City of Highland Park Committee of the Whole met Aug. 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
This meeting was called to order at 6:27 p.m. by Mayor Kownick.
II. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Kownick, Trustees McAlpine, Betz, Covelli, Weinhammer, Kraus and Collier Absent: None
Others present included Village Administrator Rife, Community Development Director Simmons, Public Works Director Morimoto, Police Chief Finlon, Finance Director DuCharme, Management Analyst Sage, Village Attorney Uhler and members of the audience per the sign-in sheet.
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Kownick led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. Public Comments
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Kownick closed Public Comments at 6:28 p.m.
V. Discussion Regarding Cary Senior Living Community Room Use Agreement
Administrator Rife stated information has been provided to Village Board members based on feedback from the August 6, 2019 Village Board meeting.
Trustee Covelli asked Director Simmons to explain the initial 15-year term for the agreement. Director Simmons stated the agreement is aligned with the project's low-income tax credit of 15 years. Trustee Covelli asked how the agreement would be affected if Cary Senior Living management changed after 15 years Director Simmons stated there would be no change to the agreement unless both parties agree to change it.
Trustee Covelli stated she would like to see all senior residents be able to use the community room free of charge. Director Simmons stated the intent was for the room to be utilized for groups hosting senior programming with a nominal fee for basic maintenance and janitorial services. Local government entities would be exempted from this fee.
It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole to forward on to the September 3, 2019 Village Board Meeting the consideration for approval of the Cary Senior Living Community Use Agreement.
VI. Discussion Regarding the McRide and Pace Transportation Programs
Director Morimoto provided ridership information requested by the Board at the July 16, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Trustee McAlpine suggested additional outreach by the Village to make residents aware of the Pace transportation option.
VII. Discussion Regarding Recreational Cannabis
Village Attorney Uhler discussed the newly enacted Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Trustee Weinhammer asked Police Chief Finlon about determining levels of impairment. Chief Finlon stated the only definitive way to determine impairment is a blood test. Chief Finlon stated the same preliminary methods for determining impairment due to alcohol would be utilized regarding cannabis.
Trustees Covelli and Betz are not in favor of allowing cannabis dispensaries in the Village,
Trustees Collier and McAlpine would like more information on the subject.
Trustees Weinhammer and Kraus are in favor of allowing cannabis dispensaries in the Village.
VIII. Discussion Regarding Revolving Loan Fund
Administrator Rife provided background on the Village's Revolving Loan Fund.
Trustee Kraus asked how much money the Village currently has on loan to businesses in the Revolving Loan Fund. Finance Director DuCharme stated the amount is $178,000. Trustee Kraus supports restarting the Revolving Loan Fund and suggested putting the funds received from business owners back into the Revolving Loan Fund.
Administrator Rife stated the funds received from the repayment of loans will be used for the Capital Projects Fund to cover infrastructure projects. Administrator Rife stated restarting the Revolving Loan Fund would require alternative funding for the Capital Projects Fund and the Revolving Loan Fund.
Trustees asked to revisit the subject of the Revolving Loan Fund should additional funding become available.
IX. Executive Session: Personnel: Collective Bargaining 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)
Mayor Kownick entertained a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel: Collective Bargaining, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
Motion:
Trustee McAlpine moved, seconded by Trustee Betz to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel: Collective Bargaining, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
Ayes: All ayes by voice vote
Nays: None
Motion Carried.
Mayor Kownick and Trustees Covelli, Betz, Collier, Kraus, McAlpine and Weinhammer entered into Executive Session at 7:54 p.m. Others present included Village Administrator Rife, Chief Finlon and Village Attorney Uhler.
After discussion, Mayor Kownick entertained a motion to exit Executive Session.
Motion:
Trustee Kraus moved, seconded by Trustee McAlpine to exit Executive Session at 7:58 p.m.
Ayes: All ayes by voice vote
Nays: None
Motion Carried.
X. Adjourn
There being no further items to discuss, a MOTION was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
MOTION: Trustee McAlpine
SECOND: Trustee Kraus
The Voice Vote noted all ayes and the motion carried.
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