EVANSTON — Council members unanimously approved seven annual contracts for services at their regular meeting Tuesday night.

Each year, organizations within the community request financial assistance from the city to provide services to Evanston citizens. According to city treasurer Trudy Lym, these are annual contracts which provide programs and services to the community and also bring in outside revenue to the city.

The council approved Resolution 17-42, authorizing a contract for services with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4280 (VFW) to support the American Flag Program. Lym said the city pays for 30 flags each year, and the program places flags throughout the community during holidays.

“When we can support the VFW and do things that reflect our patriotism, I think it’s a good thing,” said Mayor Kent Williams.

The council also passed Resolution 17-43, authorizing a contract for services with the Uinta County Human Services Board, and approved funding of $146,700 to the Human Services board to provide funds to Evanston agencies for various human services within the city.

Council members Andy Kopp and Wendy Schuler both expressed concern with the funding practices of the Human Services board, saying an Evanston organization was denied funds because it didn’t provide services in other parts of Uinta County.

“Number two on the resolution says the board is to make reasonable efforts assuring funds are used for the citizens of Evanston,” said Kopp. “How can we know the money goes toward the City of Evanston since an Evanston organization was turned down?”

Schuler voiced her concern since neither Mountain View nor Lyman contributed money to the Human Services board.

“I don’t want to see the valley’s services take a hit,” she said, “but I am concerned that this money is going to the valley and they aren’t contributing.”

Lym said the county contributed a matching amount to the Human Services board, and the board distributes funds to organizations throughout the county.

After further discussion, the council approved the resolution but requested the Human Services board provide detailed financial reporting.

The council authorized a contract for services with the Evanston Rodeo Series with Resolution 17-44.

“I believe this is the 25th year we’ve supported this group,” said Williams.

Lym said the rodeo series will receive $8,928, the same amount as last year.

In a letter from the Rodeo Series, the group said rodeo attendance had decreased over the years, but Schuler said she attended many of the rodeos this year and crowds were nice.

“I know folks are coming from along the Wasatch Front,” she said. “They are leaving their money at our restaurants … they are always packed.”

Cowboy Days, another rodeo in Evanston, is celebrating its 81st anniversary this year under the direction of Cowboy Days, Inc. This year, council members authorized a contract for services with the organization, providing $7,200 in funding through Resolution 17-45.

These funds, the same as last year, will help promote the 2017 Cowboy Days Rodeo.

“This is a pretty special tradition,” said Williams. “I’m glad we can support it.”

Resolution 17-46, another resolution approved Tuesday night, authorizes a contract for services agreement with the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, providing $15,552 in support for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Again, the contract amount is the same as last year.

“The Chamber uses the money to help distribute information about the city to visitors,” said Lym.

The Evanston Youth Club for Boys and Girls received $45,000 from the city, unchanged from the last fiscal year, with the approval of Resolution 17-47.

“They are also provided up to $25,000 for utilities,” Lym said. “These funds are distributed quarterly and evaluated quarterly to ensure we have money in the budget.”

Both Kopp and Schuler excused themselves from voting on the resolution, as both are on the Youth Club’s board; however, it was unanimously approved.

Councilman Evan Perkes said, “We have had no problem whatsoever with them — it’s a good thing.”

Williams echoed Perkes, saying the group does a lot of good things for a lot of youth in the community.

Rounding out new business, Resolution 17-48 was passed to authorize a contract for services agreement with Arts, Inc. As with the other resolutions approved Tuesday night, this is an annual contract with the group to provide music education and cultural activities and opportunities for youth.

“They will receive the same funds as last year — $5,184,” said Lym. “Even though we’ve had to cut back on funding for everyone, because of budget restrictions, Arts, Inc. has always expressed their thanks for whatever support they receive.”

Lym said the organization brings a lot of people to town with the various concerts they put on each year.

“They do some good things,” said Williams. “They provide enjoyable concerts.”

Closing out the council meeting, the council approved three consent agenda items: a limited malt beverage permit requested by the Uinta County Fair for 5-11 p.m. on August 2, 3 and 5; a street closure permit to Terry Pete for a neighborhood block party from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, on Rimrock Drive; and a request from the Evanston Volunteer Firefighters for a limited malt beverage permit for the Demolition Derby from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Uinta County Fairgrounds.