Highland Park City Council met Jan. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
At 7:30 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, Assistant City Manager Sabo, Assistant to the City Manager Garard, Deputy City Clerk Palbitska
ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod, Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on December 10, 2018
Councilman Kaufman moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council held on December 10, 2018. Councilman Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a voice 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
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from November 30, 2018 to January 04, 2019
Councilman Blumberg moved to approve the warrant list. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a voice 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. Other Business
1. Moment of Silence
Mayor Rotering requested a moment of silence for the family of Illinois State Trooper Christopher Lambert who was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-294 while assisting with an accident on the right shoulder.
B. Appointments
1. Class of 2020 Student Commissioner Appointments
Mayor Rotering explained that through the Student Representative Program, the City of Highland Park offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain hands on government experience and to develop leadership skills while the community benefits from the unique perspective each student provides. She appointed the following students to the City's various advisory groups, boards and commissions:
Business & Economic Development Advisory Group
Sophie Draluck Mirchell Svetov
Cultural Arts Advisory Group
Caroline Millen Sydney Salgado
Historic Preservation Commission
Lilli Arbetter
Housing Commission
Sarah Rosen
Human Relations Advisory Group
Dara Drake Elizabeth Insoft
Library Board of Trustees
Talia Kalman
Plan and Design Commission
Elliot Rubin
Sister Cities Foundation
Spencer Coplan Roy Steinberg
Sustainability Advisory Group
Eli Wruster
Transportation Advisory Group
Rebecca Feiler
Zoning Board of Appeals
Michael Edheimer
2. Appointment to Fill a Vacancy on the Plan & Design Commission Mayor Rotering recommended the vacancy on the Plan and Design Commission be filled by Annette Lidawer.
The Council was in consensus.
3. City Advisory Group Appointments and Appointments to Chair and Vice Chair with Terms beginning in 2019
Mayor Rotering provided information on the following appointment recommendations to the City's Advisory Groups, Boards and Commissions.
Business & Economic Development Advisory Group
Appointment - Katherine M. Wiswald 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Chair - Katherine M. Wiswald 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Sheryl Oberman 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Vice Chair - Sheryl Oberman 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Amy Amdur 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Paul Cox 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Leslie Lipin 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - David A. Smith 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Larry Bloom 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Bruno Di Martino 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Barbara J. Hoffman 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Rhonda Kaplan Katz 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Kenneth Latimer 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Stephen Miller 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Josh Nanus 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Mark Schwartz 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Cultural Arts Advisory Group
Appointment - Catherine Ricciardelli 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Chair - Catherine Ricciardelli 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Judith Kaufman 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Vice Chair - Judith Kaufman 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Jeffrey Arena 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Laura Kramer 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Joanne Bernstein 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Steven F. Greene 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - James M. Lynch 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Abby Neumann 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Marjorie Rissman 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Human Relations Advisory Group
Appointment - Ellen Gussin 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Chair - Ellen Gussin 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Nagawa Kakumba 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Vice Chair - Nagawa Kakumba 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Sandra Figueroa Bast 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Joan Zahnle 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Matt Pestine 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Megan Ruddie 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Robert Valdez 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Teri Lynn Steinberg 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Sustainability Advisory Group
Appointment - Stuart Wagenius 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Chair - Stuart Wagenius 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Kelly Nichols 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Vice Chair - Kelly Nichols 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Jay Futterman 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Daniel M. LaCosse 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Brent William Ross 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Samuel Cardick 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Elizabeth Falzone 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Michelle Kramer 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Jennifer Meyer 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Tatiana Papakos 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Transportation Advisory Group
Appointment - Leonard P. Xavier 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Chair - Leonard P. Xavier 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Charles S. Bergen 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment to Vice Chair - Charles S. Bergen 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
Appointment - Richard Heineman 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Peggy Laemle 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Bruce Mainzer 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Andrew Bloom 1/1/19 - 12/31/19
Appointment - Paul Merkey 1/1/19 - 12/31/20
C. Proclamations
There were none.
D. Other business
1. Recognition of 2018 Outgoing Commissioners
Mayor Rotering recognized the following outgoing commissioners that have served on a City Commission.
Business and Economic Development Commission
Paul Aaron Miller
Cultural Arts Commission
Wendi Ezgur Erin Kasdin Kaye Pina
Marita Poll Nina Weiss
Human Relations Commission
Janet Bernstein Amy Gudgeon
Cheryl Levi Hamsa Swaminathan
Joint Plan Commission
Sharon Nowakowski
Library Board of Trustees
Donna Fletcher Jerry Aufox Lela Hersh
Natural Resource Commission
Ann Coyle Philip S. Pagoria
Plan and Design Commission
Elaine Waxman
Transportation Commission
Matthew Arbit
2. Sesquicentennial
Mayor Rotering stated that the community can view the calendar of events for the City's year-long 150th anniversary celebration on the city’s website.
3. 10th Annual MLK Day of Service, January 21, 2019
Mayor Rotering provided information on the 10th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr Day of Service that will be taking place on Monday, January 21, 2019 at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Cheryl Levi, past Human Relations Commissioner, presented information about this year's upcoming day of service.
4. Moraine Township Services
Amy Zisook, Moraine Township Trustee, provided information on the services being provided to government and federal workers during the federal government shut down.
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
Mayor Rotering pulled item 5 from omnibus vote consideration.
Councilman Knobel abstained from omnibus item 4 due to her involvement with the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Councilman Stolberg moved to approve items 1-4 and 6-12 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilman Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
Administration
1. Adoption of a Resolution (R1-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Supporting a Transportation Capital Bill to Fund Transportation and Metra”.
2. Approval of a Fiscal Year 2018 Spark Microgrant in the Total Amount of $500 for the HP150 Persona Poetry Project
3. Adoption of a Resolution (R2-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Issuance of a Small Business Facade Improvement Program Grant to Viaggio Highland Park”.
4. Adoption of an Ordinance (O01-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending the Annual Budget of the City of Highland Park, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2019 and Ending December 31, 2019 for Highland Park Community Foundation Grant Funding”.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Holleman
ABSTAIN: Councilman Knobel
6. Adoption of an Ordinance (O02-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving a Lease Agreement with Unit 14 Theatre Company Inc., for a Portion of the Karger Recreation Center”.
Public Works
7. Adoption of an Ordinance (O03-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending the Annual Budget of the City of Highland Park, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2019 and Ending December 31, 2019 Related to the Equipment Maintenance and Replacement Fund Budget”.
8. Adoption of a Resolution (R3-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Rescinding a prior Award of the 2019 Unit Price Water Treatment Chemicals Purchase Contract for Hydrofluosilicic Acid (HFS) and Approving a New Purchase Contract with Pencco Inc., of Sealy, Texas”.
Community Development
9. Adoption of a Resolution (R4-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Ratifying a Minor Amendment to the 417-447 Central Avenue Planned Development”.
10. Adoption of a Resolution (R5-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Ratifying A Minor Amendment to the 807-833 Laurel Avenue Planned Development”.
Public Safety
11. Adoption of an Ordinance (O04-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements of the City's Purchasing Manual and Approving an Agreement With Dr. Cynthia I. Plazas LLC, of Oak Park, Illinois, for the Provision of Public Safety Social Worker Services”.
12. Adoption of a Resolution (R6-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Change Order to the Agreement with Interdev, LLC of Alpharetta, Georgia, for Information Technology Services”.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
5. Adoption of an Ordinance (O05-2019) titled, “An Ordinance Approving a First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with the Highland Park Community Nursery School & Day Care Center for the Karger Recreation Center”.
Councilman Blumberg recused himself from item 5 due to his wife being president of the Highland Park Community Nursery School and Day Care.
Councilman Blumberg exited the meeting at 7:56 PM.
Councilwoman Stone moved to approve the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with the Highland Park Community Nursery School & Day Care Center. Councilman Knobel seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Alyssa Knobel, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Knobel, Holleman
RECUSED: Councilman Blumberg
Councilman Blumberg entered the meeting at 7:56 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS (the City Council will consider and then either approve or disapprove the following items)
Administration
13. HP150 Art Acquisition
Assistant to the City Manager Garard provided information regarding the sculpture finalists and proposed location for the HP150 art acquisition.
Mayor Rotering explained that the location of the art piece may be in direct correlation with the piece that is chosen but that it does not make sense to have anything in front of the Fire Station or in a floodplain. She asked if a location in front or near City Hall was considered.
Assistant to the City Manager Garard explained that a location in front of or near City Hall was not formally considered but could be evaluated.
Mayor Rotering and Assistant City Manager Sabo discussed how the Public Art Fund was established.
Cathy Ricciardelli, Chair to the Cultural Arts Advisory Group, spoke on behalf of the Cultural Arts Advisory Group regarding public art, the process the Advisory Group followed to review a piece for the 150th Anniversary along with the Advisory Group's recommendations.
Councilwoman Stone thanked the Advisory Group for their dedication and efforts that were put forth during this process.
Mayor Rotering thanked the Advisory Group for their hard work and dedication to the project.
Mayor Rotering and Chair Ricciardelli discussed the recommended art piece and similarities between the recommended piece and the St. Louis Arch.
Councilman Holleman echoed Mayor Rotering and Councilwoman Stone in thanking the Advisory Group for their efforts. She stated that she was in favor of the recommendation.
Amy Amdur, HP150 Steering Committee Chair, opined on the recommendation and requested to have the request for proposal ("RFP") re-opened in order for other artists to have a chance to submit a piece for review.
Councilman Holleman and Ms. Amdur discussed Ms. Amdur's experience with Mr. Downes, the artist who submitted the Trail Marker Tree entry.
City Manager Neukirch provided information regarding the timeline for the RFP process.
Catherine Lambrecht, Highland Park resident, opined on the recommendation of the Indian Trail Marker Tree.
Councilman Knobel noted that the Trail Marker Tree sculpture was discussed two years prior to tonight's discussion. She requested a representative from the Cultural Arts Advisory Group to explain why the Trail Marker Tree was not selected two years ago and why it was not the recommendation now.
Jeff Arena, Cultural Arts Advisory Group member, provided information on the decision that was made two years ago and the reason as to why it was not chosen as the HP150 art piece.
Councilman Holleman voiced concerns with re-opening the RFP process.
Joanne Bernstein, Cultural Arts Advisory Group member, opined on the recommendation brought forth by the Cultural Arts Advisory Group.
Stephanie Kirch, Highland Park resident, reflected confusion as to how the pieces that have been presented speak to the 150th Anniversary Celebration.
Rob Rotering, Highland Park Historical Society President, discussed the importance of the Trail Marker Tree and how it represents the history of Highland Park.
Mayor Rotering and Mr. Rotering discussed the Historical Society purchasing the art piece and placing it near the Stupey Cabin.
Ms. Amdur discussed the RFP timeline.
Councilwoman Stone confirmed with the Advisory Group that the funds for the art acquisition includes the installation of the piece. She stated that she was in favor of the recommended piece. She discussed the Trail Marker Tree and the installation of a real Trail Marker Tree.
Councilman Blumberg stated that he liked the recommended piece. He discussed comparisons between the St. Louis Arch and the recommended sculpture. He voiced his opinion of art and the need for this commissioned art piece to be celebratory of the 150th Anniversary, which the arch fulfills.
Councilman Kaufman thanked the Advisory Group for their work and stated that he was in favor of the recommendation.
Councilman Stolberg thanked the Advisory Group for their work. He provided information on the piece that attracted his attention but stated that the recommended piece is timeless and he would be in favor of the recommendation.
Councilman Knobel explained that the recommended piece is 24 feet wide and 8 feet high. She thanked the Advisory Group for their dedication to the project and that she was in favor of the recommendation.
Councilman Holleman moved to approve the recommendation of the Cultural Arts Advisory Group. Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michelle Holleman, Councilman
SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
Councilman Holleman stated that her motion did not include the location of the commissioned piece.
The City Council was in consensus to have the commissioned piece placed in the park at the intersection of Deerfield, Hickory and Laurel.
Councilwoman Stone moved to approve the location of the commissioned art piece. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
City Manager Neukirch explained that a formal agreement with the artist will be presented at a future City Council meeting for final approval.
Community Development
14. Consideration of a Plan & Design Commission Recommendation to Approve a Major Amendment to the Planned Development at 760 Central Avenue (McGovern House)
Community Development Director Fontane presented information regarding a recommendation from the Plan & Design Commission (“PDC”) for a major amendment to the planned development at 760 Central Avenue, otherwise known as McGovern House. He requested the Council's feedback and direction.
Corporation Counsel Elrod clarified that Community Development Director Fontane is confirming, in his presentation, that the Zoning Code does require six parking spaces whether the PDC added the requirement as a condition or not. He stated that the applicant has disputed this information.
The Committee, Corporation Counsel Elrod, Community Development Director Fontane and Greg Merdinger, managing partner of McGovern House, discussed the estimated time occupants will occupy the building, the requirement of the six guest parking spots, the age of the population that occupies McGovern House, affordable units available, and the importance of the parking lifts within the parking area of the building.
Megan Ruddie, Human Relations Advisory Group member, opined on the importance of having guest parking available and the issues she has faced due to the lack of guest parking spaces.
Corporation Counsel Elrod explained that the Council will need to consider two motions: one being the denial, if the Council so chooses, and the second being the next steps with respect to the enforcement of the required guest spaces which would include the issuance of citations.
Councilman Blumberg moved to deny a major amendment to the Planned Development at 760 Central Avenue (McGovern House) Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: DEFEATED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
Corporation Counsel Elrod clarified that as part of the PDC recommendation, the guest spaces were rolled in as part of a provision which wasn't necessary because there is a requirement as outlined in the Code. He stated that as Councilman Holleman has pointed out, there is a way for the remaining four guest parking spots to be made available. He explained that the direction that is being sought is if staff should proceed with enforcing the requirement for the additional four guest spaces.
Councilman Stolberg and Corporation Counsel Elrod discussed how the development agreement does not allow for relief from providing the six guest parking spaces.
Corporation Counsel Elrod stated that the motion should direct the enforcement of the Zoning Code against the developer to require the six spaces.
Councilwoman Stone and Community Development Director confirmed that six spaces are required and they would be marked.
Mayor Rotering and Community Development Director Fontane confirmed that with enforcement, an inspection would be completed to confirm the two, already existing guest parking spaces are available.
Councilman Kaufman and Corporation Counsel Elrod confirmed that enforcement would be through citations and would be heard before the City's Administrative Hearing Officer.
Councilman Blumberg moved to direct the enforcement of the Zoning Code against the developer to require the six guest parking spaces. Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Stone, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman
BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL
There was none.
BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF
1. 2018 Major Project Review & Proposed 2019 Major Projects
Mayor Rotering stated that City Manager Neukirch reported on the City's 2018 Major Projects and proposed 2019 Major Projects during Committee of the Whole.
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 9:33 PM.
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