HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution_96-R-25_Memorandum_of_Understanding_with_Edible_Evanston_(1)_(1)_signed10/27/2025
96-R-25
A RESOLUTION
Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of
Understanding Between the City of Evanston and
Edible Evanston, a Program of Climate Action Evanston
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston (the “City”), a municipal corporation, and
the Edible Evanston (“Edible Evanston”), a program of Climate Action Evanston (“CAE”)
an Illinois not for profit corporation, (collectively the “Parties”) seek to enter a
Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”); and
WHEREAS,CAE, an organization with an extensive history of community
engagement on climate initiatives and current partnerships with the City for
implementing the Climate Action & Resilience Plan, has the relevant expertise and
resources to manage City parkland for educational permaculture and ecological
restoration demonstrations; and
WHEREAS, both the City and CAE desire to expand community
engagement on our community's climate action and resiliency efforts.
WHEREAS, Edible Evanston, as a program of CAE, and the City have
been working together to conduct activities at the City's Eggleston Park since 2012 as a
part of the Evanston 150 initiative. Edible Evanston has expanded the portion within the
park now termed the Eco-Acre by planting and maintaining hundreds of various trees
and plantings within the Eco-Acre to develop edible harvests and provide educational
activities to the community free of charge.
WHEREAS, The purpose of this MOU is to formally document the
continuing public/private relationship and set forth typical roles and responsibilities.
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96-R-25
NOW BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:
SECTION 1: The MOU between the City of Evanston and the Edible
Evanston, a Program of Climate Action Evanston is hereby approved.
SECTION 2: The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to
execute the MOU on behalf of the City of Evanston.
SECTION 3: This Resolution 96-R-25 shall be in full force and effect from
and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
_______________________________
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
Adopted: __________________, 2025
Approved as to form:
_______________________________
Alexandra B. Ruggie, Corporation Counsel
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October 27
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made by and between the City of Evanston
(the "City"), a municipal corporation, and Edible Evanston, a program of Climate Action
Evanston ("CAE"), an Illinois not for profit corporation exempt pursuant to Section 501(c)3
of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, as of the day and year indicated below.
WHEREAS, CAE, an organization with an extensive history of community engagement on
climate initiatives and current partnerships with the City for implementing the Climate Action
& Resilience Plan, has the relevant expertise and resources to manage City parkland for
educational permaculture and ecological restoration demonstrations; and
WHEREAS, both the City and CAE desire to expand community engagement on our
community's climate action and resiliency efforts.
WHEREAS, Edible Evanston (EE), as a program of CAE, and the City have been working
together to conduct activities at the City's Eggleston Park since 2012 as a part of the Evanston
150 initiative. EE has expanded the portion within the park now termed the Eco-Acre by
planting and maintaining hundreds of various trees and plantings within the Eco-Acre to
develop edible harvests and provide educational activities to the community free of charge.
WHEREAS, The purpose of this (MOU) is to formally document the continuing public/private
relationship and set forth typical roles and responsibilities.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual obligations and benefits set forth herein,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Edible Evanston will continue their volunteer services to develop and maintain the Food
Forest and West Forest areas in the Eco-Acre as a demonstration food forest and
permaculture-based public space. They will from time to time apply for grants and other
funding to upgrade the areas. They will continue to work in partnership with the City to
achieve common goals. Any and all upgrades to the area overseen by EE must be reviewed
and approved by the City.
The City will maintain the surrounding park areas, provide wood chips, yard waste removal,
water, and mutually agreed upon enhancements. The City will support EE initiatives and grant
opportunities, as mutually agreed upon.
TERM; TERMINATION
Unless sooner terminated, this MOU will be effective indefinitely, but for a minimum period
of 18 months.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the City may terminate this MOU
at any time by giving EE and CAE such written notice a minimum of 3 months in advance.
Upon receipt of such written notice, EE/CAE may, at its own discretion, remove plantings,
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