HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Monday, July 10, :00 p.m. Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston IL, Council Chambers AGENDA

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1 HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Monday, July 10, :00 p.m. Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston IL, Council Chambers AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES OF June 5, 2017 Citizen Comments III. (HH1) (HH2) IV. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Stone Porch by the Lake License Renewal, 300 Church Street Staff recommends approval of the renewal of the Bed and Breakfast License for Stone Porch by the Lake located at 300 Church Street, Evanston, IL For Action Equity and Empowerment Report on the Community s Input on Equity Issues Within Evanston Staff recommends acceptance of the Equity and Empowerment Report For Action ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION V. ITEMS FOR COMMUNICATION VI. VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT 1

2 HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Monday, June 5, :00 p.m. Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston IL, Council Chambers Members Present: Alderman Fiske, Alderman Braithwaite, Alderman Rue-Simmons, Alderman Fleming, Alderman Revelle, Paul D Agostino, Henry Ford Members Absent: Staff Present: Jody Wright, Evonda Thomas-Smith, Ike Ogbo, Jason Parrott, Kimberly Richardson and Nicola Whyte Presiding Member: Alderman Fiske CALL TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM Alderman Fisk called the meeting to order at 6.04 p.m. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES OF May 5, 2016 Ald. Braithwaite moved approval Ald. Fleming seconded. Motion approved 5-0 Citizen Comments David Kanter representing Pavement Coatings Technology Council (PCTC) asked the committee to differ its action so that the PCTC can make a presentation to the committee; the ordinance is unjust and unneeded. Elizabeth Kinney, co-chair of the League of Women Voters supports the ban on coal tar pavement sealers. Bonnie Ford says there are discrepancies and errors in CR#17-01 investigation report. Ms. Ford stated she called the police to assist with her interaction with her movers and was told by dispatch that her issue was a civil case and the police do not go out for civil cases. She further stated she told dispatch she felt endangered and the movers were holding her piano and she felt they were going to take it. It is her opinion there was age, gender and race bias that played a role in how she was treated that night. Dickelle Fonda supports Ms. Ford and says this case stresses the need for review of the internal review process. Jack Weiss was with Ms. Ford when she made her case to Chief Eddington and states her accusations are not false as suggested by the unfounded disposition of her case. 2

3 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinance 39-O-17 Amending City Code Title 8, Chapter 5, Sections 1,3, and 4, Weeds The Evanston Environment Board recommends adoption of Ordinance 39-O-17, Amending City Code Title 8, Chapter 5, Sections 1, 3, and 4, Weeds. Held in committee May 1, 2017 For Action Ald. Braithwaite moved approval, Ald. Revelle seconded. Motion approved 4-1 Alderman Fleming motion to reconsider the vote to approve, Alderman Revelle seconded 5-0. Alderman Braithwaite motioned to hold the ordinance in committee, send back to staff to reconsider and collaboration with the Environmental Board, Alderman Revelle seconded. Alderman Revelle pointed out sections Failure of Owner to Cut and Lien Against Property When City Cuts Weeds as not being consistent in wording regarding cutting versus removal of weeds. Paul D Agostino, Environmental Services Bureau Chief will make the necessary corrections. The Environmental Board wanted to make two changes to the weed ordinance according to Chris Kucharczyk a member of the Environmental Board update they are 1) update the definition of the weed in order to remove weeds deemed beneficial for butterflies and 2) change the City from requiring enforcement of a lien and instead make it a discretional of enforcement staff. Evonda Thomas-Smith, Director Health and Human Services says if the weed and or grass is over 8 inches tall it will be cut down regardless of benefits because it provides harborage. The City currently has 91 vacant properties. The Environmental Board did not consult with the Health and Human Services Department regarding the recommendations in the Ordinance changes. Ordinance 48-O-17 Amending City Code Section , Definitions, and City Code Section , Penalty, of Title 8, Chapter 14, Drug Paraphernalia Control Administrative Adjudication Officer Sue Brunner recommends adoption of Ordinance 48-O-17 amending City Code Section , Definitions, and City Code Section , Penalty, imposing a two hundred dollar ($200.00) fine for violating Title 8, Chapter 14, Drug Paraphernalia Control. For Action Alderman Braithwaite moved approval, Alderman Rue-Simmons seconded, approved 5-0 Ordinance 49-O-17 Amending City Code Title 7 by Adding Chapter 18, Pavement Sealant Applicators The Evanston Environment Board recommends that the City of Evanston ban use of coal tar pavement sealers For Action Alderman Braithwaite moved approval, Alderman Rue-Simmons seconded, approved 5-0. July 2017 Human Services Meeting Dates Clarification of meeting date for July 2017 For Action The meeting will be held a 5:00pm on July 10 prior to the Council Meeting, approved 5-0 3

4 Review of Police Complaints Staff recommends approval of the Review of Police Complaints For Action Ald. Braithwaite motion to move to executive session to consider complaint against staff, Alderman Rue-Simmons; approved 5-0. Alderman Braithwaite moved approval, Ald. Rue-Simmons seconded; motion passed 5/0 Ald. Braithwaite directed staff to meet with Ms. Bonnie Ford. IV. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Police Issues Work Plan Update Deputy Chief Parrott updated the committee on the work plan; Training with Dr. Logan: 80 EPD staff took part in 7 affinity/focus groups May Town hall meeting is set for June 20 in the Parasol room the topic will cover cultural awareness and policing Creation of a Corporate Compliance Sergeant: Sergeant Gill Levy has been appointed. Body Cameras: A grant was obtained to purchase the body cameras EPD has 40 cameras and Northwestern 40. Nine officers and two sergeants are testing the body cameras. Northwestern will be starting their trial on June 6. According to Illinois law the cameras has to be activated during any law enforcement function there are some exceptions called community care-taking. Member of 1 st ward Carolyn Smith visitation Friday 4-9 at Donnelly Funeral Home in Skokie. V. ITEMS FOR COMMUNICATION Rodent Update Ike Ogbo, Interim Assistant Health Director summarized his memo to the committee. The Health and Human Services Department has contracted with Smithereen Pest Management Services to provide rodent control services. The Department used a heat map to identify 13 rodent hotspot areas where the most rat treatment requests were made through 311. The overnight alley treatment has been successful. A rodent bait box is set in place for two days without any adverse effect so that the rodents can become familiar with the bait box; on the third day poison is then added. Educating residents on has also been successful. City staff will continue to meet regularly with residents and provide education and enforce codes in areas where rodents are observed. Also, dissemination of rat control education and information through newsletters has been a successful way of providing education to the community. Our Aldermen have been very supportive of the City s rodent program. The feedback received from the wards meetings has been beneficial. Smithereen is working with 311 staff with rodent complaints 4

5 The partnership with the Community Engagement Division has been successful and resulted in a two minute video Five Ways to Discourage Rodents on Your Property. EXECUTIVE SESSION Alderman Braithwaite motion to convene into Executive Session; Alderman Rue-Simmons seconded; approved 5-0. ADJOURMENT Alderman Braithwaite motioned to adjourn seconded by Alderman Rue-Simmons. Unanimously approved, meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Nicola Whyte Executive Secretary 5

6 For Human Services Committee Meeting of July 10, 2017 Business of the City by Motion For Action Item HH1 Memorandum To: From: Subject: Human Services Committee Chair, Alderman Judy Fiske Members of the Human Services Committee Evonda Thomas-Smith, Director, Health and Human Services Department Ike Ogbo, Interim Assistant Health Director Stone Porch by the Lake License Renewal, 300 Church Street Date: June 27, 2017 Recommended Action: Staff recommends approval of the renewal of the Bed and Breakfast License for Stone Porch by the Lake located at 300 Church Street, Evanston, IL Livability Benefits: Economy & Jobs: Retain and expand local businesses. Develop workforce Summary: BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENTS (G) Licensing: The resident owner shall obtain a license for the operation of a bed and breakfast from the City of Evanston department of health and human services. The license shall be granted for a period of one (1) year commencing on the date of issuance. Therefore, the license may be renewed for a one (1) year period subject to a review by the City Council, through its health and human services committee. This review is to take place after inspections have been performed by the Property Standards Division and Fire Department to assure compliance with codes and maintenance of the property. Inspections of the establishment were completed and compliant. Property Standards inspection was performed on 5/3/2017 and the Fire Department s inspection was performed on 4/27/2017 Attachments: Renewal Application 6

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15 For Human Services Committee Meeting of July 10, 2017 Item Business of the City by Motion For Action Item HH2 Memorandum To: From: Subject: Human Services Committee Chair, Alderman Judy Fiske Members of the Human Services Committee Dr. Patricia A. Efiom Equity & Empowerment Coordinator Equity & Empowerment Proposed Plan of Action Date: July 6, 2017 Recommended Action: Staff recommends acceptance of the Equity & Empowerment Proposed Plan of Action. Livability Benefits: Economy & Jobs: Expand job opportunities Education, Arts & Community: Promote a cohesive and connected community, Equity & Empowerment: Ensure equitable access to community assets, Provide for meaningful community engagement, Support quality human service programs, Support poverty prevention and alleviation. Health & Safety: Improve health outcomes; enhance resiliency to natural & human hazards Attachments: Proposed Plan of Action 15

16 Office of Equity & Empowerment Proposed Plan of Action Staff has identified seven (7) key goals to focus on over the next 18 months. I. City Council Actions A. Create an Equity & Empowerment Commission of nine (9) members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Target Dates: Convene August, 2017 Presentation of strategic plan December 2018 B. Establish equity as a priority goal for City Council and accept it as the highest priority with the following considerations: Race consistently emerged as a critical issue currently impacting the Evanston community. Race intersects with all cross-sections of life. Racism has historical, systemic roots that continue to perpetuate discrimination. People of color bear a disproportionate amount of environmental and climate impacts. II. Target Date: Equity Training Immediately A. Meet with City s senior leadership to ensure shared vision, understanding and common language regarding the Equity Plan of Action. Target Date: September 2017 B. Develop a comprehensive training program for staff and board & commission members for the purposes of : Understanding equity, diversity & white privilege Gain a greater understanding of the negative impacts of inequality Create a framework of equity & empowerment with impacts and benefits. Target Dates: Plan Development: February 2018 Phase 1 August 2018 C. Participate in the National Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) Equity Leaders Program. This program guides local municipalities through the work of developing a racial equity framework. The three levels of the program are: 16 1

17 Gain increased understanding of the historical role of government in relation to race and how to build a shared understanding of equity in local government. Gain an increased understanding of a racial equity framework, including definitions of key terms such as (1) racial equity, (2) implicit and explicit bias, and (3) individual, institutional, and structural racism. Identify opportunities to advance racial equity within policies, practices, and programs in your own city. Target Date: Begin immediately and complete Level 1 by October, 2017 III. Community Engagement A. Launch the equity and empowerment agenda for the summit with community partners and establish a plan for ongoing collaboration. Target Date: October 2017 B. Equity & Empowerment Coordinator to present the proposed plan of action and solicit feedback at each ward meeting. Target Date: Immediately C. Host quarterly community-wide Equity & Empowerment town hall meetings. Target Date of Implementation September 2017 D. Recruit and train a group of volunteers to become Equity Community Engagement Specialists. They will seek out and engage underrepresented populations in Evanston. Specialists will make quarterly reports to Equity & Empowerment Commission. Target Dates: Recruitment August 2017 Training completion October st quarter Community Engagement Nov Jan st quarter report to Equity & Empowerment Commission January 2018 E. Convene a committee of African-American and Latinx leaders to plan and facilitate town hall meetings. These meetings will give the attendees a place to voice their concerns. Target Dates: Convene first meeting August 2017 Town hall meeting Sept. Dec Convene summit with City leaders February 2018 F. Create a translation policy. 2 17

18 Target Date December 2017 IV. Staff Engagement A. Convene quarterly equity discussions with directors to provide updates and align our efforts. Target Date September 2017 B. Recruit and train two representatives from each city department to be Staff Equity Engagement Specialists. This core team will help build and support the internal framework for equity. V. Empowerment Target Dates: Recruitment August 2017 Training completion October st quarter of engagement Sept. - Dec st quarter staff Roundtable Jan A. Develop a community wide equity education initiative to include: Comprehensive website with information on protected classes and inequity General information about how to file discrimination complaints and links to Cook County and the State of Illinois complaint processes. Target Dates: Website phase 1 September 2017 Website phase 2 January 2018 B. Equip 311 staff with necessary information to assist callers with answers and provide resources. Target Date: 311 training September 2017 C. Conduct a comprehensive review of the makeup of each Board, Commission and Committee and identify barriers which limit participation by underrepresented groups. Target Date: October 2017 VI. Equity in the Workforce A. Convene an internal team of city senior staff to collect and analyze inequities in salaries, promotion and employment actions. The targeted population is specifically identified by gender and race. Target Dates: 3 18

19 Convene September 2017 Collect and analyze data Sept. - Oct 2017 Report on findings January 2018 Develop plan of action March 2018 B. Examine hiring practices and procedures to identify and eliminate barriers to application and hiring. Target Date: Assessment Now through January 2018 Update policies March 2018 VII. Equity in policies, processes & procedures A. Develop an Equity Toolkit. Often decisions are made without consideration of those who will be greatly impacted by those decisions. To change that practice requires intentionality. The Equity Toolkit embeds that intentionality into the decision making processes. An Equity Toolkit is both a set of questions and a process. The questions identify those who will be impacted by the decision and the process drives how to involve those stakeholders to take advantage of opportunities and minimize hardships. Evaluation and reporting are essential components of the toolkit. Target Date: September 2017 B. Until the Equity Toolkit is implemented, the 2018 budget discussions will give priority consideration to the following. No community or group will bear a disproportionate burden of environment hazards and risks. Environmental assets will be fairly distributed across the community. Outreach to those who will be impacted by decisions made by the City. People of color bear a disproportionate amount of environmental and climate impacts. Health inequity continue to plague people of color and those of the lower socio-economic. Target Date: Immediately 4 19