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This year, YEA! will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a very special YEA! Day, Saturday, May 19, 10am-4pm, on the sidewalks of the Chicago/Dempster business district. Due to construction of the new CTA viaduct the performance stage will be moved to Dempster St. east of Chicago Ave. Rain site this year is the new Roycemore School, Church St. & Ridge Ave. YEA! Day provides a forum for children to exhibit and perform their art in a noncompetitive and non-commercial setting. All public, private and parochial schools, pre-school through high school, are invited to participate in this inclusive, non-competitive festival. In March of this year, YEA! was the recipient of the Mayor’s Award for the Arts at the Chamber of Commerce State of the City luncheon.

This year art exhibits and the YEA! Stage will showcase more than 1500 students from 40 schools, and thousands of people will crowd the sidewalks to enjoy their delightful artwork and performances. Special events at this year’s YEA! include a raffle, and silent auction. According to Matt Doherty: “As president of YEA! I am enormously proud that we have been able to honor the creativity of Evanston youth for 25 years. YEA! is an Evanston institution and I expect it to be around in May 25 years from now. Of course we couldn’t do it without the countless hours teachers and volunteers give to make YEA! Day happen.”

Everyone can help support YEA! Shop at Whole Foods South on Chicago Avenue any day from now until June 30th and they will contribute .10cents for every bag filled.
In September of 2012 the YEA! Foundation will launch an arts and education initiative to expand our mission to “nurture, enable and inspire” young Evanston artists beyond YEA! Day.

The goal of the Foundation is to bring together a network of existing community arts resources dedicated to enhancing learning for Evanston students. For all the latest information about what’s happening at this year’s YEA! Day, which schools are
participating, who’s performing and how to become a YEA! volunteer and supporter log on to www.yeaevanston.org.

The Evanston Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of Citizen Police Academy Class 35 that took place Thursday evening, May 17th at Northwestern University’s Hardin Hall. Twenty-seven people graduated after completing the 12 week program.   This program consisted of learning about the various tasks performed by the different police units within the department. Additionally, graduates participate in a police ride-along to give students a first hand observation of an officer’s duties.

The graduation was attended by Mayor Tisdahl and keynote speaker, Michael Masters, the executive director of Cook County Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Director Masters gave a compelling speech on the sacrifices law enforcement officers make and the importance of citizen engagement with police. Director Masters previously served as the chief of staff for the Chicago Police Department.

Mayor Tisdahl also spoke on the importance of Evanston having such great volunteers and the positive impact the Citizens Police Academy graduates have within the community. 

The next regular C.P.A. class is currently being planned for August 30th, 2012 and applications will be made available on the city website within the next few months. Additionally, the police department will be conducting the 1st session of the Teen Citizen Police Academy starting Thursday July 5th, 2012 and running for 4 weeks meeting once each week for teens between the ages of 14 and 18. Further information regarding the Teen C.P.A. class can be directed to Officer Loyce Spells in the Community Strategies Office at (847) 866-5018.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre presents HEAT, by Marsha Estell, opens at Noyes Cultural Arts Center June 8, 2012. Heat is a searing family story about three generations of women coping with the struggles of their daily lives and those of their close-knit, albeit sometimes volatile, family.

Mudear, the matriarch of the family, is faced with the agonizing reality of dementia; her eldest daughter, Rose, is confronted with her own mortality as her approaching 50th birthday finds her romantically unfulfilled and a reluctant caregiver for her mother. Sharon, the youngest sister struggles to put her life back together after a difficult divorce. Shelly, Sharon’s daughter and a brilliant young law student, is battling cancer. Their individual stories are intertwined into a collective web where they all struggle over family matters old and new searching for answers they might never find. 

This must-see drama will preview June 8 and runs until June 24 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. This riveting drama by 2010-201 3Arts fellow Marsha Estell, Evanston born and resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists, was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson and a Black Theatre Alliance Award for Outstanding New Work. Other plays by Estell include Mama said there’ll be days like this - The History of the Girl Groups, Edge,  Before I Wake, and Big Butt Girls and other Fantasies. She is the recipient of an Illinois Arts Council Fellowship for Playwriting. 

Location:  Theater at Noyes Cultural Arts Center
                    927 Noyes St.
                    Evanston, IL 60201

Preview:   June 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Dates:       Opens June 9- Closes June 24, 2012

Times:      Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
                   Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets:    $10 in advance and $12 at the door

Call 847/448-8254 to purchase tickets and/or for more information. 

 

Steve Foltin, Vice President of Education at Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., will speak about possible apprenticeship programs in plumbing, carpentry and electrical through their school in Elk Grove Village.

The seminar will be held at 12:30 p.m. on May 25, 2012 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center located at 1655 Foster Street. This event is presented by the Youth/Young Adult Program of the City of Evanston's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

For questions on this seminar, please call 847/448-8138.

"Evanston Green Ball" Benefit Friday, May 18

Celebrate going green for a night! All proceeds from this benefit will keep the ball rolling for programs and operations at the Evanston Ecology Center. The Evanston Green Ball will be a festive casual event featuring live blues entertainment by South Boulevard Band and fabulous local food and beverages from a variety of restaurants and food vendors. 7 p.m., Levy Center, 300 Dodge Ave. Ticket information here>>>

"Musicals in Motion" - 36th Annual Spring Ice Show May 18-20

Hundreds of skating school students and professionals will perform to music from modern stage, film and television musicals. Music from Glee, High School Musical, Moulin Rouge and Wicked will be featured, just to name a few! Times and ticket info here>>>

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market May 19

Enjoy the bounty of Midwest farmers every Saturday. There are 51 vendors signed up to sell a wide variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, cheese, milk, eggs and bakery items. 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., intersection of University Place and Oak Ave. (behind Hilton Garden Inn). More>>>

Free "Access to Fishing"

This popular free program, which is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is a great way to introduce children age 5-15 to the "catch-and-release" process. Equipment, bait and fishing expertise are provided!
Access to Fishing will be held every Saturday morning from May through September at Lovelace Park, Gross Point Rd. at Thayer St. Just drop by between 10am-1pm; no license is needed for those under age 16. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

YEA! Young Evanston Artists Day is May 19

This year, YEA! will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a very special YEA! Day, Saturday, May 19, 10am-4pm, on the sidewalks of the Chicago/Dempster business district. This year art exhibits and the YEA! Stage will showcase more than 1500 students from 40 schools, and thousands of people will crowd the sidewalks to enjoy their delightful artwork and performances. Special events at this year’s YEA! include a raffle, and silent auction. More>>>

Spring for Art: Evanston Art Center Benefit May 19

Over 70 established Chicago-area artists have generously donated artworks to the Evanston Art Center Spring Benefit. All works will be on view through May 19, the evening of our Gala Party and Benefit Auction. Paintings, sculptural objects, photographs, and prints are installed throughout the galleries. Saturday, May 19 from 6:30pm to 11:00pm. Join us for an evening of food, wine, fun, and ART. Benefit tickets are $100 per person and $65 if you are 35 years old and under. All proceeds benefit the Evanston Art Center's exhibition, scholarship and outreach programs. More>>>

Evanston Garden Fair May 19-20

The 63rd annual Evanston Garden Fair offers a great selection of perennials and annuals. Many of these plants, including shade-loving plants and native wildflowers, grow very well in Evanston. Club members will also be able to answer your plant and landscape questions. Proceeds from the Garden Fair are used to support the civic landscape and beautification projects that member garden clubs undertake throughout Evanston. Questions about the Garden Fair? Call the Evanston Ecology Center at 847/448-8256. Sponsored by the Lincolnwood Garden Club of Evanston. May 19 and 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Independence Park on Central Street (2 blocks west of Green Bay Road).

"Viva Italia!" Free Concert May 20

The Ridgeville Band of Evanston, under the direction of Monty Adams, will present “Viva Italia!,” a free concert at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 20, at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston. All ages are welcome, and admission is free of charge. The program will feature a lively selection of music by leading Italian and Italian-American composers, including concert marches, operatic adaptations, and Italian-themed music by Verdi, Puccini, Rosati, and Antonini; a medley of popular film themes by Henry Mancini; plus Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien.” More>>>

38th Annual Exhibition of The Korean-American Art Association Opens May 20

This show consists of Western style and Korean traditional paintings, ceramics, video, fiber, mixed media and installations produced by 18 Chicago area artists. Some works on display will be available for sale. The Opening Artists Reception will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 20. Light refreshments will be served.
 

The Korean-American Art Association says, "The exhibition was named 'Refreshing' to represent the energizing influence of art on the psyche. Art gives people an antidote to their everyday routines. After artistic refreshment, the audience is ready to approach life with greater optimism. People experiencing stress in their daily lives derive strength from this exhibition. Their struggle will be make people stronger and more energetic; we use artistic expression to overcome challenging environments and thrive." More>>>

May Weekend Family Films at EPL: Dolphin Tale

Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, 2pm, Children's Room, Main Library. Based on true events, this family film is about Winter, a young dolphin who lost her tail in a crab trap, and Sawyer, the introverted 11-year-old boy who befriends her. Sawyer meets the rescued dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a marine rehabilitation center where she lives. Sawyer rallies friends and family alike to save Winter by convincing a pioneering doctor to create a unique prosthetic appendage to restore the dolphin's ability to swim. 2012, Running time: 119 minutes, Rated:  PG.

The City of Evanston will be hosting an Economic Development Summit on Friday, May 18, 2012 that will be open to the public. The summit will give participants the opportunity to share with city officials their ideas about the best ways to implement the city's economic development goals and objectives through two focus group break-out sessions. The city and its economic development partners invite business owners, residents and employees to identify ways for all concerned parties to work together to implement the adopted Economic Development Vision Statement and Plan.

The Economic Development Summit will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Fourth Floor Parasol Room. Registration is required by May 11, 2012. Please include the participant's name, title and company name with address, along with preferred topic for each break-out session within the RSVP. If you have questions regarding this event, please contact the Economic Development Division at:  economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org or 847/448-8100.

 

Break-Out Session I – Five Targeted Industries: Arts and Entertainment Venues

What role do the “arts” play in economic development? What are the best ways to engage the arts community in related economic development efforts? How can the city and the arts community partner to advance common goals?

Health Care and Wellness

What can the city do to help sustain and grow our health care industries? How can we better connect our health care and wellness businesses with other businesses within the city?

Technology-Based/Enabled Businesses and “Start-ups”

What can the city do to help strengthen and grow the entrepreneurial community? What resources are needed to nurture and develop the growing network of startups in Evanston?  How do we promote Evanston as a significant focal point for venture and angel capital investors? What is Evanston’s niche in the context of the greater Chicagoland startup “community?"

“Baby Boomer” Markets

What businesses and services should be in Evanston to support Baby Boomers - the United States’ largest age group? As the Baby Boomers begin to move into retirement age, what can the city do to help businesses and business districts become more “age friendly?" What types of businesses and services would meet the demands of Evanston’s Baby Boomers, while also appealing to other key population market/sectors: young families, college students and the growing entrepreneurial/ “start-up” workforce?

Water-related Industries

What can the city do to attract more water-based businesses, while still balancing sustainability goals? What are the basic space and/or infrastructure needs for such businesses? Which areas within Evanston and/or within communities that buy water from Evanston are best suited for water-related Industries?

Break-Out Session II – Traditional Growth Sector/Subsectors: Retail Sector

Is Evanston positioned to benefit from the rapidly changing retail environment resulting from online merchants and shrinking space needs? How can the city work with the area business districts in promoting retention, expansion and attraction of desirable retail businesses?

Applied Skilled Industries (Manufacturing, Production, Construction)

What are the lead types of applied skilled industries within Evanston? Are there complementary businesses that we can attract that would benefit our existing business base and/or support service needs at Northwestern, the city and the school districts?

Office and Professional Services

How can we position ourselves for the next wave of office development? What are the current office space needs and does the city have enough office space based on current and expected future demand? Are there opportunities to retrofit existing building stock for modern users? How can the city assist real estate professionals in attracting new users to the existing stock?

Work Force Training Programs

How can the city, businesses, institutions, and non-profit agencies partner to better match the work force training programs with available jobs?   Are there certain base level skills that can translate to multiple employment sectors?  Are there sufficient opportunities for Evanston residents to access workforce training programs?

Educational and Non-Profit Market

What are the newest models of education, non-profit and city partnerships? How can the city partner with non-profit businesses to promote goals for economic development: job creation, increased revenues and enhanced quality of life?
 

 

The City of Evanston will be hosting an Economic Development Summit on May 18, 2012 that will be open to the public. The summit will give participants the opportunity to share with city officials their ideas about the best ways to implement the city's economic development goals and objectives through two focus group break-out sessions.  The city and its economic development partners invite business owners, residents and employees to identify ways for all concerned parties can work together to implement the adopted Economic Development Vision Statement and Plan.

The Economic Development Summit will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Fourth Floor Parasol Room. Registration is required by May 11, 2012. Please include the participant's name, title and company name with address, along with preferred topic for each break-out session within the RSVP.  If you have questions regarding this event, please contact the Economic Development Division at:  economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org or 847/448-8100.

 

Break-Out Session I – Five Targeted Industries:

Arts and Entertainment Venues
What role do the “arts” play in economic development? What are the best ways to engage the arts community in related economic development efforts?  How can the City and the community partner to advance common goals?
Health Care and Wellness
What can the City do help sustain and grow our health care industries? How can we better connect our health care and wellness businesses with other businesses within the City?
Technology-Based/Enabled Businesses and “Start up”
What can the City do to help strengthen and grow the entrepreneurial community? What resources are needed to nurture and develop the growing network of startups in Evanston?  How do we promote Evanston as a significant focal point for venture and angel capital investors?   What is Evanston’s niche in the context of the greater Chicago startup “community”?
“Baby Boomer” Markets
What businesses and services should be in Evanston to support Baby Boomers - the United States’ largest age group?   As the Baby Boomers begin to move into retirement age, what can the City do to help businesses and business districts become more “age friendly”?   What types of businesses and services would meet the demands of Evanston’s Baby Boomers, while also appealing to other key population market/sectors:  young families, college students and the growing entrepreneurial/ “start up” workforce?
Water Related Industries
What can the City do to attract more water-based businesses, while still balancing sustainability goals?   What are the basic space and/or infrastructure needs for such businesses?  Which areas within Evanston and/or within communities that buy water from Evanston are best suited for water-related Industries?



Break-Out Session II – Traditional Growth Sector/Subsectors:
Retail Sector
Is Evanston positioned to benefit from the rapidly changing retail environment resulting from online merchants and shrinking space needs? How can the City work with the area business districts in promoting retention, expansion and attraction of desirable retail businesses?
Applied Skilled Industries (Manufacturing, Production, Construction)
What are the lead-types of applied skilled industries within Evanston?  Are there complementary businesses that we can attract that would benefit our existing business base and/or to support service needs at Northwestern, the City, the School Districts?
Office and Professional Services
How can we position ourselves for the next wave of office development? What are the current office space needs and does the City have enough office space based on current and expected future demand for each? Are there opportunities to retrofit existing building stock for modern users? How can the City assist real estate professionals in attracting new users to the existing space?
Work Force Training Programs
How can the City, businesses, institutions, and non-profit agencies partner to better match the work force training programs with available jobs?   Are there certain base level skills that can translate to multiple employment sectors?  Are there sufficient opportunities for Evanston residents to access workforce training programs?
Educational and Non-Profit Market
What are the newest models of education, non-profit and city partnerships? How can the City partner with non-profit businesses to promote goals for economic development: job creation, increased revenues, enhanced of the quality of life?
 

 

EVANSTON POLICE ALONG WITH MAYOR TISDAHL PRESENT AWARDS FOR EXCEPTIONAL POLICE SERVICE

On May 10, 2012 the Evanston Police Department recognized police officers from within the department as well as residents, for their acts of heroism and exceptional service in keeping our community safe. View the video by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Gd0ZMSn9I&feature=youtu.be

 

Award descriptions presented:

• Commendation

This is the Department’s second highest form of recognition. This is awarded to member’s who distinguish themselves and bring credit to the Department by highly creditable or unusual acts in the performance of police duties.

• Honorable Mention

This is the third highest form of recognition. It should be given for outstanding police work, such as singularly solving a serious crime or by individual initiative apprehending a criminal in the act of committing a crime.

• Fitness Award

The fitness award is presented to the most physically fit police officer within the department and also an office that has made the largest improvement in fitness for the past year.

• Chief’s Special Recognition

The Chief of Police may present special awards to members or citizens based on exceptional service or contributions.

• Officer of the Year Award

Officer of the year is awarded by the Chief of Police to a police officer of any rank who has shown a consistent and exemplary high level of work and support of the Department’s Mission and Value Statement, including support of the police/community Partnership.

Officers risk their lives daily to make Evanston a safe community for it’s residents. The annual awards ceremony is a way of recognizing these acts of exceptional service by the officers and citizens when placed in harms way.

 

The 63rd annual Evanston Garden Fair offers a great selection of perennials and annuals. Many of these plants, including shade-loving plants and native wildflowers, grow very well in Evanston. Club members will also be able to answer your plant and landscape questions. Proceeds from the Garden Fair are used to support the civic landscape and beautification projects that member garden clubs undertake throughout Evanston. Questions about the Garden Fair? Call the Evanston Ecology Center at 847/448-8256. Sponsored by the Lincolnwood Garden Club of Evanston. May 19 and 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Independence Park on Central Street (2 blocks west of Green Bay Road).

Trader Joe’s announced earlier this year to locate at 1211 Chicago Avenue, expected opening is Spring 2013. The City of Evanston is participating in the project through support in providing land for parking at the store. To this end, the City Council voted (8-1) to authorize the purchase of $2.05 million in property to support these parking needs. Additionally, a public hearing was held May 14, 2012 regarding the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District at Dempster St. and Dodge Ave. The proposed Dempster/Dodge TIF area is composed of a single parcel, owned by Bonnie Management. Despite its location at the busy intersection of Dodge and Dempster, this shopping center has faced chronic vacancies over the last decade. The parcel is of strategic importance to the City of Evanston, and particularly the west side community in terms of retail sales tax, jobs, neighborhood convenience, and quality of life.

Trader Joe's

Since the February announcement, the developer has submitted a proposed site plan for the project that includes a 13,000 square foot store with a 78-stall surface parking lot located on the property at addresses commonly known as 1211 Chicago Avenue, 1223- 1225 Chicago Avenue and 1229 Chicago Avenue. The proposed site lay-out and design of the property will be subject to Plan Commission review and City Council consideration, through the Planned Development process. Below is a description of the properties associated with the development.

• 1211 Chicago Avenue was purchased in August 2011 by Terraco for $2,300,000. The approximately 23,000 square foot commercial property contains a building that formally housed a Blockbuster Video store.
• 223-1225 Chicago Avenue is currently owned by Sona Realty, but was placed under contract for purchase in the fall of 2011 by Terraco for a purchase price of $1,400,000. The 9,000 square foot property was originally purchased by the current owner in 2004 for $1,100,000 and is currently improved with a single-story retail building.
• 1229 Chicago Avenue is an approximately 9,000 square foot parcel, owned by two parties. The underlying land is owned by Northwestern University, while the improvement, a single-family house, is owned by another party that leases the land from Northwestern University. The proposed purchase price of the property is $650,000.

The draft site plan for this project proposes the demolition or relocation of the existing structures at all addresses and construct the new 13,000 square foot store at the most southern portion of the site. Trader Joe’s anticipates that the proposed store at 1211 Chicago Avenue will be a successful one and that there will be a high-demand for parking at this location. In order to address the anticipated parking demand in this dense corridor, it is proposed that the property located at 1223-1225 Chicago and at 1229 Chicago Avenue, both located immediately north of the future Trader Joe’s, be acquired by the City for the purposes of parking. The additional parking created through a new City-owned parking lot will help ensure that metered parking spaces on Chicago Avenue and residential neighborhood parking will not be affected by overflow parking.

Learn more, staff memo>>>

View City Council slide presentation>>>

Dempster/Dodge TIF District

The proposed Dempster/Dodge TIF area is composed of a single parcel, owned by Bonnie Management. Despite its location at the busy intersection of Dodge and
Dempster, this shopping center has faced chronic vacancies over the last decade. The parcel is of strategic importance to the City of Evanston, and particularly the west side community in terms of retail sales tax, jobs, neighborhood convenience, and quality of life.

In the past the City has considered alternative economic development tools, with very limited success, including sales tax sharing and proactive contacts with potential retailers for the center. With the recent acquisition of the property by Bonnie
Management, there is a committed private sector partner in place to foster the revitalization of this shopping center. The designation of a TIF district is now under consideration to help facilitate more immediate re-tenanting of the vacant spaces, with quality businesses.

As required by state statue, the Joint Review Board (JRB) met on April 12, 2012 to review and consider this proposed District. The JRB unanimously approved the nonbinding advisory recommendation to the City Council to designate the Dempster/Dodge TIF district.

The consultants and staff presented the economic challenges driving the need for the TIF district. These challenges include both the competitive nature of retail at a local level and the fast pace of change of retail generally.

Several new shopping centers have opened in recent years (Howard/Hartrey, Main and McDaniel, Oakton and Hartrey) and downtown Evanston is a major center of retail. Furthermore, national retailers generally prefer proven locations including Old Orchard and Lincolnwood Town Center – in addition to downtown Evanston. National retailers are generally reducing their space needs and trying new “bricks and mortar” concepts as a result of competition from online retailers.

Staff suggested that by creating the TIF, there is potential to boost the performance of Evanston Plaza, and perhaps ready the site in preparation for future changes in the retail marketplace.

JRB members suggested a dedicated property manager could also help revitalize the center. Others pointed out that the Dempster/Dodge TIF is a single entity TIF which is not common in Evanston, while the consultants suggested it is not uncommon regionally.

Finally, the consultant reviewed the next steps in the process which included the public hearing notices published for the May 14, 2012 public hearing, plans for a short presentation for the May 14, 2012 public hearing, and the scheduled adoption of the ordinance (pending City Council review and public comments) on May 29, 2012.

Learn more, staff memo>>>

View City Council presentation>>>

The City of Evanston is happy to announce that on May 18, 2012 it will “green” 100 percent of its facilities’ energy use with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from Constellation Energy. The city is greening its energy use with RECs in honor of the inaugural Evanston Green Ball to be held May 18 at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston.

“Constellation Energy is pleased to support the sustainability goals of our customers,” said Michael Smith, vice president of solar and efficiency sales for Constellation Energy. “Their voluntary actions help to reduce pollution and encourage the use of clean renewable fuels demonstrate a sincere commitment to the environment.”

The RECs supplied by Constellation Energy, a business unit of Exelon (NYSE: EXC), are Green-e Energy Certified and sourced from wind energy facilities located throughout the United States. As a sponsor of the Evanston Green Ball, Constellation Energy will match energy used across all municipal facilities on May 18 with RECs.

Constellation Energy was recently selected by the Evanston City Council as the Alternate Retail Electricity Supplier of a 100% renewable energy mix. This move makes Evanston one of the few Illinois communities to purchase energy at a substantially lower rate for its residents, while attaining the benefits of renewable energy. More here>>>   

Each REC represents the positive environmental attributes of 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generated by a renewable power plant, and is retired on behalf of customers wishing to promote their environmental commitment. Through the purchase of RECs, the City of Evanston and Constellation Energy are supporting the operation and development of facilities that generate clean, renewable energy.

Why buy REC's?

Here are just a few items that can help residents learn more about their environmental commitment. Click below to explore what REC's can do for our community, business and the environment!
• What you can say to promote your environmental commitment
• What you can do to promote your environmental commitment
• NewMix Wind
• Voluntary Renewable Energy Program Opportunities
• Renewable Energy FAQ

For more information about Constellation Energy’s REC purchase program, please contact Kim Weaver at kim.weaver@constellation.com.
 

 

Hundreds of Robert Crown Center's figure skating school students and professionals will perform to music from modern stage, film and television musicals. Music from Glee, High School Musical, Moulin Rouge and Wicked will be featured, just to name a few!

This will be the Center's 36th annual spring ice show. Performances will take place at 7:30pm on Fri., May 18 and Sat., May 19 and at 2:30 pm on Sun., May 20. The show is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $8 for general seating and $10 for reserved seating. 

Robert Crown Center and Ice Complex is located at 1701 Main St., Evanston. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 847/448-8258.

Winnetka to Host Document Destruction Event, Open to Evanston Residents
 
The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) will be sponsoring 15 Document Destruction Events (DDE) to assist residents with recycling outdated or sensitive documents. There is no cost to participate, but residents must live in one of SWANCC's member communities (Evanston and its residents are members) and ID's will be checked for proof of residency.

On Saturday, May 19, the Village of Winnetka will host a DDE at its Public Works Facility, 1390 Willow Road, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. As SWANCC residents drive up in their vehicles, workers will unload the paper documents into large carts. When full, the carts of paper are emptied into the truck's cross-shredding machine. At the end of the event, the shredded documents are transported to Groot's recycling facility in Elk Grove Village and baled before being recycled into new paper.

Typical documents to shred include medical forms, bank statements, personal files, and retired tax forms. Staples and paper clips are acceptable, but binders should be removed. Residents will be limited to six grocery-bag or boxes of documents per event.

In addition, the City of Evanston's own Recycling Fair will be held at Evanston Township High School on July 14. Informaton about the Recycling Fair and Public Works Equipment Expo can be found here.

For more information on SWANCC's Document Destruction Events, or other programs and resources, please contact the Agency at 847-724-9205 or visit www.swancc.org.

The City of Evanston is happy to announce the Financial Advancement Summit set for Wednesday, May 16, 2012. The summit is sponsored by Aldermen Peter Braithwaite (2nd Ward) and Jane Grover (7th Ward). The summit will focus on populations in Evanston that are under-served in banking and discuss strategies for their participation in mainstream banking.

The Summit will feature keynote speakers Dr. Robert Mayer from Loyola University, Annette Charles from the Chicago United Way and Lucy Mullany from the Illinois Asset Building Group. Speaker sessions will be followed by discussion among Evanston not-for-profits and banking institutions to identify solutions. This event is open to the general public. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Fourth Floor Parasol Room, 2100 Ridge Ave. Please RSVP to Godwin Chen at 847/448-8296 or gchen@cityofevanston.org.

Financial Advancement Summit Agenda here>>>

 

The Evanston150 Steering Committee hosts a special meeting on Thursday, June 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Avenue, 4th Floor, Room #4900 (Parasol Room.)

Community members will learn how to apply to serve on the Celebrate!2013 Working Group, the group tasked to organize Evanston's anniversary celebration year, and will hear updates from the 10 Idea Committees on what they've achieved so far, and how to best support the Committees in implementing their ideas. More info at www.evanston150.org.
 

You are cordially invited to join the Downtown Evanston Board of Directors and staff for our 2012 Annual Meeting and Celebration.

The meeting and celebration is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 17 2012, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Former Pier One Space, 1612 Sherman Ave., Evanston.

The meeting agenda from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. includes Board Member Election, Downtown Evanston Program Update, City of Evanston Church Street Project Update, and the Leadership Evanston Class PTA Pilot Program.

The "Taste of Downtown Evanston" reception will follow the meeting. Delicious food and wine will generously be provided by fabulous local restaurants. The reception will also include live entertainment and a Pop-Up Art Gallery presented by the Art Under Glass coordinators, the Arts and Biz committee and the Evanston Arts Council.

Please register by May 15th by calling 847-866-6319 or e-mail info@downtownevanson.org.

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, May 14, 2012

Administration & Public Works (A&PW) Committee meets at 5:45 p.m.
Planning & Development (P&D) Committee meets at 7:15 p.m.
City Council meeting convenes immediately after the conclusion of
the P&D Committee meeting

ORDER OF BUSINESS

(I) Roll Call – Begin with Alderman Burrus

(II) Public Hearing: Proposed Dempster Dodge Tax Increment Financing District

(III) Mayor Public Announcements and Proclamations
National Preservation Month – May 2012
Older Americans’ Month – May 2012
National Police Week – May 13 through May 19, 2012

(IV) City Manager Public Announcements

(V) Communications: City Clerk

(VI) Citizen Comment

• For citizen comments please refer to the video recording available online at http://www.cityofevanston.org/government/agendas-minutes/agendas-minutes---city-council/index.php

(VII) Consent Agenda: Alderman Rainey

(VIII) Report of the Standing Committees
Administration & Public Works - Alderman Burrus
Planning & Development  - Alderman Holmes
Human Services   - Alderman Tendam

(IX) Call of the Wards 

(X) Executive Session

(XI) Adjournment  

CONSENT AGENDA

(M1) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 23, 2012
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
(M2) Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of April 30, 2012
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
(M3) Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of May 7, 2012
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

(A1) City of Evanston Payroll through   04/22/12  $2,498,099.71
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A2) City of Evanston Bills FY2012 through  05/15/12 $4,650,484.85
Credit Card Activity through March 31, 2012   $   125,968.23
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.1) Approval of Contract Renewal for CADS Software License and Service Agreement with SunGard Public Sector
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.2) Approval of Contract with Golf Mill Ford Inc. for Ford Parts (Bid 12-118)
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.3) Approval of Contract with Alpha Paintworks, Inc. for 2012 Fire Hydrant Painting (Bid 12-127)
For Action
REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
PASSES ON VOTE 9-0

(A3.4) Approval of Contract with Chicagoland Paving for the Church Street Improvement Project and Dodge Avenue and Lake Street Streetscape Project (Bid 12-130)
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.5) Approval of Contract with HBRA Architects, Inc. for Downtown Evanston Performing Arts District Study (RFP 12-125)
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A4.1) Approval of Change Order No. 1 for 2012 Cured-In-Place-Pipe Lining Contract with American Pipe Liners, Inc. (Bid 12-101)
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A4.2) Approval of Change Order No. 2 with Camp Dresser and McKee, Inc. for Engineering Services on the 1964 Filter Addition Rehabilitation Project (RFP 10-103)
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A5) Resolution 36-R-12 Authorizing the Renewal of the Lease of the Computer Lab in Main Library to Workforce Board of Northern Cook County
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A6) Ordinance 49-O-12, Increasing the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses to Permit Issuance to NSB Ventures LLC, d/b/a The Alcove 
For Introduction
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A7) Ordinance 40-O-12 Increasing One-Day Liquor License Fees
For Action
REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
PASSES ON VOTE 5-4

(A8) Ordinance 46-O-12 Increasing Minimum Penalties for General Non-Parking Ordinance Violations
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

(P1) Resolution 42-R-12 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Assignment of a Real Estate Contract for the Purchase of Real Property at 1600 Foster Avenue, Evanston
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(P2) Approval of a One Year Extension for Planned Development at 1915-1919 Grey Avenue
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(P3) Ordinance 48-O-12 Granting Major Zoning Relief for Front Yard Parking and a Rear Yard Setback at 2627 Lincolnwood Drive
City staff recommends the adoption of Ordinance 48-O-12 granting major zoning relief to rebuild an attached garage as livable space, establish one open parking space in the front yard, and construct a two story addition with a rear yard setback of 14.7’ where 30’ is required at 2627 Lincolnwood Drive.
For Introduction
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
RULES WERE NOT SUSPENDED

(P4) Ordinance 39-O-12 Amending Portions of the Zoning Ordinance Related to Home Occupations
For Introduction
REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

(P5) Ordinance 38-O-12 Amending Various Portions of the City Code Relating to Bed & Breakfast Establishments
For Introduction
INTRODUCED AND RETURNED TO COMMITTEE

(P6) Ordinance 36-O-12 Granting a Major Variation and Special Use Permits for a Planned Development and Drive-Through Facility Located at 635 Chicago Avenue (“Walgreens”)
For Action
PASSES ON CONSENT AGENDA

(P7) Ordinance 42-O-12 Granting a Special Use for a Commercial Indoor Recreation Facility at 2125 Ashland Avenue
For Action
PASSES ON CONSENT AGENDA

HUMAN SERVICES

(H1) Approval of Township of Evanston April 2012 Payroll and Bills
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(H2) Approval of Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG) – Substantial Amendments to the 2011 and 2012 Annual Action Plans of the 2012-2014 Consolidated Plan
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(H3) Approval of Harley Clarke Mansion “Request for Interest”
For Action
REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
PASSES ON

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

(O1) Resolution 43-R-12 Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Loan for the Improvements to Real Property Located at 2424 Dempster
For Action
REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
PASSES ON VOTE 9-0

RULES COMMITTEE

(O2) Resolution 40-R-12: City of Evanston’s Support of a Constitutional Amendment to Effectively Overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s Conclusion in “Citizens United v. FEC” Relating to Constitutional Rights for Corporate Entities
For Action
REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
PASSES ON VOTE 9-0

APPOINTMENTS

(APP1)For Appointment to:

Housing and Community Development Act Committee               Jeannie Sanke

 

MEETINGS SCHEDULED THROUGH MAY 2012
Upcoming Aldermanic Committee Meetings:

Tuesday, May 15 7:30 PM Housing/Comm Dev Act Committee
Wednesday, May 16 6:00 PM MWEBE Advisory Committee
Thursday, May 17 5:30 PM City-School Liaison @ D65
Thursday, May 17 7:00 PM Housing Commission
Monday, May 21 7:00 PM City Council
Wednesday, May 23 6:00 PM Transportation/Parking
Wednesday, May 23 7:00 PM Economic Development
Thursday, May 24 5:30 PM Emergency Telephone Board
Tuesday, May 29 5:45 PM APW, P&D, City Council

Information is available about Evanston City Council meetings at: www.cityofevanston.org/citycouncil.
Questions can be directed to the City Manager’s Office at 847-866-2936. The City is committed to ensuring accessibility for all citizens. If an accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Manager’s Office 48 hours in advance so that arrangements can be made for the accommodation if possible.

Cook County property tax bills this year will be mailed in late June and should be due August 1, 2012. This will mark the earliest mailing date and due date for second installment tax bills in more than thirty years. 

 "The early due date will surprise most taxpayers, while causing some hardship for those who have become accustomed to due dates that have been as late as December 13 in recent years. But schools and other taxing districts, some of which have had to borrow money because of the late due dates, will be pleased to reduce borrowing expenses," said Bonnie Wilson, Evanston Township Assessor. “State law mandates that second installment tax bills in Cook County be due by August 1.” 

In order to meet the early due date, this year’s April 30 deadline for homeowner and senior citizen tax exemptions was much earlier than in prior years. Prior to the deadline, the assessor’s offices for Cook County and Evanston Township worked diligently to ensure that those eligible for money-saving exemptions would receive them on their bills. 

Eligible taxpayers who have not yet applied for exemptions will still be able to obtain corrected bills after tax bills are mailed in late June. But such taxpayers need not wait until late June; they are encouraged to call the Evanston Township Assessor’s office now for information on how to obtain corrected bills. The phone number is 847/332-2465. The Evanston Township Assessor's office is located at 846 Dodge Ave. 

The early due date for tax bills is the result of a concerted effort by Cook County taxing agencies. Property tax bills cannot be issued until every assessed value in Cook County is determined, and every appeal is resolved. Given the size of Cook County and the number of appeals typically filed, it has been difficult for county agencies to finish their work early. But new people in the offices of the Cook County Assessor, the Cook County Board President and the Cook County Board of Review have changed past practices.

The 2012 Tony Award nominations were announced recently and Evanstonian Jessie Mueller was nominated in the category of Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for her performance in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.

The Michael Mayer-directed revival of the 1965 show was Mueller’s Broadway debut, where she started opposite her childhood idol Harry Connick, Jr.  Mueller played the role of the 1940s jazz singer Melinda Wells, love interest of Dr. Mark Bruckner.

Mueller was named Theater Chicagoan of the year in 2011 after her memorable performances in Guys and Dolls and Shout at the Marriot Theatre in Linconshire. 

Jessie Mueller comes from a family of professional actors and began developing her vocal style while attending Evanston Township High School. She went on to Syracuse University, where she studied musical theater.

After graduation, she became a star in her own right on the Chicago musical scene. On a Clear Day You Can See Forever opened December 12, 2011 and closed on January 29, 2012 after 29 previews and 57 regular performances at the St. James Theatre in New York. 

The 2012 Tony Awards will air live on CBS at 7 p.m., Sunday, June 10, 2012.

On Friday, May 11, 2012, at 9:25 am, it was reported that an 18-wheel truck is stuck under the Metra viaduct on Main St. at Custer Ave. in Evanston. No injuries have been reported. The eastbound lane of traffic on Main St. will be closed until the truck is removed. Motorists should try to avoid the area until further notice.
 

On Friday, May 11, 2012, at 9:25 am, it was reported that an 18-wheel truck is stuck under the Metra viaduct on Main St. at Custer Ave. in Evanston. No injuries have been reported. The eastbound lane of traffic on Main St. will be closed until the truck is removed. Motorists should try to avoid the area until further notice.

Update:
The truck is no longer stuck under the Metra viaduct and eastbound traffic on  Main Street at Custer Avenue has been restored.