I agree with Mindy. City really doesn't need to be putting up any decorations other than the obligatory tree, menorah and kinara. Let the merchants decorate up the windows with extra lights and such. Most of us won't miss the sparkly bells or candy canes.

Karen,

I am a government employee as well, and a manager. I do not see a problem with a reasonable event for employees to celebrate both a season with much significant meaning and to celebrate as a group. That everyone in your office sees how things are supposed to be must make for a docile workforce.

I was referring to charity of spirit to allow and accept that there might be some benefit to thinking about what is good for others and let it happen rather than fussing what it is going to cost, especially when the cost in dollars is low.

I know there was a negative discussion earlier about EvMark so perhaps some would like to attend the board meeting on Thursday. While they do marketing, I think their most important job is the maintenance of downtown - which is why city dollars are added. A while back, building owners in downtown voted to tax themselves for marketing and maintenance so that extras could be undertaken. Also - holiday lights are the responsibility of Evmark.
 
EVMark
Board Meeting Agenda
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 3:30 to 5:00 PM
Rotary International Building-3rd Floor Auditorium
1560 Sherman Ave.

I am curious to know, what with all the fussin and all, what do you all think is a reasonable cost for employee parties during the work day?

Ben, I don't consider an auditor's oversight to be "fussing." I do not believe that a holiday party for employees during working hours would be an expenditure with a "business purpose."

I would not describe ths hard-working professionals in my office as a docile workforce. In fact, every single one of them has considerable experience in the private sector. They know that they are public employees now and therefore they understand they need to work during business hours and that government money is not available for parties.

We have already discussed our holiday get together and we are happy to get together after hours on our own nickel. I agree...it's a mindset but I believe that it's the right one.

And on the issue of cost...we don't know what it is. So you really shouldn't describe it as "reasonable" or "low." Does anyone know?

More in the holiday spirit -- why not donate that money (no one has given a $ amount) to a worthy charity. Include the money for employee time if it is during working hours.

How about the projected cost?

Question - Ann - what did they do last year and how much did they spend?
By the way you mentioned a council member party what did they do last year and what did they spend?

I know they provide food to staff and council every monday there is council meeting which is brought in, from local business. This cost the city no doubt more than the holiday party would - since this is done over the entire year.

As for the whole sorry Evmark -mess - after the taxpayers "condo" owners complained and were elminated from the district - they still got hit with it on their tax bill - interesting. As someone pointed out the meeting time is not good for people that work regular jobs - to attend - I believe I heard this at council.

On another point about Holiday decoration - I recall the fountains at Fountain square were damage when they put up the tree. One year I recall the tree came down in high winds. I wonder how this has been accomodated in the renovation? As I recall there was a dicussion that the liners got damaged from the christmas tree anchoring?

I do not support city funding of a holiday party.

Thank you for clarifying the EvMark issue, Ann; that makes much more sense. I don't know what a party costs these days, so it's difficult to be specific. My feeling is that if we're talking something on the scale of a big wedding: full bar, live band, full sit-down meal with 3 options - I would be uncomfortable spending tax dollars on that. If we're talking some food and an opportunity to socialize, that seems reasonable.

Michele - I would hope the city would not put on a party on site or off site and serve liquor at a bar,( that is pay for it ) we have enough legal problems. We would never be able to pay the firefighter's pensions if we end up with a lawsuit over a liquor incident. (traffic accident )

This makes me wonder if the city has a policy on parties, on and off site.
Half the time I ask for anything under freedom of information I get excuses.

Edited by author 11-16-2008 02:28 PM
There is no alcohol allowed at the civic center for anyone for any reason. Don't waste your time and staff's time asking through a FOI request.

We have beaten the property tax supported Christmas party to death - let us move on.

Junad - how is your 7th ward Blog doing? You are welcome here but please control yourself and do not dominate the discussions.

PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND - I APOLOGIZE THAT THE MEETING IS NOT TO BE TELEVISED I TRIED, GOT NO SUPPORT




SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
LEVY SENIOR CENTER
300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston 60202
Monday, November 17, 2008
6:30pm
ORDER OF BUSINESS
I. Roll Call
II. Special Order of Business
• Water & Sewer Cost of Services and Fee Study
III. Adjournment

CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
CITY COUNCIL
BUDGET WORKSHOP
LEVY SENIOR CENTER
300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston 60202
Monday, November 17, 2008
7:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1. FY2010-2014 CIP Update
2. FY2009-2010 Budget Update
3. Adjournment

Ann - I have a blog on Evanstonnow.com which I post to - some of the people here also post there.

One important point on Monday nights meeting will the public have all the data - the council is discussing at the last meeting staff did not give out all the data. I am not too suprise staff does not want to televise the meeting - since it is very clear to me taxes are going to be increasing close to 10% again unless there are some REAL changes!

I think the public should attend hope to see a few of the people who post here at the meeting.

PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING AS WELL - THESE GUYS MUST HEAR FROM US



November 2008


Property Tax Appeal Seminar for Evanston and Rogers Park Township Taxpayers


Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin (District 13) and Cook County Board of Review Commissioners Joe Berrios and Brendan Houlihan are sponsoring a property assessment appeal seminar for Evanston and Rogers Park Township residents.

Thursday, November 20, 2008
7:00pm
Evanston Civic Center, Council Chambers
2100 Ridge Ave.
Evanston


The deadline to file an appeal is December 1, 2008.

ALSO IN ROGERS PARK
Property Tax Appeal Seminars
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
7:00pm
Loyola Park, Sky Room
1230 W. Greenleaf (at Sheridan)

Those with lists - please forward the tax seminar info.