HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-02-09-2002,;2,Y-7
CITY COUNCIL February 9, 2002
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ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Moran Alderman Jean -Baptiste
Alderman Rainey Alderman Bernstein
Alderman Newman Alderman Kent
A Quorum was present.
NOT PRESENT AT
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Feldman, Wynne
ABSENT: Alderman Engelman
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
A SPECIAL MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Saturday, February 9, 2002 at 9:19
a.m. in the Council Chamber for the purpose of conducting a budget workshop.
City Manager Crum announced this was the fourth Saturday budget workshop on a City budget on which staff began
work on in June 2001 and must be adopted by Council at the end of February. A difficult budget, the City has
approximately $70 million in the General Fund budget. All of the services most of those present were interested in are
paid for from that fund. In November 2001 staff estimated a $3.6 million deficit in that $70 million. Since then state
funds have worsened and staff estimates a $4 million deficit. The City Manager is required by law to present a proposed
budget by January 1 each year. This year knowing there was a problem, the manager was asked to put together a budget
limiting the property tax increase to 3.4% in the General Fund. Doing that required significant proposed cuts in many
services, some in basic services and hidden from the public by trying to get by with fewer people, while others are
significant and affect public agencies. The Council is legally responsible for reviewing all of these, deciding whether
to impose cuts or tax increases. There are no other choices and no large surpluses to work with. In the next couple of
weeks Council will arrive at a balanced budget that maintains the City's credit rating and the best they can do to meet
community needs. That day mental health, community purchased services and Emergency Assistance programs, plus
the subsidy to the Evanston Community Media Center (cable television) would be addressed.
Proposed Reduction of funding to Evanston Community Media Center
Facilities Management Director Max Rubin stated the proposal was to reduce funding to ECMC by $150,000 and would
cause significant problems as they receive $310,000 a year. It would mean personnel cuts and the City would have to
take on costs such as Council meetings and similar events. In response to Mayor Morton, Mr. Rubin stated the City
receives $420,000 from AT&T Broadband, which is 5% on the gross revenues generated by cable subscribers. The City
is paid quarterly and ECMC receives monthly payments equal to $310,000. Mr. Crum reminded Council that two years
ago an extra $2 charge monthly, in addition to the 5%, went to ECMC. That was for equipment and later was eliminated
from the franchise fee. The 5% franchise fee is the exact amount allowed for use of streets and right-of-ways and the
same allowed throughout the United States. In response to Alderman Feldman, Mr. Rubin stated there are more than
16,000 subscribers. There is no federal guideline as to the use of the 5%. Without the fee, the cable station would have
to raise funds, which they have attempted to do. Alderman Kent recalled they had discussed getting facilities at a lower
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rent. Mr. Rubin thought that was the most important thing they could do. ECMC pays around $100,000 annually in
rent/taxes. If they could be in a free -facility, the City could keep that money and not pass it on to ECMC. In response
to Mayor Morton, ECMC's operating budget is $375,000. ECMC also receives funds from District 65 for broadcasting
their meetings and providing cable services to the district. ECMC has the public access channel, District 65's channel
and the government channel. ETHS has its own operation. Alderman Feldman noted there had been discussion that
ECMC could use the former recycling center and asked if that would continue. Mr. Rubin said it would and an architect,
who donated services to analyze the space, did a preliminary study. They would use about one-third of the space. Mayor
Morton asked if revenues were sufficient to cover ECMC's operating costs. Mr. Rubin stated revenues were more than
sufficient. The City retains $100,000 of the revenue generated by subscribers. Alderman Feldman asked if federal law
dictated the 5%? Mr. Rubin stated the Cable Act allows up to 5% franchise fees. Alderman Feldman asked if monies
forwarded to ECMC could be used for maintenance, upgrade of cameras and equipment? Mr. Rubin said no. On top
of that is a 350 monthly equipment charge. They cannot pass through operating expenses on the franchise, only on
equipment. In the latest franchise agreement, there is 35¢ monthly fee to maintain equipment in addition to the 5% and
that fee used to be $2.17. Alderman Jean -Baptiste said, assuming Council authorizes renovation of the recycling center
for ECMC, how long would it take and the cost? Mr. Rubin said preliminary costs are high, between $500-800,000, and
they don't have construction drawings. They will consider having City staff build -out the shell and outsource the build -
out of the inside, which would save money and it would take a year. Alderman Rainey noted ECMC has a lease. Mr.
Rubin said ECMC's five-year lease expires in 2005 and they would have to negotiate the cost to break their lease.
Proposed reductions to Mental Health Board, community purchased services, Emergency Assistance
Health & Human Services Director Jay Terry stated there are three areas with significant changes from the current fiscal
budget. Those are budget allocations set aside for the Mental Health Board, community purchased services and the
Emergency Assistance program. He explained that through the Mental Health Board and community purchased services,
the City funds private social service agencies and the third funder is CDBG (block grants). He stated taxpayers pay
$644,200 for community purchased services. The proposal is a $225,000 reduction in that budget. The current budget
for Mental Health Board funded agencies is $403,100 and the proposed reduction is $150,000. Agencies funded by the
City and Mental Health Board are: Connections for the Homeless, Childcare Network, Evanston Community Defender,
Evanston/Skokie Valley Senior Services (Evanston office of North Shore Senior Center), Family Focus, Metropolitan
Family Services and Peer Services. Agencies funded by the City and CDBG are: BEHIV, Connections for the Homeless,
Evanston Community Defender, Evanston/Skokie Valley Senior Services, Family Focus, Infant Welfare Society, Legal
Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, Metropolitan Family Services, Peer Services and Youth Job Center.
Five agencies receive funds from the City, Mental Health Board and CDBG: Connection for the Homeless, Evanston
Community Defender, Evanston/Skokie Valley Senior Services, Family Focus and Metropolitan Family Services.
Mr. Terry stated the proposed reductions were brought about by financial considerations in the City budget. These were
not performance -based recommendations to the extent that there was an operating philosophy that these private agencies
have opportunities for fundraising beyond those available to the City. There have been no discussions, if these
recommendations are adopted, of which agencies would be affected or how the reductions would be appropriated. If
there is a reduction to the Mental Health Board, they will decide how to allocate funds. The board, pending the outcome
of the budget process, has made no allocations. The same was true for the Human services Committee, which had one
general discussion. He reported presenting six scenarios to the Human Services Committee that could be applied and
the committee wanted to see how the process played out before making any allocations.
Mayor Morton asked which agencies serve only Evanston residents? Mr. Terry responded that probably no agency
serves "only" Evanston residents. Local funding buys first preference toward service or waiting list and Evanston money
is always spent on Evanston residents. Local residents have access to a sliding scale through the Mental Health Board
that might not be available to residents of other communities. He did not know of any social service agency that could
survive by serving only Evanston residents. He thought Family Focus and Y.O.U. serve a high percentage of Evanston
residents. He noted that agencies have to look out after their financial welfare so they serve more than Evanston
residents. Was data available? Mr. Terry stated in applications for funding, every agency lists total number of clients
served and percentage of total who are Evanston residents. The Teen Baby Nursery serves only Evanston residents.
3 February 9, 2002
Alderman Feldman stated that the number of Evanston residents served is a significant factor in funding, which is
certified by the Human Services Committee. He thought that was true for the Mental Health Board as well. He could
not speak for the CDBG Committee. In communications he received from agencies regarding the budget dilemma,
people raised concerns whether their agencies would be able to continue to serve Evanston as well as in the past if there
were significant cuts. He noted the Human Services Committee has spent a lot of time on this and got into trouble when
they wanted specific information, which was confidential.
Mr. Terry stated the other significant change was in Element 660, Emergency Assistance with a $100,000 reduction due
to elimination of two caseworker positions. This proposal is predicated on the City contracting with Evanston Township
General Assistance to provision for most emergency assistance services. He had supplied a 20-page report on
Emergency Assistance and services to Council. Through the years there has been discussion at budget time by both City
and Township that the missions of Emergency Assistance and General Assistance seem similar enough and
administrative costs on both appeared to be unusually high that there had to be economies of scale by merging or
combining the two programs. While this has been talked about in theory for years, he noted the discussion started in
earnest when the Township Supervisor wrote a letter stating the Township could provide those economies. With the
severity of the budget situation this fall, the Township Supervisor and he began talking about how this might work. They
talked about the City contracting with the Township for these services because there are not adequate funds in the
Township budget to run the program. They would contract out for a period of time, using City funds and the Township
would provide those services. That is why the grant money is still in the Emergency Assistance budget. Those
discussions have not reached final form and several administrative issues need to be resolved, which he was confident
would be worked out. They are at a point where they need policy direction from Council and Township Trustees.
Alderman Feldman confirmed that Mental Health Board and community purchased services total $1.1 million. In
response to Alderman Feldman, Mr. Terry stated he has headed Health & Human Services for over 12 years and the
amount allocated for these agencies has been roughly stable during those years. Alderman Feldman noted the City had
maintained that level of support in spite of difficult budget years. When Mr. Terry started at the City in 1989, the policy
was to increase funding commensurate with the rate of inflation. That policy ended in 1990-91 and there have been
times when there were reductions or increases. Alderman Feldman recalled when he became a member of the Human
Services Committee, when putting together a budget, the committee entertained new proposals. Soon after that it became
difficult to entertain new programs because there was no money. As a result, the City has not been able to respond to
changing needs in the community and is frozen in an agency funding module that they have had for a long time due to
budget constraints. In spite of all of that, a good portion of City funds has been spent on community purchased services
and the Mental Health Board. It has done that because the City cares and demonstrated that over that period of time,
which the acknowledgment, that if there were more money, they would spend more. The needs of this community are
not being met in the way they would like them to be and there is a need for increased services and support.
Alderman Wynne asked for a spreadsheet for community purchased services. Mr. Terry will provide one. She asked
if staff has the ability to evaluate the fundraising capacity of these social service agencies? Mr. Terry responded that
the City funds a wide range of social service agencies with a wide range of administrative capabilities. One criteria
discussed was what percentage of City funds makes up an agency's budget. He said small agencies, such as the
Community Defender, the City funds 75-80% of their budget. Other large agencies get a smaller percentage. There are
agencies with development officers that have large fundraisers and can pull in significant private resources, while others
eke by year after year. He noted that every social service agency would say this is not a good time. Philanthropy for
local agencies is down relative to gifts in response to the September 11 tragedy. State funding is also precarious now.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste referred to a February 7 memo in which Mr. Terry indicated there were certain services
Emergency Assistance provided. Many are short-term needs for loss of income due to fire, etc. He noted the Township
Supervisor's letter to the City Manager indicated the Township could provide all services Emergency Assistance does
now and save the City $185,828. Since then, he and the supervisor have had discussions and, now he is entertaining a
limited proposal that would save the City $100,000 versus the $185,828 proposed by the supervisor. He asked if there
were any legal limitations to having the Township take over the entire program to save this money and any operational
difficulties that the Township could not overcome to deliver the services. Mr. Terry stated he has never seen a breakout
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of how the $185,000 was computed. He assumed that the figure meant every staff person allocated currently to the
Emergency Assistance budget would be eliminated. In terms of the proposal he is working on, the Township would
supply about 90% of the Emergency Assistance provided by the City. He believed the City should maintain this program
relative to emergency situations brought about by City action such as code enforcement relocation. When an inspector
calls on a Saturday evening in January saying they have to house people at the Holiday Inn, then to make an extra call
to the Township could work, but he was more comfortable with that operation remaining with the City. He was not
aware of legal impediments. He related that there are two positions charged to the 660 Element that have changed over
time, yet are in emergency assistance. Their responsibilities go beyond that element within the Health & Human Services
Department. Significant operational impacts would occur if those positions were cut and he did not recommend it. Mr.
Terry stated that 90% of the financial assistance would be transferred to the Township. In response to Alderman Jean -
Baptiste, Mr. Terry stated currently there is $173,000 in grants and the City proposes $140,000 of that be allocated to
the Township. He noted that there are many who come to Room 1700 for help, get answers to their questions, referrals
to other agencies but do not qualify for food vouchers or payment to their landlord. They are not receiving financial
assistance but are receiving services from the City. Alderman Jean -Baptiste pointed out the City is allocating $140,000
for direct services by the Township, retaining $33,000 and also retaining half of the budget to provide $33,000 of direct
services. He asked whether the Township could not deliver those services if the entire program was transferred to them?
Was he saying the Township did not have the experience to provide those services? Mr. Terry was saying that those two
staff positions remain in the budget are needed for City operations and their roles have already expanded. Because they
are listed in the 660 Element does not mean that is all the tasks they have. Mr. Terry pointed out a contract with the
Township will need someone to administer and monitor it. The community intervention coordinator has duties relating
to persons with disabilities, bi-lingual program and, as they go forward, an increased role in the Health Department;
other departmental operations would be affected adversely if those two positions were eliminated. Mr. Terry said
regarding the $33,000 proposed to retain for emergency assistance, only time would tell if it were needed. Things
happen such as fires and heat calls and, he believed that there was a level of City interdepartmental coordination needed
and timeliness of response to keep it in-house. He did not recommend transferring everything to the Township at
present. Alderman Jean -Baptiste thought the entire budget was for Emergency Assistance yet more than half of it is
earmarked to do something else. He was concerned about presentation of the information to make a proper decision;
suggested they look at providing those services under other categories. He wished to understand the capacity of the
Township to operate the program and provide services not quantified in monetary terms.
Township Supervisor Patricia Vance stated the Township proposal was for complete administration of the Emergency
Assistance program. The Township has experienced caseworkers and, with organizational changes, she believed the staff
was capable of administering the program. She is aware of the operations of Emergency Assistance and has 23 years
experience in social service, was familiar with the non-profit network, a key part of administering social and emergency
services because the budget does not cover all of the costs for emergency -related services here. She said various non-
profit agencies receive federal and state funds and work together. She has discussed this with Mr. Terry; thought the
Township may need an aide for additional computer work.
In response to Alderman Feldman, Ms. Vance stated the amount she estimated that could be saved was based the
proposed budget. There would be $173,000 for contractual services and $25,000 for administrative costs, a total of
$198,000. In subsequent discussions, they looked at what the City spends currently, about $90,000 is actually expended,
so there is flexibility. Alderman Feldman was not aware that some Emergency Assistance staff did other jobs and
somebody would have to monitor the contract. Ms. Vance understood that the positions in the emergency services
budget covered more than emergency services, such as a disability coordinator and other tasks; stated it was misleading
to be part of emergency services. She noted that the position was redefined after the prior administrator of emergency
services left the City. The Township believed the contract would need little monitoring because they would report
monthly. Alderman Feldman asked if in discussions with Mr. Terry, was eventually folding in of all duties to the
Township discussed? No.
Alderman Rainey asked if the Township is restricted in any way to serve a population beyond those needing general
assistance? Ms. Vance stated there was none and under state statute's that govern general assistance, they can administer
emergency assistance program. It is not mandated because, if it was, funds must be provided. Emergency Assistance
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is a separate program from general assistance and those clients are not eligible to receive emergency assistance services.
Alderman Rainey asked if persons receiving City emergency assistance are eligible for general assistance? Ms. Vance
said they were. Alderman Rainey asked how the Township would deal with that? Ms. Vance said Township funds would
not be used for direct services. Township funds are used for staffing and not for direct services. There is some leeway
for Home Rule communities. Alderman Rainey pointed out that the Township is not affected by Home Rule. Ms. Vance
stated the Township could set some standards with regard to the Public Aid Code. The Township has to comply with
state statutes. She said the Township has some leeway because it does not use state money and uses taxpayers dollars.
Ms. Vance stated those who apply for general assistance are not considered clients until they are accepted and on general
assistance. She noted there are other agencies they are referred to for assistance. Alderman Rainey asked if the Township
was administering emergency assistance and had a client who was receiving the housing grant and other grants, and
required emergency assistance dollars, could the Township serve that person? Ms. Vance said they would. Alderman
Rainey asked for clarification in light of her earlier explanation. Ms. Vance explained that if they are using Township
money, those are dollars not being allocated. Alderman Rainey was concerned about the qualifications of people who
are being served and possible litigation because the Township is not allowed to serve certain people. Ms. Vance did not
think it would be a problem. Alderman Rainey spoke about separating funds for relocation of individuals based upon
City action. She thought it important to keep continuity at the City and commented that in each case of code enforced
displacement of people, a lien is placed on that property to recoup the cost to the City.
Alderman Bernstein asked if revenue from contract services impact their cap? No. Ms. Vance explained that Township
already proposed its levy for the town/general assistance funds; has contracts with other entities such as the State of
Illinois for the Earn Fare program, which has no impact on the tax cap for the Township and is completely separate.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked Ms. Vance if she works with code enforcement? She explained the Township only
administers general assistance, Earn Fare and Access to Care applications and is getting ready to do a pilot program with
Illinois Department of Public Aid for food stamps online. As executive director of CEDA Neighbors at Work, they have
worked with the City on referrals and assisted hotel/shelter or extended stay shelter for people. They also have made
referrals to the City for people with no money due to a fire.
Mayor Morton said if this program is placed with the Township, is there a legal requirement that it must duplicate the
service by the City? Ms. Vance hoped that could be worked out between Health & Human Services and the Township
and thought it was key to look at what is going on now, because they want to maintain some flexibility to make changes
that are necessary. That was something they would discuss while negotiating the proposed agreement.
Mr. Terry took exception to the characterization of "misleading" and explained that he had contemplated eliminating
Element 660 entirely and folding in staff in other ways. He struggled with whether that would add clarity to the
discussion or only muddy the waters as they make this transition. He noted the days are gone when they fit comfortably
within a niche and all time is spent on specific duties. When he started at the City in 1989, the Mental Health Board and
Commission on Aging executive directors and Public Health Director, reported to him. In 2002, he serves as all three.
He stated every department has worked to use its staff as creatively as possible and he has tried to represent staff as
honestly as possible. It is likely next year, the 660 Budget Element won't be there. Unfortunately, they have not had the
policy direction needed and to expect that a full and working system will be in place on March 1 won't happen. He will
need staff to implement the change.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Terry about the two staff members and where their responsibilities are? Mr. Terry stated many
of their responsibilities are in the 600 Budget Element and public health duties, but for the most part are human services
generalists. They provide assistance with outreach to the bilingual population, disabled persons, ADA compliance and
with problematic elderly cases. He thought there would be more work for them in the Health Department. Mayor Morton
asked if those two jobs would be absorbed into another budget element. Mr. Terry stated he did not have other vacant
positions within the department; noted a management analyst position in the 600 Element was eliminated.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste stated his questioning was not aimed at attacking any staff or trying to cause them to lose their
jobs but to achieve that kind of policy position that Mr. Terry says he needs. He said if they are not clear on the facts,
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Council cannot make a clear, consistent policy decision to go forward. If there is a possibility of saving $80,000 they
want to probe to allocate someplace else.
Alderman Feldman agreed with Alderman Rainey that the remaining portion stay in Element 660 for relocation as the
result of City action, noting those are on -spot decisions made as the result of action by the City. He was sure the
Township could administer it. He liked the one layer difference and that Mr. Terry makes a decision rather than having
to call somebody at the Township. He sees a difference when they contract out services and mentioned recycling, where
people call the City to ask that the contract be enforced and there is a different layer that callers have to go through.
While that may be acceptable on recycling, it may not be with human services.
At 10:33 a.m. the Council took a break and reconvened at 10:59 a.m.
Citizen Comment
Luticia Baree-Whvte, caseworker for Emergency Assistance, said of two positions, one has been vacant for a year and
she has fulfilled those duties. Emergency Assistance serves families and General Assistance has a caseload of 71 single
persons. She has a new job and urged that Emergency Assistance stay with the City. She has worked with every agency
present and said what they do is unprecedented in the state and is a model program.
Sandra Maris, said she came to Emergency Assistance on two occasions — when laid off from work and when a baby
(unrelated to her) came into her home. She stated this kind of help is needed in the community; asked Council not to
eliminate the program and to fight for her cause.
Mayor Morton noted the discussion was not about eliminating Emergency Assistance but whether to place it with the
Township.
Renee Tench, 1722 Brown Ave., a recipient of Emergency Assistance, stated the program is a necessity. She is a single
parent of six children, one of whom she put through college because Emergency Assistance aided her and the other
children. Her son is a graduate of Illinois Western. She said it is an important program.
Shawana Finch, 1822 '/2 Dodge Ave., is a current recipient of Emergency Assistance. She urged them to keep it; noted
she was in a gang several years ago selling drugs. She said this program helps parents with rent/food so they do not have
to steal and sell drugs; urged them to keep it.
John Mroczka, 1000 Grove St., director of Residents & Building Operations, McGaw YMCA, reported there are 172
rooms at the Y. Most rent by the week at an average cost of $105 a week. He stated that Emergency Assistance helps
residents who have lived at the Y and elsewhere in the community for one year or more. He has 96 such individuals at
the Y currently and of those, 25 have received Emergency Assistance. He explained that individuals lose jobs and wait
a week or two before they speak with him, so they are in crisis. He can send them on Monday to Emergency Assistance
and they have a check on Wednesday. About Township assistance, he has a man who applied 10 days ago and no idea
when he will receive assistance. He said many of these people are illiterate and are referred to other programs.
Paul Berson, 714 Reba Pl., from the management team at Reba Apartments, said he did not like throwing people out
because they don't pay their rent or taking them to court. He cannot let people live in rental apartments for free. Reba
Apartments cannot be a source of rent relief. Sometimes people get into financial difficulties due to poor management;
others have a financial crisis due to health problems, loss of employment, divorce or death of spouse. These people may
experience a drastic drop in income and need limited support to carry them through. He said this was where Emergency
Assistance helped several tenants in Reba Apartments get over the hump and resume paying their rent. He stated that
Evanston could take pride in its response to a diverse population. He asked that the budget not be balanced at the
expense of those who need temporary assistance and to live up to Evanston's reputation of taking care of its people.
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Terrie January. 1816 Dodge Ave., has received help from many programs. Her concern was about the quality of the
program that will be contracted out and whether the Township has enough space to do the job. She suggested the
programs needed to be monitored. She stated that CEDA and Family Focus programs enabled her to go to college and
earn a degree in clinical nutrition and gives back to the community through clinical nutrition shows on cable television.
Steve Bartlebaueh, executive director ECMC, was open to discuss franchise fees. He said the $310,000 from the City
is primary funding; $25,000 comes from District 65; $12,000 is for subleasing and the rest comes from memberships
and class fees. The idea was not to raise the cost of working at the media center, because it is equal opportunity for every
resident. This cut would close ECMC within 12-18 months. He urged them to fund ECMC by using the franchise fee.
Arlene Jackson, 200 Ridge Ave., supported mental health and human service programs; stated that City support of non-
profit agencies provides a cost-effective way to provide services to Evanston residents who need drug treatment and
childcare. She noted some new revenue sources were identified by Council and citizen groups that would more than
cover the proposed cuts; urged Council to reconsider the proposed cuts.
Sharon Pines, 707 Hinman Ave., assistant director of development for the Family Institute, provides marital and family
therapy through direct services and education/research. Their mission is to strengthen and heal families and, in so doing,
strengthen and heal communities; have received funds from the Mental Health Board for the past several years to
provide services to low-income, at -risk families and individuals through two philanthropically supported programs.
Their family/child clinic provides therapy on a sliding fee and they turn no one away for lack of funds. They also have
an outreach program in which they partner with other organizations to bring mental health prevention/intervention
services directly to people at community locations at no fee. She noted this program started in Evanston at Family Focus
in 1989. They are still at Family Focus and at ETHS. She stated the need is growing and Chicago foundations stop
funding at the Howard Street border. She urged Council not to cut funding.
Sherrie Svkes, 1836 Dodge Ave., urged support for human services and especially for Family Focus because they have
helped her family. She is a mother "in recovery" and had it not been for Family Focus helping her and her children, no
one knows where they would be. She said every day they are helped with homework and boosting the children's self
esteem. She said Family Focus helps daily and! on holidays and asked for continued support. She called Family Focus
home, not just a building on Foster Street.
Vivian Anderson. 1827 Lyons St., spoke on behalf of Family Focus, which serves 98% minority and low-income
families. She has children and grandchildren who attend Family Focus and, if not for them, she did know where her
children would be. She stated cutting back on the Summer Youth Employment Program would be a loss and children
would end up on the street. She emphasized children are the future and that should be taken into consideration. She also
has a daughter (high school senior) who goes to Teen Baby Nursery, where she has been helped.
Shawn Boothe, 2011 Howard St., stated she had lots of help from Family Focus and described the programs that helped
her daughter (an honor roll student). Her daughter has started in a program where teens mentor other youth. She hoped
that would continue because youth need structure. She has two other children and Family Focus is a great place.
Jane Grover, 2703 Prairie Ave., chair of Mental Health Board, said the board is comprised of eight residents, most of
whom are mental health professionals that apply their expertise to allocate $403,000 to 21 programs. By the time funds
are allocated to a mental health program, the board has determined that program has addressed a specific need for
community mental health services and serves Evanston residents. When there is a manageable way to segregate money
to serve Evanston residents that is done. The agency has told the board what its objectives are and how to meet them.
By the time the board funds the agency, they are sure they have complied with quarterly reporting requirements and that
the agency has cooperated with the board in ongoing efforts to monitor programs they fund. They also make sure the
agency is viable and that the program works. She noted the board has rescinded funding for programs that don't work,
don't have a mental health focus or are irrelevant. The board has also reaffirmed funding to programs that have proven
their value to the community.
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8 February 9, 2002
Sally Chanrales. 3518 Davis St., co-chair of the Evanston/Skokie Valley Community Board of Metropolitan Family
Services, said the board is comprised of people like herself who work/live in the community representing local schools,
businesses, banks and other local community organizations that work to see that their community successfully serves
residents. Funding from government and private donors goes directly to local programs. Their board strongly urges
continued funding for mental health and social services.
Barbara Ellson. 930 Asbury Ave., an employee at Metropolitan Family Services noted a core value of Evanston residents
is to maintain cultural, economic and racial diversity; stated that mental health and social services provide the most
efficient and economical way to provide these services to help low and moderate -income people to stay here. She said
that the City should ask for evidence of effectiveness from agencies. Her agency analyzes its programs for effective
outcomes and improvement with five points of measurement. She stated that the mental health programs the City funds
help strengthen the capacities of children and their families so they can remain intact and prevent the children from
entering the child welfare system. Their agency helps families improve their functioning and raise children who are
contributors rather than detriments. She said that agencies meet regularly to discuss their role in service and their
expertise can be used to get new money into the community to support these services. She stated they can work to apply
for state, county and federal funds to help pay for services that residents value. Evanston residents care. A climate of
giving is created by people of goodwill and concern for the community. This is also created by the governmental
structures citizens create and support. She urged continued funding for mental health and social services.
Lina Cramer, 1032 Michigan Ave., came to Evanston because of what it offers and its diversity: economically, racially
and culturally. She stated it is a community that cares and her family does a great deal of volunteer work. She was
concerned that the City projects to cut 33-37% from mental health and social services of agencies that have been
partners with the City in reaching many residents. She noted that these agencies have had no increases in their funding
from the City in 10 years and are asked to take a large cut, yet are committed and serving more people and preventing
crises. She said it is "penny wise and pound foolish" to think that they take cuts when they have leveraged more dollars
and will continue to be partners. She is a board member of Metropolitan Family Services; said they fill a void in this
community and reach out to many families that otherwise would end up at DCFS. She urged the cuts be reconsidered.
Sandra Johnson, 2715 Asbury Ave., executive director, North Shore Senior Center, said in 1996 the state came to the
center and asked them to provide services to elderly residents here. The center agreed based upon local support. Because
of their public/private partnership, they have not had a waiting list for services. Their agency serves the most frail and
vulnerable, often people who cannot afford shelter, food or medicine. She encouraged Council to look at outcomes of
all the human service agencies before making cuts. As a resident, she urged them to look at other ways to continue
providing services without cutting the budget.
Cassie Thompson, ETHS sophomore, has an 18-month son who goes to the Teen Baby Nursery. She goes to Family
Focus and they have helped her since she became a teen mom.
Katie Trinni, Teen Baby Nursery and Y.O.U. board member, thought it important for Council to see/hear the people
the agencies serve. Both organizations serve all Evanston residents because they are enrolled in the school system. She
said the fund-raising climate is difficult at this time and all agencies there would rather raise funds from donors than
have to come to the City. She stated help and support was needed to continue to give these services. From Voices for
Illinois Children she quoted, "when children realize their potential and fulfill their dreams, our communities flourish
and we are enriched beyond measure."
Sue Ann Glaser, 1714 Brummel St., Childcare Network board president, loves living here primarily because Evanston
values diversity. She believes the City recognizes that diversity brings strength to the community and also brings needs
for consistent attention. Human service agencies attend to these needs. She stated City funding supports the Childcare
Network Scholarship Program, which since July has assisted more than 50 families and 75 children at 15 different
childcare centers. She pointed out that low-income parents are dependent on childcare to keep their jobs and childcare
costs can easily eat up more than half a working family's income. Partial scholarships are a way to bring quality licensed
care costs to a manageable level for these families. Every cent of these funds goes directly to Evanston families. Mental
February 9, 2002
Health Board funding makes available mental health services to Evanston children in early childhood programs. Current
research supports early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can hinder a child's ability to succeed in school and
ultimately become a productive citizen. The consultations benefit the child, family, teachers and present and future
classmates. She knows they care deeply and urged no cut to funding for these agencies.
Camille Wilmineton, 2015 Brown Ave., single parent, works and goes to school full-time; said without assistance she
could not reach her goal to get a college degree. Without daycare money, her mother would be unable to watch her child
in the evening. She said daycare costs and mortgage exceeds her income. She wishes to give back to the community.
Kyle Drew, 1400 Cleveland St., said if the budget was cut, it would affect her and her brothers and sisters. It will affect
them if they are not able to be in a safe, peaceful environment. She urged before cutting they consider the future. Y.O.U.
provides a good environment and is not taken advantage of.Y.O.U. is a place that thinks about their future. The staff
deals with all their issues and gets them ready for high school and work. She invited Council to visit Y.O.U. to see how
many youth are at the center and why they should keep its budget the same.
Briana Drew, 1400 Cleveland St., a Th grader at Chute School, said that Y.O.U. has a great after -school program for
youth in 6-8'' grades where they play games and do homework. Y.O.U. has great people like Jason Price, who talks to
them when they have problems and teaches them the right thing to do. There are others who help too. If the program
is cut there would not be a place for kids to hang out after school. There are programs in the summer too and after a
while they get to do community service. She asked Council to consider Y.O. U. before making cuts.
Maurice Dawson, 2321 Bradley Pl., said Y.O.U. has been a place for years for middle school youth to go. He spoke on
behalf of Y.O.U. because they provide good things for youth to do. He said there is Y.O.U. at Nichols and Chute
schools. He said they play games and go places they normally could not go to without parents, such as bowling. He said
if kids don't have anywhere to go but home, they end up not meeting new people. If Y.O.U. is cut, it will affect a daily
part of each kid's life. Kids get their homework done, people tutor them and help with things they don't understand. It
is harder to re -start a program. Y.O.U. provides a safe after -school program that accepts everyone and other benefits.
Roberta Hudson, 1941 Dewey Ave., said there was a large amount of data to decipher when she came to the budget
meetings; suggested the City should have financial reporting to all citizens. She said good fiscal responsibility begins
with reporting of all personnel salaries and quarterly reports on revenues/expenditures. The report should be accurate
and detailed. She thought Evanston has the potential to be a model city.
Sikirat Adieun, 1485 Foster St., moved here 10 years ago from Nigeria. She returned to college and, with no family
here, Family Focus was there for her three children. She lost her job and again they helped her by providing a safe place
for them. She urged their budget not be cut.
Tina Penick, 1839 Darrow Ave., spoke on behalf of Family Focus. As a child she went to Family Focus; is a single
parent and her son attends the programs, which help him with tutoring, self-esteem and dealing with his energy. She
does not know what she would do with her son if they were not there. She said they take a personal interest in him and
he is taken care of. Family Focus has helped her and it was important to keep Family Focus for other families.
Una Malkinson, 822 Clinton Pl., clinical social worker; worked 35 years in a community mental health center. She asked
them to consider the effect on staff if cuts are made. She said it is the staff person that affects the change and brings forth
the benefit of the services they are considering. Staff needs to be valued and supported and a cut would be detrimental
to the quality of all the services. She said there is a more diverse set of problems than ever in human services, which
requires an experienced, knowledgeable staff. She stated usually they have beginning staff work in these agencies and,
to supplement their expertise, it is necessary to have consultants fill in the gaps. She asked them to support and
encourage people working in this field and said Council's ingenuity has been demonstrated in the past.
Raymond Summers, president AFSCME, Local 1891, reported the union does not support any cuts to human and health
services and is an advocate for those services locally and at state and national levels. They would agree to collective
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February 9, 2002
bargaining regarding those issues. He said about 50% of the employees he represents live here and use those services.
They wanted Council to reconsider services discussed that day because such services are nourishment to the community.
Marsha Ettema. Reba Place Nursery, supported continuing funding of human and mental health services. Specifically,
early childhood services to those families who are not eligible for state funding, but do not make enough to pay full fees,
which childcare centers require to operate. She thanked the City for providing funds this year, administered by Childcare
Network to begin to address that problem. She said there are people in their centers who are on state aid that are doing
better and will be eliminated from state aid, but the difference is not being made up. They have families who have been
paying full fees but due to job loss or divorce, can no longer afford to pay full fees and are not eligible for state
assistance. She was concerned about that program continuing as well as many other things Childcare Network is
involved with across Evanston. She asked Council to consider these as they deliberate on the budget.
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so
moved at 11:48 a.m.
Mary P. Morris,
City Clerk
A videotape recording of this meeting has been made cart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.
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