A former city accountant has returned to Evanston, stepping into a new role as chief financial officer and treasurer after getting unanimous City Council approval Monday.
Hitesh Desai will take over the role vacated by Marty Lyons, who left last November to oversee finances in the city of Aurora. Lyons had also served as the city’s assistant city manager, a role now filled by Erika Storlie.
City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz welcomed Desai back during the City Council meeting Monday for his “third tour of duty in Evanston,” following a four-year stint as chief financial officer in northwest suburban Carpentersville.
Desai had worked as an accountant for the city of Evanston from 2000 to 2005, returning in 2007 for a seven-year run as accounting manager, officials said.
“I am very excited to be back with the city of Evanston, and I look forward to working with all of you and fellow staff members,” Desai told aldermen before they voted to confirm his appointment.
As chief financial officer, Desai will oversee the 23 staffers who draw up the city’s tax and spending plans before it’s sent to the City Council for approval each year. Separately, Desai’s treasurer title puts him in charge of the city’s investments, giving him a seat on the police and firefighters pension boards, officials said.
Desai “understands not only the city of Evanston and our unique financial challenges, but after four years as CFO in another community, he’s able to bring those experiences back to us,” said Bobkiewicz, who hand-selected him for the job.
“I have every confidence that he’ll do an exceptional job,” Bobkiewicz said.
In other business during Monday’s meeting, the City Council awarded a five-year lease to the Hip Circle Empowerment Center fitness studio for the city-owned building at 727 Howard Street. Aldermen also approved a nearly $25,000 loan to the business, on top of a $25,000 payout for renovations from the Howard/Ridge tax increment financing district.
Also, more assuring signs of spring and impending summer than the latest unseasonable temperatures came out the meeting. Aldermen approved sidewalk seating applications for Cold Stone Creamery, 1611 Sherman Ave., and Amanecer Taco Shop, 512 Main Street.
Cold Stone was approved for 18 outdoor seats, and Amanecer was approved for six seats.
The City Council also approved a $135,000 payment to plant 300 new trees along parkways throughout the city this year. The city raised another $1,000 through its Replant Express program, which allows residents to pay $250 each to expedite the replacement of a felled tree.
Alex Nitkin is a freelancer.