Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park City Council met June 10.

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, Finance Director Logan, Assistant City Manager Sabo, Deputy Finance Director McCaulou, Computer Services Manager O'Connell, Deputy City Clerk Palbitska

ALSO PRESENT: Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on May 28, 2019

Councilwoman Stone moved to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on May 28, 2019. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST

1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from May 16, 2019 to May 30, 2019

Councilman Blumberg moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

REPORT OF MAYOR

A. Appointments There were none.

B. Proclamations

1. Immigrant Heritage Month

Mayor Rotering stated that the City of Highland Park would like to recognize and commemorate the impact that generations of immigrants have had on the nation. She explained that the Highland Park Historical Society and Highland Park Public Library archives collection includes documents, correspondence, images and other records of immigrants coming to Highland Park and their stories. She stated that twenty-first century immigrants are invited to share their stories with Archivist Nancy Webster, who is located at the Highland Park Public Library. She recognized Laura Knapp, representing Highland Park Public Library, as well as Catherine Lambrecht from the Highland Park Historical Society. She also recognized the Executive Director of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, Susan Shulman and the work the Clinic has provided.

Laura Knapp, Vice President of the Highland Park Public Library Board, provided information on the availability of records for genealogy research and that the archives are available for the public to view.

Susan Shulman, Executive Director of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, expressed her appreciation for being able to work on such a wonderful project.

2. 100th Anniversary of Illinois Being the First State to Ratify the 19th Amendment

Mayor Rotering explained that in addition to celebrating the City's 150th Anniversary, the City is also celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the State of Illinois to be the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment. She stated that the monumental decision helped lead to equal voting rights for women and empowered women throughout the nation. She explained that by ratifying this amendment, the State of Illinois advanced the Women's Rights movement across the country in an unprecedented fashion and by acknowledging the past, it allows us to see the progress that has been made while concurrently looking ahead to challenges we must overcome in the future. She recognized several representatives from the League of Women Voters of Highland Park & Highwood.

Nancy Goldberg, League of Woman Voters of Highland Park & Highwood representative, provided historical information about the League and invited those individuals who are not already members, to become members of the organization.

C. Other business

There was none.

BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda)

Nic DeGrazia, Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts founder, provided information regarding the Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands events.

Batti Atar, Highland Park resident, voiced concerns with the City of Highland Park and her ability to sell her residential property.

SCHEDULED BUSINESS

ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION

Councilwoman Stone commented on item #2. She stated that this is an initiative that the City has been working on for the past two to three years. She explained that Assistant City Manager Sabo and Sustainability Consultant Rink have been instrumental with the work on this initiative. She stated that an inventory was created regarding the City's greenhouse gas emissions and goals were assembled to assist in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. She explained that through this initiative, the City is looking to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 5% by 2023.

Mayor Rotering thanked Finance Director Logan and her team for the time and effort that was spent providing a complete Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.

Councilwoman Stone moved to approve items 1-12 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

Administration

1.Adoption of an Ordinance (O43-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving a Supplemental Agreement to the Lease Agreement between the City and Union Pacific Railroad Company”.

2.Adoption of a Resolution (R77-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution to Commit to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy”.

3.Adoption of a Resolution (R78-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Issuance of a Small Business Facade Improvement Grant for Hub and Spoke Provisions”.

Finance

4.Approval of the City's 2019-2020 Vehicle Sticker Design.

5.Acceptance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018.

6.Adoption of a Resolution (R79-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of a Professional Services Agreement with Microsystems Inc., of Northbrook, Illinois for Document Imaging Services”.

Public Works

7.Adoption of an Ordinance (O44-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Declaring Certain Property Owned by the City of Highland Park to be Surplus”.

8.Adoption of an Ordinance (O45-2019) 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 Multi-Modal and General Fund Budget”.

9.Adoption of a Resolution (R80-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Rock Salt Purchase Renewal to Morton Salt Inc. of Chicago, Illinois”.

Community Development

10.Adoption of a Resolution (R81-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Ratifying a Minor Amendment to the 2344 – 2490 Skokie Valley Road Planned Development”.

11.Adoption of a Resolution (R82-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Development Agreement for 2344 – 2490 Skokie Valley Road”.

Public Safety

12.Adoption of an Ordinance (O46-2019) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending Section 125.009 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," as amended, to increase the minimum age for the possession of tobacco products and e-cigarettes”.

OTHER BUSINESS (the City Council will consider and then either approve or disapprove the following items)

Community Development

13. An Ordinance Amending Article XXI of "The City of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of 1997," as Amended, Regarding Inclusionary Housing.

Mayor Rotering stated that the Council needs more information and context in order to have a full and robust conversation regarding the proposed amendments to Article XXI regarding Inclusionary Housing. She sought a motion to continue the discussion to a future meeting.

Councilman Blumberg moved to continue An Ordinance Amending Article XXI of "The City of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of 1997", as Amended, Regarding Inclusionary Housing to a future meeting. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL

There was none.

BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF

City Manager Neukirch provided an update to the approved State budget and provisions within the budget that may affect municipalities. She also provided information regarding the redevelopment of the Solo Cup property.

Mayor Rotering asked for clarification in regards to permits being applied for to start development of the Solo Cup property.

Community Development Direct Fontane provided information as to the process that has been undertaken thus far in regards to development of the property.

City Manager Neukirch provided information as to the development information that is available for view by the public on the City's website.

City Manager Neukirch also highlighted information pertaining to the HP150 Celebration festivities, a call for volunteers to help on July 4th, and HP150 items that are available for sale.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Kaufman moved to adjourn. Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. On a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously.

The City Council adjourned its meeting at 8:05 PM.

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