, with final review scheduled for November 12, 2025. The commission will also discuss the City of Evanston Housing Gap Analysis and the draft Housing4All strategic housing plan, which sets goals through 2035 including reducing cost burden and preserving or creating 3,000-5,000 housing units. Public comment is invited.

• Discussion of amendments to Land Use Commission rules, including virtual participation, continuance requests, and written evidence deadlines
• Discussion of draft Housing4All strategic housing plan and Housing Gap Analysis
• Plan goals include reducing cost-burdened households by 5-10% and preserving/creating 3,000-5,000 housing units by 2035
• Strategies include exploring housing impact fees, ADU financing, and just cause eviction policy
• Public comment period for Housing4All open through October 12, 2025

Animal Welfare Board

The Evanston Animal Welfare Board will vote on its 2026 meeting schedule and discuss a fee for dogs roaming at-large. The meeting includes citizen comment and other communications. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Approval of 2026 meeting dates: Jan 14, Apr 8, Jul 8, Oct 14
• Discussion of fee for dogs roaming at-large

Board of Local Improvements

The Board of Local Improvements meeting scheduled for October 8, 2025, was canceled due to a lack of agenda items. The next meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2025. No decisions or discussions are on the agenda for this date.

• Meeting canceled due to lack of agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will consider approving a revised draft of the City Council Rules, incorporating amendments from prior meetings. The committee will also make appointments to several committees, determine the Finance and Budget Committee chair, and adjust the committee chair schedule.

• Approval of draft City Council Rules (pages 16-58)
• Appointing three Councilmembers to the Bike Plan Advisory Committee
• Appointing three Councilmembers to the City Manager Evaluation Committee
• Determining the Finance and Budget Committee Chair and term
• Reconsidering the 2025-2029 Chair Schedule for expanded committees

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee will meet to hear an update on the Economic Harm Study from Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell, approve the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes, and take public comment. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no new votes or decisions listed.

• Update on Economic Harm Study by Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell
• Approval of September 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment and listening session

CARP Implementation Task Force

The Evanston CARP Implementation Task Force will discuss tracking and reporting its 2025 goals, and will consider reappointing the committee chair. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of prior meeting minutes, and scheduling the next meeting for November 5, 2025.

• Discussion: CARP Goals Tracking and Reporting
• Action: CIT Chair Reappointment
• Approval of July 9 and September 3, 2025 minutes
• Next meeting set for November 5, 2025

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is reviewing a consent calendar with over a dozen items, including payroll and bills totaling over $12 million, several sewer and water contracts, fleet equipment purchases, and a settlement resolution. The committee will also consider an omnibus parking ordinance and a grant application resolution. Most items are routine approvals, but several involve sole-source or single-source contracts requiring a two-thirds council vote.

• Payroll $3,932,832.67, bills $7,928,659.46, credit card $250,475.74
• Sewer structure lining contract with National Power Rodding Corp. for $165,515
• Two fleet vehicles: Nissan Ariya EV $37,898.34 and Ford F350 $91,234
• Settlement resolution in Alexander Gray v. City of Evanston (2023-cv-1931)
• Omnibus parking ordinance adding residences to permit districts

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider two special use permits: one for an animal hospital at 815 Howard Street and another for a 31-story mixed-use residential planned development at 601-615 Davis Street and 1604-1608 Chicago Avenue. The Land Use Commission recommends approval for the animal hospital but recommends against the Davis Street development. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and hear public comment.

• Special use permit for animal hospital at 815 Howard Street (Ordinance 65-O-25), recommended for approval
• Special use permit for 31-story mixed-use development at 601-615 Davis Street and 1604-1608 Chicago Avenue (Ordinance 66-O-25), Land Use Commission recommends against
• Development includes 430 dwelling units, 86 affordable, 80 on-site parking spaces, and leasing 114 municipal garage spaces
• Approval of minutes from September 8, 2025 meeting

911 - Emergency Telephone System Board

The Evanston Emergency Telephone System Board will consider approving its FY2026 annual budget and its 2026 meeting schedule. The board will also receive a status update on the Tyler Tech CAD/RMS project. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the January 23, 2025 meeting.

• FY2026 ETSB budget approval (fund 205, E911 fund)
• 2026 ETSB meeting schedule approval
• Status update on Tyler Tech CAD/RMS project
• Approval of January 23, 2025 meeting minutes

Environment Board

The Environment Board will discuss the proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including a $500,000 Healthy Building Ordinance compliance study and CARP alignment. They will also hear updates on transportation, greenhouse gas reduction, and environmental justice, and consider future board topics. The agenda includes public comment and approval of August minutes.

• 2026 CIP includes $500,000 for City Facilities Healthy Building Compliance Assessment
• CIP includes $250,000 for City Fleet Charging Infrastructure and $200,000 for City Solar Infrastructure
• 86 of 97 CIP projects align with at least one CARP goal
• Discussion of Environmental Justice update and potential feedback on Envision Evanston 2045
• Staff updates on Transportation and Mobility, Greenhouse Gas, and 2025 Agenda

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates on previous accessibility inquiries and grievances, as well as new ones. Items include audible pedestrian signals, overgrown bushes, the Evanston Folk Festival, a curb cut request, beach access mats, wheel tax accommodation, and an elevator entrance issue. The committee will also hear public comments and approve minutes.

• Audible pedestrian signals at multiple locations
• Community reminder about overgrown bushes/clearing right-of-way
• Residential curb cut/sidewalk widening request
• Mobi-mat extension at beaches for access
• Wheel tax accommodation

Land Use Commission

The Evanston Land Use Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation on a special use request for a Popeyes Louisiana Chicken restaurant at 1826-1830 Dempster Street. The commission will also approve minutes from several prior meetings. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Special use request for a Type 2 Restaurant (Popeyes Louisiana Chicken) at 1826-1830 Dempster Street, C1 Commercial District
• Approval of minutes from May 21, May 28, July 9, July 23, August 13, and August 27, 2025 meetings

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is holding a work planning session to set its priorities, including a SWOT analysis and strategic goal-setting. The committee will also review economic data and reports on business openings/closings and unemployment. This is a discussion-only meeting with no votes scheduled.

• Work plan session with SWOT analysis and strategic goal-setting
• Review of economic data: population, demographics, workforce, and industry
• Reports on open/closed businesses, unemployment, and economic activity
• Approval of draft minutes from May 28, 2025

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility operations, including an electrical supply update and water/sewer capital projects. They will consider a feasibility study for renewable heating and cooling pilots, a privately initiated lead service line replacement program, and a referral to prevent privatization of water infrastructure. The agenda is largely discussion-oriented with no final votes scheduled.

• Discussion of Electrical Supply 3.0
• Outline for renewable heating and cooling feasibility study and pilot open season
• Privately initiated lead service line replacement program – seeking Council/APW endorsement
• Referral from Councilmember Geracaris: Water Protection Ordinance to prevent privatization
• Water service line material notification feedback

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing and discussing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool designed to evaluate city projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda outlines the scorecard's purpose, criteria, and review process, which involves commission members scoring proposals and making recommendations to the City Council.

• Adoption of the Evanston Equity Scorecard for evaluating projects, policies, and practices
• Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, and positive equity impacts
• Review process assigns three commission members to independently score each proposal
• Final recommendations include options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral/More Information Needed, or Do Not Support
• Scorecard applies to areas such as housing development, zoning changes, budget allocations, and tax abatements

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will consider a $1,500 Special Project Grant request from Jules Williams for a 15-minute experimental horror short film, 'Yves et Yvette.' The council will also discuss 2026 grant planning, preparations for 'A Bright Night for the Arts,' and public art maintenance and donations. The agenda includes routine items like approval of July 2025 minutes and public comment.

• Special Project Grant request: $1,500 for short film 'Yves et Yvette' by Jules Williams
• Discussion of Special Grant and Cultural Fund Grant planning for 2026
• Preparation for 'A Bright Night for the Arts' with possible dates in November 2025
• Public art donation offer: 'Attached' by Janet Austin
• Public art maintenance updates: Shore Bird, The Conversation, Sea of the Ear plaque

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss the draft Housing4All strategic housing plan and the accompanying Housing Gap Analysis. The plan sets goals through 2035, including reducing cost burden, preserving and creating 3,000-5,000 housing units, and addressing segregation. The public feedback period runs through October 12, with committee recommendations due by the November meeting.

• Draft Housing4All plan released September 12, 2025
• Housing Gap Analysis by Development Planning Partners
• Goals include reducing cost-burdened households by 5-10%
• Strategies include exploring housing impact fee and just cause eviction policy
• Public feedback period through October 12, 2025

Special City Council Meeting

The Evanston City Council will vote on adopting Ordinance 39-O-25, which would impose a 1% municipal grocery tax effective January 1, 2026, to replace state-collected revenue being eliminated. The council will also hold a public hearing and discuss proposed edits to the Envision Evanston 2045 Draft Comprehensive Plan, with a vote on changes recommended by the Land Use Commission.

• Ordinance 39-O-25: 1% grocery tax, effective Jan 1, 2026, to offset loss of state's 1% grocery sales tax
• City currently receives ~$2.5 million annually from state grocery sales tax
• Deadline to file ordinance with Illinois Department of Revenue is Oct 1, 2025
• Public hearing on Envision Evanston 2045 Draft Comprehensive Plan with councilmember-proposed edits
• Land Use Commission recommendations require final vote within 90 days of public hearing; deadline expired Aug 19, 2025

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will consider approving affiliate status for two organizations (Centro de Desarrollo Latino and Evanston Latinos), discuss two others (The North Shore Section, NCNW and Roycemore School), and review fees for basketball and beach volleyball courts, park project recommendations, and updates on James Park and other projects.

• Affiliate status recommendations: approve CEDEL and Evanston Latinos; discuss NCNW and Roycemore School
• Basketball and beach volleyball court reservation fees and hours of operation
• CIP park recommendations
• Park project recommendations for Cartwright Park and Fitzsimons Park
• Park project update: James Park

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will review staff recommendations for FY2026 Case Management and Safety Net grant applications from nine agencies, including YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Youth & Opportunity United, North Shore Senior Center, Moran Center, Interfaith Action, Impact Behavioral Health Partners, Evanston Scholars, and Connections for the Homeless. The committee will also hear public comments and approve the August 14, 2025 meeting minutes. Staff recommendations vary, with some requests supported in full, others reduced, and one not supported.

• YWCA Evanston/North Shore requests $50,000 for Safety Net domestic violence services (FY25 award: $35,000)
• Youth & Opportunity United requests $100,800 for Safety Net youth clinical services (FY25 award: $100,800)
• North Shore Senior Center requests $37,500 for Safety Net senior services (FY25 award: $25,000)
• Interfaith Action requests $100,000 for Safety Net emergency shelter (FY25 award: $52,500)
• Evanston Scholars requests $10,000 for Safety Net college readiness (FY25 award: none)

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is holding a regular meeting with agenda items including approval of minutes, public comment, committee reports, staff updates, unfinished and new business, and communications. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals listed for this meeting.

• Approval of July 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• ADA Advisory Committee report
• Dementia Friendly Evanston Committee report
• Work Plan updates from the Committee

Board of Local Improvements

The Board of Local Improvements meeting scheduled for September 10, 2025, was canceled due to lack of agenda items. The next meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2025. No items were discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting canceled due to lack of agenda items

Northwestern University-City Committee

The Northwestern University-City Committee will meet to discuss vacant properties in T1 zones and the University's proposed demolition of existing structures and/or new construction on its T1, T2, and U1 District properties. The agenda also includes approval of the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes and public comment. The meeting will be held remotely due to an executive order suspending in-person attendance requirements.

• Discussion of vacant properties in T1 zones
• University's proposed demolition of existing structures on and/or new construction plans for T1, T2, and U1 District properties
• Approval of July 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment by phone, video, or written form

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will discuss and potentially act on a referral to create an escrow account for Personal Property Replacement Taxes (PPRT) dedicated to public safety pensions, a proposal previously rejected in 2024. Members will also hear a presentation on police and fire pension actuarial valuations, discuss a possible circuit breaker program for long-term residents, receive an update on GO bond issuance, and preview the FY 2026 budget.

• Referral to create an escrow account for PPRT funds dedicated to public safety pensions (for action)
• Presentation and discussion of actuarial valuation reports for Police and Fire Pension Funds
• Discussion of a circuit breaker program to provide property tax/rent relief for long-term residents
• Update on the issuance of General Obligation (GO) bonds
• FY 2026 Budget Preview

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will meet to discuss collaboration with first responders on dementia awareness, featuring guests from the CARE Team and Fire Department. They will also review plans for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, the fall/winter calendar, and the 2025 Innovations Awards in Caregiving. The agenda includes approval of July minutes, public comment, and staff updates.

• Discussion with CARE Team and Fire Department on dementia awareness, including 10 prepared questions for first responders
• Walk to End Alzheimer's team event on October 4, 2025, at Lincoln Park Grove 2, 1735 N Stockton Dr., Chicago
• Review of Dementia Friendly Evanston fall/winter calendar
• Discussion of 2025 Innovations Awards in Caregiving
• Approval of July 8, 2025 meeting minutes

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to a contributing house in the Lakeshore Historic District. The proposal includes demolishing a non-original deck, constructing a single-story mudroom addition and raised deck, and changing windows and doors. The commission will also hear a speaker on the Elijah Muhammad House restoration and discuss several topics without voting.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 706 Forest Avenue: demolish non-original deck, build mudroom addition and raised deck, alter fenestration
• Speaker series: Wendy Muhammad on restoring the Elijah Muhammad House (4847 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago)
• Discussion (no vote): Dog Beach ADA Access Project update
• Discussion (no vote): Potential survey areas for Fall 2025
• Discussion (no vote): 2025 Cultural Heritage Awards

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar with payroll and bills totaling over $8.2 million, plus contracts for sewer evaluation, surveying, a dog park, rock salt, mechanical shades, tourism funding, water treatment chemicals, and a corrosion study. The agenda is largely routine approvals, with no major policy debates listed.

• Payroll $3,919,837.09 and bills $4,318,246.44
• Hey and Associates sewer outfall evaluation $67,778.31
• LZ Design Build Group Grey Park Dog Park $345,400
• Morton Salt rock salt $594,675.00 for 2025/26 winter
• CDM Smith corrosion study change order +$244,500 to $1,219,000

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider four vacation rental license applications and a proposed 90-day moratorium on new non-owner-occupied vacation rental licenses. The committee will also introduce an ordinance for a special use permit for a religious institution and banquet hall at 1702 Sherman Avenue. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.

• Vacation rental license for 1503 Fowler Ave
• Vacation rental license for 2005 Emerson St
• Vacation rental license for 606 South Blvd, Unit D
• Vacation rental license for 1717 Ridge Ave, Units 615, 715, and 815
• Resolution 70-R-25: 90-day moratorium on new non-owner-occupied vacation rental licenses

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 July 28, 2025 minutes. The meeting is procedural, focusing on the referral process rather than substantive policy decisions.

• Approval of July 28, 2025 minutes
• Review and scheduling of referrals
• Public comment period

City Council

The Evanston City Council will discuss the FY 2025 mid-year financial review and consider introducing a 1% grocery tax effective January 1, 2026. The consent agenda includes multiple contracts, ordinances, and resolutions, such as a 90-day moratorium on new non-owner-occupied vacation rental licenses and a special use permit for a religious institution and banquet hall. Several items are for introduction or discussion, while others are for action.

• Introduction of Ordinance 39-O-25, adopting a 1% Grocery Tax effective January 1, 2026
• Approval of payroll ($3,919,837.09) and bills list ($4,318,246.44)
• Contract with LZ Design Build Group for Grey Park Dog Park ($345,400)
• Resolution 70-R-25: 90-day moratorium on new non-owner-occupied vacation rental licenses
• Ordinance 47-O-25: minor adjustment to Planned Development at 1501 Central Street for new softball stadium

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the Five Pillars of Reparations, the Economic Harm Study, and the Family Roots Pilot Program. They will also consider accepting and filing disbursement updates for Direct Descendants and Ancestor recipients, as well as the September financial report. The agenda includes approval of minutes from previous meetings and public comment.

• Direct Descendant Reparations Disbursement Update - accept and place on file
• Ancestor Reparations Recipients Disbursement Update - accept and place on file
• Reparations Financial Report - accept and place on file
• Update on Economic Harm Study by Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell
• Progress update on Family Roots Pilot Program

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will review Administrative Review 25-01, which found an officer violated department rules by using a racial slur during a November 2024 traffic stop, and will decide whether to forward an advisory memo to the Chief of Police. The commission will also determine if the internal investigation of Complaint 25-01 was complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, public comment, and a possible executive session for personnel matters.

• Review of AR 25-01: officer sustained for violating Rules 1, 2, and 18; recommended 3-day suspension and training
• Review of Complaint Register 25-01: commission to vote on whether investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair
• Approval of minutes from July 9, 2025, meeting and executive session
• Public comment period (25 minutes, 5 minutes per speaker)
• Possible executive session to discuss personnel matters

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force meets to discuss the draft 2025 CARP Report, which tracks the city's Climate Action and Resilience Plan goals. The draft reports progress such as a 50.5% community greenhouse gas reduction with renewable energy credits (44% without) as of 2023, and notes some goals are done, partly done, or still being verified. No votes or formal decisions are listed on the agenda; the item is for discussion.

• Discussion of draft 2025 CARP Report (pages 2-19)
• Community greenhouse gas emissions reported at 50.5% reduction with RECs, 44% without, as of 2023
• 2020 goal of 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations described as mostly accomplished except a few streetlight accounts
• 2025 goals include 75% renewable electricity supply, 50% community waste diversion, and 20% reduction in vehicle miles traveled
• Next meeting scheduled for October 1, 2025

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee will consider several ordinances and resolutions, including changes to animal impoundment procedures, a call for state and federal laws banning police from concealing identities, a life jacket requirement at Dempster Beach, and increased penalties for impersonating officers. It will also review a police complaints report and approve honorary street names.

• Ordinance 15-O-25: reduces stray animal holding period from 7 to 4 days, exempts feral cats in TNR from holding
• Resolution 62-R-25: urges Congress and Illinois legislature to prohibit police from concealing identities
• Ordinance 49-O-25: requires USCG-approved life jackets at Dempster St. Boat Launch
• Ordinance 55-O-25: increases penalties for impersonating law enforcement officers
• Resolution 67-R-25 and 60-R-25: honorary street names 'James (Jim) McHolland Way' and 'Patricia A. Vance Way'

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee will hear from Assistant City Engineer Chris Sous and discuss Dog Beach ADA access, including a history, consultant reviews, and feedback. The committee will also consider a resident request for a disabled adults social hour and gaming opportunity. Public comments and approval of prior minutes are on the agenda.

• Discussion of Dog Beach ADA access with GEI Consultants review and Altura Solutions feedback
• Guest speaker Chris Sous, Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Agency
• Resident request for DASH & GO: Disabled Adults Social Hour & Gaming Opportunity
• Upcoming City Council meeting on Dog Beach access

Environment Board

The Evanston Environment Board will hear staff updates on renewable energy certificates (RECs) and electricity aggregation, the Green Homes Pilot, and the Accessible Solar RFP. They will also discuss future agenda items, the Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan, and an environmental justice update, including a proposed letter to City Council. The board will consider approving the July 24, 2025 minutes.

• Staff update on RECs and electricity aggregation; CCA and municipal contracts expire mid-2026, RFP preparation underway
• Discussion of Environmental Justice update, including a letter from the Evanston Environmental Justice Coalition recommending EEI-based edits to the Comprehensive Plan
• Update on Accessible Solar RFP
• Update on Green Homes Pilot
• Approval of July 24, 2025 minutes

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is discussing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool for evaluating projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda outlines the scorecard's purpose, criteria, and review process, which involves assigning three commission members to independently review proposals and vote on final recommendations. No specific proposals are being decided at this meeting; the focus is on the tool itself.

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

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider recommending $82,000 in funding for Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) for FY2026, and discuss a retail incubator program and the 2025-2027 Economic Development Work Plan. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Approval of $82,000 funding for Chicago's North Shore CVB for FY2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
• Discussion of a retail incubator strategy and implementation plan
• Discussion of the 2025-2027 Economic Development Work Plan
• Monthly unemployment report for June 2025 and economic development activity dashboard

Land Use Commission

The Land Use Commission will review a proposed 31-story mixed-use building at 601-615 Davis St. and 1604-1608 Chicago Ave., which requires several zoning allowances including a height of 308 feet where 85 feet is allowed. The commission will also consider a home addition at 2102 Grant St. and a veterinary clinic at 815 Howard St. The commission makes recommendations to the City Council for the planned development and special use, but decides the variations case itself.

• Planned Development: 31-story, 445-unit building, 3,200 sq ft commercial, 200 parking spaces at 601-615 Davis St. & 1604-1608 Chicago Ave.
• Requests allowances: 317 units vs 92 max, 12.9 FAR vs 6.5 max, 308 ft height vs 85 ft max, reduced setbacks and parking
• Major Variations: 1st-floor addition to single-family home at 2102 Grant St., seeking side yard setback and lot coverage relief
• Special Use: veterinary clinic at 815 Howard St. in B3 Business District
• Public comment accepted via form or phone at 847-448-4311

Special Finance and Budget Committee

The Evanston Finance and Budget Committee will consider recommending an ordinance to eliminate interest on special assessments for alley repairs, and will discuss the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, pension actuarial reports, the FY 2025 mid-year financial review, auditor rotation policy, and a proposed escrow account for personal property replacement taxes. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Recommendation to eliminate interest on special assessments for alley repairs (amending Municipal Code 7-15-3 and 7-15-7)
• Discussion of 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, including lead service line replacements, legacy park renovations, and Fountain Square replacement
• Discussion of Police and Fire Pension Fund actuarial valuation reports
• Discussion of FY 2025 mid-year financial review
• Discussion of policy for periodic rotation of city auditors and creation of a personal property replacement taxes escrow account

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to consider a consent agenda with numerous contracts and expenditures, including a $994,355 contract for water plant revetment rehabilitation, a $547,824 chiller replacement at police/fire headquarters, and several sole-source agreements requiring two-thirds votes. The agenda also includes routine approvals such as payroll, bills, and liquor licenses.

• Contract with ICC Group Inc. for Evanston Water Plant Revetment Rehabilitation: $994,355
• Contract with Carrier Corporation for Police/Fire Headquarters Chiller Replacement: $547,824
• Sole-source agreement with Vertexone for WaterSmart SaaS: $66,194.45 over 3 years
• Purchase of two 2026 Ford F450 trucks for Public Works: $288,141 total
• Liquor license approvals for Free Flow Kitchen (1623 Simpson St) and Pho Ever Ramen & Bubble Tea House (724 Clark St)

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider four vacation rental license applications and a zoning text amendment. The amendment would clarify that inclusionary housing units and bonus units don't count toward the 24-unit threshold for planned developments. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Vacation rental license for 1132 Hartrey Avenue
• Vacation rental license for 722 Seward Street
• Vacation rental license for 3503 Central Street
• Vacation rental license for 722 Brown Ave
• Ordinance 53-O-25: Text amendment to planned development threshold

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar of routine financial approvals, including payroll, bills, and credit card activity. The agenda also includes several contract awards for capital projects, such as the Sherman Plaza parking garage assessment and the Evanston Water Plant revetment rehabilitation, along with multiple sole-source agreements requiring a two-thirds council vote. The committee will also review two Class C restaurant liquor license applications.

• Approval of payroll ($8.87M total) and bills list ($10.93M)
• Contract with Wiss, Janney, Elstner for Sherman Plaza garage assessment ($57,434)
• Contract with ICC Group for Water Plant revetment rehab ($994,355)
• Purchase of two Ford F450 trucks for Public Works ($288,141)
• Sole-source agreements for software, network, and security services

Aug 21 2025

The supplied text is a login/portal page for Evanston, IL dated Aug 21 2025, not a meeting agenda. It contains no agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics. The document is only procedural boilerplate.

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve minutes from its June 11 meeting, take public comment, and hold a closed session for police officer interviews. No specific items for consideration or communication are listed on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive action being the closed-session interviews.

• Approval of minutes from June 11 meeting
• Closed session for police officer interviews
• Public comment period

Five-Fifths TIF Advisory Committee

The Five-Fifths TIF Advisory Committee will consider recommending up to $300,000 in TIF assistance for roof and window replacement at Oaktree Apartments, a 30-unit affordable housing complex at 2007 Ashland Ave. The committee will also discuss infrastructure priorities for the TIF district with city staff. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• TIF assistance not to exceed $300,000 for Oaktree Apartments renovations (roof and windows)
• Total renovation budget $1.1 million; TIF funds cover 26% of renovation costs
• Fund balance in Five-Fifths TIF Fund #365.99.5900.65511 is $457,453 as of June 2025
• Developer Evanston Affordable Housing LLC to extend HAP contract for 20 years
• Discussion on infrastructure priorities for Five-Fifths TIF and Capital Improvement Planning

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will consider recommendations for park projects at Cartwright and Fitzsimons parks, an update on the Dog Beach ramp, and an honorary street name sign application for James (Jim) McHolland. The board will also discuss updates on park projects at Chandler Tot Lot and James Park, and receive staff reports on the 2025 spring program season and Special Olympics. The agenda includes approval of the June 12 and July 17 meeting minutes, with the June 12 minutes previously tabled.

• Honorary Street Name Sign Application for James (Jim) McHolland
• Dog Beach Ramp Update
• Park Project Recommendations: Cartwright Park, Fitzsimons Park
• Park Project Updates: Chandler Tot Lot, James Park
• 2025 Spring Program Season Review

Special City Council Meeting

The City Council will review and vote on several amendments to the draft Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan. These items include proposed policies regarding corporate investors, short-term rentals, and student housing impacts near campus.

• Vote on policy to restrict corporate investors in the housing market
• Vote on regulating short-term rentals and eliminating non-owner-occupied units
• Review of population projections ranging from a 6% to 40% increase by 2045
• Discussion of transitional buffer zones between campus communities and residential areas
• Proposed updates regarding the impact of student housing demand on local rental markets

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission meets to discuss utility operations, including electrical supply, reliability reports, and capital projects. Unfinished business includes a feasibility study for renewable heating and cooling and a privately initiated lead service line replacement program. New business includes a referral for a water protection ordinance to prevent privatization and feedback on water service line materials.

• Discussion of Electrical Supply 3.0
• Review of monthly utility reliability report and Water/Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project Summaries
• Outline for renewable heating and cooling feasibility study and pilot open season
• Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program – Council/APW endorsement
• Referral by Councilmember Geracaris: Water Protection Ordinance to prevent privatization

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will vote on recommending $138,758 in FY2025 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) allocations to two agencies (Connections for the Homeless and YWCA Evanston/North Shore) for housing support and homeless services. The committee will also discuss and place on file the list of FY2026 Case Management and Safety Net Services applicants, with $1,036,783 projected available against $1,635,950 requested. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment periods.

• Approve $138,758 ESG allocation: $123,758 to Connections for the Homeless, $15,000 to YWCA Evanston/North Shore
• ESG funding shifts from Rapid Re-housing to Homeless Prevention (50% of funds)
• FY2026 Case Management and Safety Net applicants: 20 agencies, 25 programs, total requests $1,635,950
• Funding for FY2026 programs to come exclusively from local Human Services Fund ($1,036,783 projected)
• Approve minutes from June 12, 2025 joint and regular meetings

Board of Local Improvements

The Board will consider approving final rolls for Special Assessments 1530 and 1531. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding an alley petition north of Simpson and east of Pioneer.

• Approval of SA 1530 Final Rolls
• Approval of SA 1531 Final Rolls
• Alley Petition North of Simpson, East of Pioneer
• Approval of assessment method for new petitions
• Alley projects budget summary and update

Land Use Commission

The Land Use Commission is reviewing a Special Use request for a planned development featuring 445 dwelling units and 3,200 square feet of commercial space. The application seeks several site development allowances, including increased building height and floor area ratio. The Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council.

• Planned Development: 601-603 and 605-615 Davis St. & 1604-1608 Chicago Ave. (25PLND-0019)
• Special Use request for a religious institution and banquet hall at 1702 Sherman Avenue
• Withdrawn application for a resale establishment at 1609 Maple Avenue Unit 2

Special City Council Meeting

The Evanston City Council will review and vote on proposed changes to the draft Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan, as recommended by the Land Use Commission. The voting document includes discussion items, additional requests, items not included, and NU-City Committee items. The council will consider edits on housing, economic development, preservation, and other topics, with 'no change' as an option for each item.

• Housing policy options: allow multi-unit housing by right in residential districts (Options 1-4)
• Add policies to promote arts/culture and downtown revitalization, including reducing vagrancy and panhandling
• Delete preservation policies, including expanding Northeast Evanston Local Historic District
• Add actions for Northwestern collaboration: monitor Ryan Field concerts, CBA compliance
• Population projections: 84,278 (low) to 111,872 (high) by 2045

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider three new liquor license applications: a Class C restaurant license for Free Flow Kitchen, a Class E small entertainment venue license for Evanston History Center, and a Class C restaurant license for Pho Ever Ramen & Bubble Tea House. The board will also approve minutes from the May 2, 2025 meeting and hear public comment.

• Free Flow Kitchen, LLC d/b/a Free Flow Kitchen, 1623 Simpson Street, Class C restaurant license
• Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood Street, Class E small entertainment venue license
• Lulu Ramen, Inc. d/b/a Pho Ever Ramen & Bubble Tea House, 724 Clark Street, Class C restaurant license
• Approval of May 2, 2025 meeting minutes

Special City Council Meeting

The Evanston City Council will review and vote on proposed changes to the draft Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan, as recommended by the Land Use Commission. The voting document includes discussion items with options for each proposed edit, plus additional requests from the June 24 meeting. Councilmembers may also make motions to include items not in the voting document. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with roll call, virtual participation approval, and public comment.

• Vote on edits to draft vision statement for 2045
• Options to modify housing policy language, including upzoning and single-family zoning
• Proposal to establish an Urban Design Commission (NP 7.1)
• Add new policy on Northwestern University collaboration, including Ryan Field issues (CS 6.1)
• Add carbon emissions section and new climate policies (ENV 1.1-1.7)

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 23, 2025 minutes. The meeting is largely procedural, focused on managing the committee's workload.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of June 23, 2025

City Council

The Evanston City Council will vote on a consent agenda covering payroll, bills, and multiple contracts, including a $636,000 playground improvement project at Twiggs Park and a $147,800 repair contract for Fire Station #3. The agenda also includes several vacation rental licenses, a special use permit for a kennel, and an ordinance to publicly release ethics complaints. Most items are routine approvals, with no major policy debates listed.

• Contract award to AGAE Contractors for Twiggs Park Playground Improvement Project, $636,000
• Contract award to Ramirez Group LLC for Fire Station #3 structural concrete repairs, $147,800
• Fuel purchase from Al Warren Oil Company, not to exceed $900,000 for one year
• Ordinance 46-O-25 to require public release of all ethics complaints and jurisdictional findings
• Special use permit for a kennel at 2900 Central Street (Tails Together)

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider four vacation rental license applications or renewals, a special use permit for a kennel, and a minor adjustment to a planned development. The committee will also approve minutes from prior meetings and hear public comment.

• Vacation rental license for 806 Main Street (tabled at July 14 meeting)
• Vacation rental license for 2124 Seward Street
• Vacation rental license for 2015 Emerson Street
• Vacation rental license renewal for 2222 Grey Avenue
• Ordinance 48-O-25: Special use permit for kennel at 2900 Central Street (Tails Together)

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is reviewing consent items including payroll, bills, and credit card activity, plus several contract awards for construction, fuel, and services. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a resolution for extended liquor service hours.

• Payroll $4,611,943.09, bills $7,464,768.32, credit card $217,343.19
• Fire Station #3 concrete repairs contract with Ramirez Group LLC for $147,800
• Twiggs Park playground improvement contract with AGAE Contractors for $636,000
• Fuel purchase from Al Warren Oil Co. up to $900,000 for one year
• Extended liquor service hours for Levy Premium Food Service on four dates

Environment Board

The Evanston Environment Board will meet to approve prior minutes, receive staff updates on the Environmental Equity Investigation, Sustain Evanston, and electricity aggregation, and discuss an accessible solar RFP, parks and green space plan, and environmental justice. The board will also vote on disbanding the Building Electrification Working Group and hear task force updates.

• Vote on disbanding the Building Electrification Working Group
• Update on Environmental Equity Investigation (Public Workshop #3 held July 16)
• Discussion of Accessible Solar RFP
• Update on Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan
• Electricity Aggregation Update

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates on previous accessibility inquiries and new grievances, including sidewalk blockages, curb damage, and a malfunctioning pedestrian signal. The agenda also covers training and education updates, such as the Disability Pride Panel scheduled for July 26. This is a discussion-focused meeting with no formal votes or decisions listed.

• Update on AMC curb cut inquiry progress
• New grievance: contractor truck blocking pedestrian sidewalk
• New grievance: malfunctioning audible pedestrian signal at Chicago & Davis
• New grievance: overgrown bushes at residence on Emerson & Dodge
• Disability Pride Panel: Sat. July 26, 2 PM at Prieto Community Center

Land Use Commission

The Land Use Commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation on a proposed Planned Development for a 31-story mixed-use building at 601-615 Davis St. and 1604-1608 Chicago Ave. The applicant seeks several site development allowances, including more dwelling units, reduced setbacks, a taller building, and fewer parking spaces than zoning normally allows. The commission will also approve minutes from three prior meetings.

• Planned Development for 31-story building with 445 dwelling units, 3,200 sq ft commercial space, and 200 parking spaces at 601-615 Davis St. & 1604-1608 Chicago Ave.
• Requests allowances: 317 units (max 92 allowed), 308-ft height (max 85 ft), 12.9 FAR (max 6.5), reduced setbacks, and 200 parking spaces (250 required)
• Approval of minutes from April 9, April 16, and May 14, 2025 meetings

Special City Council Meeting

The Evanston City Council will review and vote on proposed changes to the draft Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan, as recommended by the Land Use Commission. The voting document includes consent items, discussion items, and additional requests. Staff will also list items not incorporated into the voting document for possible consideration. The plan will be updated with approved changes for further Council review.

• Vote on consent and discussion edits to the draft Comprehensive Plan
• Add 'affordable and attainable' housing language to multiple policies
• Rename Chapter 8 to 'Climate Action and the Environment'
• Add policy to continue implementing the 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP)
• Add metrics for Skokie, Wilmette, and Chicago to vacancy rate discussion

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility operations, including electrical supply, reliability reports, and capital projects. They will also consider a feasibility study for renewable heating and cooling pilots, a privately initiated lead service line replacement program, and feedback on water service line materials. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Discussion of Electrical Supply 3.0
• Outline for renewable heating and cooling feasibility study and pilot open season
• Privately initiated lead service line replacement program seeking Council/APW endorsement
• Water service line material notification feedback
• Review of monthly utility reliability report and Water/Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project summaries

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Evanston Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing its Equity Scorecard, a tool designed to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda outlines the scorecard's purpose, criteria, and the review process, which involves assigning three commission members to independently assess proposals. This is a procedural review of the tool itself, not a decision on a specific project.

• 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, land use/zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement design.
• Review process: three commission members independently review, then full commission votes on final recommendation.
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral/More Information Needed, Do Not Support.

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will hear a presentation on the draft 2026 Capital Improvement Program for parks, which includes renovations to legacy parks and targeted investments. The board will also discuss updates on several park projects and consider an honorary street name application. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Draft 2026 CIP includes $11.5M for parks, with $3.55M for legacy park renovations (Cartwright, Fitzsimons, Philbrick, Raymond).
• New line item for Playground Safety Surfacing ($300,000) added to CIP.
• Discussion on park projects at Grey, Fitzsimons, Twiggs, Cartwright, and Chandler Tot Lot.
• Honorary street name application for Patricia A. Vance (5 Patricia A. Vance Way).
• Capital Improvement Plan presentation by Lara Biggs.

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will hold public hearings on three certificates of appropriateness: replacing the original concrete tile roof at 2819 Colfax Street with asphalt shingles, demolishing a non-original addition and building a new two-story brick addition at 820 Sheridan Road, and altering fenestration plus adding a garage addition at 1001 Ridge Court. The Commission will also review and discuss the draft 2024 Annual Report for City Council. Staff previously denied the roof replacement request, which the applicant is appealing.

• 25PRES-0047: 2819 Colfax Street – replace original 104-year-old Hawthorne concrete tile roof with CertainTeed Grand Manor asphalt shingles (staff denied; applicant appeals)
• 25PRES-0083: 820 Sheridan Road – demolish non-original single-story masonry addition and deck; construct new two-story brick addition and limestone deck
• 25PRES-0082: 1001 Ridge Court – alter original fenestration pattern and construct single-story addition to attached garage
• Discussion of 2024 Preservation Commission Annual Report, including key considerations for City Council
• Approval of May 13, 2025 meeting minutes

Northwestern University-City Committee

The Northwestern University-City Committee will discuss the Envision Evanston 2045 plan, focusing on zoning districts T1, T2, and U1, including student housing and neighborhood goals. The meeting also includes approval of the June 11, 2025 minutes and public comment. No formal votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of T1, T2, U1 districts for Envision Evanston 2045
• Student on and off campus housing in U1, T1, T2 districts
• Neighborhood vision and goals for T1 and T2
• Community relations: mutually beneficial cooperation, support, and services
• Approval of June 11, 2025 meeting minutes

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss two items: the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) waitlist management process and the refresh of the Housing4All Strategic Housing Plan. The meeting includes public comment, approval of minutes from prior meetings, and staff reports. No final votes are scheduled; both items are for discussion.

• Discussion on Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) waitlist management process
• Discussion on Housing4All (Strategic Housing Plan) Refresh
• Approval of minutes from June 12 and June 17, 2025 meetings
• Public comment period (15 minutes, 5 minutes per speaker)

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will consider two Special Project Grant requests totaling $4,000: one for an oral history book and one for a winter solstice celebration. The council will also vote on public art maintenance, sculpture lease extensions, and a plaque, and discuss a summer retreat and social.

• Special Project Grant: $2,000 for Elliott Hurtig's oral history book 'Evanston Speaks'
• Special Project Grant: $2,000 for EcoVoice Project's Winter Solstice Celebrations
• Vote: Maintenance for 'The Conversation' sculpture (Modern Metals quote)
• Vote: One-year extension of CSI sculpture leases for three works
• Vote: Plaque for 'The Sea of the Ear'

City Council

The Evanston City Council will vote on a consent agenda covering payroll, bills, and numerous contracts, including a five-year refuse and yard waste franchise with LRS, a traffic signal engineering contract, and software renewals. The council will also discuss its goals for the 82nd City Council and hold a final public comment period on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. Several items require a two-thirds vote due to sole-source or emergency provisions.

• Payroll and bills totaling $13,556,441.14
• LRS residential refuse & yard waste franchise: $3,146,772 initial annual total, 5-year term with 4% annual increases
• Terra Engineering contract for Ridge Ave & Central St traffic signal modernization: $293,500
• Propviser asset concession grant implementation: $900,000 reauthorization
• Ordinance 45-O-25: minor adjustment to Planned Development at 1621-1631 Chicago Ave (height reduction from 12 to 11 stories)

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider and vote on two vacation rental license applications: one for a two-unit property at 806 Main Street and another for a single-family home at 3210 Colfax Street. Staff recommend approval for both, stating they meet city code standards. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.

• Vacation Rental License for 806 Main Street (Unit 1, 3 bedrooms, up to 6 guests, available 365 days/year)
• Vacation Rental License for 3210 Colfax Street (entire single-family home, 2 bedrooms, up to 5 guests, available 300 days/year)
• Both applications include a $250 application fee
• No objections from neighbors within 250 feet reported for either property
• Public comment period at meeting start (max 20 minutes, 2 minutes per speaker)

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is reviewing a consent calendar of contracts and purchases, including a five-year residential refuse and yard waste franchise with LRS, a reauthorized agreement with Propviser for grant implementation, and several sole-source software and equipment purchases. The committee will also consider change orders for the Ecology Center renovation and sidewalk improvements, plus a resolution authorizing Motor Fuel Tax funds for the Green Bay Road Project.

• Five-year LRS residential refuse & yard waste franchise, initial annual total $3,146,772, 4% annual unit price increases
• Reauthorized Propviser agreement up to $900,000 for Putting Assets to Work grant implementation
• Terra Engineering contract $293,500 for Ridge Avenue and Central Street traffic signal modernization
• Sole-source Accela software renewal $849,894.44 over five years
• Resolution 59-R-25 authorizing $2,609,650 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for Green Bay Road Project

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is holding a regular meeting with routine items: approving June minutes, hearing public comment, and receiving committee reports from the ADA Advisory Committee and Dementia Friendly Evanston Committee. They will also follow up on the 'Puppy Love' film and review the work plan. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or new business listed.

• Approval of June 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• ADA Advisory Committee report on accessibility efforts
• Dementia Friendly Evanston Committee update on work plan
• Discussion of 'Puppy Love' film follow-up
• Work plan updates from the committee

Land Use Commission

The Evanston Land Use Commission is meeting to consider two new business items: a Special Use Permit for a kennel at 2900 Central Street and a text amendment to clarify how inclusionary housing units count toward the 24-unit planned development threshold. The commission will also approve minutes from four prior meetings. Public comment is scheduled.

• Special Use Permit for a kennel at 2900 Central Street (Tails Together) in B1a Business District
• Text amendment to clarify inclusionary housing units don't count toward 24-unit planned development threshold
• Approval of minutes from Feb 26, Mar 12, Mar 19, and Mar 26, 2025 meetings
• Public comment period

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will decide whether completed internal investigations of Complaints 24-09, 24-11, 25-02, and 25-03 were complete, thorough, objective, and fair, and whether to forward them to the police chief. The commission will also vote on a memo requesting a second review of Complaint 24-09, which alleges officers mocked a complainant's sexuality, and on a de-escalation memo. The meeting includes public comment and a possible executive session on personnel matters.

• Second review of Complaint 24-09: memo requests reexamination of allegations that officers mocked a complainant's sexuality
• Review of Complaint 24-11: determine if internal investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair
• Review of Complaint 25-02: determine if internal investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair
• Review of Complaint 25-03: determine if internal investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair
• Approval of Commission's De-escalation Memo

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force will discuss the 2025 Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP) goals, reviewing progress on items like renewable electricity, LED lighting, and emissions reductions. They will also discuss the Stormwater Management Plan. The agenda includes approval of the June 4, 2025 minutes and public comment.

• Review of 2025 CARP goals, including 50% communitywide GHG reduction (48% as of 2022 with RECs) and 75% renewable electricity for all accounts
• Discussion of 2025 Action Agenda, including Healthy Buildings Ordinance, zoning code rewrite for solar/heat pumps, and bike plan
• Waste diversion goal at 25%, with consideration to move 50% goal to 2030
• Vehicle miles traveled reduced 18.3% in 2023, short of 20% goal
• Stormwater Management Plan discussion

Board of Local Improvements - Jul 09 2025 - Cancelled

The Board of Local Improvements meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The next meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for August 13, 2025

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to approve June minutes, receive staff updates, and discuss unfinished business including sector outreach, the 2025 event calendar, and a collaboration with CJE/EPL for a caregiver social hour. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no major decisions or new business listed.

• Police and CARE Team confirmed for September meeting; Commander Sophier to attend
• Review of 2025 calendar for DFE sponsored events, including communication challenges discussion
• CJE/EPL caregiver social hour collaboration update
• Next meeting set for September 9, 2025, at Levy Senior Library; no meeting in August

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will consider recommending acceptance of the FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, discuss fund balances and a potential local grocery tax, receive a facilities contingency update, and consider forming a subcommittee on Illinois HB 2621. The agenda also includes approval of the May 13, 2025 minutes.

• Review and acceptance of FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
• Discussion of fund balances and excess fund balances
• Discussion of a local grocery tax
• Facilities contingency update
• Discussion of a subcommittee to explore Illinois HB 2621

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will consider Ordinance 46-O-25, which would require the public release of all ethics complaints and jurisdictional findings on the city's website. The committee will also continue its review of the City Council rules draft and fill a vacancy on the Social Services Committee.

• Ordinance 46-O-25: require public release of all ethics complaints and jurisdictional findings
• Continuation of City Council rules draft review (Draft 5.6.25)
• Fill vacancy on Social Services Committee
• Approval of June 2, 2025 meeting minutes

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will discuss the draft 2026 Capital Improvement Program for parks, which includes renovations to legacy parks, targeted amenity investments, and facility upgrades. Staff will present the plan and seek board feedback before it goes to other committees and City Council. The agenda also includes public comment and board comments.

• Cartwright, Chandler, Fitzsimmons, and Philbrick parks proposed for construction in 2026; Raymond Park design in 2026
• New $300,000 Playground Safety Surfacing line item added to 2026 budget
• Playground Equipment Replacement budget reduced from $1,050,000 (2025) to $800,000 (2026)
• Noyes Cultural Arts Center HVAC modernization delayed; chimney repair unbudgeted
• Ecology Center renovation nearly complete, with completion extended to 8/29/25 due to supply chain issues

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates on previous accessibility inquiries and new grievances, including accessible parking enforcement and beach mat extensions. The committee will also hear from guests about the Prieto Day Program project and plan future meeting logistics.

• Update on Farmers Market text description map
• Update on pedestrian crosswalks near Evanston Hospital
• New grievance: enforcement of accessible parking spots near 730 Main
• New grievance: Beach Mobi-mats and mat extensions
• Training: Inclusion & Accessible Rec at Hill Arboretum on 6/10

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, how it will be used, and the review process, including criteria for assessing stakeholder engagement, inequities, and impacts. This appears to be a procedural discussion of the tool itself rather than a decision on a specific project.

• Scorecard criteria include stakeholder engagement, identification of inequities, root causes, adverse impacts, and positive equity impacts
• Review process assigns three commission members to independently evaluate each scorecard
• Final recommendations range from 'Strongly Support' to 'Do Not Support'
• Tool applies to housing development, zoning changes, budget allocations, and tax abatements

Special City Council Meeting

The Evanston City Council will discuss the Envision Evanston 2045 Draft Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year guide for land use and development. The Land Use Commission recommends approval with amendments, and the council will consider specific policy questions on housing, parking, and development. Councilmembers must submit feedback by July 3, 2025, with further discussion on July 21, 2025.

• Discussion of Envision Evanston 2045 Draft Comprehensive Plan, covering land use, housing, transportation, and more
• Proposed changes to housing policies, including removing language that would allow by-right housing types and reduce parking minimums
• Questions on whether to establish a population projection and add a centers/corridors map
• Consideration of creating an Urban Design Commission
• Potential allowance of small-scale businesses outside established business districts

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 9, 2025 minutes and public comment. The June 9 minutes show the committee referred items to various committees with target dates.

• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date
• Approval of June 9, 2025 minutes
• June 9 minutes: Line 5 referred to HCDC by Q3 2025
• June 9 minutes: Line 6 referred to Finance and Budget during or before September
• June 9 minutes: Line 9 referred to Land Use Commission at July 9 meeting

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to consider a consent agenda that includes several contract awards and routine approvals. Key items include a $3.2 million contract for alley and sidewalk improvements, a $61,980 study for chlorine conversion, and a $99,030 zero-based budgeting evaluation. The agenda also includes a minor adjustment to a planned development at 1621-1631 Chicago Avenue and a health data protection ordinance.

• Contract award to Alliance Contractors, Inc. for 2025 Alley and Sidewalk Improvements (Bid No. 25-26) in the amount of $3,203,481.10
• Contract award to CDM Smith Incorporated for 2025 Chlorine Conversion Feasibility Study (RFP# 25-13) in the not-to-exceed amount of $61,980.00
• Contract with Water Resources Inc. for FY 2025, 2026, & 2027 Water Meter Purchases (Bid 25-21) in the not-to-exceed amount of $866,588.50
• Ordinance 45-O-25 approving a minor adjustment to the Planned Development at 1621-1631 Chicago Avenue, reducing height from 12 to 11 stories
• Resolution 58-R-25 approving a contract award to Raftelis for a zero-based budgeting evaluation of the Public Works Department for $99,030

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider Ordinance 45-O-25, a minor adjustment to the approved planned development at 1621-1631 Chicago Avenue. The adjustment would reduce the building height from 12 to 11 stories, modify the facade and footprint, reduce commercial space, cut parking from 48 to 44 spaces (with 3 leased from the city), and change unit mix and floorplans. The committee will also approve minutes from the June 9 meeting. Public comment is scheduled.

• Ordinance 45-O-25: minor adjustment to planned development at 1621-1631 Chicago Ave (height 12→11 stories, parking 48→44 spaces, commercial space reduced)
• Parking reduction includes leasing 3 stalls from City's Church Street garage for 3 years, renewable based on demand
• Inclusionary Housing units remain at 8, with one more 2-bedroom and one less 1-bedroom unit
• Approval of minutes from June 9, 2025 meeting
• Public comment period for residents

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider approving several contracts and routine financial items, including a $3.2 million alley and sidewalk improvement contract, a chlorine conversion feasibility study, water meter purchases, and a special event permit. The agenda is largely a consent calendar of routine approvals, with no major policy debates listed.

• Contract award to Alliance Contractors, Inc. for 2025 Alley and Sidewalk Improvements (Bid 25-26) for $3,203,481.10
• Contract with CDM Smith for Chlorine Conversion Feasibility Study (RFP# 25-13) not-to-exceed $61,980
• Contract with Water Resources Inc. for FY 2025-2027 water meter purchases (Bid 25-21) not-to-exceed $866,588.50
• Special event approval for Midnight Circus at Tallmadge Park, September 19-21, 2025
• Eleven-month contract extension with Dynegy Energy Services for municipal electricity supply

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility operations, including electrical supply, reliability reports, and capital projects. They will also consider unfinished business on renewable heating/cooling, a lead service line replacement program, and demand response opportunities, plus new items on water service line notifications and stormwater planning.

• Discussion of geothermal heating/cooling system at CM Revell's home with guest Bill Revelle
• Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program – Council/APW endorsement
• Demand Response Opportunities 2.0 – additional opportunities
• Water Service Line Material Notification Feedback
• Stormwater Master Plan Sub-Committee

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss and vote on several housing items, including an amendment to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, an update on the Evanston Green Homes Pilot, and the MTO Landlord/Tenant Walk-In Hours Program Pilot. They will also discuss Envision Evanston 2045 and consider a nomination for Vice-Chair. Public input will be taken on the amended Citizen Participation Plan and the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.

• Vote to recommend approval of an amendment to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
• Evanston Green Homes Pilot update: 4 properties completed, 30 units targeted (down from 50), $304,700 invoiced to CNT
• MTO Walk-In Hours Pilot: 7 Evanston tenants served, 22 total attendees; cost $200/session, $2,800/year if continued
• Discussion of Envision Evanston 2045
• Nomination and vote for Vice-Chair of the committee

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will vote on approving revised evaluation sheets and application questions for the Case Management and Safety Net programs, updated with feedback from the May meeting, ahead of the July grant cycle. They will also consider changes to the 2025 meeting schedule, including canceling the July meeting and adding an August meeting. Public comment will be accepted.

• Vote on revised Case Management and Safety Net evaluation sheets and application questions for FY2026/27 City funds
• Revised 2025 SSC meeting topics and dates: cancel July meeting, add August meeting
• Approval of May 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Applications can be disqualified for late or incomplete submissions

Environment Board

The Evanston Environment Board is meeting to discuss the 2025 CARP (Climate Action and Resilience Plan) goals reporting, the Parks & Green Space Strategic Plan, and an Environmental Justice update. The board will also take action on selecting a new co-chair and setting its meeting schedule for the rest of the year. The agenda is largely routine, with public comment and approval of prior minutes also scheduled.

• Vote on new Environment Board Co-Chair
• 2025 CARP Goals Reporting staff update
• Discussion of Parks & Green Space Strategic Plan
• Environmental Justice Update discussion
• Meeting schedule for remainder of 2025

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will hear a presentation on the draft Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan, a 10-year framework guiding capital investments, maintenance, and programming for Evanston's parks and open spaces. The board will also consider approving the May 15, 2025 meeting minutes. The agenda is otherwise routine, with public comment and board comments.

• Presentation and draft Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan by Agency Landscape + Planning
• Approval of May 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment period

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will hold its regular meeting, including approval of April minutes, committee reports, and public comment. The main new business is a discussion of next steps following completion of the two-year work plan. The agenda is largely procedural, with no votes or major decisions listed.

• Discussion of next steps following completion of two-year work plan
• Approval of April 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Reports from ADA Advisory Committee and Dementia Friendly Evanston Committee
• Next meeting set for July 10 at Council Chambers, Lorraine H. Morton City Hall

Joint Meeting of the Social Service Committee and the Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development and Social Services Committees are jointly reviewing the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan, updated with final FY2025 federal grant amounts, and the draft 2024 Citizen Participation Plan. The committees will vote on recommending the plans to City Council for approval at the July 14, 2025 meeting. The plans govern the use of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds from HUD. The agenda is primarily procedural, with the main action being the recommendation vote.

• Approval to recommend draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan to City Council
• Approval to recommend draft 2024 Citizen Participation Plan
• FY2025 HUD allocations: CDBG $1,699,600, HOME $309,222, ESG $150,008
• ESG funding added for homeless shelter, street outreach, and eviction prevention
• Public comment period open June 12 to July 14, 2025

Northwestern University-City Committee

The Northwestern University-City Committee will meet to review updates on the lakefront football facility, Ryan Field truck routes, and any demolition or construction plans for NU's T1, T2, and U1 district properties. The agenda includes a report from a conference, year-end events, and approval of prior minutes. Public comment will be accepted remotely due to an executive order suspending in-person attendance.

• Lakefront Campus Football Facility Update
• Ryan Field Truck Route Update
• Proposed demolition and/or new construction on T1, T2, and U1 district properties
• Report from International Town Gown Association Conference
• Approval of minutes from November 6, 2024

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve minutes from April 3, 2025, take public comment, and hold an executive session for firefighter/paramedic interviews. No other substantive discussion items are listed on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural aside from the closed-session interviews.

• Approval of minutes from April 3, 2025
• Public comment period
• Executive session for firefighter/paramedic interviews

Board of Local Improvements - Cancelled

This meeting of the Board of Local Improvements was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. No decisions or discussions will occur. The next meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will approve May 13, 2025 minutes, hear public comment, and receive staff updates. Unfinished business includes finalizing an elevator speech draft, assigning committee members to outreach sectors, and reviewing the 2025 calendar for Dementia Friendly Evanston sponsored events, including potential collaborations with CJE and the Evanston Public Library.

• Approval of May 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of elevator speech draft for member recruitment
• Assignment of sectors and committee members for outreach
• Update on CJE/EPL caregiver social hour collaboration
• Review of 2025 calendar for DFE sponsored events and target audiences

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider and vote on two vacation rental license applications for properties at 1813 Lincoln Street and 2222 Grey Avenue. Staff recommends approval for both, stating they meet city code standards. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Vacation rental license for 1813 Lincoln Street (3-bedroom home, available 365 days/year, owner: ARC Midwest LLC)
• Vacation rental license for 2222 Grey Avenue (single-family home, available up to 12 months/year, owner: Jeremy Giltner)
• Approval of minutes from April 28, 2025 meeting

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent agenda with several contracts and resolutions, including a $970,000 street improvement project, a resolution to purchase property at 801-809 Main Street, and a funding realignment for the Pathway to Wellness program. The committee will also vote on approving the payroll and bills list, and several single-source contracts.

• Approval of payroll ($3,848,430.09) and bills list ($10,857,745.92)
• Resolution 54-R-25 to purchase 801-809 Main Street using Chicago Main TIF funds
• Resolution 57-R-25 for $970,000 in street patching, markings, and crack sealing
• Funding realignment of $400,000 from Pathway to Wellness to Reimagining Public Safety
• Single-source contract with Motion Industries for $81,584.73 in electrical relays

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to consider a consent agenda with multiple financial and administrative items, including payroll and bills totaling over $14.7 million, several single-source contracts, a $970,000 street improvement resolution, and a $38.5 million budget amendment. The council will also discuss council goals and hold an executive session.

• Approval of payroll ($3,848,430.09) and bills list ($10,857,745.92)
• Resolution 57-R-25: $970,000 for street patching, pavement markings, crack sealing
• Financial assistance up to $82,510 to Free Flow Kitchen for TIF leasehold improvements
• Ordinance 40-O-25: Amend FY2024 budget by $38,495,211
• Ordinance 44-O-25: Establish four-way stop at Ewing Avenue and Harrison Street

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 May 12, 2025 minutes and public comment. This is a routine scheduling and administrative meeting.

• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes from May 12, 2025
• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date (list available online)

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee is meeting to discuss and act on reparations program updates, including an economic harm study presentation, disbursement updates for direct descendants and ancestor recipients, and a financial report. The agenda also includes approving prior meeting minutes, honoring an intern, and hearing a presentation from The AUX. Most action items are routine accept-and-file updates on disbursements and finances.

• Update on Economic Harm Study by Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell
• Direct Descendant Reparations Disbursement Update (total disbursement $2,036,388 as of April 1, 2025)
• Ancestor Reparations Recipients Disbursement Update (135 recipients made selections as of April 1, 2025)
• Reparations Financial Report (donations $55,956.22; Real Estate Transfer Tax $661,721 transferred as of April 1, 2025)
• Presentation by The AUX at 2223 Washington St

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force will meet to receive staff updates on the Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan and discuss CARP goals and the Parks and Green Spaces Strategic Plan Draft. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of the April 2, 2025 minutes, and scheduling the next meeting for July 2, 2025.

• Discussion of CARP Goals
• Discussion of Parks and Green Spaces Strategic Plan Draft
• Staff update on Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan
• Approval of April 2, 2025 minutes

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will consider and take action on proposed revisions to the City Council Rules, which were last updated in December 2022 and are being reorganized for clarity and consistency. The committee will also vote on changing the August City Council meeting from the third to the fourth Monday, and on filling a vacancy on the Social Services Committee. Approval of minutes from the May 5 and May 12, 2025 meetings is also on the agenda.

• Proposed City Council Rules draft (5.6.25) with feedback document for discussion and action
• Change August City Council date from third to fourth Monday
• Fill vacancy on Social Services Committee
• Approve Rules Committee minutes for May 5 and May 12, 2025

Human Services Committee

The Human Services Committee will consider two action items: an ordinance to protect health data and a resolution to designate part of Simpson Street as 'Rev. Mont'e L.G. Dillard Sr. Way.' The committee will also approve minutes from prior meetings and hear public comment.

• Ordinance 43-O-25, Health Data Protection Ordinance
• Resolution 52-R-25: Honorary street name 'Rev. Mont'e L.G. Dillard Sr. Way' on Simpson Street between Ashland Ave and Green Bay Rd (~$200 cost)
• Approval of minutes from April 7 and May 12, 2025 meetings

Land Use Commission

The Evanston Land Use Commission will hold a regular meeting on May 28, 2025, with the primary action being a decision on a request for major variations at 1630 Ashland Avenue. The applicant seeks to reduce required side and rear yard setbacks to accommodate an existing non-conforming structure. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from two prior meetings and opportunities for public comment.

• Major Variation request at 1630 Ashland Avenue for a 1-foot north interior side-yard setback (5 feet required) and a 5-foot rear-yard setback (30 feet required), citing existing legally non-conforming conditions.
• Approval of draft minutes from the January 22 and January 29, 2025 Land Use Commission meetings.
• Public comment period for residents to address the commission in person or in writing.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider recommending up to $82,510 in financial assistance to Free Flow Kitchen, a new restaurant at 1623 Simpson Street, for TIF-eligible leasehold improvements (fire suppression, black iron, exhaust hood). The committee will also discuss appointing a chair and setting a 2025-2026 work plan. The agenda includes approval of minutes from February and April meetings and routine economic development reports.

• Financial assistance up to $82,510 to Free Flow Kitchen for TIF-eligible leasehold improvements
• Proposed loan structure: $36,883 loan and $59,510 forgivable loan, with 5-year term at 3% interest
• Five Fifths TIF fund balance $1.3 million as of March 2025; projected year-end balance $136,000
• Discussion of Economic Development Committee chair appointment and work plan
• Approval of minutes from February 26 and April 23, 2025 meetings

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee is meeting to consider a consent calendar of routine financial approvals and contracts, including payroll, bills, and credit card activity. Notable items include a $3.6 million contract for Beck Park Expansion Phase 1, a $1.6 million street resurfacing project, and several other service contracts. The agenda also includes resolutions on a Sheridan Road grant application, an affordable housing ownership change, and property purchase authorization.

• Approval of payroll ($3,817,103.14), bills list ($4,455,702.71), and credit card activity ($258,522.33)
• Contract with John Keno & Company for Beck Park Expansion Phase 1: $3,624,840
• Contract with Builder's Paving LLC for 2025 MFT Street Resurfacing: $1,642,808
• Resolution 51-R-25: grant application for $3,500,000 for Sheridan Road Corridor engineering
• Resolution 54-R-25: authorize purchase of 801-809 Main Street

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider a consent agenda with multiple contracts, resolutions, and ordinances, including a $3.6 million contract for Beck Park expansion, a $1.6 million street resurfacing project, and a resolution supporting changes to a 60-unit affordable housing development. The agenda also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and credit card activity, as well as a resolution to apply for a $3.5 million grant for Sheridan Road improvements.

• Contract with John Keno & Company for Beck Park Expansion Phase 1, $3,624,840
• Contract with Builder's Paving for 2025 MFT Street Resurfacing, $1,642,808
• Resolution 51-R-25: Grant application for $3.5M Sheridan Road Corridor engineering
• Resolution 53-R-25: Support for ownership change of 60-unit affordable housing at 504 South Boulevard
• Resolution 54-R-25: Authorize purchase of 801-809 Main Street

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss accessibility inquiries and grievances, including complaints about accessible parking, sidewalk access, and bus stop benches. The committee will also receive updates on training and education initiatives, such as emergency preparedness and inclusion training. The agenda is primarily discussion-focused with no formal votes or decisions listed.

• Dog beach punch pad update
• Sam's Club plants in accessible parking spot complaint
• Lack of sidewalk access to Robert Crown complaint
• Farmers Market accessibility complaint
• Emergency Preparedness training at Hill Arboretum on 5/6

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The Minority, Women, Disadvantaged & Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee is meeting to review old business, including a resolution to reorganize the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Committee and a draft ordinance to codify the MWEBE Development Committee in city code. The committee will also consider approval of minutes from prior meetings, including notes from a meeting that lacked a quorum.

• Review of Resolution 71-R-97 to reorganize the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Committee
• Review of draft Resolution 78-O-21 amending Title 2 of City Code to codify the MWEBE Development Committee
• Approval of March 19, 2025 minutes and April 16, 2025 meeting notes (no quorum)

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will consider two Special Project Grant requests of $2,000 each: one from Design Evanston to document the artworks of a deceased Evanston artist, and one from First Congregational Church for its Second Annual Interfaith Family Pride Fest. The council will also review Cultural Fund grant funding scenarios and discuss new member orientation, a summer social, and public art updates.

• Design Evanston requests $2,000 for a 130-page catalogue documenting the artworks of Blanche Gildin (1928-2024)
• First Congregational Church requests $2,000 for the Second Annual Interfaith Family Pride Fest on June 8, 2025 at Raymond Park
• Cultural Fund Grant funding scenarios presented for 40 applicants, with totals ranging from $75,000 to $154,975 depending on NEA funding
• Approval of March 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of new member orientation retreat and summer social

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility operations, including the Electrical Supply 3.0 program, monthly reliability updates, and water/sewer capital project status. They will also consider feedback on water service line material notifications. The agenda is largely routine, with no major votes or public hearings listed.

• Electrical Supply 3.0 update
• Monthly utility reliability report (outages, backups, breaks, lead line replacements)
• Water & Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project status
• Water Service Line Material Notification Feedback discussion

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will consider approving honorary street name signs, setting fees for basketball and beach volleyball court rentals, and approving community affiliate applications. They will also discuss a community mural project, the parks strategic plan, and community engagement for park renovations.

• Honorary street name sign application for Rev. Mont'e L.G. Dillard Sr Way on Simpson St between Ashland Ave and Green Bay Rd
• Proposed court reservation fees: $20/resident, $26/non-resident, $10/affiliate per hour
• Affiliate applications from ETown Girls Feeder Basketball, Black Women of Evanston, and McGaw YMCA
• Discussion of community mural project at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center
• Community engagement updates for Chandler Tot Lot, Grey Park Dog Park, and Philbrick Park

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 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 meeting appears focused on the scorecard's introduction and usage guidelines rather than specific project 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
• 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

Board of Local Improvements

The Board of Local Improvements is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates on alley projects and their budget. New business includes an alley petition north of Clinton Place and east of Orrington Avenue, plus approval of an assessment method for new petitions. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific dollar amounts or detailed proposals listed.

• Approval of minutes from March 12 and March 20, 2025 public hearings for SA 1532, SA 1533, SA 1534
• Alley projects update and budget summary
• Alley petition north of Clinton Pl, east of Orrington Ave
• Approve assessment method for new petitions

Preservation Commission

The Evanston Preservation Commission will review concept plans for a proposed dog park in Grey Park within the Ridge Historic District and provide comments. It will also consider a new recommendation on major zoning variations for a landmark home at 1630 Ashland Avenue, following a minor plan adjustment. Additionally, the commission will discuss a new preservation policy statement for the Envision Evanston 2045 plan.

• Grey Park dog park concept plan review (Ridge Historic District)
• Major variations for 1630 Ashland Avenue: side-yard setback 1' (required 5'), rear-yard setback 5' (required 30')
• Envision Evanston 2045 preservation chapter policy statement discussion
• Preservation Month proclamation and Cultural Heritage Awards nominations
• Speaker series: 'Beyond Buildings: Preserving Historic Landscapes'

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to approve April minutes, hear public comment, and receive staff updates. They will discuss unfinished business including new member recruitment, next steps for the Comprehensive Plan, publicizing events and outreach, and a caregiver support presentation. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Levy Senior Center.

• Approval of April 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• New member recruitment and sector selections for outreach
• Comprehensive Plan next steps
• Publicizing events and outreach, including PSA #13 with sister communities (Highland Park, Glencoe, Oak Park, River Forest)
• Caregiver support presentation, possibly with COAD or sister communities

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will consider recommending that City Council issue $20,042,600 in General Obligation Bonds to cover 2024 and 2025 capital project costs, along with a $2 million transfer from General Fund reserves to address the Capital Improvement Fund's negative cash balance. They will also review a $38.5 million amendment to the FY2024 budget, an auditing services extension with Sikich LLP, and a funding realignment for the Living Room project. Discussions will cover Illinois HB 2621 and a potential local grocery tax.

• Issuance of $20,042,600 in 2025 General Obligation Bonds for CIP projects
• Transfer of $2,000,000 from General Fund reserves to CIP Fund to cover negative cash balance
• Ordinance 40-O-25 to amend FY2024 budget by $38,495,211 (from $438,416,120 to $399,920,909)
• Extension of auditing services with Sikich, LLP for 2025 and 2026 audits at $121,071 and $125,611
• Realignment of $600,000 State of Illinois funding from Living Room project to Independence Park

Rules Committee

The Evanston Rules Committee will discuss and take action on proposed changes to committee membership and the temporary chair schedule, and will approve a 2025-2029 chair rotation schedule for standing committees. Staff recommends choosing between a 3-month or 6-month rotation option. The meeting is primarily procedural, focused on internal governance.

• Proposed changes to committee assignments and temporary chair schedule
• Approval of 2025-2029 chair schedule, with 3-month or 6-month rotation options
• Committee assignments listed for Administration & Public Works, Planning & Development, Human Services, and others
• Referrals Committee chair: Biss; Finance & Budget has a resident chair

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 approve minutes from its April 28 meeting. This is a routine scheduling and administrative meeting.

• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of April 28
• Review and scheduling of referrals from the list available online

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar with multiple contracts and resolutions, including a $19.55 million contract for the Water Plant 4160V Electrical System Reliability Project and an ordinance authorizing up to $24.2 million in IEPA loans. Other items include contracts for park improvements, landscape maintenance, tree services, and software subscriptions. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Contract with Broadway Electric for Water Plant 4160V Electrical System Reliability Project: $19,552,000
• Ordinance 41-O-25 authorizing IEPA loan up to $24,200,000 for water plant project
• Beck Park Expansion Phase 1 contract with John Keno & Company: $3,624,840
• 2025 Court Improvements at James, Leahy, Ackerman, Mason Parks: $895,000 with Chicagoland Paving
• Citywide Tree Removal, Pruning, Stump Grinding contract with Arborgreen: $510,000 over 3 years

Human Services Committee

The Human Services Committee is deciding whether to recommend an ordinance that would exempt Evanston-Skokie District 65 and Evanston Township High School District 202 from the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance, citing hardship and operational impacts. The committee will also consider an honorary street name designation for a crossing guard and review a police complaints report. The agenda includes routine items like approving prior meeting minutes.

• Ordinance 42-O-25: Opt Evanston School Districts out of Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance
• Resolution 38-R-25: Honorary street name 'Donald Wilson Way' on Central Park Avenue between Central Street and Hartzell Street (approx. $200 cost)
• Review of Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report (accept and place on file)
• Approval of April 7, 2025 meeting minutes

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider approving several contracts and ordinances, including a $19.5 million water plant electrical system reliability project funded by a proposed $24.2 million state loan, a $3.6 million Beck Park expansion, and various maintenance and service contracts. The agenda also includes presentations on the Stormwater Master Plan and Envision Evanston 2045 update, plus routine approvals like payroll and bills.

• Contract with Broadway Electric for Water Plant 4160V Electrical System Reliability Project ($19,552,000)
• Ordinance authorizing borrowing up to $24,200,000 from IEPA for water plant project
• Contract with John Keno & Company for Beck Park Expansion Phase 1 ($3,624,840)
• Contract with Chicagoland Paving for 2025 Court Improvements at James, Leahy, Ackerman, Mason Parks ($895,000)
• Contract with Arborgreen Tree Service for tree removal, pruning, stump grinding ($510,000 over 3 years)

Environment Board

The Evanston Environment Board is meeting to hear a presentation on natural areas stewardship, receive staff updates on the Department of Energy IRA Codes grant and Climate Action & Resilience Plan implementation, and discuss several items including a transit system listening session, environmental justice updates, co-chair nominations, and a draft Parks & Green Space Plan. The meeting includes public comment and approval of April minutes.

• Presentation on Natural Areas Stewards
• Update on Department of Energy IRA Codes grant
• Update on Climate Action & Resilience Plan Implementation
• Discussion of Transit System Listening Session
• Discussion of Parks & Green Space Plan Draft

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities is meeting to approve April minutes, hear committee reports, and discuss next steps following completion of its two-year work plan. Staff will update on the Aging Well Expo scheduled for May 9, 2025. The agenda is largely procedural with one substantive discussion item.

• Discussion of next steps following completion of two-year work plan
• Aging Well Expo on May 9, 2025, 9AM-12PM at Levy Senior Center
• Approval of April 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Committee reports from ADA Advisory and Dementia Friendly Evanston committees

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will review and discuss draft evaluation sheets and application questions for Case Management and Safety Net programs, preparing for the grant application cycle opening in July. The drafts incorporate the committee's priorities of supporting basic needs (food and shelter) and poverty reduction. The committee will finalize and vote on these documents at the June meeting.

• Review of draft evaluation sheets and application questions for Case Management and Safety Net programs
• Draft criteria include populations served, best practices, collaboration, and financial stability
• Application questions cover resident demographics, enrollment numbers, and waitlists
• Priorities include basic needs support (food and shelter) and poverty reduction
• Applications will open in July with mandatory information sessions

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will decide whether the completed internal investigation of Complaint CR 24-07 is complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The complaint alleges an officer conducted an illegal stop and withheld a driver's license. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, public comment, and a possible executive session on personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint CR 24-07: alleged illegal stop and withheld ID on April 26, 2024
• Deputy Chief found violations of Rules 2 and 6, recommending written reprimand and de-escalation training
• Patrol Sergeant found Rule 6 violation (sustained) with shift-level counseling; Rules 1, 2, 18 exonerated
• Approval of April 9, 2025 meeting minutes and executive session minutes
• Possible executive session to discuss personnel matters under ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee will discuss and take action on councilmember appointments to standing committees and boards, adopt a 2025-2029 Mayor Pro Tem schedule, and discuss a draft of updated City Council Rules. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a discussion of the City Manager evaluation timeline.

• Committee assignments for the 82nd Evanston City Council
• Adoption of 2025-2029 Mayor Pro Tem schedule
• Discussion of City Council Rules draft
• City Manager evaluation timeline discussion
• Approval of April 14, 2025 meeting minutes

Special City Council Meeting

This is a special City Council meeting focused on councilmember orientation, with public comment and ward announcements. No substantive decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Public comment period with sign-up via City Clerk's online form or phone/text
• Council orientation session
• Call of the wards for councilmember announcements

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider two liquor license applications: a Class D license for the Hilton Garden Inn at 1818 Maple Avenue for a small hotel event space, and a Class O tavern license for Tallgrass at 1921 Central Street. The board will also approve minutes from its March 17, 2025 meeting and take public comment.

• Class D license request by Maharaj Hotel, LLC d/b/a Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Avenue
• Class O license request by Tallgrass Hospitality, LLC dba Tallgrass, 1921 Central Street
• Approval of March 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment period

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 31, 2025 meeting. The meeting is procedural, with no specific items listed for decision.

• Approval of Referrals Committee minutes of March 31, 2025
• Review and scheduling of referrals made to date

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider a vacation rental license application for the property at 1726 Emerson Street / 1839 Darrow Avenue (coach house), owned by Jeff & Jackie Raimo. The item was previously tabled and is now up for action. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and public comment.

• Vacation rental license for 1726 Emerson Street / 1839 Darrow Avenue (coach house), owner Jeff & Jackie Raimo
• Property includes main house and coach house, both proposed as year-round vacation rentals
• No other licensed vacation rentals in immediate area; two unlicensed within 500 ft
• Approval of minutes from April 14, 2025 meeting

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider consent calendar items including contracts for water main improvements, water meter replacements, fleet vehicle purchases, and various resolutions. Notable actions include a $6.8 million water main and street resurfacing project, a $3.2 million water meter changeout, and a $652,017 purchase of 13 fleet vehicles. The agenda also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and credit card activity.

• Contract award to Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp. for 2025 Water Main Improvements and Street Resurfacing Project (Bid No. 25-08) in the amount of $6,826,213.37
• Contract award to Water Resources, Inc. for Water Meter and MIU Changeout Project Services (RFP #24-38) in the amount of $3,226,639.00
• Purchase of thirteen (13) fleet vehicles from Currie Motors for $652,017 for Fire, Police, and Motor Pool
• Resolution 31-R-25 authorizing intergovernmental agreement with IDOT for Central Street Roadway Improvement Project between Ashland and Asbury Avenues
• Ordinance 38-O-25 authorizing sale of aging surplus fleet vehicles via online auction

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to act on a consent agenda that includes multiple contract awards, ordinances, and resolutions. Key items include a $6.8 million water main and street resurfacing project, a $3.2 million water meter replacement contract, and a $652,017 purchase of 13 fleet vehicles. The council will also consider resolutions honoring retiring councilmembers and an amended contract for the city manager.

• Contract award to Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp. for 2025 Water Main Improvements and Street Resurfacing Project (Bid No. 25-08) in the amount of $6,826,213.37
• Contract award to Water Resources, Inc. for water meter and MIU changeout services (RFP #24-38) in the amount of $3,226,639.00
• Purchase of thirteen (13) fleet vehicles from Currie Motors for $652,017 for Fire, Police, and Motor Pool
• Resolution 46-R-25, Amended Contract for City Manager
• Ordinance 35-O-25, Major Variations for a five-story, 30-unit multi-family development at 2206 Maple Avenue

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss accessibility complaints and grievances, including issues at Zen Leaf dispensary, the dog beach entrance, and City Hall. They will also hear updates on previous inquiries and training events. The meeting includes guest speakers from the Parking team.

• Discussion of new grievances: Zen Leaf dispensary, dog beach entrance punch pad, City Hall Collector's Office door, Library NVDA, Council Chambers hearing loop, Prieto restroom
• Updates on previous inquiries: flower pot/crosswalk guidelines and AMC curb cut
• Guest speakers from Parking team: Mike Rivera and Mark Turenne
• Training updates: Neurodiversity Unmasked Training (4/22), Emergency Preparedness at Hill Arboretum (5/6)
• Next meeting scheduled for May 22 at Evanston Public Library

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is reviewing the Evanston Equity Scorecard, a tool to evaluate projects, policies, and practices through an equity lens. The agenda describes the scorecard's purpose, criteria, and review process, but no specific decisions or votes are listed. This appears to be a procedural item to discuss and potentially adopt the scorecard for future use.

• 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 review each scorecard, with final recommendation approved by commission vote.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will consider a $120,000 loan request from Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine for fire repairs, despite the owner's insurance denial and the restaurant's history of late payments and delinquencies. The committee will also discuss the Evanston Thrives work plan update, covering ARPA-funded projects and internal policy recommendations. The agenda includes approval of February meeting minutes and routine economic development reports.

• Request for $120,000 financial assistance for fire-related repairs at Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine, 711 Howard Street
• Good to Go currently owes $38,891 on a prior loan, with $15,110 past due; also owes $7,352 in trash, liquor tax, and water bills
• Evanston Thrives ARPA-funded projects total $3,430,293, with $2,621,383 funded or under contract
• Discussion of Evanston Thrives internal policy recommendations, including parklet design guide and food truck policy redesign
• Approval of meeting minutes from February 26, 2025

Special City Council Meeting

This is a special City Council meeting with a largely procedural agenda. It includes a public comment period, an executive session for personnel matters under state law, and a call of the wards for councilmember announcements. No votes or substantive policy decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Public comment period with sign-up via City Clerk's online form or 847-448-4311
• Executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2 (C)(1) for personnel matters
• Call of the wards for councilmember announcements

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to review monthly utility reliability data, including outages, water main breaks, and lead service line replacements, and to discuss unfinished business on electrical reliability, renewable heating/cooling, and lead line replacement. New business includes discussion of overbuying renewable energy certificates (RECs). The agenda is largely discussion and staff reports, with no votes listed.

• Monthly utility reliability report: electric outages, basement backups, water main breaks, service repairs, lead service line replacements
• Water & Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project status
• Electrical Reliability, Supply and Contract Extension discussion
• Privately Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program discussion
• Overbuying of RECs (renewable energy certificates) discussion

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will consider an honorary street name sign for Don Wilson, a longtime crossing guard, and appoint members to the Levy Senior Center Advisory Board. They will also review the quarterly Greenways report, discuss a projection update for the Prieto Community Center, and receive staff updates on gymnastics, winter programs, and community engagement.

• Honorary Street Name Sign application for 'Don Wilson Way' on Central Park Ave between Central St and Hartzell St
• Levy Advisory Board appointments for Marilyn Faklis Ruiz and Renee Hunter
• 2024-2025 Quarterly Greenways Report: 1,364 work orders, 2,664.5 hours
• Projection update for Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center
• Community engagement update on Grey Park Dog Park, Twiggs Park, and Urban Farm

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The MWDEBE Development Committee will review staff reports on Local Employment Program (LEP) and MWDEBE tracking, including a recommendation to assess a penalty for the Evanston Animal Shelter project's non-compliance. They will also discuss an award proposal for local businesses and a small business survey.

• Penalty options for Bid 22-70 Evanston Animal Shelter: $68,493-$72,343 (full), $2,557-$2,701 (partial), or $9,890-$10,446 (14% of full)
• LEP tracking shows 9 completed projects, 4 with penalties assessed, 2 with waivers requested
• MWDEBE tracking shows $3.3M in subcontracts to MWEBE firms in 2025
• Proposal for two awards recognizing M/W/D and Evanston small businesses
• Discussion on MWDEBE Small Business Survey

Animal Welfare Board

The Animal Welfare Board will review and discuss Ordinance 15-O-25, which would reduce stray hold times for impounded animals without identifiable owners from seven to four days and allow feral cats to be released sooner after TNR procedures. The board will also discuss member term limits, elect a Chair and Vice-Chair, and consider accepting avian influenza safety protocols.

• Discussion of Ordinance 15-O-25 reducing stray hold for unidentified domesticated animals from 7 to 4 days
• Discussion of member term limits under Enabling Ordinance 54-O-14 (3-year terms, one reappointment)
• Annual election of Chair and Vice-Chair to serve until December 2025
• Acceptance of avian influenza safety protocols for residents
• Approval of October 9, 2024 meeting minutes

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will discuss two City Council referrals: one to ban price-fixing software in Evanston's rental housing market, and another to prohibit non-owner-occupied vacation rentals. Staff recommends the committee discuss both referrals and provide direction on next steps. The committee will also approve minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting and receive staff updates.

• Discussion of referral to ban price-fixing software in rental housing, citing RealPage, PriceLabs, Zillow, Yardi, and others
• Discussion of referral to prohibit non-owner-occupied vacation rentals; 222 short-term rental units identified vs. 14,397 long-term rentals
• Approval of minutes for March 18, 2025 meeting
• Staff updates

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will consider four Special Project Grant funding requests, totaling $7,400, for community arts programs. It will also discuss public art maintenance, the Cultural Fund Grant update, and a conflict of interest policy. The meeting includes public comment and approval of minutes.

• Special Project Grant requests: Music Theater Works ($1,400), First Congregational Church ($2,000), Christine Ebeling Mando ($2,000), Carolyn O'Brien ($2,000)
• Vote on 2025 public art maintenance projects, including Modern Metals sculpture work
• Discussion/vote on Erik Blome's 'Explorer' public art
• Discussion on 2025/26 CSI Sculpture Rentals
• Approval of Cultural Fund Grant Reviewers' Conflict of Interest Policy

City Council

The Evanston City Council will vote on a consent agenda with multiple contracts and resolutions, including a $5.18 million water main and lead service line replacement project, sidewalk improvements, and park maintenance contracts. They will also consider resolutions for electric vehicle charging grants, a Safe Routes to School sidewalk project, and a settlement in a lawsuit. The meeting includes public comment and proclamations for Arbor Day and Women's Lacrosse Day.

• Contract with Millennium Contracting Co. for $5,183,475 for water main and lead service line replacement (Bid 25-10)
• Contract with Schroeder & Schroeder, Inc. for $292,730 for sidewalk improvements (Bid 25-09)
• Resolution 33-R-25: $150,000 grant for EV charging infrastructure at library, Levy Senior Center, and Prieto Community Center
• Resolution 35-R-25: Safe Routes to School sidewalk project with $249,951 in federal funding and $240,049 city share
• Ordinance 29-O-25: Sale of city-owned property at 1222 Washington Street to Evanston Township High School

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent agenda of contracts, resolutions, and ordinances, including a $5.18 million water main and lead service line replacement project, sidewalk improvements, and several other infrastructure and administrative items. The committee will also vote on a settlement in a lawsuit and the sale of city-owned property to Evanston Township High School. Public comment is scheduled.

• Contract with Millennium Contracting Co. for $5,183,475 for water main and lead service line replacement, contingent on IEPA SRF funding
• Contract with Schroeder & Schroeder, Inc. for $292,730 for sidewalk improvements
• Resolution 36-R-25 authorizing settlement in Constance Harvey v. City of Evanston (Case No. 2023 L 011662)
• Ordinance 29-O-25 authorizing sale of 1222 Washington Street to Evanston Township High School
• Resolution 33-R-25 for $150,000 IEPA grant for EV charging infrastructure at three city sites

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will review two vacation rental license applications and consider introducing ordinances for a special use permit expansion and major zoning variations. The committee will also approve minutes from the March 31 meeting and hear public comment.

• Vacation rental license for 1111 Pitner Avenue (two units, up to 12 months/year)
• Vacation rental license for 1726 Emerson Street/1839 Darrow Avenue (coach house)
• Ordinance 34-O-25: Expand special use permit for Step By Step Learning Academy at 1905-1909 Howard Street
• Ordinance 35-O-25: Major variations for 5-story, 30-unit development with 29 parking spaces at 2206 Maple Avenue

Rules Committee

The Evanston Rules Committee is meeting to approve minutes from its November 4, 2024 meeting and to consider Ordinance 37-O-25, which would add the Evanston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Economic Development Committee. The agenda includes public comment and is otherwise procedural.

• Ordinance 37-O-25 amending Title 2, Chapter 18 to add Chamber of Commerce Executive Director as ex-officio non-voting member of Economic Development Committee
• Approval of Rules Committee minutes from November 4, 2024

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities (COAD) will meet to approve minutes from March 13, 2025, and review the final changes to its 2025-2026 work plan. The work plan outlines goals for community outreach, educational events, building relationships with senior facilities, and supporting the ADA Advisory Committee. The meeting will also include public comment, committee reports, and staff updates.

• Review and approval of the COAD work plan for 2025-2026
• Approval of meeting minutes from March 13, 2025
• Reports from the ADA Advisory Committee and Dementia Friendly Evanston Committee
• Public comment period

Environment Board

The Evanston Environment Board will meet to vote on a new chair, discuss updates on the Envision Evanston 45 revisions, the D65 Sustainability Plan, and Environmental Justice, and receive staff updates on Divvy expansion and the Deconstruction Ordinance. The agenda also includes approval of the March 13, 2025 minutes and a recognition of Matt Cotter's service.

• Vote on new chair
• Discussion of Envision Evanston 45 revisions to Land Use Commission
• Staff update on Divvy expansion
• Staff update on Deconstruction Ordinance
• Discussion of D65 Sustainability Plan

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will consider whether the completed internal investigation of Complaint 24-09 is complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The complaint alleges excessive force, denial of medical attention, and unprofessional conduct by Evanston police officers during a November 2023 domestic incident. The commission may also convene into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint 24-09 alleging excessive force, pepper-spray use, and denial of medical attention
• Possible executive session to discuss personnel matters under ILCS 120/2(c)(1)
• Approval of minutes from March 5, 2025 meeting
• Public comment period of 25 minutes, with 5-minute limit per speaker

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will discuss funding for FY 2024 and FY 2025 capital projects, including a negative fund balance and the need to issue bonds. They will also consider a $5.18 million contract for water main and lead service line replacement, a debt management policy, and a zero-based budgeting pilot.

• Contract award to Millennium Contracting Co for $5,183,475 for the 2025 Prioritized Water Main and Lead Water Service Line Project (Bid No. 25-10), contingent on IEPA SRF funding.
• Discussion of proposed funding for FY 2024 and FY 2025 CIP projects, including a negative Capital Improvement Fund balance of ($7.2 million) and cash balance of ($1.7 million).
• Resolution 34-R-25 to adopt a Debt Management Policy.
• Zero-Based Budgeting Pilot Exercise: staff seeking recommendation on which department to use for an RFP for a consultant.
• Approval of March 11, 2025 meeting minutes.

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will review and finalize its 2025-2026 work plan, focusing on Goal 4 and overall plan completion. They will also discuss outreach to other Dementia Friendly communities in the Chicago area and potential caregiver support presentations. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes and receiving updates.

• Finalize Dementia Friendly Illinois Work Plan Goal 4 and overall plan
• Discuss outreach to other Dementia Friendly communities in the Great Chicago Area and statewide
• Potential caregiver support presentation collaboration with Glencoe, North Shore Senior Center, and CJE
• Identify members to attend upcoming Dementia Friendly Illinois Zoom meetings (May, June, July)
• Approve minutes from March 11, 2025 meeting

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will discuss a proposed planned development at 605 Davis Street that includes the landmark-designated University Building, but will not vote or issue a Certificate of Appropriateness since the proposal does not directly alter the building's exterior. The commission may provide comments on the development's potential impact on historic resources and submit written testimony to the Land Use Commission. The agenda also includes staff-led training on the preservation ordinance and approval of the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Review of proposed planned development at 605 Davis Street / 1604 Chicago Avenue, including landmark University Building (built 1906, architect George Maher)
• Developer proposes preservation-based easements or covenants to protect University Building
• Proposed development includes a 13-story building (330 feet tall) with residential and commercial uses
• Staff-led training on understanding the preservation ordinance (Initiative 4.4 of Preserve 2040)
• Approval of minutes from March 11, 2025 meeting

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee will consider several items, including two ordinances to prohibit discrimination based on personal appearance and linguistic/cultural characteristics, a request to remove a tree at 3439 Park Place, and an honorary street name designation for 'Elizabeth Tisdahl Way'. They will also discuss a property tax circuit breaker and tree preservation guidelines.

• Ordinance 33-O-25: prohibit discrimination based on personal appearance
• Ordinance 36-O-25: prohibit discrimination based on linguistic or cultural characteristics
• Variation request to remove tree at 3439 Park Place
• Resolution 32-R-25: honorary street name 'Elizabeth Tisdahl Way' on McDaniel Avenue (approx. $200 cost)
• Discussion: Property Tax Circuit Breaker referral to Finance and Budget Committee

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee will hear a presentation on DNA testing in reconstructing African ancestral narratives, receive an update on the Economic Harm Study, and consider accepting and filing updates on Direct Descendant and Ancestor reparations disbursements, along with the April financial report. The meeting also includes a survey for Evanston business owners and public comment.

• Presentation by Dr. LaKisha David on DNA testing and African ancestral narratives
• Update on Economic Harm Study by Dr. Twyla Blackmond Larnell
• Direct Descendant disbursement update: 87 of 126 recipients have received benefits, with $2,036,388 in cash benefits and $113,662 in home improvements
• Ancestor reparations disbursement update: 132 of 141 qualified applicants have made selections
• Reparations Business Climate Survey for all Evanston business owners

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting for routine business: approving prior minutes, taking public comment, and welcoming new and standing commissioners. The main substantive item is an executive session for police officer interviews, with no other discussion items listed.

• Executive session for police officer interviews
• Approval of minutes from prior regular meeting
• Public comment period
• Meet and greet for new and standing commissioners

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force is meeting to discuss recommendations for the Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan to be sent to the Land Use Commission. The agenda also includes public comment and approval of the March 5 minutes. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan recommendations to the Land Use Commission
• Approval of March 5 minutes
• Public comment period

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will discuss the 2025 Capital Improvement Program parks expenditures and vote on a consent calendar of contracts and ordinances, including a $969,823 parking access revenue control system, a $95,000 boat ramp dredging contract, and several sole-source agreements. The agenda also includes property sales and a liquor license approval.

• Contract award to RevCon Technology Group for parking access revenue control system in three garages, $969,823
• Contract for annual dredging of Church Street Boat Ramp to Kovilic Construction, $95,000 (MWDEBE waiver)
• Three-year contract with Revize LLC for website redevelopment and CMS migration, $79,500 year one
• Ordinance to sell City-owned property at 1222 Washington Street to Evanston Township High School
• Resolution for free metered parking pilot on first Saturday evening of each month in 2025

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will consider Ordinance 25-O-25, which would extend the deadline for the applicant, David Wallach of Blue Paint Development, to obtain a building permit for the efficiency home development at 1915-17 Grant Street. The extension is sought due to capital market difficulties, and the new deadline would be October 18, 2025. The committee previously denied a similar request on March 10, 2025, but a clarified interpretation of the original ordinance's effective date has changed the timeline.

• Ordinance 25-O-25: six-month extension to obtain building permit for efficiency home development at 1915-17 Grant Street, new deadline October 18, 2025
• Applicant: David Wallach of Blue Paint Development
• Original special use permit granted by Ordinance 18-O-24 on March 11, 2024
• Committee previously denied extension request on March 10, 2025
• Public comment period will be held

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to vote on a consent agenda that includes contracts, ordinances, and resolutions. Key items include a $969,823 contract for parking garage revenue control systems, a $95,000 dredging contract, and several property sales and zoning changes. The meeting also includes public comment and proclamations.

• Contract award to RevCon Technology Group for $969,823 to install Parking Access Revenue Control Systems in three city-owned garages
• Contract for $95,000 to Kovilic Construction for dredging the Church Street Boat Harbor, with a MWDEBE waiver
• Ordinance 27-O-25 authorizing sale of city-owned property at 1222 Washington Street to Evanston Township High School
• Ordinance 28-O-25 authorizing sale of city-owned property at 2221 Keeney Street
• Resolution 29-R-25 creating a pilot program for free metered parking on first Saturday evenings in 2025

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 10, 2025 meeting. No specific items are listed for decision in this agenda.

• Review and scheduling of referrals
• Approval of March 10, 2025 minutes

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss accessibility issues, including new grievances about broken buttons in a parking garage, locked restrooms, and sidewalk hazards, as well as updates on training and new programs. The agenda is mostly discussion items with no formal votes or decisions listed.

• New grievance: accessible buttons broken in Sherman parking garage
• New grievance: 2nd floor restrooms locked early at Robert Crown
• New grievance: un-shoveled business sidewalk at 607 Davis
• New grievance: ADA warning pad loose at 718 Ridge
• Training: 'Put Your Left Foot Forward' Parks & Rec Training, Feb. 26

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is holding its regular meeting on March 21, 2025, at the Water Treatment Plant. The agenda contains only standard procedural items: call to order, approval of minutes, public comment, staff reports, and adjournment. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are listed.

• Meeting at Water Treatment Plant, 555 Lincoln Street
• Approval of minutes from prior meeting
• Public comment period
• Staff reports by Mr. King

Equity and Empowerment Commission

The Equity and Empowerment Commission is discussing 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 review process, which involves assigning three commission members to independently review proposals and vote on final recommendations. This meeting appears focused on the scorecard itself rather than specific policy 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, land use/zoning changes, budget allocations, public subsidies, tax abatements, strategic planning, and community engagement design
• Review process: three commission members independently review, then full commission votes on final recommendation
• 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 is meeting to discuss and take action on a revised Responsible Bidder Ordinance (23-O-25), which would add requirements for bidders on city contracts over $25,000, including apprenticeship programs and limits on subcontracting. The committee will also review the MWDEBE Small Business Survey and receive updates on tracking. The agenda includes approval of the February 19, 2025 minutes and staff reports.

• Action on Responsible Bidder Ordinance (23-O-25) amending Title 1, Chapter 17 of City Code
• Discussion on requiring apprenticeship training programs for contracts over $25,000
• Proposed 20% self-performance requirement for general contractors with 'Added Value' exception
• Review of MWDEBE Small Business Survey
• Approval of February 19, 2025 meeting minutes

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council will consider four Special Project Grant proposals, seeking a combined $7,000 for community arts events, a recital, an artist documentation project, and a storytelling/podcast series. The council will also discuss the Cook County Creative Placemaking grant program, an update on the Arts and Cultural Engagement Specialist position, and public art items including a mission statement update and sculpture rentals.

• Special Project Grant: $1,000 for Open Studio Project's YEA! Fest, a free community youth arts event
• Special Project Grant: $2,000 for Christine Mando's recital of English and American art songs
• Special Project Grant: $2,000 for Design Evanston to document artworks of a deceased Evanston artist
• Special Project Grant: $2,000 for Our Unseen Roots' live storytelling event and podcast series
• Discussion of Cook County Creative Placemaking grants ($50,000-$250,000) for suburban nonprofits

Housing & Community Development Committee

The Housing & Community Development Committee will vote on approving the 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for federal CDBG and HOME grants, and will discuss the second version of the Envision Evanston Draft Comprehensive Plan. The agenda also includes staff updates on Green Homes and federal funding. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes total.

• Approval of 2024 CAPER for CDBG and HOME grants (HUD report due March 31)
• Discussion of Envision Evanston Draft Comprehensive Plan (second version)
• Approval of December 17, 2024 meeting minutes
• Green Homes staff update
• Federal funding update

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider a request from Kaiser Studios, LLC, doing business as The Grove Gallery, for a Class E (Event Venue - small) liquor license at 619 Grove Street. The board will also approve minutes from its February 7, 2025 meeting and take public comment. The application indicates the gallery plans to sell wine by the bottle and glass, with small bites, and includes a $2,500 surety bond.

• Class E liquor license application for The Grove Gallery, 619 Grove Street
• Applicant proposes wine sales by glass and bottle, plus small snacks
• Approval of February 7, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Application includes $2,500 corporate surety bond

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will consider approving renewed grant allocations for FY2025, totaling about $1.04 million from the Community Grant Program Fund and an estimated $200,000 from Community Development Block Grant funds. The agenda also includes approval of the December 12, 2024 meeting minutes and public comment periods.

• FY2025 allocations totaling $1,036,783 from Community Grant Program Fund plus $200,000 estimated CDBG
• Renewal of allocations for Case Management and Safety Net Services programs
• Approval of December 12, 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment periods for agenda items

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will review its draft workplan and receive committee reports. Staff will update members on recognition pins, visits to senior housing sites, and approved City Code changes for sidewalk cafes. The agenda is largely routine, with the workplan review as the main substantive item.

• Review of COAD draft workplan
• Update on approved sidewalk cafe City Code changes
• Reports from ADA and Dementia Friendly Evanston committees
• Recognition pins update
• Visits to Jacob Blake Manor and Ebenezer Primm Towers

Environment Board

The Evanston Environment Board is meeting to discuss a circularity policy and an environmental justice update, along with updates from task forces on CARP implementation and building electrification. The board will also vote on a new meeting time/location and decide how to send feedback on Envision Evanston 45 Version 2. Public comment is included.

• Circularity Policy Discussion
• Environmental Justice Update
• CARP Implementation Taskforce Update
• Building Electrification Working Group Update
• Vote on new meeting time and/or location

Board of Local Improvements

The Board of Local Improvements is meeting to review alley project updates and budgets, and to consider a new alley petition north of Colfax St. east of Brown Ave. They will also discuss approving an assessment method for new petitions. The agenda is largely procedural, with no dollar amounts or detailed proposals listed.

• Alley projects update
• Alley projects budget summary
• Alley petition north of Colfax St., east of Brown Ave.
• Approve assessment method for new petitions

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will discuss preliminary, unaudited FY2024 financials, a debt management plan, and referrals on zero-based budgeting, community engagement in budget prioritization, and a property tax circuit breaker. They will also hear a presentation from the Police and Fire Pension Presidents on the state of their pension funds. The agenda is primarily discussion items with no votes scheduled.

• Presentation from Police and Fire Pension Presidents on pension fund status
• Discussion of preliminary FY2024 financials (unaudited)
• Discussion of a debt management plan
• Discussion of zero-based budgeting pilot program referral
• Discussion of property tax circuit breaker referral

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee will meet to approve February minutes, hear public comment, and discuss unfinished business including new member recruitment, a comprehension plan, and publicizing events. They will also consider outreach to other Dementia Friendly communities and a potential caregiver support presentation with Glencoe, North Shore Senior Center, and CJE. The meeting includes a report on the February Dementia Friendly Illinois Zoom call.

• Approval of February 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of new member recruitment
• Review and suggestions for Comprehension Plan
• Potential outreach to Dementia Friendly communities in the Great Chicago Area and statewide
• Caregiver Support Presentation collaboration with Glencoe, North Shore Senior Center, and CJE

Preservation Commission

The Evanston Preservation Commission will hear an advisory presentation on Phase 1 of the Evanston Township High School Centennial Project, which includes a new arts and innovation wing at 1600 Dodge Avenue. The project does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness, but the project team seeks the Commission's comments. The Commission will also consider a certificate of appropriateness application for alterations at 732 Judson Avenue and discuss the preservation components of the Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan draft.

• Advisory review of ETHS Phase 1 arts and innovation wing at 1600 Dodge Ave (no COA required)
• COA application 25PRES-0016 for 732 Judson Ave: infill 5 windows, add bay, replace door, install 2 skylights
• Discussion of Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan Draft 2 (no vote)
• Approval of minutes from Feb 11 and Feb 20 meetings

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 February 24, 2025 meeting. No specific items for decision are listed beyond the scheduling review.

• Review and scheduling of referrals
• Approval of minutes from February 24, 2025

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will discuss enforcement of the vacation rentals ordinance, including how to handle non-owner-occupied properties and unlicensed rentals. They will also consider an ordinance to extend the building permit deadline for the efficiency home development at 1915-17 Grant Street.

• Discussion on vacation rental enforcement, including ~200 unlicensed short-term rentals
• Proposed fines: $200 first violation, $500 second, $750 third or subsequent
• Ordinance 25-O-25: 6-month extension for building permit at 1915-17 Grant Street
• Applicant: David Wallach of Blue Paint Development
• New expiration date would be September 11, 2025

City Council

The Evanston City Council is deciding whether to authorize staff to permanently relocate City Hall to a downtown location and explore non-municipal use or adaptive reuse of the current building at 2100 Ridge Avenue. The agenda also includes numerous consent items covering contracts, ordinances, and leases, plus a discussion on vacation rental enforcement. Several items require two-thirds votes due to single-source or sole-source procurement.

• Resolution 21-R-25 to relocate City Hall downtown and consider adaptive reuse of 2100 Ridge Avenue
• Contract with RevCon Technology Group for $969,823 to install parking access revenue control systems in three city garages
• Contract with Garland/DBS, Inc. for $2,240,837 for 2025 roofing and envelope repairs
• Ordinance 4-O-25 to reduce liquor tax and increase home rule sales tax
• Ordinance 20-O-25 to lease Harley Clarke Mansion at 2603 Sheridan Road to Celadon Construction Corporation

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar with multiple contracts and resolutions, including a $969,823 contract for a parking access revenue control system in three city garages, a $2,240,837 roofing and envelope repairs contract, and a resolution to create a pilot program for free metered parking on the first Saturday evening of each month in 2025. The committee will also review a proposed ordinance to reduce the city's liquor tax and increase the home rule sales tax, and another to authorize the sale of city-owned property at 2221 Keeney Street. Public comment will be heard.

• Contract award to RevCon Technology Group for $969,823 for parking access revenue control system in three city-owned garages
• Contract with Garland/DBS, Inc. for $2,240,837 for 2025 roofing and envelope repairs
• Resolution 29-R-25 to create a pilot program for free metered parking on the first Saturday evening of each month for 2025
• Ordinance 24-O-25 authorizing negotiation of sale of city-owned property at 2221 Keeney Street
• Ordinance 4-O-25 to reduce the city's liquor tax and increase the home rule sales tax

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve minutes from its February 14, 2025 meeting, hear public comment, and hold a closed session to interview firefighter/paramedic candidates. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from February 14, 2025 meeting
• Closed session for firefighter/paramedic candidate interviews

Reparations Committee Listening Session

The Evanston Reparations Committee is holding a listening session on March 6, 2025, at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. The meeting is primarily dedicated to public comment, where community members can share what updates or information they would like the committee to provide. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with call to order, communication, and adjournment items.

• Listening session for community input on Reparations Committee updates
• Public comment period open for residents
• In-person at Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Parasol Room, 4th floor
• Virtual attendance available via Zoom registration

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will review completed internal investigations of three police complaints (24-07, 24-49, 24-50) and vote on whether each investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes, public comment, and a possible executive session on personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint 24-07: alleged racial profiling and damaged watch during a traffic stop; investigation found allegations unfounded
• Review of Complaint 24-49: alleged officer parked illegally in handicap space; investigation pending review
• Review of Complaint 24-50: third complaint under review
• Approval of February 5, 2025 meeting minutes and executive session minutes
• Possible executive session to discuss personnel matters

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force will discuss feedback on the second Comprehensive Plan draft for the Land Use Commission and review progress to date. The meeting includes public comment and approval of the February 3, 2025 minutes.

• Discussion of 2nd Comprehensive Plan Draft Feedback for Land Use Commission
• Review of CARP Progress to Date
• Approval of February 3, 2025 minutes
• Public comment period

ADA Advisory Committee

The Evanston ADA Advisory Committee is meeting to hear a guest speaker on emergency preparedness for the disability community and to review new accessibility inquiries and grievances. Items include broken accessible buttons in the Sherman parking garage, a removed sidewalk on Davis, locked restrooms at Robert Crown, and an un-shoveled business sidewalk at 607 Davis. The committee will also discuss its 2025/26 work plan and new membership applications.

• Guest speaker on Emergency Preparedness for Evanston's disability community
• Review of grievances: Independence Park entrance, Sherman garage accessible buttons, Davis sidewalk, Robert Crown restrooms, curb cut inquiry, 607 Davis un-shoveled sidewalk, boil order communication
• ADA Advisory Committee 2025/26 Work Plan discussion
• New membership applications/reminders

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will discuss economic development data analysis and business district market studies, as well as review the Economic Development Division's 2024/2025 work plan update. The work plan highlights over $1 million in grants to 113 businesses, $3 million in ARPA-funded Evanston Thrives projects, and other activities. The committee will also receive reports on business openings/closings and unemployment for 2024.

• Discussion of economic development data analysis and business district market studies
• Review of 2024/2025 work plan: $1M+ in grants to 113 businesses (Storefront Modernization, Small Business Recovery, Sustain Evanston, Entrepreneurship)
• $3M in ARPA funding for Evanston Thrives projects (gateways, Civic Plaza, bridge lighting, placemaking)
• 2024 activity report: 78 new businesses registered, 345 total registrations; $129,971 in business license payments
• December 2024 unemployment rate: 3.6% for Evanston (1,767 unemployed)

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar of routine financial approvals, including payroll, bills, and credit card activity, as well as several contract awards and renewals. Notable items include a $900,000 contract with Propviser for grant implementation, a $751,302 sewer rehabilitation contract, and multiple sole-source purchases. The committee will also vote on resolutions related to easements, a grant application, and an ordinance amendment.

• Payroll $4,204,630.73, bills $3,366,739.58, credit card activity $264,327.29
• Contract award to Propviser for $900,000 for grant implementation services
• Contract with Hoerr Construction for $751,302 for CIPP sewer rehabilitation
• Sole-source purchase order for Ford OEM parts for $170,000
• Resolution to apply for MWRD grant for unimproved alleys (up to $1,500,053.33)

City Council

The Evanston City Council will hold a discussion on options for city hall and the 2100 Ridge Avenue property, and will vote on a consent agenda that includes multiple contracts, resolutions, and ordinances. The consent agenda covers payroll, bills, credit card activity, several sole-source purchase orders, contract awards, and resolutions related to grants, easements, and an eruv expansion. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Discussion of city hall and 2100 Ridge Avenue options
• Approval of payroll ($4,204,630.73), bills list ($3,366,739.58), and credit card activity ($264,327.29)
• Contract award to Propviser for $900,000 for Putting Assets to Work grant implementation
• Contract with Hoerr Construction for $751,302 for 2025 CIPP sewer rehabilitation
• Resolution 22-R-25: grant application to MWRD for unimproved alleys (up to $1,500,053.33)

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning & Development Committee will review and vote on two vacation rental license applications, for 1111 Pitner Avenue and 1726 Emerson Street/1839 Darrow Avenue. Staff recommends approval for both, stating they meet city code standards. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.

• Vacation Rental License for 1111 Pitner Avenue (two units, owner Alex Mirgorodsky)
• Vacation Rental License for 1726 Emerson Street/1839 Darrow Avenue (coach house)
• Approval of minutes from five prior meetings (Oct 2023, Jun 2024, Dec 2024, Jan 2025)

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 February 10 minutes and public comment. The February 10 minutes show three referrals were made, including one to APW and one to Human Services and Finance and Budget.

• Review and scheduling of referrals
• Approval of February 10 minutes
• Public comment

Utilities Commission

The Evanston Utilities Commission is meeting to discuss utility reliability, water and sewer capital projects, and unfinished business including electrical reliability, renewable heating and cooling, and lead service line replacement. They will also review 2024 goals and set 2025 goals. The agenda is largely routine with staff reports and updates.

• Monthly utility reliability report (outages, basement backups, water main breaks, lead service line replacements)
• Sewer Fund Capital Improvement Project status
• Electrical Reliability, Supply and Contract Extension discussion
• Draft Lead Service Line Replacement Plan comments
• Review 2024 Utilities Commission Goals and set 2025 Goals

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, usage instructions, and criteria for assessing stakeholder engagement, inequities, root causes, and other equity factors. The commission will use this tool when making referrals to the City Council.

• 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 scorecard, with results discussed at a public meeting and final recommendation voted on.
• Final recommendation options: Strongly Support, Support with Modifications, Neutral / More Information Needed, Do Not Support.

Board of Local Improvements

The Board of Local Improvements will consider approving plans and estimates for four alley special assessments, including scheduling public hearings for three of them. The board will also receive updates on alley projects and their budget. This is a regular business meeting with public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Petition – Alley N of Payne St, E of Hartrey Ave
• Special Assessment 1532 – Alley N of Payne St, E of Crawford Ave: approval of plans and estimates, schedule public hearing
• Special Assessment 1533 – Alley N of Grant St, E of Hartrey Ave: approval of plans and estimates, schedule public hearing
• Special Assessment 1534 – Alley N of Lincoln, E of Hartrey Ave: approval of plans and estimates, schedule public hearing

M/W/D/EBE Development Committee

The M/W/D/EBE Development Committee is meeting to discuss the draft Responsible Bidder Ordinance, which would require contractors on public works projects over $25,000 to meet safety, wage, and apprenticeship standards. The committee will also review 2024 MWDEBE tracking updates and receive an update from the award subcommittee. The agenda includes discussion items only, with no final votes scheduled.

• Discussion of draft Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO) for public works contracts over $25,000
• MWDEBE Award Subcommittee update on drafting an RFP for award eligibility criteria
• MWDEBE Small Business Survey discussion
• Final 2024 MWDEBE tracking updates
• Approval of December 18, 2024 meeting minutes

Evanston Arts Council

The Evanston Arts Council is meeting to discuss the 2025 Cultural Fund grant guidelines, an updated NEA schedule, and a proposal to change its monthly meeting date to the first Tuesday. The council will also review public art projects, including Erik Blome's Explorer, and discuss priorities for the next three months. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and public comment.

• Review of 2025 Cultural Fund Grant guidelines; applications open Feb 24, due April 1, up to $8,000 for 501(c)(3) organizations
• Discussion of updated NEA schedule; new application deadline March 24; EAC's pending FY25 application decision expected in April
• Proposal to change monthly meeting date to first Tuesday to avoid overlap at 909 Davis
• Discussion of public art: Erik Blome's Explorer, 2025/26 sculpture rentals, public art mission statement, Civic Center update
• Review of proposed meeting sites including Prieto Community Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, and Evanston Art Center

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve minutes, take public comment, and discuss items for consideration. The main item is a closed session to discuss interview questions and conduct firefighter interviews. No other substantive decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Closed session for interview question discussion and firefighter interviews
• Approval of minutes from previous regular meeting
• Public comment period

Commission on Aging and Disabilities

The Commission on Aging and Disabilities will hear from city staff about proposed updates to sidewalk cafe regulations, focusing on accessibility. They will also continue working on their 2025-2026 workplan and receive committee reports. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Sidewalk Cafe Accessibility Review with guests Lauren Ruiz and Jason Khron
• Discussion of proposed City Code updates for sidewalk cafes
• COAD 2025-2026 Workplan working meeting
• Approval of January 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Future meetings to move to Evanston Public Library with Zoom option

Environment Board

The Evanston Environment Board will meet to hear a presentation on the Circularity Roadmap, receive updates on Envision Evanston 2045 and the Healthy Buildings Ordinance, and get task force updates on CARP implementation and building electrification. The agenda also includes approval of the January 9, 2025 minutes and public comment.

• Circularity Roadmap presentation by T Mulhern
• Envision Evanston 2045 update: Land Use Commission presentation recap and upcoming timeline
• Healthy Buildings Ordinance update
• CARP Implementation Taskforce update by K Topalov
• Building Electrification Working Group update by P Scholl

Finance and Budget Committee

The Finance and Budget Committee will consider recommending City Council approval of Resolution 20-R-25, which would allow the city to reimburse itself for up to $37,092,601 in 2025 capital project expenditures from future bond proceeds. The committee will also review the 2024 Post Bond Issuance Report and discuss a debt management plan, a zero-based budgeting pilot, and community engagement in budget prioritization. The agenda includes action items and discussion items, with no public comment scheduled.

• Resolution 20-R-25 authorizes reimbursement of up to $21,195,000 for tax-supported city bonds, $13,997,601 for water fund bonds, and $1,900,000 for library bonds.
• 2024 Post Bond Issuance Report found no violations of IRS or Treasury regulations for 2024 bonds.
• Discussion on a Debt Management Plan, including city's self-imposed debt limit and metrics.
• Discussion on a Zero-Based Budgeting Pilot Program referral from Councilmember Burns.
• Discussion on Community Engagement in Budget Prioritization and Revenue Strategy referral from Councilmember Burns.

Dementia Friendly Subcommittee

The Dementia Friendly Subcommittee is meeting to discuss new business, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, member recruitment, a comprehension plan review, and outreach to other Dementia Friendly communities. The agenda also includes approval of December 2024 minutes and updates from the monthly Dementia Friendly Illinois Zoom call.

• Discussion of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program
• Current member form response and new member recruitment
• Comprehension Plan discussion and suggestions
• Publicizing events and outreach to other Dementia Friendly communities in Greater Chicago area
• Monthly Dementia Friendly Illinois Zoom call update

Preservation Commission

The Preservation Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to a contributing Colonial Revival home at 1140 Hinman Avenue in the Lakeshore Historic District, including demolition of a rear porch, deck, bay, and sleeping porch, and construction of new rear features. The Commission will also adopt its 2025 annual work plan and discuss draft zoning code amendments related to historic preservation, with no vote on the zoning discussion.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 1140 Hinman Ave.: demolish rear porch, deck, first-floor bay, second-floor sleeping porch; construct new covered porch and deck; alter rear fenestration
• Adoption of 2025 annual work plan with priority initiatives from Preserve 2040
• Discussion (no vote) on Envision Evanston 2045 draft zoning code amendments and their impact on landmarks and historic districts
• Approval of minutes from December 10, 2024 and January 21, 2025 meetings

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent agenda with multiple contracts, resolutions, and ordinances. Key items include a single-source agreement for Ecology Center renovation consulting, a contract for generator switchgear, emergency door replacements, a concrete materials purchase, a change order for the Ecology Center renovation, a property purchase at 1222 Washington Street, and several liquor license applications. The committee will also introduce ordinances on the Illinois Stretch Energy Code and a lease for the Harley Clarke Mansion.

• Single-source agreement with Nurture Architects for Ecology Center Renovation consulting, $46,900
• Contract with Advanced Power Technologies for 600 Amp generator switchgear, $54,316
• Emergency replacement of five overhead doors at Service Center, $72,370
• Change Order No. 2 for Ecology Center Renovation, increasing contract to $3,433,396
• Resolution to purchase property at 1222 Washington Street for $231,500 plus up to $100,000 for site prep

City Council

The Evanston City Council is meeting to discuss and vote on a range of items, including an update on the Civic Center and Police/Fire Headquarters Relocation Feasibility Study, several contracts and change orders, and multiple ordinances. Key actions include approving a $361,355 change order for the Ecology Center renovation, introducing a new inclusionary housing ordinance, and adopting the Illinois Stretch Energy Code. The agenda also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and liquor licenses.

• Approval of payroll ($4,184,091.39) and bills list ($4,628,994.03 FY24; $3,366,739.58 FY25)
• Single-source agreement with Nurture Architects for Ecology Center renovation consulting ($46,900)
• Change Order No. 2 for Ecology Center renovation with Central Rug & Carpet ($361,355, total contract to $3,433,396)
• Ordinance 2-O-25 to repeal and replace Inclusionary Housing (Title 5, Chapter 7)
• Ordinance 16-O-25 to adopt Illinois Stretch Energy Code

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 13, 2025 minutes and public comment. This is a routine administrative meeting focused on scheduling, not on substantive policy decisions.

• Review and scheduling of pending referrals
• Approval of January 13, 2025 minutes
• Public comment period

Liquor Control Review Board

The Liquor Control Review Board will consider three liquor license applications: a Class C restaurant license for Guzman Y Gomez at 1710 Sherman Avenue, and two Class N-2 university entertainment venue licenses for Levy Premium Foodservice at Northwestern University's Rocky and Berenice Miller Park and Sharon J. Drysdale Field. The board will also approve minutes from the January 7, 2025 meeting and take public comment.

• Guzman Y Gomez Restaurants, LLC requests Class C (Restaurant) license at 1710 Sherman Avenue; application includes $2,800 fee
• Levy Premium Foodservice requests Class N-2 license for Rocky and Berenice Miller Park at 2750 N. Ashland Avenue
• Levy Premium Foodservice requests Class N-2 license for Sharon J. Drysdale Field at 1501 N. Central Street
• Approval of meeting minutes from January 7, 2025

Reparations Committee

The Evanston Reparations Committee will discuss and potentially approve the 2025 direct descendant reparations distributions, along with presentations on an economic development resource tool and the Economic Harm Study. The agenda also includes approving the 2025 meeting calendar and accepting financial and disbursement updates. Several items are for action, while others are informational.

• 2025 Direct Descendant Reparations Distributions report
• Presentation from Reparations Economic Development Group - Resource Tool
• Presentation and update on the Economic Harm Study
• Approval of 2025 Reparations Committee Meeting Calendar
• Reparations Financial Report and disbursement updates

Citizen Police Review Commission

The Citizen Police Review Commission will decide whether the completed internal investigation of Complaint Register 24-08 is complete, thorough, objective, and fair. The complaint involves an Evanston Police officer's handling of a reported verbal assault, with findings of policy violations and recommendations for counseling or reprimand. The commission will also consider approving minutes from the January 8, 2025 meeting and may enter executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Review of Complaint Register 24-08: officer found to have violated rules 1 and 6, recommended oral reprimand and coaching
• Approval of minutes and executive session minutes from January 8, 2025 meeting
• Public comment period of 25 minutes, 5 minutes per speaker
• Possible executive session to discuss personnel matters under Open Meetings Act

CARP Implementation Task Force

The CARP Implementation Task Force is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comment, and discuss its 2025 goals. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no specific policy items or dollar amounts listed.

• Discussion of 2025 Taskforce Goals
• Approval of minutes
• Public comment period

Human Services Committee

The Evanston Human Services Committee will vote on two requests to remove privately owned trees under the city's tree protection ordinance, recommend an honorary street name designation, review a police complaints report, and consider a new workers' retention ordinance. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.

• Variation request to remove a 15.2-inch elm at 3439 Park Place; if approved, requires 9.5 replacement trees or $1,900 fee-in-lieu
• Variation request to remove a 13.8-inch black walnut at 1326 Greenwood Street; if approved, requires 8.625 replacement trees or $1,725 fee-in-lieu
• Resolution 86-R-24 to designate part of Greenwood Street as 'Kris Hartzell Way' (sign cost approx. $200)
• Ordinance 21-O-25 to add Chapter 35 'Workers' Retention Ordinance' to city code
• Review and file of Evanston Police Complaints and Comments Report

Administration & Public Works Committee

The Administration & Public Works Committee will consider a consent calendar of routine items, including payroll, contracts, and settlements. Notable actions include a $570,980 contract for business district gateway signage, a $287,723 park renovation contract, and several change orders and resolutions. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items recommended for approval.

• Contract award to Design Group Signage Corp. for business district gateway signage (RFP 24-64) not to exceed $570,980
• Contract with Upland Design Ltd. for Cartwright, Fitzsimons, and Grey Park renovations (RFP 24-61) for $287,723
• Contract amendment with Teska Associates for Mason Park Expansion and Church/Dodge Transportation Improvement Project for $868,691
• Settlement resolutions in Lisa Merdinger v. City of Evanston and City of Evanston v. Richard Sweitzer et al.
• Memoranda of understanding with Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and Evanston Police Sergeants Association

City Council

The Evanston City Council will consider renaming the South End Community Center to the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center and discuss Dog Beach ADA access design. The consent agenda includes contract awards, settlements, and ordinances, including the Healthy Buildings Ordinance and a liquor code rewrite.

• Renaming South End Community Center to Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center
• Contract award to Design Group Signage Corp. for business district signage, $570,980
• Contract with Upland Design Ltd. for park renovations, $287,723
• Ordinance 01-O-25 Healthy Buildings Ordinance amending building energy and water use benchmarking
• Ordinance 5-O-25 amending liquor code sections 3-4-1 and 3-4-6

Planning & Development Committee

The Planning and Development Committee is considering Ordinance 101-O-24, which would amend rental housing regulations to adjust registration fees and establish new fees for routine inspections and re-inspections. Staff recommends adoption, with a new alternative fee structure developed after landlord feedback. The committee will decide whether to forward the ordinance to the City Council for final action.

• Ordinance 101-O-24 amending Title 5, Chapter 8 (rental registration fees and new inspection fees)
• New alternative fee structure: $200 initial registration, $12/unit annual renewal, $50/unit inspection fee
• Original proposal: $200 initial, $100 annual renewal, $40/unit inspection fee
• Landlord survey: 210 responses, 110 preferred inflation-adjusted fees, 82 chose none of the proposals
• Estimated annual revenue: $410,191 for new alternative vs. $422,587 for original proposal

Public Safety Civil Service Commission

The Public Safety Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comment, and conduct closed-session interviews of police officer candidates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy items listed for discussion.

• Approval of minutes from the 11/22/2024 meeting
• Closed session for police officer candidate interviews
• Public comment period