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Mayor Adams stated that a motion to suspend the rules was need to add the proclamation <br />to Lehman Walker onto the agenda since it was not presented seven plus days ahead. A <br />motion to suspend and add was made by Mr. Price, seconded by Mr. Wagner and was <br />passed unanimously. <br />Mr. Price read the proclamation to be presented to Lehman Walker. <br />Ms. Ricci stated that Mr. Walker will sorely be missed as he was highly skilled, was <br />instrumental in moving the City forward in his twelve hears time. She said that he will have <br />great success in the City of Evanston with 74,000 citizens, 7.6 miles and a budget of 233 <br />million dollars. <br />Mr. Wagner stated Mr. Walker will be missed as he made tremendous contributions to this <br />City over his twelve years and wish him the best in Evanston <br />Mr. Price thanked Mr. Walker as a proud resident of University City in the Cradle of <br />Civilization and stated that he was a block captain in the Roth Grove Neighborhood <br />Association. Mr. Walker has set a standard and when someone new comes in they will <br />have to go to a higher standard. <br />Mr. Glickert stated that several Councilmembers have sent congratulations notes to the <br />Evanston’s City Council. <br />CITIZEN COMMENTS <br />Irv Logan, 1336 Waldron Ave. <br />Mr. Logan was taken back when hearing their good friend was leaving. It seemed like he <br />was a fixture in this community and had positive influence. Mr. Logan wished him the best <br />and hoped the City could find someone of equal value. <br />Mr. Dockett, 6844 Crest Ave <br />Mr. Dockett wanted to pay a special tribute to Lehman Walker. In his mind, Mr. Walker is <br />irreplaceable. He did not think enough was done by U-City to retain Mr. Walker. Mr. <br />Dockett had felt racism was raising its neck. He said to Lehman’s spirit he will continue to <br />fight against and organized against it. Mr. Dockett stated he wanted his Lehman Walker <br />back. <br />Nova Felton, 8031 Noel Ct. <br />Ms. Felton thanked the Council for Lehman Walker’s proclamation. She was happy for <br />Lehman but it saddened her that University City has lost a highly qualified Director of <br />Community Development. Ms. Felton found him to be an extremely competent, <br />professional, very efficient, well respected, and responsive to the Planning Commission of <br />which she belonged. She said that Mr. Walker oversaw a very efficient department which <br />became well known by companies throughout the city. The Community Development <br />Department also lost their Assistant Director, Frank Hill a couple of months previously, who <br />also was a competent and well qualified employee. Together Lehman and Frank had <br />twenty-nine years of service in University City. Ms. Felton noted that the Council needs to <br />offer exit interviews to the department heads as we cannot continue to lose highly <br />competent employees. She hoped that his replacement is highly qualified with required <br />educational training experience and certification. Ms. Felton stated that cronyism should not <br />be involved and that the City should not hire a social worker with only a sociology degree for <br />the position and to be sure that a no residency waiver is given. <br /> <br />