City of Highwood Committee of the Whole met July met July 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
Call to Order by Mayor Pecaro at 6:04 P.M.
1. Roll Call Present: Mayor Pecaro, Aldermen: Grice, Hospodarsky, Peterson, Slavin, Falberg Absent: Alderman Fiore Also Present: City Manager Coren, City Attorney Jablecki, City Treasurer Gonzalez, Assistant City Manager Martin, City Clerk Baruffi, Administrative Assistant Litjens
2. Public Hearing - None
3. Review of Minutes to be Approved
3.1. City Council: June 20, 2017
3.2. Committee of the Whole: June 20, 2017 The sets of minutes will be approved at the Regular City Council Meeting, with corrections of the vote on section 12.2.
4. Appointments (Mayor Pecaro)
5. Review of Bill Warrant List
5.1. 07/05/2017 AP Warrant List City Manager will clarify the Comcast bill for the Recreation Center in the weekly Manager’s Report. The charges from Klein, Thorpe, and Jenkins were clarified regarding 107 Highwood Avenue property.
6. Unfinished Business
7. New Business
7.1. A Discussion on the April 2017 Treasurer’s Report. City Treasurer Gonzalez reviewed the Year End treasurer’s report.
7.2. Consideration of a Resolution Approving an ARC Application For a Signage (800 Sheridan Road-Just Grooming). The signage has been approved by the Appearance Review Committee with the stipulation that the non-compliant neon signage in the window is removed.
7.3. Consideration of a Resolution Appointing the Assistant City Manager as the Alternate Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO). Mayor Pecaro congratulated Chris Martin for his appointment.
7.4. Consideration of an Ordinance Eliminating 10-3-6-7 G 9 of the Highwood City Code to Allow String Lights to be Illuminated Outside of a Holiday Season. This is a clean-up of the City code.
7.5. Consideration of an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit and Parking Variance For 107 Highwood Avenue. Scott Krohn and Fr. Jay Greener spoke regarding the proposed property use of the Church of the Redeemer at the site of 107 Highwood Avenue. There are 2 variations being requested; the first for the use of a church and the second for the parking shortfall. Fr. Jay Greener reviewed the benefits of a church at the location. Some of the benefits reviewed were taxation, revenue, economic impact of the church to the community, providing jobs, and a community hub. Some of the programs being considered for the church are early childhood education, programing for youth through elderly. There are no structural changes as the building was a church 50 years ago. During the time of festivals, Ash Wednesday, or Good Friday the church has arranged with the school to utilize their parking lot. Note: Alderman Falberg left at 7:14 P.M. and returned at 7:40 P.M. The Church of the Redeemer is around 20 years old and has been housed in various locations on the North Shore. There are 175 members with Sunday attendance of approximately 80 persons. It is expected to need 45 parking spaces in the library lot on Sunday mornings. The church is projecting a cost of $750-800,000.00 of which they have for the rehabilitation of the building. Their plan is to complete the office first and then the church and worship space. A 50% growth over 3-5 years is expected.
The church agreed to discuss further in the first meeting of August 2017, the use of the library lot, as it relates to the plowing or repairs to the lot.
7.6. Consideration of a Resolution Amending the Agreement on 440 Green Bay Road to Confirm Initial Payment to Move the Project Forward and Define Timeframes. Jeff Pickus stated the lender is looking for valid agreement with the City for financing for the documents.
7.7. Discussion on a Request from Hydra Electric Tattoo to Continue Operation from the Highwood Train Station. Joel Fontaine was present at the meeting and requested an extension of 2 years on the agreement. The Council approved and an agreement will be drawn up.
7.8. Consideration of a Motion Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Amendment Number Two to the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Highwood and the Regional Transportation Authority.
7.9. Consideration of a Redevelopment Agreement For the Fire Station Property at 428 Green Bay Road with Preservation Properties Group. Michael Koenitz-Hudac conveyed his reasons why there should not be a restriction of what goes into the property. He also requested a waiver on the parking shortfall. City Manager Coren to review the use restrictions with Mr. Keonitz-Hudac prior to the July 18th meeting.
7.10. Consideration of an Ordinance Adopting the Prevailing Wage Rates for Laborers, Workers, and Mechanics Employed by the City of Highwood. Discussion ensued. A straw poll was taken regarding the passage of the prevailing wage ordinance. The results: No: Alderman Slavin
Yes: Aldermen: Hospodarsky, Peterson, Grice
7.11. A Continued Discussion on the Welcome Signs. Mayor Pecaro stated he has received negative feedback regarding the vertical sign. The Council discussed the rod iron signage as well along with the locations for the various signs. It was suggested to go back to the committees for approval, stating the Chamber, Highwood Historical Society, and Appearance Review Committee had initially gave their input regarding the signage. Paul Mocogni, Appearance Review Committee (ARC), stated the ARC did not make a decision or suggestion, but should stay consistent with the TOD and City Code.
8. Executive Session (If Necessary) Moved by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Slavin to go into executive session to discuss 2C11 and 2C6. All present voting aye, motion carried. Mayor Pecaro agreed to take things out of order and go into executive session at 6:09 P.M. Executive Session adjourned and will seal the minutes until no longer sensitive. The Committee of the Whole reconvened at 6:52 P.M.
9. Adjournment Moved by Alderman Slavin, seconded by Alderman Hospodarsky to adjourn the meeting. All present voting aye, by voice vote, motion carried. Mayor Pecaro adjourned the meeting at 8:38 P.M.
http://www.cityofhighwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07052017-525
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