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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061-R-21 Authorizing a Pilot Program for Free Beach Access for 20215/24/2021 61-R-21 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PILOT PROGRAM FOR FREE BEACH ACCESS FOR 2021 WHEREAS, the City of Evanston, Cook County, Illinois ("City"), is a home rule unit of government and, pursuant to the provisions of Section 6(a) of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs; and WHEREAS, Evanston City Code 7-11-3 requires possession of a token in order to access Evanston beaches; and WHEREAS, Evanston City Code 7-11-3 authorizes but does not require a fee to be charged for such tokens; and WHEREAS, the City of Evanston currently charges for beach tokens and daily passes with an estimated $1 million in revenue; and WHEREAS, the City of Evanston's Parks and Recreation Department funding is derived from the general fund; and WHEREAS, other municipalities have park districts with separate tax levies to fund the district; and WHEREAS, on May 10, 2021, Council Member Devon Reid requested a Special Order of Business be placed on the agenda for the May 24, 2021 meeting to make Evanston City Beaches free for the 2021 season; and WHEREAS, a pilot program to determine the future feasibility of free beach access for future years is necessary due to the potential budget impact. NOW BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT: SECTION 1: The foregoing recitals shall be and hereby are incorporated in this Section One as if said recitals were fully set forth herein. SECTION 2: City Staff is authorized and directed to complete a pilot program for the 2021 beach season, giving access to all beaches free of charge to Evanston residents for use on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays consistent with City Code 7-11-3. SECTION 3: This Resolution 61-R-21 will be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law. Attest: Nance dJcJJ Daniel Biss, Mayor Approved as to form: Ayr lb 7�e-ac� ,NAt"y 6. Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk Nicholas E. Cummings, Corporation Counsel Adopted: May 24 , 2021 -2-