Evanston RoundTable

By Bob Seidenberg Members of the city’s Economic Development Committee supported holding public meetings on a Council member’s proposal to increase the minimum wage in line with cost-of-living increases. Several committee members stressed the importance of seeking input from the business community on this proposal. Some business owners had expressed frustration at not being able…

By Bob Seidenberg A city committee on May 16 backed a number of potential changes to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance sought by tenants’ groups, such as using screening tools other than credit reports to assess renters’ ability to afford apartments. The city’s Housing and Community Development Committee didn’t take a formal vote, but Council Member Eleanor…

By Bob Seidenberg Evanston Public Library officials want more details before they engage a firm to provide security at the main library, 1703 Orrington Ave., where security has been an issue in recent months. Several trustees raised concerns at their May 17 meeting about entering into a contract with Skokie-based Phoenix Security. The city has been…

By Bob Seidenberg The City Council on May 8 allocated $3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to set in motion some of the recommendations of the Evanston Thrives report. Last May, the city contracted with Philadelphia-based Interface Studio for a $245,000 study to develop a framework that could enhance the quality…

By Bob Seidenberg A homeless advocacy group’s controversial bid to establish the area’s first permanent shelter for the homeless moved a step closer May 8 to a final vote. Evanston City Council members voted 6-2 at their regular meeting to introduce approval of Connections for the Homeless request for special zoning at the Margarita Inn,…

By Bob Seidenberg Kristian “Krissie” Harris in the city’s 2nd Ward and Juan Geracaris in the 9th, can finally remove their temporary status. At the May 8 City Council meeting, Mayor Daniel Biss administered the oath of office to the two who won strong support in the May 8 special election to continue their terms…

By Bob Seidenberg As far back as 2009, Evanston City Council members considered opening the door to legalized video gaming terminals in establishments but closed it quickly. But that attitude  might not prevail today. Members of the City Council’s Human Services Committee voted 3-2 at their May 1 meeting in support of Council member Devon Reid’s…