New Speed Humps Coming Summer 2021
A petition was submitted requesting the placement of speed humps on Dewey Avenue between Oakton Street and Main Street. The neighborhood residents expressed concerns regarding speed issues.
Based on the responses and the response rates, speed humps have been approved for three blocks on Dewey Avenue:
Between Oakton Street and South Blvd
Between Keeney Street and Seward Street
Between Madison Street and Washington Street
The speed humps on these blocks will be installed following the water main construction work on Dewey Avenue scheduled for Summer, 2021.
Connect To Community
Per the wonderful suggestion of a neighbor, in 2020 we began an online space for 9th ward residents and community members to list projects, ideas, help wanted, events, services offered, etc.
Please fill out the form to add yourself.
Community Member Relief Fund
The Evanston City Council approved the creation of a Community Member Relief Fund to provide relief to undocumented residents who do not qualify for General Assistance or Emergency Assistance programs.
Undocumented residents who have emergency needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply for the fund.
This special fund is designated for undocumented Evanston residents who do not qualify for GA or EA assistance programs but have life-threatening circumstances such as eviction, utility disconnection, food insecurity or other emergency needs. Applicants to this program will not be subject to Public Charge. As a welcoming City, the Community Resident Relief fund program will assist Evanston's undocumented residents through the pandemic.
Learn more about eligibility and necessary documents >
If you are unable to apply online, please submit the forms in this packet The Community Member Relief Fund Application. You may type into the pdf form or fill it out by hand. Once completed, email to health@cityofevanston.org
Shared Safety: Virtual “Visioning Safety” Group
What does it mean to be safe? And what would need to change to share responsibility for achieving safety in our communities?
Join us for Part 1 on Thursday, November 19, 2020 to collectively "Vision Shared Safety" for the 9th Ward.
Part 2: "Putting Shared Safety into Practice" [World Café Convening] will be on Thursday December 10, 2020, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm CST.
#WeGrieveTogether in the 9th Ward
As part of the National Week of Mourning for victims of COVID-19, you’re invited to join community members with solo and/or small group actions. We will be using the #WeGrieveTogether image archive to create signs, shrines and collages that we will photograph, in public or private, during the week of mourning,
You’re invited to print the graphics from the archive to use as signs, or in collages or shrines. Folks are also welcome to do that work digitally.
The custom 9th ward flyer will be available for pick-up on my front porch or you can print your own copy using the PDF.
Social-distanced 9th ward vigil in the park TBD.
For more info, follow the 9th Ward #WeGrieveTogether Facebook Event/discussion.
Inspired by and adapted from: Signs, Shrines, Collages and a Mixtape: A Remote COVID Vigil
For more on the National Week of Mourning: actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/week-of-mourning
City Manager Candidate Forum & 9th Ward Input
The City of Evanston is conducting a recruitment and selection process for the next city manager. The city manager is the chief administrative officer of the City and reports to the mayor and City Council. The city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City.
This community forum will be held on Wednesday, October 7. You must register to get the Zoom link. Advance questions may be submitted online.
** If you live in the 9th ward, please share your thoughts with me no later than Friday, October 9. **
2021 Community Budget Conversations
As part of efforts to engage the Evanston community in the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget process, the City of Evanston will host three community conversations via Zoom in September.
The virtual meetings will include a brief overview of the City’s budget process followed by breakout room discussion. Input gathered at the meetings will be compiled and provided to City Council as part of the City's Proposed Budget on Friday, October 9.
Restorative Justice Overview
Please join Jennifer Viets for an overview presentation on Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices. As we look for alternatives to resolving conflict in our communities we must explore options that emphasize true safety over control. This begins with building strong relationships with people in our homes, neighborhoods and city. The practice of sitting in Circle to proactively build relationships and to responsively repair harm when there has been conflict is one such alternative.
There are two dates available for the Overview.
Following the overview presentations, there are three dates for smaller groups to sit in a virtual relationship building Circle to experience the process. You must have attended the overview to sign-up for a Circle.
City of Evanston Budget Process Overview
The budget will be presented to City Council in early October for review and is finalized before December 31.
Budget Development Timeline
July-August: Internal staff work to forecast revenue and expenses for budget year
September: Community budget discussions
October: Proposed Budget released on City website
October and November: Budget Public Hearings and Discussions at City Council Meetings
December 31: Deadline for Budget Adoption
On this day, Juneteenth 2020, I am releasing my official statement on defunding the police.
Defunding is a reasonable and achievable government action. I stand ready to support defunding EPD. I am ready to fill our community with more services while working towards making Evanston a place where we don’t equate safety with guns and arrests, a city that actually practices radical racial justice.
This year, 2020, has already shown itself to be an unbelievable year. That also means that changes which may have seemed previously unbelievable are now possible. As Lucille Clifton said, “We cannot create what we cannot imagine” and frankly, my elders who served this city before me have been imagining this opportunity for centuries.
Evanston Residents Deserve a Public Process for the Hiring of Our Next City Manager
I co-authored this letter (published in the RoundTable) because disagreements about the hiring of a search firm are being used as excuses for eliminating a public process.
A look at this timeline is instructive.
It is important that all Evanstonians, and, in particular, our colleagues on the City Council, keep in mind that the City Manager does not work for nine aldermen and the Mayor. The City Manager works for Evanston’s 75,000 residents.
As an elected official I have the great responsibility to ensure that residents are safe, respected, and valued in our community. I also have the responsibility to ensure that our staff are safe, respected, and paid fairly.
Sometimes these two responsibilities come into conflict and both parties expect me to advocate on their behalf. I will always stand with residents but advocate for what is right.
The death of Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests that followed are a continuation of years of oppression, abuse, and violence in the Black community…
THE LATEST ON COVID-19 & BEACH STATUS UPDATES
According to IDPH, Illinois and Evanston are on track to move to Phase 3 of Governor Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan by May 29, which would allow more businesses to reopen with strict safety precautions. Please continue staying home except for essential business, practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering in public settings, and washing hands frequently.
Evanston beaches are currently closed for swimming, and are tentatively scheduled to reopen in July. Beach tokens will not be available for purchase until opening plans are finalized.
MY OBJECTION TO UNAUTHORIZED EDITS OF MY NEWSLETTER
As the Council person entrusted by the residents of the Ninth Ward to advocate their concerns, I am also required to be fully transparent. This includes explaining my vote, celebrating our successes and publicly voicing my concerns. It is my job to manage the City via the City Manager, and my opinion on decisions made are not required to be kept confidential; and this should be shared.
What Was Omitted From the Ninth Ward Newsletter: “I am in disagreement with the determination that the Youth & Young Adult Manager should be fired for the stated allegations.”
WHY I VOTED “NO” ON THE BUDGET & TAX INCREASE (11/26/19)
I voted "No" to three items and wanted to take this opportunity to explain my rationale to you as your elected representative.
2020 Budget: I voted "No" to the proposed 2020 City Budget because I continue to feel frustrated by the unwillingness to cut as much spending as possible prior to increasing revenues.
2020 Tax: I voted "No" to the 2020 Tax Levy because of my budget concerns listed above, but also due to the unknown impact of the new Cook County assessed property values. I am hopeful that our projections accurately predicted that tax bills may be lowered, but I did not feel comfortable approving such a large increase based on assumptions.
2020 Library: I voted "No" for the 2020 Library Tax Levy because I think it is financially irresponsible to raise this levy while not cutting expenses by closing the branch on Chicago and Main.
COMMITMENT TO END STRUCTURAL RACISM AND ACHIEVE RACIAL EQUITY
On Monday, June 10 the City Council will vote to approve a resolution committing to end structural racism and achieve racial equity. While I am fully aware that words on a paper cannot achieve those goals and am hopeful that this public acknowledgment of the harm we’ve caused and our commitment to begin the work to educate ourselves and heal the community will be a huge start.
MY VIEWS FROM THE APRIL 8, 2019 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
$1.25M Police Settlement: I do not support this settlement, not because the victim does not deserve to be compensated from his injuries and any lost earnings, BUT due to the lack of accountability that the officers and previous police chief received as a result. Similar to the previous settlements, the settlement passes the burden onto the citizens but bypasses the employees who caused the incident or the manager who is responsible for ensuring that such incidents do not continue.
Easement/Special Use Permit for 910-938 Custer: I support this easement and development and I am hopeful that we can encourage the developer to comply with our current IHO.
Bond Amendment for Crown: To deny issuance of bonds is fiscally irresponsible and actually is likely to cost the City more due to potential lawsuits filed by the contractor, not to mention the loss of the new facility.
MY “YES” VOTE TO APPROVE THE $1.25M AWARD TO DR. LAWRENCE CROSBY
It deeply troubles (but does not surprise) me that in our City a resident's first assumption is that a Black man is stealing a car […] The decision to withhold an apology; pursue legal persecution; cause unwanted media attention with the public release of the arrest video; and take no disciplinary action against the officers made this case even more disturbing.
I would like to extend an apology to Dr. Crosby for the trauma our city caused him. While his life was altered by this one night, it is my hope that this exposure will force Evanston to address the racism that exists.
9TH WARD MEETING SCHEDULE
Please join me for upcoming 9th Ward meetings.
Thursday, January 24, 2019, 7pm, St Nicks
Saturday, February 23, 2019, 9am, Fire Station 2
Thursday, March 21, 2019, 7pm, Grace Lutheran Church
Saturday, April 20, 2019, 9am, Levy Senior Center
Thursday, May 16, 2019, 7pm, St Nicks
Saturday, June 15, 2019, 9am, Levy Senior Center
APPROVED 2019 CITY BUDGET
Beginning with the Priority-based Budget survey we released in May to the proposed budget presented this fall, our community (myself included) has been very concerned with the City of Evanston’s looming deficit, the proposed service cuts, and the 38 positions we looked to eliminate.
With the many Yes/No votes I cast and to continue my goal of open communication, I have summarized my votes on each budget item. If you have more questions, I am happy to answer via email.
STATEMENTS REGARDING JUNE 25 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Bonds - Given the ongoing financial decline of our state budget, the constant calls for financial assistance from my constituents, and our city’s looming budget deficit, I have many concerns over the request to bond $50M for Crown. While I understand the need to renovate Crown and applaud the great efforts to subsidize the cost by Friends of Crown, it would be my preference that we…
Debt Limit - The City of Evanston currently holds $113M in unabated debt and is looking to increase this limit to $150M; this is not including our unfunded pension liability. Increasing our debt limits puts us at risk for decreased credit rating, potentially paying higher interest rates…
9TH WARD POST ELECTION SNAPSHOT
The March 20, 2018 Gubernatorial Primary had 5,535 registered voters in the 9th Ward. The Evanston Civic Center had 5,604 early voters.
In the Democrat race for mayor, the 9th ward voted 63.81% for Daniel Biss and Litesa Wallace, 20% for JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton & 14.67% for Chris Kennedy and Ra Joy.
EVANSTON WASTE REDUCTION SERVICES
City of Evanston residents and businesses can divert waste from the landfill by recycling properly and by participating in two new composting programs offered by the City.
Residents can now include compostable food items in their yard waste carts, which may be purchased for $82.50 and a $25 annual fee.
Información en Español >
UPDATED CRIMINAL HISTORY APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY POLICY
Pursuant to my request, City staff and interested community members met to review current hiring policies related to prospective applicants with criminal records and to update the policy in conformance with best practices. Staff has revised the policy to include a more holistic approach to reconciling an applicant’s criminal history with their suitability for employment. There no longer exists a lifetime disqualification from employment for certain felony convictions.
STREET CLEANING BEGINS MARCH 1
There's been a change to our schedule for zone 4.
Our streets will be swept once per month on the fourth Tuesday and fourth Wednesday of the month. Street signs will be updated in the coming weeks.
In addition to the parking signage, the City offers courtesy text message and email notifications to remind residents to move their vehicles prior to street cleaning.
2018 9TH WARD PROJECTS
Projects include:
- Monroe Street Resurfacing
- South Boulevard Resurfacing
- Madison Place Water Main Replacement
- Streetlight Pilot Study
- Dodge Avenue Bus Stop Pilot
- Fire Station No. 2 Bunkroom Privacy Upgrades
- Fire Station No. 2 Roof Replacement
- South Standpipe Motor Control Center & Storage Repairs
Happy New Year!
Evanston City Council has some goals for 2018 that I am very excited about!
- Invest in City Infrastructure & Facilities
- Enhance Community Development & Job Creation
- Expand Affordable Housing Options
- Further Police/Community Relations Initiatives
- Ensure Equity in All City Operations
- Stabilize Long-term City Finances
The next 9th Ward Meeting is on February 17 at 9am. Come hear from Alderwoman Fleming and voice your opinions to the community.
ROBERT CROWN SITE PRINCIPLES
- respect & enhance existing programming
- create outdoor opportunities for all
- strong neighborhood focus
- 'right size' parking & fields
- support multiple modes of transit
- safe circulation to, from & on site
- site organizational clarity
- address the various street conditions
PROPOSED HOUSING ACTION PLAN
- Revise City code to create new options
- Increase affordable units in market rate developments
- Expand revenue for affordable housing
- Create paths to homeownership
- Preserve affordable housing
- Expand programs to overcome barriers
- Promote healthy housing & neighborhoods
Affordable Housing Overview >
Accomplishments
UPDATED CODE OF CONDUCT
The City of Evanston’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages respect, courtesy and integrity. The Department is dedicated to the safety and well-being of both participants and staff.
The guidelines have been established to ensure that all programs are safe and provide a nurturing environment for everyone.
Procedures on physical restraint, police intervention, and immediate removal from program have all been updated to reflect the City's values.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING REQUESTS
New policy for uncontrolled intersections and mid-block crosswalks has been established, including procedures and evaluation. "Because marked pedestrian crosswalks can create a false sense of safety for crosswalk users, it is important that each crosswalk implemented be done in a thoughtful way to provide the safest crossings possible." This policy discusses the method and timelines for evaluating and implementing pedestrian crosswalks.
PRIVATE PROJECT APPROVAL PROCESS
After numerous requests for a written process, two new processes are now available online for large projects like new buildings, special uses, etc. or small projects such as fences, roofs, driveways, etc. This includes Property Development & Pedestrian Crosswalk Installation.
