City of Highwood Committee of the Whole met May 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
CALL TO ORDER
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Pecaro
Aldermen: Falberg, Fiore, Grice, Hospodarsky, Peterson, Slavin
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Coren, City Attorney Jablecki, Assistant to City Manager Martin, Administrative Assistant Litjens
2. Public Hearing - None
3. Review of Minutes to be Approved
3.1. City Council: May 1, 2018
3.2. Committee of the Whole: May 1, 2018
Minutes will be approved at the Regular City Council meeting this evening.
4. Appointments (Mayor Pecaro) - None
5. Review of Bill Warrant List
5.1. 05/15/2018 AP Warrant List: addressing Council queries, City Manager Coren discussed the Blackboard Connect and North Avenue sewer collapse expenses. The Council noted their intention to approve this item at the regular meeting.
6. Unfinished Business - None
7. New Business
7.1. District 113 Presentation – Nayeli, Marilyn, and Jasim students from Highland Park High School presented a report on sex trafficking. They discussed the prevalence of trafficking within minority communities and the difficulties involved with reporting and investigations. They noted that trafficking exists on the north shore. The Council thanked the students for their report and requested they provide information that could be made available at City Hall and on the City’s website to assist in preventing sex trafficking and offering information on reporting.
7.2. Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Wall Sign with Lighting and Outdoor Seating Area for Chicago Mike's Ice Cream at the Historic Highwood Fire Station (428 Green Bay Road). The Council agreed that the signage and outdoor seating area designs were appropriate. The Council requested that the owner let the City know when their grand opening date was so that the City could assist in communications via Facebook and web. The Council requested that staff monitor any walk up activity related to the building retaining the old “Fire House” signage. The Council noted their intention to approve this item at the regular meeting
7.3. Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Wall Sign With Lighting, Door Sign, and Outdoor Seating Area for Tala Coffee Roasters at the Historic Highwood Fire Station (428 Green Bay Road). The Council agreed that the signage and outdoor seating area designs were appropriate. The Council requested that the owner let the City know when their grand opening date was so that the City could assist in communications via Facebook and web. The Council noted their intention to approve this item at the regular meeting
7.4. Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Channel Letter Wall Sign and Logo with Internal Lighting, and Slot Sign on Shared Monument at the Fort Sheridan Square Shopping Plaza (776 Sheridan Road). The Council agreed that the signage and outdoor seating area designs were appropriate. The Council noted their intention to approve this item at the regular meeting.
7.5. A Discussion on a Request from Amdur Productions to Host the Starving Artists Festival on Green Bay Road on September 29-30, 2018. The Council noted their dissatisfaction with Amdur Productions for promoting and advertising the date of this event without first applying for a permit or consulting the City. The Council noted that the proximity to Pumkinfest offered some opportunities for cross promotion but also might negatively impact businesses and residents, perhaps needing a break between street closures and festivals. The Council was in agreement that the location was appropriate and that foot traffic would help the new business opening soon in the old fire house. The Council request that Amdur contact all businesses in the area and provide a parking plan and the other necessary information for additional consideration.
7.6. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending 5-1b-9: Sidewalk Maintenance Required In the Sidewalk Café Ordinance to Specify Construction, Fencing, Lighting, Landscaping and Furniture Requirements for Cafes. The Council discussed this item at length noting that the proposed ordinance required modification. The Council agreed that the ordinance should focus more on providing potential applicants/developers/owners direction as to what materials are desired/required. The Council suggested use of photos from exceptional designs and an examination of best practices in this area. The Council also agreed that the City consider incentivizing exceptional designs and high quality materials. The Council directed staff to return at a later date with a modified ordinance.
7.7. Discussion on Overhead Utility Burial. City Manager Coren provided the Council with a report on phasing the burial of electric utilities throughout the community. He noted that the costs remained high and were likely prohibitive in most instances. The Council accepted the report, and agreed to continue to review the matter.
7.8. Consideration of a Proposal for Audit Services – FYE 2018. City Manager Coren noted the reduction cost for auditing services over the year, which is reflective of the City modernizing its financial reporting over the years.
8. Executive Session (If Necessary)
9. Any Action Necessary Coming Out of Executive Session
10. Adjournment: Moved by Alderman Grice seconded by Alderman Slavin to adjourn the meeting. All present voting aye, by voice vote, motion carried. Mayor Pecaro adjourned the meeting at 7:25 P.M.
http://www.cityofhighwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05152018-606
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