EVANSTON — Evanston police chief Jon Kirby updated city council members on the Greek Street cleanup at the work session meeting Tuesday night. Since April of last year, the city has dealt with a nuisance issue on Greek Street.

 “We have issued warnings and given the property owner time to clean things up,” Kirby said, “but he didn’t. It went before the judge and they were cited and given more time to clean things up. It went before a jury trial and, finally, the judge ordered us to clean it.”

Kirby told the Herald after the meeting that Todd Gomez is point of contact for the property, which is family-owned. He said Gomez is a nice guy and did make some attempt to comply with the judge’s order, including hauling off some junk cars that were on the property. But, even after that — and serving some time in jail for the nuisance offense — Gomez fell short of compliance. 

City employees from the public works and police departments spent three days cleaning the large plot of land, which is zoned as a trailer court.

“We hauled 77.47 tons of garbage from the lot,” Kirby said. “It was 38 city dump-truck loads hauled out, including 68 tires, 12 refrigerators, a freezer (unplugged) full of rotten meat and several other appliances.”

During the three-day cleanup, three dump trucks, three loaders and one backhoe were used — plus several city employees who spent 21 hours working on the property.

To give perspective to the work done on this property, Kirby said during the five-day annual city cleanup, a total of 57 dump loads were hauled off.

According to Kirby, the cleanup cost more than $25,000 with an outstanding bill from the gas company still pending.

“Is there a way for the city to recoup this cost?” asked Councilman Mike Sellers.

City Attorney Dennis Boal said the city can place a lien on the property, but would only recoup the money if the property were sold or a new mortgage was placed on the property.

Kirby said they don’t like having to go onto private property and clean things up, but this time they didn’t have a choice.

Mayor Kent Williams asked if they had issues with the property owners in the past.

“We dealt with them about five years ago and the owners took care of it then,” Kirby said. “Unfortunately, things got out of hand this time. It’s much better now, but there is still a lot of stuff on the lot.”

Currently, there is a house and a couple of trailers which are full of stuff, along with a tenant living in a trailer.

Sellers asked if the property was even worth what the city spent to clean it up.

“The lot is located close to the river and could be a beautiful piece of property if it were cleaned up,” Kirby said.

Williams asked if there was a way to prevent this happening in the future.

Kirby said officials will certainly keep a close eye on the property to hopefully avoid a similar issue in the future.

“I want to thank everyone who worked on this,” said Councilwoman Wendy Schuler. “I’m sure it was a lot of work none of us would want to do.”

Closing out the meeting, the council discussed a property donation proposal.

In an email to Parks and Rec Director Jay Dee Nielsen dated Aug. 21, Premium Oil Company offered to donate a lot at 187 Bear River Drive to the city.

City officials had mixed feelings about the land donation, citing environmental concerns.

“I know this lot has been several things over the years — a gas station, the port of entry many years ago and other things,” Mayor Williams said. “Do you know why they want to donate it?”

Nielsen didn’t know all the reasons they want to donate the property, outside of what was said in the email sent to him.

“I think the property has been on the market for some time,” Nielsen said. “They may want to write it off, but I’m not sure.”

Schuler was in favor of the donation, especially if the city could use it for economic development.

“Right now, I think it would be a great parking lot,” Councilman Tim Lynch said. “There are so many events in the park and rodeo grounds — it would come in handy.”

All council members agreed an environmental study should happen first, so they know the ground is clear of any issues.

“I think we should start with a level-one study,” said Boal. “We should also find out if there are any conditions attached to the donation.”

Williams said the city appreciates the donation offer, but wants to move forward with eyes wide open.

“I think this would fit right in with the 2030 Plan, working on the east side of town,” Councilman Mike Sellers said. “If we can do it without breaking the bank and without conditions, I think it’s great.”

Moving forward the city will communicate with Premium Oil Company regarding a level-one study and gather further information on the proposed donation.

After the meeting was opened up for public comments, Planning and Zoning Commission member Maryl Thompson announced a vacancy in the commission.

“We need a new member on the P&Z,” she said. “We invite anyone interested to contact us.”

Those interested can contact the Planning and Development office, or contact Nancy at City Hall.