City of Highwood Committee of the Whole met September 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
Call to Order by Mayor Pecaro at 6:00 p.m.
1.Roll Call
Present: Mayor Pecaro, Aldermen: Hospodarsky, Peterson, Slavin, Note: Alderman Falberg arrived at 6:01 p.m., Alderman Grice arrived at 6:09 p.m.
Absent: Alderman Fiore
Also Present: City Manager Coren, City Attorney Jablecki, City Clerk Baruffi, Administrative Assistant Litjens
2. Public Hearing-None
3. Review of Minutes to be Approved
3.1. City Council: September 05, 2017
3.2. Committee of the Whole: September 05, 2017
Both the minutes will be approved at the Regular City Council this evening.
4. Appointments (Mayor Pecaro)
5. Review of Bill Warrant List
5.1. 09/05/2017 AP Warrant List
City Manager Coren stated some of the companies have been holding the bills, so their payments are a little higher than usual.
6. Unfinished Business
7. New Business
7.1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending 4-1-7: Classification of Licenses in the Highwood City Code to Eliminate a Class A Liquor License and Add a Class D Liquor License to Allow Slyce to Obtain Their Liquor License.
The council was in agreement to change the liquor license class for Slyce. Discussion ensued regarding the upgrade of a liquor license and the need for a time limit to apply the initial fees towards the upgrade, and whether to look at the date of certificate of occupancy or the date of renewal.
7.2. Consideration of a Motion Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Christopher B. Burke, Ltd. to Designate Them as the City’s Municipal Engineer.
There were 8 proposals submitted to be the City’s engineer of which 5 were interviewed for the position. Christopher B. Burke, Ltd. is the company chosen to be the City’s engineers. They work with 24 communities within the Chicago area. Their contract would run through the year 2018, with a 60 day notice clause on either side.
Lee Fell, of Christopher B. Burke, Ltd, explained the company has a wide range of experience, understanding the water systems, streets, roads, funding, grant writing, and working with comprehensive plans.
City Manager Coren stated there will be a meeting on Thursday of this week at which time the hourly retainer will be discussed.
7.3. Consideration of a Motion Authorizing the City Manager to Spend Up to $12,000 to Sandblast and Paint Approximately 136 Fire Hydrants in the City of Highwood.
The sandblasting is necessary so the paint will adhere, which affords the painting lasting for 10 years. There are 24 hydrants not requiring painting at this time. City Manager Coren stated Jeff Harding will be inspecting and monitoring the painting process.
The downzoning of residential areas will begin with a smaller section of town of: south of Michigan Avenue, Pleasant Avenue, Sard Place, and west of High Street. This section is comprised of 20-30 homes which are all single family homes.
7.4. Consideration of a Resolution Adopting the 2017 Lake County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.
This is a required plan by Lake County.
7.5. Consideration of an Ordinance Declaring Miscellaneous Water and Street Repair Items Surplus.
The City has been offered $6,000.00 for the surplus material, which is reasonable.
7.6. A Discussion of Existing Signage and Parking Restrictions in the City of Highwood.
There is a need to prioritize over years as what is out there appears to work. As per City Manager Coren, there are 3 areas to consider:
• No Parking 2:00-5:00 a.m. should be changed to No Parking 3:00-5:00 a.m. to match the liquor establishments.
• Unnecessary signage, such as no hand-held devices around the school could be removed as it is now a State law.
• Replacing the No Parking signs that are faded.
7.7. A Discussion on Potential Uses for the Land Adjacent to Everts Park on Palmer Avenue.
Many uses for the land were discussed, however, was decided to have the lot appraised prior to any decision.
Pleasant Avenue Park was discussed and the amount of money available for improvements.
7.8. A Discussion on Forming a Committee to Create a Plan for Placing Sculptures in the Community.
The committee members are: Amrany Rotblatt , Joe Davis, Jim Hospodarsky, and Brad Slavin
Other items discussed at this time:
• Starving Artists will be this weekend, September 23-24th. There will be signage for local traffic only for North Avenue and street closing signs this week.
• The church is working on an agreement and have agreed to pay the $73,000.00 up front.
• 242 Greenbay Road: the owner of the property has been contacted and expect answer in 3 weeks as to the status.
• There will be a meeting this week regarding 330 Green Bay Road for Planning and Zoning.
• Hotel Moraine is completing floors and rooms.
• Assistant City Manager Martin has been working on signage, categorizing the storage in the basement of City Hall, and working on an initial budget.
• City Manager Coren will send out optional dates for the Strategic Planning Meeting in November.
• Recommendation to move forward with the Realtor’s Association and Howard Handler.
• Lake County is raising the legal age for sale of vape and cigarette products. The Council was in agreement to keep the age restriction at 18 years of age.
Joe Passini: requested on behalf of the Open Lands additional parking be available at the lakefront and for handicapped parking. There is a black fence at the top of the hill to the water plant, and if moved back 10’, would allow for additional parking. There is a path that goes north at Walker & Oak Avenues. The first gate is not the City’s, but the water plant needs to be secured. Therefore, a gate must be at that location.
8. Executive Session (If Necessary)
9. Any Action Necessary Coming Out of Executive Session
10. 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 7:29 p.m.
http://www.cityofhighwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09192017-540
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