EVANSTON — City Council members unanimously approved the proposed budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal at their regular session meeting Tuesday, June 20.

After what council members called several months of diligent work from city treasurer Trudy Lym, department heads and council members, the council held a public hearing and resolution to approve the budget for the new fiscal year.

Evanston City Clerk Amy Grenfell read an official statement from Lym, who was absent from the meeting due to illness.

In Lym’s statement, she highlighted some key factors keeping the city within budget in the 2016-17 fiscal year, stating the city was projected to tap into reserves by nearly $3 million, but in fact had not used general fund reserves at all.

Grenfell continued reading Lym’s statement, sighting cost savings to personnel, due to combining departments as well as from hiring within when city department heads have retired.

It is projected the city will decrease personnel costs nearly 5 percent, even while providing a cost of living increase to city employees.

As stated in previous council meetings and work sessions, community members will see a fee increase in sanitation, sewer and water rates.

“Even with these fee increases, Evanston rates are still lower than most communities our size,” read Grenfell. “These rates will be evaluated every two years, so we can continue to provide the best services for our city.”

City officials praised Lym for her efforts in preparing the various budget reports and including department heads and council members in the process.

“Trudy did an amazing job,” said Councilwoman Wendy Schuyler. “I feel like there has been more transparency and involvement than in years past. I feel really good about what Trudy and our department heads did.”

The proposed budget for 2017-18 is $24,093,639.70, which projects using nearly $3 million in reserves.

New to the city budget process, Councilman Mike Sellers said he thought it would be even more detailed, and hopes the city will end the coming fiscal year as they are ending the current.

“Three million is a lot of money,” he said. “I hope we stay out of reserves like we did this year.”

Lym, in her statement, said the city is approaching the new fiscal year conservatively — foreseeing cuts in state financial assistance.

“We will continue to seek out grants to fund projects,” wrote Lym. 

She said the city would evaluate the budget along the way to determine if projects and department request could be done.

Mayor Kent Williams has stated in the past, the budget must contain all the things needed and hoped for, because if it isn’t in the budget, the city’s hands are tied.

“I appreciate all the hard work from Trudy in her first year as city treasurer,” Williams said. “She has done an outstanding job.”

Williams applauded the forword thinking and frugality of the city departments and leaders, saying they are the ones who really make the city run smoothly.

“We sit up here and people think we run the city,” he said, “but, it really is the people who answer the phones and answer the doors. We set the budget, but they are the ones doing it.”

In unfinished business, the council heard the third and final reading of Ordinance 17-03, allowing for beekeeping within city limits.

Prior to the 6-1 approval of the ordinance, beekeeping was allowed within city limits, but only in zones designated as agricultural land.

“This has been a long process with a lot of community involvement with training and information,” said Williams. “We appreciate the involvement. We don’t take changing city laws lightly.”

In new business, the council approved Resolution 17-34, authorizing a three-year agreement with Porter, Muirhead, Cornish and Howard to provide audit services for the city.

“We have worked with them for several years,” said city attorney Dennis Boal. “They have been good to us and answer questions for us that come up.”

Resolution 17-35, authorizing the operation agreement between the city and the Evanston Parks and Recreation District, was also approved.

“I just want to tell Jay Dee and staff, you all do amazing work,” said Councilman Andy Kopp. “The parks look great.”

Closing out new business, the council approved Resolution 17-36, authorizing an agreement with Proust Electric for the completion of the Union Center Fiber Optic Conduit Project.

The conduit project will provide three conduit lines for fiber optic installation to the Union Center.

Two of the three lines will be purchased by All West Communication for fiber optics, while the third line will remain available for other interested carriers. 

This projects help develop the Union Center, increasing economic development possibilities and reinforcing infrastructure building blocks.

Concerning the consent agenda, a street closure permit was also approved for July 4 from 6 PM to midnight, on Sage Street between 4th and 5th streets. The closure is for a neighborhood block party.

“It’s great when neighbors get together like this,” said Williams.

The council approved two appoints during the June 20 meeting.

Lisa Sanborn was appointed to a three-year term on the Lodging Tax Board, replacing Sandra Lowe; and Tim Lynch was reappointed for a three-year term with the Parks and Recreation District.

Councilwoman Schuler praised Lynch for his service and impact made on the board.

Closing out the meeting, council members approved a motion to move the first council meeting in July, scheduled for July 4, to the next day.

The meeting change will allow city staff to spend time with family, as well as participate in the community festivities. 

The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5.

Many events are taking place in Evanston this week, and council members encouraged the community to get involved, be safe and have fun.