City of Highland Park City Council Met April 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
At 5:30 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen 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, Senior Planner Later, 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 April 12, 2021
Councilman Blumberg moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on April 12, 2021. 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, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman |
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from April 02, 2021 to April 15, 2021.
Councilman Kaufman moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman |
A. Other business
1. Recognition of Outgoing Elected Officials Alyssa Knobel & Dan Kaufman Mayor Rotering recognized outgoing elected officials Alyssa Knobel and Dan Kaufman.
The Council provided remarks and shared memories of working with both Councilman Kaufman and Councilman Knobel.
Councilmen Kaufman and Knobel thanked their Council colleagues for their kind words and recognition. They provided brief remarks on their experiences as a Councilman and thanked the community and staff for their support.
2. Recognition of Graduating Student Advisory Group, Board & Commission Representatives - Class of 2021
Mayor Rotering explained that through the City of Highland Park Student
Commissioner Program, outstanding Highland Park School juniors and seniors volunteer their time on behalf of the community. She noted that in order for students to serve, they must complete an application explaining their interest in the program and City's various boards and commissions, share any course work or activities that are relevant to their selections, and write about their future goals. She recognized the following outgoing student commissioners:
Business & Economic Development Advisory Group
Max Laky
Emma Perper
Lindsey Winters
Cultural Arts Advisory Group
Kayla Beck
Ryan Hecht
Selene Malench
Emily Schwartz
Historic Preservation Commission
Kevin Beck
Housing Commission
Jordana Hozman
Human Relations Advisory Group
Bilaal Ansari
Isabella Cashman
Lily Fleishman
Library Board of Trustees
Alexander Bush
Kyle Slavin
Plan & Design Commission
Marissa Galvan
Sister Cities Foundation
Maddie Legator
Lucy Melinger
Allie Paige
Sustainability
Erik Anderson
Noah Fahn
Transportation
Aaron Bach
Zoning Board of Appeals
Eden Macknin
3. Introducing Jeffrey P. Haydon, President & CEO, Ravinia Festival
Mayor Rotering introduced Mr. Jeffrey P. Haydon, the President and CEO of Ravinia Festival. She noted that Mr. Haydon brings 25 years of arts management experience to Ravinia, and comes to Highland Park from the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. She stated that prior to that, he served in a variety of leadership capacities with music festivals and arts institutions across the country. She noted that Mr. Haydon is not new to the Chicago area, having previously worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Jeffrey P. Haydon, President and CEO of Ravinia Festival, provided brief remarks.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda)
City Manager Neukirch noted that no emails or messages had been received before the City Council meeting and there were no individuals at City Hall.
Mayor Rotering noted that individuals may email the City during the meeting and those messages will be addressed before the end of the meeting.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
Councilman Holleman requested item 6 be removed from omnibus vote consideration.
Councilman Holleman asked City Manager Neukirch to provide information as to the reason for the extension of the Emergency Declaration.
City Manager Neukirch provided information as to the need for the Emergency Declaration and the need to extend it. She explained that it will be extended through May 24th and will end at the close the City Council meeting on that day.
Councilman Stolberg moved to approve items 1-5 and 7-12 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman SECONDER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman |
1.A Motion to Extend the Emergency Declaration for the City of Highland Park through the end of the next City Council meeting on May 24, 2021.
2.Adoption of an Ordinance (O35-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended, Regarding Senior Center Membership and Program Fees”.
3.Adoption of a Resolution (R52-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Amending the Annual Fee Resolution Regarding Membership Fees for the City's Senior Center”.
4.Adoption of a Resolution (R53-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Resolution Approving A Transferee Assumption Agreement for Property Located at 1777 Green Bay Road”.
Public Works
5.Adoption of an Ordinance (O36-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Ordinance Waiving City’s Purchasing Policy Due to 2021 Resurfacing Contract Bid Prices Authorizing Award of Contract with Schroeder and Schroeder, Inc. of Skokie, Illinois for Street and Sidewalk Repairs”.
Community Development
7.Adoption of a Resolution (R54-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Resolution Approving a Final Plat of Subdivision at 1068 Saxony Drive Subdivision”.
8.Adoption of an Ordinance (O37-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending Sections 150.202, 150.707, And 150.711 Of “The City Of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance Of 1997,” As Amended, Regarding Permitted Encroachments Into Required Yards”.
9.Consideration of a Third Amendment to the Lease Between the City of Highland Park and T Renaissance Place NR IL, LLC.
10.Consideration of an Amendment to the Construction, Operation, and Reciprocal Easement Agreement Between and Among Albion Jacobs Renaissance Place, LLC, T Renaissance IL, LLC, T Renaissance Hebron IL, LLC, T Renaissance Blots IL, LLC, T Renaissance II IL, LLC, The City of Highland Park, and Ameritech Illinois A/K/A Illinois Bell Telephone Company.
11.Consideration of an Easement Agreement to Construct Pillars in the Second Street Public Parking Lot and Encroach Onto the Second Street Public Right-of-Way.
12.Adoption of an Ordinance (O38-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving Agreements in Connection With, and Authorizing, the Sale of City Property (1910 Second Street and 1849 Green Bay Road)”.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
6. Adoption of a Resolution (R55-2021) titled, “A Resolution Approving a Non-Exclusive Special License Agreement between the City and the Park District of Highland Park for the Installation of an Access Gate System to Improve the Park Avenue Boating Facility Public Right-of-Way”.
City Manager Neukirch noted that this item was discussed at the last City Council meeting and since then there was a small meeting that took place between Mayor Rotering, Councilman Blumberg, Park District Executive Director Brian Romes, two elected officials from the Park District and herself. She provided information as to the one addition that was agreed upon to be added to the license agreement. She noted that the recommendation is to approve the Special License Agreement.
Mayor Rotering requested Executive Director Romes share the Park District's plans as it relates to the installation of the access gate system.
Executive Director Romes provided information as to the Park District's need and plan for the installation of an access gate system.
Councilwoman Stone asked for the timing as to when the area will be open and when it will be closed.
Executive Director Romes stated that the boating season starts Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Councilwoman Stone asked if the gate would be closed 24/7 during that time.
Executive Director Romes noted that was the plan as of right now, which is consistent with operations last year.
Councilwoman Stone recalled that the area was open to the public during non-peak days and hours.
Executive Director Romes noted that, prior to 2020, that was the case but during 2020, there were not any non-peak days; they had to turn people away because of overcrowding. He explained that there is still a pandemic and there are health guidelines that they will need to continue to follow. He stated that if they have the ability to change, they can adapt.
Councilwoman Stone voiced her appreciation for the flexibility the gate provides and she is not against putting in an automated gate but what she was concerned about is closing off access for several months for those individuals with accessibility issues.
Mayor Rotering noted that Rosewood Beach does provide access and views of the lake. She asked Executive Director Romes what neighboring communities with boat launches do during the boating season.
Executive Director Romes noted that it varies from community to community.
Councilman Holleman voiced her concern in regards to access. She asked if there were statistics available that would illustrate the number of boaters that launch typically on a weekday. She explained that this gate would be cutting off access to an area that the City provided funds to maintain as a viable asset to the entire community. She noted that she was hesitant in granting the gate access because the City would no longer retain control over the property. She stated that she would like the information as to how many people are using the boat launch Monday through Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day because the numbers in the past were so low that the Park District had contemplated closing the facility as a whole.
Executive Director Romes noted that the decisions were based on last year's usage and while it was unique, there has been a renewed interest in the outdoors. He stated that the Park District is anticipating the area to be used a great deal during the summer. He explained that the facility is leased by the Park District and they are responsible for the maintenance, security and safety in the area and the gate will assist with the responsibility of safety and security. He stated that the key point for the Park District is that the system has the flexibility to adapt. He explained that if 2022 is not as busy for some reason, then the gate can be opened during the week; they have the ability to keep the resident's needs in mind and that is part of the Park District's mission.
Councilman Holleman asked for the numerical data for last year in regards to the amount of visitors during the week.
Executive Director Romes stated that last year, the Park District did not keep track of numbers because the area was at capacity every day. He noted that this system allows the tracking of the number of visitors.
Councilman Holleman asked how the area could have been at capacity if there was no tracking mechanism in place. She explained that there has not been one data point provided and this gate will be closing off access. She stated that there has to be a really good reason in place in order to make this type of decision.
Councilwoman Stone asked if capacity was based on cars parking, not capacity in terms of boats launching.
Executive Director Romes explained that capacity was based on cars parked and people. He noted that last year, there were capacity limits based on the CDC guidelines and Restore Illinois guidelines.
Councilwoman Stone noted that it was her understanding that when the City reconstructed the road in the south area, it was to allow cars to turn around without having to go around the Water Plant. She explained that there was additional parking in that area that could have been used if there had been a full number of people in the north lot. She stated that the area will now be blocked off if the gate is installed which will not allow people to park their cars in that area even when boats are not launching. She noted that she cannot support the lack of access to that portion of the beach.
Executive Director Romes noted that the plan was to have the gate closed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. He explained that there could be a statement in the agreement to acknowledge that if the community need is such that it is not being used by boaters and safety is something that can be appropriately managed, there is the ability to leave the gate open. He stated that there will either be an attendant or the gate in the area seven days a week.
Councilman Blumberg noted that the Park District's job is to manage recreation and natural resources in Highland Park, as well as the safety of those recreational areas, like the beach. He explained that the Park Avenue Beach is the only beach the Park District does not own outright because of the City's Water Plant. He stated that the Park District has expressed how they will continue to manage the resource in regards to safety by installing a gate system. He discussed two very important elements that support the notion that the Park District is going to carefully consider and try to allow as much access as possible. He voiced his concerns about restricting accessibility but that is up to the Park District to handle and while last year was an unusual year, hopefully there will be a renewed interest in accessing the beaches. He explained that if the crowds are small and the number of cars are not there, it is the intention of the Park District to make the area available during non-peak periods. He noted that limitations on access, historically, are nothing new. He noted that the Park District has agreed to allow for accommodations for those with accessibility issues by offering reduced cost access.
Councilman Holleman voiced her appreciation for the comments made by Councilman Blumberg but the City funded the repaving of the road into Park Avenue Beach to allow for everyone to access the property. She explained that the intent of the area was not strictly for boating but available for all residents. She understood the safety concerns but did not think the number of boats launched during the weekday could justify closing off the property to the general community. She voiced concerns about adjusting and how that could affect the community. She explained that this was supposed to be a shared resource for the community not an exclusive area for boaters.
Councilman Stolberg voiced his appreciation for Councilman Holleman's comments and noted that he tends to agree with the comments that were made by Councilman Blumberg. He commented on the past discussions that were had in regards to the barge and boat launch. He noted that the one thing that sticks out to him is that it is the desire of the Park District to manage the area and he has a hard time telling them that they cannot install the gate system for safety measures. He stated that it seems like the Park District is willing to see how this year goes and then readjust accordingly as needed.
Mayor Rotering and Executive Director Romes discussed the cost for the fob to open the gate and the seasonal cost to residents and non-residents.
Councilman Blumberg expressed his appreciation for the comments that were made by Councilman Holleman. He noted that individuals will still be able to walk around the gate but his concern is with the access for those individuals that have accessibility issues.
Mayor Rotering and Executive Director Romes discussed access for those individuals that qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Councilman Kaufman voiced his concerns about the limited access but ultimately this is a Park District decision. He noted that some of the accessibility issues may be mitigated based on the accommodations that will be made for certain individuals. He asked how much push back the Park District has received about limiting access to one of the great resources in the community and what has been conveyed to those residents who have expressed concern.
Executive Director Romes stated that he has not received any personal feedback regarding the limited access.
Councilman Knobel voiced her appreciation for all of the different views that have been expressed. She noted that there may not be voiced concerns because this hasn't happened yet. She requested a check-in meeting be planned to discuss how this is progressing.
Executive Director Romes noted that the Park District and the City are in contact almost every day and discussions regarding the gate can happen informally and formally.
City Manager Neukirch noted that she will plan on presenting progress reports and check-ins with the Council on a regular basis.
Councilman Blumberg noted that he would be in favor of regular communication in regards to the progress of the gate system.
Councilwoman Stone agreed that a check-in is a great idea.
Councilman Holleman requested statistics be provided based on usage instead of an informal check-in.
Mayor Rotering noted that she agrees with the conversation and to plan a check-in around mid-June.
Councilman Blumberg moved to approve a Resolution Approving a Non-Exclusive Special License Agreement Between the City and the Park District of Highland Park for the Installation of an Access Gate System to Improve the Park Avenue Boating Facility Public Right-of-Way. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 2]
MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel NAYS: Councilwoman Stone, Councilman Holleman |
There was none.
BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF
City Manager Neukirch provided an update on the City's Reuse-O-Rama event, two neighborhood meetings that will be taking place on May 3, 2021 and May 19, 2021, virtually at 5:30PM that will allow the community to meet with individuals from sister governments, COVID-19 Updates and information and the Welcome Back Promise.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilwoman Stone moved to adjourn. Councilman Knobel seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 6:51 PM.
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