At its final meeting of the year, City Council voted unanimously to amend its Welcoming City Ordinance, requiring the city to provide a weekly summary of federal immigration enforcement activity in Evanston.
The reports will include the size of the unit, location, operation, uniform details, time, date, equipment, vehicle specifications and agency name for each reported interaction with federal immigration agents. The amendment passed with no discussion.
The city has seen an increase in federal immigration activity in the fall through Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Operation Midway Blitz. The last reported interaction, according to a text alert from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, was on Nov. 7, when multiple people were taken by ICE and Customs and Border Protection from Evanston and the surrounding areas.
The Monday amendment marks the second time City Council has updated its Welcoming City Ordinance this year. In January, the Council passed an amendment that ensured residents would be protected despite their legal status.
In a 7-2 vote, councilmembers also passed a resolution authorizing an agreement with Family Focus to create a disposition plan for 2010 Dewey Ave. after the non-profit’s move to 1601-07 Simpson St.
As a historical landmark and the site of the original Foster School, the location on Dewey Avenue requires city supervision for the transfer to the building’s next occupants.
The resolution was introduced at the council’s Nov. 24 meeting, where Ald. Bobby Burns (5th) proposed two amendments aimed at preserving the legacy of the building and considering the input of 5th Ward residents in the redevelopment of the site. The resolution passed with both amendments Monday.
Family Focus delivers services to support families, including after-school care and early childhood programs. After plans to renovate 2010 Dewey Ave. never materialized, the organization relocated to the Simpson Street location to house their operations.
Fifth Ward resident and three-time council candidate Carlis Sutton said he was concerned this resolution doesn’t adequately incorporate community voices.
“We’re emphasizing that development seems to be more important than citizens and their input and participation,” he said during public comment.
Due to the building’s landmark status, there are specific zoning protocols that govern how the property can be used, according to Community Development Director Sarah Flax. The city plans to oversee the transfer of the building to ensure these rules are followed.
Ald. Matt Rodgers (8th) raised concerns about the property remaining in city custody to prevent an accumulation of properties under city authority and reduce costs.
“I want to make sure that we do whatever we can to make sure the city does not end up with this building,” he said. “We do not want this building.”
Councilmembers spent considerable time discussing the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp for Dog Beach. After a change order was approved on Nov. 24 for a shoreline repairs contract with SmithGroup, the council voted to reconsider its options Monday.
Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) questioned the cost of the designs and construction, suggesting the city look into alternative engineering companies.
“I am concerned, based on the last proposal, that this will be overdone, designed and over cost,” she said.
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