HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2014-07-29-20141
City of
Evanston,
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
6:30 p.m.
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
Room 2404
Lorraine He Morton Civic Center
2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL
Roll Call: Alderman Wynne
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Wilson
Alderman Burrus
Alderman Holmes
Alderman Fiske
Alderman Tendam
Alderman Braithwaite
Alderman Grover
Presiding: Mayor Tisdahl
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm by the Mayor.
Visioning Discussion:
This discussion was led by Jean from California. She began by explaining
the candies she brought with her for the Council. The candies represented
the varied differences that exist in Evanston as well as the governmental
structure and community. She wanted to guide the vision the Council has for
Evanston, and then will tie them all together into three important topics for
the Council to think about and move forward to accomplish the tasks.
She asked the Mayor to start off with her idea of a better Evanston.
Mavor Tisdahl pointed out the following:
1. Living in a diversity community; 2. Working to make it happen
The Aldermen's additions to what the Mavor stated follows:
1. People working together
2. Getting out to the parks for walks
3. Not being afraid to venture out, due to the increased gun
violence
4. Progressiveness and tolerance
5. Evanston is like a big College
6. There are many aspects and opportunities
7. There is something for everybody
8. The school system
a. After school programs
9. Creating opportunities
10. Affordable housing
11. Economic life
12. Unique echo system
13. Homey
14. We don't listen to the comprehensive whole picture,
instead of focusing on one piece of the puzzle
15. We need to start thinking outside of the box
16. The need to form partnerships
17. How to use our resources, like the lake
18. We need to change the way to conduct City business
19. We need to have a joint narrative going to the residents
20.
Moderator:
Good Amenities
a) Downtown
b) Modal Modality
c) Safe passage for students
d) Many restaurants in walking distance
e) The 311 System
Summary of discussion:
1. Unique quality of life
2. Create and own your vision
a. Talk about it
b. Share it
c. Find your common ground
d. Define it
e. Deconstruct it
f. Put it back together again
g. Create ways to move in those kind of directions
3. Infrastructure control
a. Replacing the vacancies with vibrant businesses
b. Review and update the Westside plan
c. Discuss retaining businesses already in Evanston
d. Get the university and other businesses to partnership with our
vision
e. Make it more affordable for businesses to host events in
Evanston
In closing it was decided to do similar discussions twice a year which will be
beneficial for the council as well as for the citizens of Evanston. It was also
agreed to use the same setup for the next session.
This Special City Council Meeting ended at 9:05 PM.
Submitted by,
Hon. Rodney Greene, MMC
City Clerk of Evanston
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