City of Evanston News

E.P.D. Arrests Juvenile Residential Burglary Offenders

2012-05-30T16:27:49Z

Evanston Police on Saturday May 26th during the Memorial Day weekend, arrested four juveniles in connection with a residential burglary that occurred in the 2600 block of Prairie Ave. at approximately 10:35AM.

Police initially responded to a call of a burglary that just occurred and while responding to the area, police located the offenders who all fled on foot in different directions. Police were able to apprehend the four juveniles ranging in age from 14 to 17. During the investigation, police recovered two laptop computers and charged 3 of the 4 juveniles with residential burglary. The 17 year old was released without charges pending further investigation. Of the three juveniles charged, one lived in Evanston, the second was from Wheeling and the third from Des Plaines.

No further information can be released at this time due to the ages of the arrestees in this incident.

Evanston Police To Issue 'Slurpee® Tickets' For Good Deeds

2012-05-30T16:08:19Z

Evanston Police will Interact with Youth

with the Help of 7-Eleven, Inc.

School’s almost out for summer, and kids in Evanston may actually look forward to their next encounter with the “heat” this summer, thanks to 7-Eleven® stores’ popular Operation Chill program that rewards positive behavior with a very cool treat.

Through Operation Chill®, law enforcement officers from participating local police and sheriff’s departments can “ticket” youngsters caught in the act of doing good with Slurpee® beverage coupons. Appropriate “actions” might include helping another person, deterring crime or participating in a positive activity in the community. Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee® drink at participating 7-Eleven stores.

Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than 12 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in areas where 7-Eleven operates stores. During 2012, approximately 1 million coupons will be issued nationally; approximately 1000 of those will be distributed in Evanston, most during the summer months and back-to-school season.

The coupons are great for Evanston Police Officers who are on patrol in the community. It is a positive way to encourage dialogue between officers and the youth of Evanston in a non-adversarial situation.

Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven, Inc. to positively reward and encourage good behavior by kids during the hot summer months, when communities may experience increases in loitering, shoplifting and graffiti, and to support law enforcement agencies’ community relations projects. Police use the Operation Chill program to reward youth for their good deeds as well as enhance their relations with the young people of their city.

7-Eleven’s proprietary Slurpee semi-frozen carbonated beverage has generational appeal with slurpers both young and old. More than a half-million Slurpee drinks are purchased each day during the summer at 7-Eleven stores across the country.

City Council Action - Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

2012-05-30T15:49:59Z

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Administration & Public Works (A&PW) Committee meets at 5:45 p.m.
Planning & Development (P&D) Committee has been cancelled.
City Council and Town Board meeting convenes at 7:15 pm

ORDER OF BUSINESS

(I) Roll Call – Begin with Alderman Braithwaite

(II) Evanston Town Board Meeting

(III) Mayor Public Announcements and Proclamations

(IV) City Manager Public Announcements
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City’s FY2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

(V) Communications: City Clerk

(VI) Citizen Comment

• Resident opposed to Reclassification/Compensation study and creation of Dempster-Dodge TIF
• Resident supports creation of Dempster-Dodge TIF, states that is has the support of local businesses, and hopes to see a public relations component
• Resident supports creation of Dempster-Dodge TIF
• Resident requests fiscal audit of the City of Evanston and opposes creation of Dempster-Dodge TIF
• Resident supports agenda item P1
• Two residents opposed to removal of trees at Kendall Development
• Resident claims Board of Trustees was not reconvened according to procedure at previous Township Meeting
o The Mayor stated the Board was in recess, not adjourned, therefore it was unnecessary to reconvene

(VII) Consent Agenda: Alderman Rainey

Report of the Standing Committees
Administration & Public Works - Alderman Burrus
Planning & Development - Alderman Holmes
Human Services - Alderman Tendam

(IX) Call of the Wards

• Ald. Braithwaite thanks staff for work on TIF, resident support, and reminds everyone of 6/14/12 2nd Ward meeting
• Ald. Wynne congratulates ETHS Class of 2012
• Ald. Wilson thanks the Parks School for inviting him to their Special Olympics
• Ald. Holmes thanks City staff for handling Dillo Day and expresses sympathy to George Mitchell to recent passing of his wife, Patricia Mitchell. Ald. Holmes also announced the passing of former Ald. Roosevelt Alexander and sends condolences to his family
• Ald. Rainey invites everyone to Best Buy at 9:30 am 5/30/12 for demonstration of donated appliances, reiterates there is no giveaway for Ward 8 Wine Bar, makes referral to AP&W Committee to give Police discretion to move cars that are blocked in by parallel parking
• Ald. Burrus sends condolences to Jessica, an 8 year-old who was hit by a car on Oakton St., stated that City has known the dangers of that street for too long

(X) Executive Session

(XI) Adjournment

CONSENT AGENDA

(M1) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 16, 2012
APPROVED
(M2 Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 14, 2012
APPROVED

ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

(A1) City of Evanston Payroll through 05/06/12 $2,502,402.48
APPROVED

(A2) City of Evanston Bills FY2012 through 05/30/12 $3,730,944.71
APPROVED

(A3.1) Approval of Tennis Contract Extension with E-Town Tennis, Inc.
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.2) Approval of Contract for Comprehensive Non-Union Compensation Study with Evergreen Solutions, LLC
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.3) Approval of Contract Extension for Third Party Administration of General Liability and Worker’s Compensation Claims
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.4) Approval of Contract Award to Therm Flo Inc. for the Fire Stations #1 and #2 Mechanical Systems Improvement Project (Bid 12-115)
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.5) Approval of Northwest Municipal Conference 2012-13 Dues Payment
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A3.6) Approval of Renewal of Library Reference Database License with Gale/Cengage Learning
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A4) Resolution 37-R-12 Authorizing the City of Evanston to Enter Into An Agreement with the Cook County Assessor’s Office for Access to a Geographic Information System
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A5) Resolution 41-R-12 Authorizing Lease Agreements with the United States Postal Service (USPS) for Vehicle Parking
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A6) Ordinance 50-O-12 Amending Title 10, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 11, Prohibited Parking to Add Lincoln Street, South Side, Sheridan Road East to Campus Drive
For Introduction
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A7) Ordinance 51-O-12 Amending Title 10, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 11, Prohibited Parking During Certain Hours on Davis Street
For Introduction
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A8) Ordinance 45-O-12, Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property
For Introduction
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A9) Ordinance 54-O-12 Authorizing the Lease Agreement with the League of Women Voters of Evanston
For Introduction
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

(A10) Ordinance 59-O-12, Increasing the Number of Class S Liquor Licenses to Permit Issuance to Ward Eight, LLC
For Introduction
RULES SUSPENDED FOR INTRODUCTION AND ACTION
APPROVED ON VOTE

(A11) Ordinance 55-O-12 Approving a Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Redevelopment Project for the Dempster/Dodge Redevelopment Area
For Introduction and Action
MOTION TO SUSPEND RULES FAILED
APPROVED FOR INTRODUCTION

(A12) Ordinance 56-O-12 Designating the Dempster/Dodge Redevelopment Project Area (“TIF District”) of the City of Evanston a Redevelopment Project Area Pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act
For Introduction and Action
MOTION TO SUSPEND RULES FAILED
APPROVED FOR INTRODUCTION

(A13) Ordinance 57-O-12 Adopting Tax Increment Allocation Financing for the Dempster/Dodge Redevelopment Project Area
For Introduction and Action
MOTION TO SUSPEND RULES FAILED
APPROVED FOR INTRODUCTION

(A14) Ordinance 49-O-12, Increasing the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses to Permit Issuance to NSB Ventures LLC, d/b/a The Alcove
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

(P1) Ordinance 48-O-12 Granting Major Zoning Relief for Front Yard Parking and a Rear Yard Setback at 2627 Lincolnwood Drive
For Action
APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA

MEETINGS SCHEDULED THROUGH JUNE 2012
Upcoming Aldermanic Committee Meetings:

Monday, June 4 6 pm Rules Committee
Monday, June 4 7:30 pm Human Services Committee
Tuesday, June 11 5:45 pm APW, P&D, City Council
Wednesday, June 13 7:00 pm Northwestern University/City Committee
Monday, June 18 7:00 pm City Council
Tuesday, June 19 7:30 pm Housing & Community Development Act Ctte
Wednesday, June 20 6:00 pm M/W/EBE Advisory Committee
Thursday, June 21 6:00 pm Housing Commission
Monday, June 25 5:45 pm APW, P&D, City Council
Wednesday, June 27 6:00 pm Transportation/Parking Committee
Wednesday, June 27 7:30 pm Economic Development Committee

Information is available about Evanston City Council meetings at: www.cityofevanston.org/citycouncil.
Questions can be directed to the City Manager’s Office at 847-866-2936. The City is committed to ensuring accessibility for all citizens. If an accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Manager’s Office 48 hours in advance so that arrangements can be made for the accommodation if possible.

ECTV Off Air Temporarily for Move to New Location

2012-05-29T22:03:30Z

ECTV Channel 16 will temporarily be off air and off line to accommodate the moving of its operations from its current location on Hatrey Ave. to the City of Evanston's Service Center. The station is expected to be back up and airing between Friday, June 1 and Sunday, June 3, 2012. Any government meeting held in the meantime will be taped and available for replay on the City of Evanston's YouTube Channel here>>>. The station is expected to broadcast live the next scheduled City Council meeting on Monday, June 11, 2012. ECTV staff and the city apologize for any inconvenience during this process.

Latin@ Summer Kickoff Event June 9 at EPL

2012-05-29T19:55:00Z

EPL Latin@ presents “Summer Kickoff Open House” at the Main library (1703 Orrington) on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room on the first floor. This bilingual event will feature speakers from various Evanston organizations who will give brief presentations regarding fun opportunities happening this summer, especially events that may be of interest to Latin@ youth, adults, and families. It’s just in time as most schools let out for summer break on June 7.

Library Director Karen Danczak Lyons said, “Summer is a wonderful time to have fun at the Evanston Public Library. We invite all children to participate in this year's Summer Reading Program: ‘Reading is Delicious!’ Working together with our partner, the Evanston Coalition for Latino Resources, we are proud to create new and interesting programs to better serve the residents of Evanston."

The Summer Kickoff Open House is also sponsored by the Evanston Coalition for Latino Resources, which will be at the event signing up people for their Annual Soccer tournament. EPL summer reading games for children and young adults will also be highlighted, as well as leadership programs for immigrants and intercambios (language exchange sessions). The event is free and open to all Evanston residents. Organizations wishing to participate should call 847/448-8658.

Up in the Tufts of a Truffula Tree: An Outdoor Dr. Seuss Spectacular!

2012-05-29T18:23:08Z

Join us for this free family event to celebrate sunshine, nature, and community through some of Dr. Seuss's greatest stories, including Yertle the Turtle, The Sneetches, and The Lorax! An ensemble of Northwestern University students have been working all spring to bring these stories to life through original music, movement, and storytelling. Following the show, stay for some kid friendly activities including bubbles, planting seeds, and more!

The show promotes working together and being environmentally conscious. A group of kids get together and hear about the time when the Truffula trees existed, and that the Onceler may have the last seed. When the kids get to his house and ask for the last seed, he says no. In response, the kids tell him the “Yertle the Turtle” story (as a warning about power and treating people with respect).

In response to that, the Onceler tells the kids the “Lorax” story, and tells the kids that he has the last of the seed, which is the last hope for the trees, and says that he doesn't trust that the world is ready for a second chance. This is why he has to keep the seed, because he knows the destruction that people can cause.

The kids then tell the Onceler the story of the “Sneetches,” proving to the Onceler that people CAN change. The Onceler still isn't totally convinced that the kids are the ones who are ready to have the seed. The kids then begin to argue amongst themselves.

This continues on until one kid steps up and says that by arguing like that, they are proving the Onceler's point. “If we can't even take of each other, then we can't take care of the seed.” The kids realize their mistake and band together. The Onceler sees that the kids are ready and give them the seed. Together, the kids plant the truffula seed.

Presented by Spectrum Theatre Company in collaboration with Purple Crayon Players. June 1-3, 2012 at Raymond Park (On Chicago Ave between Grove St and Lake St in Evanston). |All ages are welcome. Bring your own blankets, camping chairs, picnics, etc.

Show Times:

Friday, 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saturday, Noon, 3 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Sunday, 3 p.m.

Help Name the Library Falcons & Stop by to Meet Them May 31

2012-05-25T15:28:41Z

On May 31, 2012, scientists from the Field Museum will be on hand at the Main Evanston Public Library to band and name the baby peregrine falcons that have been nesting high above street level on the side of the library. The scientists will also draw blood samples for DNA tracking purposes along with feather samples.

The public is invited to view the falcon banding at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the library located at 1703 Orrington Ave.

Additionally, residents can help name the young falcons. Vote for your favorite falcon names by taking our online survey or by visiting any public service desk at the Main Library or at the North Branch. The polls are open through Tuesday, May 29.

For the past several years, a pair of peregrine falcons has nested on one of the columns along the south side of the library and at least one baby falcon has successfully fledged each year. While the nest cannot be viewed directly from either inside or outside the building, the library has set up a webcam which transmits a streaming live image for all to enjoy. The falcon cam is accessible here>>>

The peregrine falcon is a raptor, or bird of prey. Adults have blue-gray wings, dark brown backs, a buff colored underside with brown spots, and white faces with a black tear stripe on their cheeks. They have a hooked beaks and strong talons. Peregrine falcons are the fastest flying birds in the world – they are able to dive at 200 miles per hour and catch their prey in mid-air. There are an estimated 1,650 breeding pairs in the United States and Canada.

Peregrine Falcons have adapted to living in many cities and make use of tall buildings that provide suitable ledges for nesting and depend on the large populations of pigeons and starlings in cities for food. Peregrine falcons mate for life and breed in the same territory each year.

Evanston Dog Beach Passes Available

2012-05-25T12:48:21Z

If your dog has put on a few extra pounds over the winter and spring months, this is the ideal time to get a Dog Beach Pass so your dog can get some exercise and meet other pooches. Evanston's Dog Beach is located just north of the Church Street launch facility, where Church St. meets the lake.

The Dog Beach is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weather permitting. Admission is restricted to dog owners or handlers with a Dog Beach Pass. In order to obtain a Dog Beach Pass, the dog must be registered with the City of Evanston (information on pet registration here>>>), have proof of current rabies vaccination, fill out an application and pay the fee ($60 for an Evanston resident and $120 for a non-resident. Applications are available online, in the Recreation Division Office at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center (First Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave.) or at the Dempster Beach Office (east end of Dempster St. at the lakefront).

The Cook County Animal and Rabies Control Ordinance requires that there is written proof (on file with the operator of the Dog Park/Dog Beach) of an examination within the past year for any communicable diseases including: current vaccinations or titers (antibodies) for: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Bordetella (kennel cough) and Leptospirosis; and internal parasites as confirmed by a stool specimen.

The dog must be currently licensed in Evanston or provide proof that the dog is licensed by the local government where the dog’s owner lives. If you have questions regarding these requirements, please call 847/866-2900 or contact Cook County Animal Control at 708/974-6140.

E.P.D. Announces Upcoming Youth Citizens Police Academy

2012-05-24T19:33:20Z

The Evanston Police Department is proud to announce a chance for youth in Evanston to experience a citizens police academy geared toward teens interested in law enforcement and their local police. Listed below is a description of what will be offered during the academy and what the academy has to offer to the youth of Evanston interested in learning about their local police department and its operations. Applications are now being accepted for classes beginning July 5th, 2012 and ending July 26th.

WHAT IS IT?

The Youth Citizen Police Academy (YCPA) is a 4 week program designed to give youth ages 13 to 17 a working knowledge of the Evanston Police Department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions held once a week on Thursday afternoons from 12:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. There is one academy session per year (Summer) and each class size is limited to approximately 25 students. The academy is FREE to anyone who lives or works in Evanston. Additional academy sessions within the year may be considered.

The classes will provide an in-depth view into various areas of law enforcement. It is an educational and informative program that allows young people the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in the City of Evanston, and how to develop a partnership with the police department. THIS IS NOT A BOOT CAMP OR A PROGRAM FOR REBELLIOUS TEENS OR YOUTH THAT HAVE BEHAVIORAL ISSUES. The police department will be selective in choosing particpants due to the need for positive interaction with instructors and other students attending the academy.

GOALS

• To create a better understanding and communication between young people and the police through education.

• To develop a partnership between the citizens and police in order to establish a safer community.

• To provide an in-depth insight to the field of law enforcement for youth who are interested in pursing the profession.

BENEFITS

When residents (young and old) take a more personal interest in their city, and the protection of their community and neighborhoods, they will enjoy a safer and closer relationship with their neighbors. Upon completion of the course, graduates receive a diploma and an academy jacket. Graduating from this program will aid the graduates in furthering their studies in the legal field as well as an endorsement to volunteer with our police department.

WHY?

Community Oriented Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime in any community. Therefore, the Evanston Police Department instituted the Youth Citizen Police Academy, to improve interactions between young people and the police. These improvements will produce better communication and support from our youth in addition to our services to them. It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and creating solutions to the crime issues that are affecting our community. Graduates will take their knowledge gained from this program back into their neighborhoods and schools where they can use it to enhance the quality of life for the community at large.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Individuals who apply for the Youth Citizen Police Academy must be at least 13 years of age and no older than 17. They must also live or work in Evanston and pass the background check. Please click on the link for an application and any further questions can be directed to the Community Strategies Office of the police department at (847) 866-5018 or emailing Officer Loyce Spells, Academy Coordinator at lspells@cityofevanston.org

YOUTH CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY APPLICATION.pdf

CURRICULUM SUMMARY FOR ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS

• Police Station Tour
• Alcohol and DUI Experiment / Traffic Enforcement
• Patrol Operations
• Juvenile Investigations / Youth Services
• Crime Scene Investigations (CSI)/ Evidence Technicians
• Use of Force Laws / Shoot - Don’t Shoot Exercise
• Gangs & Drugs Education Prevention
• Police Survival Skills / Self-Defense
• SWAT Operations
• Police Encounters

Chicago Ave. Closure between Clark and Church June 2

2012-05-24T15:53:05Z

Chicago Ave. between Church and Clark Streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012 in order to hoist a new chiller system to the roof of the apartment complex located at 1715 Chicago Ave.

The work requires placing a crane on Chicago Avenue to lift the heavy equipment. Due to the space required for the crane operation, Chicago Avenue will need to be closed between Clark Street and Church Street for operational and safety needs and traffic will be detoured.

Southbound traffic will be detoured via Clark Street/Sherman Avenue/Church Street and the northbound traffic via Davis Street/Orrington Avenue/Clark Street. The applicant will set up the traffic detour and notify the residents and businesses in the area.

Evanston Seeks Public Comment on Changes to 2012 Action Plan to Assist Low-income Residents

2012-05-24T12:35:13Z

The Housing & Community Development Act Committee will hold a Public Meeting to hear comment on a Substantial Amendment to the 2012 Action Plan on June 19, 2012. All interested persons are encouraged to attend. The 2012 Action Plan outlines how the city’s estimated 2012 CDBG, HOME and ESG funds, along with program income and unspent CDBG funds from prior years will be used to improve the quality of life primarily for low and moderate income Evanston residents.

The City of Evanston has received almost $2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) entitlement funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its 2012 program year (click on previous links for program descriptions).

What: Housing & Community Development Act Committee Public Hearing on a Substantial Amendment to the 2012 Action Plan

When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Where:  Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center
                2100 Ridge Avenue, Room 2404
                Evanston, IL 60201

The following changes to the City of Evanston’s allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds comprise this Substantial Amendment to the 2012 Action Plan:

Withdrawal of $93,000 from the CEDA Minor Repair & Painting Program and reallocation to a City-managed Emergency Housing Repair Program that will make emergency housing repairs to homes with life safety issues and whose owners are income-eligible but do not qualify for CDBG loans.
Allocation of $100,000 in uncommitted CDBG funds (program income and unallocated 2012 entitlement) to the Façade Improvement and Business Development Fund for CDBG-eligible economic development activities.

The 30-day public comment period for the Substantial Amendment to the city’s 2012 Action Plan opens on May 31 and closes on June 29, 2012 at 4 p.m. Comments may be submitted in person at the Housing & Community Development Act Committee meeting on June 19, 2012, or in written form to Sarah Flax, City of Evanston Planning & Zoning Division, 2100 Ridge Ave, Room 3102, Evanston, IL 60201, by fax to 847/448-8126 or email to cdbg@cityofevanston.org.

The 2012 Action Plan may be viewed at the Planning Division office, Room 3000 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue in Evanston or online at: www.cityofevanston.org/2012actionplan.

For additional information, contact: Sarah Flax, City of Evanston, Planning & Zoning Division, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Rm 3102, Evanston, IL 60201. 847/448-8684. sflax@cityofevanston.org.

City Launches Text/Email Beach Closure Notification System

2012-05-23T19:22:12Z

The City of Evanston announced today the launch of a new tool that will allow residents to sign-up for text message or e-mail alerts to tell them when one of Evanston's seven beaches (six operated by the City of Evanston and one by Northwestern University) has been closed due to weather or water quality issues.

The launch of this new tool coincides with the beginning of beach season in Evanston, which is Saturday, May 26, 2012. Beach Patrons can sign-up for this service at www.cityofevanston.org/beachstatus.

More here on Evanston's beaches and lakefront here>>>

E.P.D. Releases the 2011 Annual Report

2012-05-22T19:52:19Z

In comparison to the year 2010, overall crime saw a very minor reduction of .3 percent. There were 2324 part I crimes reported in 2011 compared to 2331 in 2010. However, the most significant reductions occurred in the area of violent crime. Murder was reduced by 40 % (5 in 2010 to 3 in 2011), Aggravated Battery & Assaults were reduced by 23.8 % (126 in 2010 to 96 in 2011) and police response to calls of shots fired had a reduction by 28.3 percent. Evanston Police responded to 129 calls of shots fired in 2011 compared to 180 shots fired calls in 2010.

During 2011 the Evanston Police Department concluded two major undercover narcotics operations that were initiated with the goal of reducing violent crime. Those operations were Operation Bloodhound which specifically targeted the “Belizean Bloods” Street Gang and Operation Replay which focused on narcotics sales at street & mid-level dealers in Evanston and surrounding communities. These two operations netted a total of 54 individuals arrested.

Illegal drug dealing has a direct link to attributing to violent crime within criminal organizations. These extended undercover operations had a direct result of disrupting these types of criminal organizations selling illegal drugs and using firearms to conduct their day to day criminal enterprises. Evanston is a safer place because of these cooperative efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cook County Sheriff working with Evanston Police.

The majority of crimes reported each year and in 2011 for Evanston are thefts. In 2011, an increase of 4.1 % (66) in thefts for Evanston. Of these reported thefts, many are crimes of opportunity in which items were left unattended by the owner and specifically, 163 reported thefts occurred by items being taken from unlocked vehicles. This number affects the reported theft rate by 9.7 percent and the overall crime rate by 7 percent.

The Evanston Police Department is continually committed to allocating proper resources to address crime issues, resolving quality of life issues in neighborhoods and making Evanston a safer place for all who reside and visit this north shore community. This strategy is implemented by the department conducting weekly deployment meetings with command staff members to address and analyze reported crime for the week, neighborhood issues, and intelligence provided by officers and detectives in identifying criminals.

Community policing is a large component of the Evanston Police Department’s philosophy on crime reduction. The police department’s community strategies bureau and it’s officers, work closely with aldermen, city department’s and other agencies involved in enhancing the community’s atmosphere to address chronic issues with poorly managed buildings and residences that cultivate criminal activity.

The Evanston Police Department had the high honor in 2011 of being recognized nationally for a consecutive year in a seperate category. This was done by announcing that the department had won the National Traffic Safety Challenge by the International Association of Chief’s of Police for the traffic management bureau’s efforts in outstanding traffic safety and enforcement initiatives.

2011 EPD Annual Report.pdf

Community Meeting Set to Discuss New Evanston Trader Joe's Store

2012-05-22T19:52:06Z

Third Ward Alderman Melissa Wynne will be holding a community meeting to discuss the new Trader Joe's location on Chicago Ave. in Evanston. The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2011 at the Chiaravalle Montessori School located at 425 Dempster St.

Residents will learn about the new Trader Joe’s store opening in the spring of 2013 at 1211 Chicago Avenue. Residents will hear from the alderman along with representatives from Terraco, Inc. Additionally, residents will be able to view the proposed site plan and store design and offer feedback on this exciting development.

Learn more about the new store here>>> and here>>>.

City Council Actions - Monday, May 21st, 2012

2012-05-22T18:37:05Z

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY OF

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
2100 RIDGE AVENUE, EVANSTON 60201
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, May 21, 2

012
7:00 p.m.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

(I) Roll Call – Begin with Alderman Fiske

(II) Mayor Public Announcements and Proclamations
Public Works Week – May 20-26, 2012
Recognition for Employees with 25 years or More of Service

(III) City Manager Presentations and Announcements
Presentation by Constellation Energy Regarding Electricity Aggregation Implementation

(IV) Citizen Comment
• Two residents opposed handling of trees at Kendall Development
• Attorney of two residents opposed to conduct of Council

(V) Special Orders of Business

(VI) Adjournment

SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS

(SP1) City Council Goal “Visual and Performing Arts”
For Discussion
INTRODUCED FOR DISCUSSION

(SP2) City Council Goal “Efficiency and Effectiveness of Services”
For Discussion
INTRODUCED FOR DISCUSSION

(SP3) Update Regarding FY2012 City Council Goals
For Discussion
INTRODUCED FOR DISCUSSION

(SP4

) First Quarter Financial Report for FY2012
For Action
APPROVED TO PLACE ON FILE

(SP5) FY 2011 Capital Improvement Plan Year End Report
For Action
APPROVED TO PLACE ON FILE

(SP6) Resolution 44-R-12 Amending the FY2012 City of Evanston Budget
For Action
MOVED TO FUTURE MEETING

(SP7) Resolution 45-R-12 Approving the Amended FY 2012 Capital Improvement Program
For Action
MOVED TO FUTURE MEETING

MEETINGS SCHEDULED THROUGH MAY 2012
Upcoming Aldermanic Committee Meetings

Wednesday, May 23 6:00 PM Transportation/Parking
Wednesday, May 23 7:00 PM Economic Development
Thursday, May 24 5:30 PM Emergency Telephone Board
Tuesday, May 29 5:45 PM A&PW, Township and City Council