Thursday, February 6, 2025 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about City operations moving to 909 Davis St., the renaming of South End Community Center, the Private Elm Tree Insurance Program, and more!
 City operations are moving to 909 Davis St.
The City will relocate its municipal offices from the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center to 909 Davis Street in early 2025, with the move concluding by March 31. The new location will be named the Lorraine H. Morton City Hall.
Relocation Schedule:
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1st Floor: Customer Service Center (Collector’s Office, Adjudication, Permitting)
- February 18: The Collector’s Office opens at 909 Davis St.
- March 31: Adjudication hearings move to new location.
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2nd Floor: City Administration & Public Services (Mayor’s Office, Council Chambers, City Clerk, HR, Health & Human Services, Property Tax Assessor's Office)
- March 18: The first day this floor will be open to the public.
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3rd Floor: City Departments (City Manager’s Office, Administrative Services, Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Economic Development, Law Department)
- Departments will transition throughout March.
Additional services and updates:
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Seniors Only DMV relocates to the Levy Senior Center on March 17.
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Early Voting will remain at 2100 Ridge Ave.
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City Council Meetings will occur in the newly designed Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the new location starting April 14.
Please note: Channel 16 operations will continue without interruption during the move. However, minor glitches may occur as temporary equipment is used until the new permanent setup is installed at the new location.
 Photo Credit: Matthew Eadie
South End Community Center gets a new name!
The Evanston City Council has voted to rename the South End Community Center in honor of Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto, recognizing their lifelong commitment to community service, social justice, and healthcare advocacy.
Now known as the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center, it marks the first City facility named after Latino community members. A dedication ceremony will be held in the coming months. Stay tuned!
 Sign up for Private Elm Tree Insurance
Evanston residents can enroll in the 2025 Private Elm Tree Insurance Program to cover the cost of removing elm trees infected with Dutch elm disease (DED). The program also includes free testing for insured trees showing symptoms.
Enroll today: The enrollment deadline is April 15, with no late submissions accepted. Apply online or by mail at cityofevanston.org/elminsurance.
 Join CERT: train to help in emergencies!
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a volunteer group trained to assist during emergencies and public events. Members receive free basic disaster response training to support the community before first responders arrive. The spring CERT training runs from March 6 to April 17 on Thursdays, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Interested in joining? Complete an application, attend training, and start volunteering! Learn more.
Avian Influenza (H5N1)/Bird Flu
H5N1 is a type of influenza A virus that typically infects birds, both wild and domestic. Since the spring of 2024, this virus has also caused outbreaks in dairy cows. Infections in humans and other mammals have also been seen. While there are no known cases in humans or cows in Illinois, there have been birds and other mammals within the state that have tested positive for H5N1. With avian influenza (H5N1)/bird flu continuing to spread, please review the following reminders and information:
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Risk to the general public is low; those who have close contact with sick animals, particularly birds and cows, are at the highest risk of H5N1.
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The virus is spread through respiratory secretions and the feces of birds; the milk of infected cows also contains live virus. Unprotected exposure to the environments of infected animals can also spread the virus.
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There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission in the United States; however, officials are continuing to monitor this closely.
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Most people who have developed H5N1 have had mild illnesses including red, irritated eyes, mild fever, cough, body aches, and headache. Symptoms typically develop 2-7 days after exposure.
To prevent H5N1, EHHS recommends the following.
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If you see a sick or dead bird, do not approach or try to help it. Do not take a sick bird to a veterinarian or wildlife center. Sick birds are unlikely to recover from H5N1.
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If you find dead birds on your property, IDPH has instructions on how to safely dispose of them. If you see five or more dead birds in one location, please reach out to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via their online form to report it; however, their Wildlife Biologist will not be able to remove dead birds from the property.
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Wear personal protective equipment, if you are around sick animals.
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Do not drink raw milk or eat products made from raw milk.
If you have additional questions about H5N1, please visit the CDC's Avian Influenza page or call 847-448-4311, or email health@cityofevanston.org.
More News and Events
The first installment of property tax bills is due March 4
The first of two installments of 2024 property tax bills were mailed in late January and will be due on March 4. Property tax payments can be made online, at any Chase Bank in the Chicago area, by mail, or in person at the Cook County Treasurer's office at 118 N. Clark St. More info.
Join the conversation on reparations
The Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission is hosting its first Public Hearing on Sat., Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norris University Center. Engage with experts, community voices, and state leaders on the impact of housing segregation, the legal system, education, and infrastructure on African American descendants of slavery. Learn more.
Attend a public workshop on environmental equity
Participate in a public workshop on Tues., Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Morton Civic Center to learn more about the Environmental Equity Investigation and how it relates to open space, parks, trees, streets, transportation, community services, and housing.
Housing Rehab Loans are available for eligible residents
The City’s Housing Rehab Program offers up to $50,000 in loans for income-eligible residents to improve their properties. Eligible homes include single-family residences valued up to $540,000 and condos up to $252,000. Email housingrehab@cityofevanston.org or call 847-859-7672.
Congratulations, Council Member Harris!
Second Ward Council Member Harris has been appointed to the National League of Cities 2025 Race Equity And Leadership Council. She was elected to a one-year term to develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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