City of Highland Park City Council met Feb. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
At 5:33 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Neukirch, Community Development Director Fontane, Police Chief Jogmen, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Kanapareddy, Finance Director Logan, Fire Chief Schrage, Human Resources Manager Taub, 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 January 24, 2022
Councilmember Stone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on January 24, 2022, as amended. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilmember SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from January 14, 2022 to February 03, 2022. Councilmember Tapia moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilmember
Holleman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember SECONDER: Michelle Holleman, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmember Tapia, Councilmember Stolberg, Councilmember Stone, Councilmember Blumberg, Councilmember Holleman, Councilmember Lidawer |
A. Appointments
1. Class of 2023 Student Commissioner Appointment
Mayor Rotering noted 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 by serving on our advisory groups, boards, and commission. She stated that during their service, students develop leadership skills while our community benefits from the unique perspective each student provides. She congratulated and welcomed the following high school student to the 2023 Class of Student Commissioners:
Human Relations Advisory Group
Samantha Legator
B. Proclamations
1. Highland Park Community Foundation 30th Anniversary
Mayor Rotering recognized the 30th Anniversary of the Highland Park Community Foundation. She noted that the mission of the Community
Foundation is to support organizations and programs that address the unmet needs of our community and expand opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents, and it is a pleasure to recognize three decades of impact. She invited Chairperson Betsy Brint and Executive Director Terri Olian to say a few words.
Chairperson Brint and Executive Director Olian provided information regarding the Highland Park Community Foundation and information about the 30th Anniversary.
Mayor Rotering read the proclamation.
C. Other business
1. Congratulations Jason Brown
Mayor Rotering stated that during this past week, Highland Park’s own Jason Brown once again made us incredibly proud at the Olympic Games! She noted that eight years after his first appearance at the Sochi Games, it was so special to see Jason’s unparalleled artistry take the ice in Beijing. She congratulated him on his remarkable performance.
2. State of the City
Mayor Rotering presented the 2022 State of the City of Highland Park.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda)
City Manager Neukirch noted that City Hall was open to the public and there were no members at City Hall this evening. She explained that directions are provided on the City's website and posted agenda as to how members of the public can provide public comment. She noted that a number of emails have been received.
Mayor Rotering noted that if anyone was participating by Zoom, they could raise their virtual hand to speak and to keep comments to two minutes or less.
City Manager Neukirch proceeded to read the submitted comments into the record.
Dr. Michael Schneck, previous Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Mayor Rotering recognized there will be many comments regarding the Central Avenue Bridge. She noted that the bridge is in need of repair and was identified objectively as needing repair. She explained that there were numerous public meetings that were noticed and this is not a new project, it has been discussed over the past two years.
City Manager Neukirch continued that all of the City's capital projects are listed on the City's website in detail. She explained that the Central Avenue Bridge project dates back to 2015. Based on inspections and ongoing evaluation, a need to reconstruct was identified. She noted that some of the submitted comments pertain to concerns about public meetings. Between 2015 and June of 2021, there were more than 20 meetings held about the proposed bridge project and discussed at Committee of the Whole meeting, City Council meeting and Historic Preservation Commission meetings. She stated that in June of 2021, the City hosted an open house with neighbors in the immediate area to discuss the project. She explained that in response to the June 2021 meeting and based on public feedback, staff sent communication to the Illinois Department of Transportation ("IDOT") and asked them to consider, rather than a two lane bridge, reconstruction of a one lane bridge. She noted that IDOT responded formally to the letter and denied the request in July 2021. Neukirch stated this is a grant funded project and staff does attempt to pursue grant funds whenever available. She explained that 80% of the cost of the project will be paid by the State through a grant and the City will be responsible for 20% of the costs. She affirmed that the City adhered to all public notification and posting requirements as well as the requirements set forth by the State of Illinois. She noted that there are concerns regarding the historic nature of the bridge and voiced her appreciation for those concerns. She explained that historic elements were included in the design of the proposed new bridge. Also, the State's Historic Preservation Office conducted a thorough review of the application and a response was received in January 2021 affirming that the State conducted a thorough review of the application.
Mary Barber, Highland Park resident, voiced her appreciation for the proposed extension for the Central Avenue Alley and Block 22 and recommended a caveat.
Hannah Ehrlich, graduate student, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Rachel Kaiser, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Suzanne Wahl, Highland Park resident, voiced concerns regarding the extension of the proof of vaccination at the last City Council meeting.
City Manager Neukirch recommended those residents that are not already signed up for the City's eNews to please do so. She explained that information is being provided twice a week about new businesses that are opening and events and activities that are taking place within the City. She noted that the City is updating the Business Development Strategic Plan that includes business retention and activities. She provided clarification on some important points.
Burt Ehrlich, Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Samara Strycker, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Kelsey Gonzalez, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Wendy Binstock Rush, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Elinor Bayliss, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Edward Rush, Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Marvin Wolfe, Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Charles Gonzalez, Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Ariel Ehrlich, Highland Park resident, voiced their concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Nira Wolfe, Highland Park resident, voiced their concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Douglas Ross, Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Julie Urlich, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Adrienne Chernawsky, Highland Park resident, voiced her appreciation for the lifting of the proof of vaccination mandate and her opposition to this type of mandate.
Carole Yuster, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
City Manager Neukirch addressed the concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge and the newspaper notice requirement outside of Highland Park. She explained that IDOT requires notification be posted near Springfield.
Councilmember Blumberg added that it was not the only notice issued during the last seven years.
City Manager Neukirch stated that was correct.
Mayor Rotering asked how many meetings were held regarding the Central Avenue bridge reconstruction.
City Manager Neukirch stated that there were more than 20 meetings overall plus there was direct communication with neighbors.
Yumi Ross, Highland Park resident, voiced her concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
Jeremy Dubow, Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the Central Avenue bridge demolition and re-construction.
City Manager Neukirch stated that if there was anyone from the public attending the meeting, they could raise their virtual hand to speak.
Mayor Rotering explained that if there were comments that were read into the record, there does not need to be a repeat of the exact comments.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that if anyone wants to speak, they have that right and are allowed two minutes.
City Manager Neukirch noted that there were no virtual hands raised.
Mayor Rotering urged those concerned with wearing masks to review information from the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health websites. She noted that there were over 20 meetings for the Central Avenue Bridge and provided information as to where there were other two lane bridges within the City. She asked if there were reports of undue speeding and other traffic issues. She asked if there had been any repairs made to the bridge since 1915. She stated that she vaguely remembers work being done on a bridge on St Johns and that the process with IDOT would have been similar. She noted that seven years is not likely an expedient process and everyone recognizes that necessity of safety. She opined on the amount of time it took to have repairs completed on the Forest Avenue Bridge. She voiced her appreciation for the beauty of the bridge and the history of the neighborhood.
Councilmember Blumberg explained that in 2016, there were members of the public that did attend a Historic Preservation Commission meeting to discuss this matter. He noted that comments regarding the historic physical elements of the bridge that came from the public and the Historic Preservation Commission, are to be incorporated into the bridge and that the State of Illinois has agreed to pay for the plan that incorporates those elements. He explained that the cost of a one way bridge is not half or less than a two lane bridge because the condition of the bridge is such that it can't be repaired, it has to be replaced under any circumstances. He noted that the demolition and replacement of the bridge will affect the environment of the ravine regardless if it is a one lane or two lane bridge. He stated, that as a matter of context, he has lived in Highland Park for almost 60 years and he has walked across the one lane bridge and other one lane bridges; one lane bridges to not allow for safe access for pedestrians. He explained that there is a sidewalk but it is compressed, narrow and not safe to walk on; the proposed two lane bridge provides for the safety of pedestrians. He noted that the proposed bridge is not the same as a bridge on a highway but rather a neighborhood two lane bridge. He stated that while it is more modern than the current bridge, it will include historic elements as well as safety features necessary for a bridge. He noted that the bridge that is currently in place is not the original bridge and the photographs that were supplied by the Friends of Central Avenue Bridge depict four different bridges; the original bridge was wood, then there were two subsequent concrete bridges and then the current bridge. He stated that he does not know if there were any bridges in between the current bridge and the last bridge that was photographed but it is time to replace the bridge for safety reasons. He noted that access to the lake and Central Avenue Park is very important to this Council; having a two lane bridge to provide this access is safer.
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Kanapareddy noted that the last time repairs were conducted on the bridge was between 2014 and 2016 and he was unsure as to when repairs were last done to the deck or structure as a whole. He provided information as it related to the minor repairs completed on the St Johns Avenue Bridge based on comments previously made by Mayor Rotering and he noted that the St Johns bridge is in the process of being replaced in the next five years similar to how the Central Avenue bridge is being replaced. He explained that in 2014, the efficiency rating for the Central Avenue bridge was rated 33 on a scale of 0-100, noting that the structure of the bridge was not safe. He noted that the bridge can be rehabbed but it will eventually have to be replaced. He provided information as to why the notice regarding the bridge was published in Springfield, IL and the reason for a two year review. He explained that the comments and historic elements of the bridge are going to be incorporated in to the reconstruction of the new bridge.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
Councilmember Stone noted for item 8, the alley should be two-way up to the driveway of 430 Park Avenue and that was the intention of the ordinance. She asked if the item should be approved as is or subject to confirmation from staff that it will go up to the driveway.
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Kanapareddy noted that the way the Council action is written states 220 feet, but it can be approved as amended to include the driveway for 430 Park Avenue because the same things is being done for the driveway at 426 Park Avenue.
Corporation Counsel Elrod recommended that the item be pulled from omnibus vote consideration to make the appropriate change.
City Manager Neukirch noted for confirmation, item 11 pertains to Casey's, the Special Use amendment; staff is asking for the motion to include direction to draft documents with the condition that is set forth in the staff memorandum that the gas station canopy will not be illuminated.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that does not need to be changed because the title is just approving the Plan Commission recommendation and the additional comment by the City Manager will be accounted for in the minutes.
Councilmember Stone requested to remove item 8 from omnibus vote consideration.
Councilmember Stone moved to approve items 1-7 and 9-12 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilmember SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
1. Adoption of an Ordinance (O15-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending Section 97.1102 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," as amended, Regarding Payment of the Cannabis Retailer's Occupation Tax”.
Finance
2. Adoption of an Ordinance (O16-2022) 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, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 for the Illinois Public Risk Fund Safety Grant”.
3. Adoption of an Ordinance (O17-2022) 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, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 related to Projects and Expenditures in Multiple Funds”.
Public Works
4. Adoption of a Resolution (R19-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the 2021 Unit Price Flower Planting Contract with Guy Scopelliti Original Landscaping Co., Inc., of Highland Park, Illinois”.
5. Adoption of an Ordinance (O18-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Declaring Certain Property Owned by the City of Highland Park to be Surplus”.
6. Adoption of a Resolution (R20-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the 2019 Unit Price Tree Planting Program Contract to Guy Scopelliti Landscape of Highland Park, Illinois”.
7. Adoption of a Resolution (R21-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the 2021 Asphalt Materials Unit Price Contract to Peter Baker & Son Company of Lake Bluff, Illinois”.
9. Adoption of a Resolution (R22-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the Fence Repair and Replacement Contract with Standard Fencing Co., Inc., of Chicago, Illinois”.
10. Adoption of an Ordinance (O19-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the Lift Station Maintenance and Wireless Monitoring Services with Metropolitan Industries, Inc., of Romeoville, Illinois”.
Community Development
11. Approval of a PDC recommendation to approve an amendment to the Special Use Permit for the Gas Station at 2580 Skokie Valley Road, with design review and variations
Public Safety
12. Adoption of a Resolution (R23-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Accepting the Bid Package Presented by Frederick Quinn Corporation for the Construction of the New Ravinia Fire Station”.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
8. Adoption of an Ordinance (O22-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending the Traffic Schedules Contained in Chapter 77 of “The Highland Park Code of 1968,” As Amended, to establish a One-Way Traffic Rule for the Westerly 220 Feet of the East-West Public Alley located North of Central Avenue and bound by Linden Avenue to the East and Sheridan Road to the West”.
Councilmember Stone moved to approve an Ordinance Amending the Traffic Schedules Contained in Chapter 77 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968", as Amended, to Establish a One-Way Traffic Rules for the Westerly 220 Feet of the East-West Public Alley Located North of Central Avenue and bound by Linden Avenue to the East and Sheridan Road to the West, as amended to have staff verify that the portion that is two-way is extended all the way to the driveway of 430 Park Avenue. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilmember SECONDER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
Finance
13. Adoption of an Ordinance (O20-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Providing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $12,750,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022, of the City for the Purpose of Financing Various Capital Improvements, Including a Fire Station, Providing for the Levy and Collection of a Direct Annual Tax Sufficient to Pay the Principal and Interest on said Bonds, and Authorizing the Sale of said Bonds to the Purchaser Thereof”.
Councilmember Stolberg moved to approve an Ordinance Providing for the Issuance of Not to Exceed $12,750,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022, of the City for the Purpose of Financing Various Capital Improvements, Including a Fire Station, Providing for the Levy and Collection of a Direct Annual Tax Sufficient to Pay the Principal and Interest on said Bonds, and Authorizing the Sale of said Bonds to the Purchaser Thereof. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilmember SECONDER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
14. Adoption of an Ordinance (O21-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending The “City of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of 1997,” As Amended, Regarding Retail Fulfillment Center Uses”.
Councilmember Stone noted that she had spoken with Community Development Director Fontane earlier in the day. She voiced her same concerns related to the parking requirements as the last time this item was before the City Council. She noted there are no differences between the drive through and the park and pick up options. She stated that when someone parks and picks up, that will require parking and the staff recommendation on that item is probably sufficient but when there is a drive through type of operation, there will probably be less parking that needs to be required. She asked if that change could be made and perhaps have the drive through type pick up option the same parking requirements as the warehouse parking requirements but have additional parking required when it is park and pick up operation.
Community Development Director Fontane noted that he understood what Councilmember Stone is requesting. He stated that staff had responded with a comparison to a supermarket or grocery stores and warehouses which both formed the recommendation that was made to the Plan and Design Commission ("PDC"). He provided information based on what Councilmember Stone has stated, as to what is being recommended.
Mayor Rotering thanked Community Development Director for reviewing the comments. She noted, it is her understanding that if the business does not have a pick up window or vehicle queuing, the requirement would have more required spaces. She voiced her appreciation for the review as a new use versus going off of a grocery store, which is completely different in terms of occupied time in a space.
Community Development Director Fontane noted that staff is attempting to be proactive with the use in general.
Mayor Rotering noted the importance that any project that comes along in the future will still have to go through the public process of adjudication, there would be conversations regarding all of the aspects but these will be guidelines, not an absolute.
Community Development Director Fontane presented a proposed change to the ordinance that would reduce the parking requirement for Retail Fulfillment Centers with pick-up window and/or pick-up queuing from one space per 1,000 square feet to 0.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet for inventory and storage spaces with all other aspects of the parking requirement proposal for this use remaining the same as recommended by the Commission.
Mayor Rotering and Community Development Director Fontane noted that in addition to the specific parking requirement for these uses, there would also be the ability to review vehicle stacking and parking further as part of the Special use Permit process and make adjustments accordingly.
Mayor Rotering asked if the motion would need to be made as amended.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that was correct.
Councilmember Stone moved to approve an Ordinance Amending "The City of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of 1997", as Amended, Regarding Retail
Fulfillment Uses, as amended. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilmember SECONDER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmember Tapia, Councilmember Stolberg, Councilmember Stone, Councilmember Blumberg, Councilmember Holleman, Councilmember Lidawer |
A. Human Relations Advisory Group - Councilmember Lidawer
Councilmember Lidawer provided an update to projects the Human Relations Advisory Group were working on.
B. Park District of Highland Park - Councilmember Lidawer
Councilmember Lidawer provided an update to projects the Park District of Highland Park were working on.
BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF
A. COVID Update & Ravinia Fire Station Construction Update
City Manager Neukirch provided a COVID update as well as a Ravinia Fire Station construction update.
Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch discussed memento bricks for retirees.
B. Spread the Love HP Business Video Challenge
City Manager Neukirch provided information on the Spread the Love HP Business Video Challenge that was taking place.
C. Wellness & Community Service Dog
City Manager Neukirch provided information on the new Paw-officer, the City's Wellness & Community Service Dog.
Councilmember Stolberg noted that individuals in the business community that have passed away were recognized in the past and asked if he could provide a few names to City Manager Neukirch and recognize those individuals similar to what was done in the past.
Mayor Rotering stated that several businesses were recognized a few weeks ago and there is the Highland Park awards coming up. She noted that Councilmember Stolberg could nominate them under the Human Relations Advisory Group awards but if there was something in particular, it could be discussed.
Councilmember Stolberg voiced his appreciation.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Holleman moved to adjourn. Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 7:00 PM.
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