The Evanston City Council Monday night delayed voting on a separation agreement with City Manager Erika Storlie.
The proposed agreement comes weeks after WBEZ uncovered allegations of sexual misconduct among lifeguards at lakefront beaches. Elected officials in Evanston have voiced their displeasure over a delay in alerting them to the allegations.
Council members adjourned the meeting for one hour and 40 minutes to discuss the proposed separation package in executive session. Those sessions are closed to the public.
Mayor Daniel Biss said more time needs to be given to allow proper discussion and that the public should also be included in the conversation.
“It was very clear … that there’s a lot to talk through here and there are critical questions at stake,” Biss said. “And we will be working as diligently as possible to achieve the critical goals of transparency, fairness and stability in our organization and public input.”
The mayor also thanked the members of City Council and Storlie for their “robust discussion” into the matter.
The council moved to table the item and return to meet Aug. 12 for more discussion.
Storlie was appointed city manager in October 2020. She began working for the city of Evanston in 2004.
More Top Picks What Is Time Blindness In Adhd And How To Manage It
The original proposed separation agreement includes a confidentiality clause around the reasoning behind Storlie’s resignation. It states that the city “shall limit its response to such inquiry to Storlie’s dates of employment by the City, position held, and her last salary.” Information would not be made public unless required by law.
Public comment at Monday night’s meeting included residents who both supported and opposed Storlie’s resignation. Many who participated criticized the confidentiality clause and advocated for more transparency in the City Council.
According to city documents, the proposed separation was to be considered an “agreed-upon resignation.”
Per the original proposed agreement, Storlie would remain the city manager until Oct. 8, 2021. She would receive a severance package including her normal salary, 20 weeks of compensation and health care coverage through Dec. 31, 2021.
The original agreement also states that Storlie would cooperate with any pending litigation or investigation into the allegations of misconduct at the lakefront. The city announced in a July 19 statement that they will be working with an outside firm to conduct an independent investigation into the issue.
The City Council will reconvene Thursday to further discuss the agreement and make changes as needed.
Emily Little is a freelance reporter.