Though the final meeting of the Evanston City Council on April 23 sets aside time for aldermen to reflect on their tenure, several council members took time during Tuesday night’s council meeting to discuss last week’s election and congratulate each other on their victories.

“I think the voters spoke and they spoke loud and clear,” said Ald. Dennis Drummer (2nd). “You all deserve to be re-elected.”

An annual town meeting was held before the council meeting. Township Supervisor Betty Payne, who is retiring from the position after 10 years in office, began the meeting by reflecting on the trials and achievements of her time in office.

“This position is no picnic,” Payne said. “Always watch your back because everything that shines is not gold.”

The aldermen, acting as trustees for the township, appointed Ald. Dennis Drummer (2nd) to be moderator for the meeting.

Trustees commended Payne on her performance in office, but Ald. Art Newman (1st) said he still planned to work to eliminate the township of Evanston to avoid “duplicate services” offered by both the township and the city’s Emergency Services and Management Agency.

Soon after, the council clarified the difference between the City of Evanston and Evanston Township when Township Assessor Sharon Eckersall told the trustees that Evanston was to be reassessed for taxes by Cook County. Eckersall said the county tax assessment could increase by as much as 15 percent.

But trustees clarified that while the county makes assessments, the council sets taxes.

Mayor Lorraine Morton concluded the town meeting by thanking Drummer for his years of work with the township.

“We can’t tell you how much we’re going to miss you,” Morton said.

Council was called to order after the town meeting. The aldermen approved an agenda that granted a sidewalk caf