Highland Park City Council met Dec. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER At 7:36 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Neukirch, Fire Chief Amidei, Community Development Director Fontane, Police Chief Jogmen, Public Works Director Kanapareddy, Finance Director Logan, Assistant City Manager Sabo, Human Resources Manager Taub, Deputy City Clerk Palbitska
ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on November 26, 2018 Councilman Kaufman moved to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on November 26, 2018. Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman
SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from November 15, 2018 to November 30, 2018
Councilman Blumberg moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
REPORT OF MAYOR
A. Appointments
1. City Board and Commission Appointments, Reappointments for Scheduled Vacancies and Appointments to Chair and Vice Chair with Terms beginning in 2019 Mayor Rotering appointed 11 individuals to the following commissions:
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Stephen Adatto - Re-Appointment 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022 Stephen Rachman - Appointment to Chair 1/1/2019-12/31/2020
Historic Preservation Commission Meghan Ann Salamasick - Appointment to Chair 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2020 Jean B. Sogin - Appointment to Vice Chair 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2020
Joint Plan Commission Adam Hecht - Appointment 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022 Ernie Reinstein - Appointment 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022
Library Board of Trustees Robert M. Olian - Appointment 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022 Nancy Sawle-Knoblock - Appointment 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022 Carol J. Wolfe - Appointment 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2022
Zoning Board of Appeals Ira Chaplik - Appointment to Chair 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2020 Kevin Cullather - Appointment to Vice Chair 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2020
B. Proclamations
1. Recognizing Retiring Battalion Chief Wilbur Kephart III after 30 Years of Service Mayor Rotering congratulated Wilber Kephart III for his 30 years of service with the City's Fire Department. She provided information on his time with the City and read a proclamation to thank him for his service, commitment to public safety and his leadership.
Wilber Kephart III thanked his family, the City Council, and staff.
C. Other business
1. Illinois Bicentennial Honor Recipient - Lawrence J. Sassorossi
Mayor Rotering congratulated Larry Sassorossi, Highland Park resident and commander of American Legion Post 145, for being a recipient of the Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200. She explained that the honor was given to 200 veterans who have made extraordinary contributions to the people of Illinois.
2. GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2017 Mayor Rotering explained that the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the City of Highland Park by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada
for a comprehensive annual financial report. She stated that the certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. She congratulated Finance Director Logan and the Finance Department for receiving the honor.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda) There was none.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
Corporation Counsel Elrod explained that Councilman Knobel had previously recused herself during discussions regarding the Highland Park Community Foundation and she would vote to abstain on omnibus item 3. He stated that the agreement, as part of the resolution for item 3, has been amended and the motion should take that into consideration.
Councilman Blumberg provided comments on omnibus item 3.
Councilman Knobel abstained from omnibus item 3 due to her involvement with the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Councilman Blumberg moved to approve items 1-18 for omnibus vote consideration. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.
RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
Administration
1. Adoption of a Resolution (R165-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Bill of Sale between McGovern Flats LLC and the City of Highland Park for Acceptance of a Public Sculpture”.
2. Adoption of a Resolution (R166-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Establishing the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group, Cultural Arts Advisory Group, Human Relations Advisory Group, Sustainability Advisory Group, and Transportation Advisory Group”.
3. Adoption of a Resolution (R167-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement between the City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Community Foundation”.
RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Holleman
ABSTAIN: Councilman Knobel
4. Approval of a Fiscal Year 2018 Spark Microgrant in the Total Amount of
$500 for the Commemorative HP150 Quilt Project
Finance
5. Adoption of a Resolution (R168-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Resolution Approving the City’s Liability, Property, and Workers Compensation Insurance Package for the Policy Period of January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2020”.
Public Works
6. Adoption of a Resolution (R169-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the 2019 Unit Price Hourly Grounds Maintenance Contracts to Jack Vena Lawn Maintenance, Inc. of Highland Park, Illinois, Moreno Landscape of North Chicago, Illinois and Guy Scopelliti Landscape Co., Inc. of Highland Park, Illinois”.
7. Adoption of a Resolution (R170-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing the Award of the 2019 Custodial Services Contract to A Plus Quality Service Inc. of Arlington Heights, Illinois”.
8. Adoption of a Resolution (R171-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the 2019 HVAC Maintenance Contracts to Ireland Heating and Air Conditioning Co. of Lake Forest, Illinois and The YMI Group of Elk Grove Village, Illinois”.
9. Adoption of a Resolution (R172-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the Unit Price Material Hauling Contract with Menoni & Mocogni, Inc. of Highland Park, Illinois”.
10. Adoption of a Resolution (R173-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the Unit Price Water Treatment Chemical Purchase Contracts”.
11. Adoption of a Resolution (R174-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the 2019 Unit Price Water Treatment Chemicals Purchase Contracts to Olin Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls of Downers Grove, Illinois, Alexander Chemical Corporation of Peru, Illinois and Carus Corporation of Peru, Illinois”.
12. Adoption of an Ordinance (O93-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements of the City's Purchasing Manual and Authorizing Award of the SCADA System PLC-1 Replacement Contract to Allen Integrated Control Systems, Inc. of East Troy, Wisconsin”.
13. Adoption of a Resolution (R175-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Material Testing and Geotechnical Engineering Agreements with Rubino Engineering, Inc. of Elgin, Illinois, Midland Standard Engineering & Testing, Inc. of East Dundee, Illinois, Wang Engineering, Inc. of Lombard, Illinois and Millennia Professional Services, Ltd. of Downers Grove, Illinois”.
14. Adoption of a Resolution (R176-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Steep Slope Zone Engineering Services Agreements with AECOM of Chicago, Illinois, W.F. Baird & Associates Ltd. of Madison, Wisconsin and Bleck Engineering Company, Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois”.
15. Adoption of a Resolution (R177-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Wetland Engineering Services Agreements with Bleck Engineering Company, Inc. Lake Forest, Illinois, Huff & Huff, Inc. Oak Brook, Illinois and Hey and Associates, Inc. Volo, Illinois”.
16. Adoption of a Resolution (R178-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of an Amended Membership Agreement for a Geographic Information System Consortium (GISC)”.
Community Development
17. Adoption of a Resolution (R179-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing the Reconciliation of Uncollectible Accounts Receivable”.
18. Items Related to an Amendment to the Lake Cook Courts Planned Development at 1973- 2021 Lake Cook Road
a. Adoption of an Ordinance (O94-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (Lake Cook Courts - 1973-2021 Lake Cook Road)”.
b. Adoption of a Resolution (R180-2018) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Development Agreement Between the City of Highland Park and American, LLC”.
OTHER BUSINESS
(the City Council will consider and then either approve or disapprove the following items)
Finance
19. Continued Public Hearing Related to Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for Tax Year 2018 and Collected in Calendar Year 2019
At 7:47 PM, Mayor Rotering continued the public hearing for the Proposed Tax Year 2018 Property Tax Levy and asked the Clerk to call the roll:
PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
ABSENT: None
The Mayor declared a quorum was present.
The City Council, Finance Director Logan and the public had no further feedback or questions regarding the proposed tax levy.
Councilman Blumberg moved to close the Public Hearing. Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously and the public hearing was closed at 7:49 PM.
20. Adoption of an Ordinance (O95-2018) titled, “An Ordinance Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for Tax Year 2018 and Collected in Calendar Year 2019”. Councilman Blumberg moved to approve an Ordinance Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for Tax Year 2018 and Collected in Calendar Year 2019. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
Community Development
21. Adoption of an Ordinance (O96-2018) titled, “An Ordinance Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements of the City’s Purchasing Manual and Approving the One-Year Renewal of Agreements for the Provision of Commercial and Residential Inspection and Engineering Services”.
Community Development Director Fontane provided an explanation as to why staff is recommending the waiver of the formal bidding process regarding the renewal of agreements.
Councilman Kaufman moved to approve the Waiving of the Formal Bidding Requirements of the City's Purchasing Manual and Approving the One-Year Renewal of Agreements for the Provision of Commercial and Residential Inspection and Engineering Services. Councilman Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman
SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
22. A Referral to the Zoning Board of Appeals of a Zoning Variation Request for the Property at 891 Half Day Road (Lots 7 & 8 in Shelton’s Manner)
Mayor Rotering provided information on the three directions as to how the Council may vote on item 22.
Community Development Director explained that staff's recommendation is to have Council refer the item to the Zoning Board of Appeals for final action.
Councilman Kaufman moved to refer the zoning variation request for the property at 891 Half Day Road to the Zoning Board of Appeals for final action. Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman
SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
23. Items Related to an Amendment to the Planned Development at 2789 Oak Street
a. Adoption of an Ordinance (O97-2018) titled, “An Ordinance Amending a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (2789 Oak Street)”.
b. Adoption of a Resolution (R181-2018) titled, “A Resolution Approving a First Amendment to a Development Agreement Between the City of Highland Park and 2789 Oak (HP), LLC”.
Community Development Director Fontane provided a response to the e-mail that was received by Highland Park resident, Matilda Manfredini, regarding the maintenance of the landscaping and the proposed parking on the west side of the property.
Councilwoman Stone commented about how the egress is being proposed to lead out onto Walker Avenue and how that was great because it would minimize the number of curb cuts on Oak Street. She asked if the new egress would avoid all of the parking spaces on Walker Avenue or if there be the loss of at least one parking space.
Community Development Director Fontane explained that the Walker Avenue parking spaces will remain as shown and the reconfiguration better aligns with what is already existing. He explained that this particular proposal was reviewed by a third party traffic engineer as well as the life safety consultant.
Councilwoman Stone stated that there were some trees that were identified on the plans as existing but the property owner has currently removed some of the vegetation. She asked that removed vegetation be replaced.
Community Development Director Fontane explained that the landscaping plan as presented depicts the final plantings.
Meno Passini, Highland Park resident, explained that the restructuring of the parking lot was proposed by the applicant and was not requested by the neighbors. He stated that it was a good compromise. He requested that the agreement be amended to include that information because it would be an extra safeguard for the neighborhood. He discussed the traffic patterns that he has observed throughout the day.
Councilman Stolberg explained that the berm may not address the issue of the busses and traffic lining up on or near the property. He discussed the limiting of parking as was discussed at the public hearing during the Plan and Design Commission meeting and would be in favor of that if the applicant was willing to implement the limitation.
Jake Beker, Far Point Development, representative for the owner of 2789 Oak Street, explained that he cannot speak on the matter of cars picking up or dropping off during the day but there is a regimented schedule for pick up and drop off. He stated that the existing parking lot is different from what is being proposed and the queuing system will be different during those pick up and drop off times. He explained that the applicant would be willing to post notice that there would be no parking allowed after dusk.
Councilman Holleman does not recommend amending the agreement to include the requirement of posting a notice because it can become an enforcement issue for City staff.
Councilman Holleman moved to approve item 23, sub-items a and b, by omnibus vote consideration related to the amendment to the Planned Development at 2789 Oak Street.
Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michelle Holleman, Councilman
SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
24. Items Related to Ravinia Housing Association property at 735 Pleasant Avenue
a. Adoption of a Resolution (R182-2018) titled, “A Resolution Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat of Subdivision (735-763 Pleasant Avenue)”.
b. Adoption of an Ordinance (O98-2018) titled, “An Ordinance Rezoning the Lots located at 735-763 Pleasant Avenue to the RM1 and B2 Zoning Districts”.
c. Adoption of an Ordinance (O99-2018) titled, “An Ordinance Granting a Special Exception for Off-Street Parking (735-763 Pleasant Avenue)”. Councilman Blumberg asked, how much larger a new development can be or how many more units can be offered if the property were to be rezoned to RM-1.
Community Development Director Fontane explained that the rezoning would allow for additional units to be built on the property.
Councilman Blumberg stated that the RM-1 zoning district is to be transitional between multi-family and single family residential.
Councilwoman Stone and Community Development Director Fontane discussed the current submission of a building permit for the property being discussed.
Councilman Holleman moved to approve item 24, sub-items a, b and c, by omnibus vote consideration related to the Ravinia Housing Association property at 735 Pleasant Avenue. Councilman Knobel seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michelle Holleman, Councilman
SECONDER: Alyssa Knobel, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
25. Items Related to a Planned Development at 515 Roger Williams
a. Adoption of a Resolution (R183-2018) titled, “A Resolution Ratifying a Minor Amendment to the 515-555 Roger Williams Avenue Planned Development”.
b. Adoption of a Resolution (R184-2018) titled, “A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Development Agreement between the City of Highland Park and Klairmont Investment, L.L.C.”.
Corporation Counsel Elrod explained that change is necessitated only because the property will now be owned fee simple as opposed to leased. He stated that all other terms and conditions of the previously approved agreement remain the same.
Councilman Blumberg asked for clarification that the total number of parking spaces being proposed for the amended plan is the same as what was previously approved.
Community Development Director Fontane explained that what is taking place is a change of ownership and confirmed that the number of parking spaces being proposed is the same as what was previously approved.
Councilman Blumberg stated that he understands is was a long process to purchase the property but what he did not understand was how the purchasing of the property impaired the ability to begin development.
Councilman Knobel moved to approve item 25, sub-items a and b, related to a Planned Development at 515 Roger Williams Avenue. Councilman Holleman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Alyssa Knobel, Councilman
SECONDER: Michelle Holleman, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL
Councilwoman Stone provided information regarding the City’s new year-round composting option through the City’s waste hauler Lakeshore Recycling Systems.
BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF
City Manager Neukirch explained that tonight’s meeting would be the last meeting for the year and the next Regular City Council meeting will take place Monday, January 14, 2019. She provided information on the Highlands Neighborhood Meeting that will be taking place on Tuesday, January 8, 2018 at 6:00 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Stolberg moved to adjourn. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. On a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 8:12 PM.
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