City of Highland Park City Council met Feb. 28.
Here are 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, 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, Communications Manager Civitello, Human Resources Manager Taub, Deputy City Clerk Palbitska
ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on February 14, 2022
Councilmember Stone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on February 14, 2022, as amended. Councilmember Stolberg 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: Adam Stolberg, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from February 04, 2022 to February 17, 2022. Councilmember Tapia moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
A. Other business
1. Moment of Silence
Mayor Rotering requested a moment of silence for the innocent lives that have been lost during the unjustified conflict in Ukraine.
2. Heart of Highland Park Photography Contest Winners
Mayor Rotering provided information on the Heart of Highland Park
Photography Contest and presented the 2022 winners.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda)
City Manager Neukirch noted that individuals can email the City to have their public comments read into the record. She noted that the City had received one item to be read into the record
Communications Manager Civitello read the comment into the record.
Kelsey Gonzalez, Highland Park resident, voiced concern regarding the demolition and reconstruction of the Central Avenue bridge.
City Manager Neukirch responded that the Central Avenue bridge is in need of replacement due to existing structural deficiencies. She mentioned that based on inspections and other reports, the rehabilitation of the current concrete bridge is not economically feasible because the bridge is beyond repair. She explained that at the request of the neighbors, communication was sent to the Illinois Department of Transportation ("IDOT") and a request was made that they review the application and take in consideration rehabilitation of the bridge and consider allowing a one-lane bridge versus the proposed two lane bridge. IDOT denied the City's request. She noted that the City understands preserving the historical essence of the structure and the City worked with the State Historic Preservation Office as well as the City's Historic Preservation Commission to include historical elements into the new proposal for the reconstruction of the bridge. She stated that the State Historic Preservation Office did a complete, comprehensive review of the redesign and in September 2021, accepted the final design. She explained that during the week of February 14, 2022, written communication was sent from the City to all of the neighbors with a project updates including notification that construction would begin the week of February 28th. She stated that staff will continue to provide updates for the project on the City's website and individuals can provide their emails for direct communication. She reiterated the reconstruction and design of the Central Avenue bridge was reviewed in a comprehensive nature not only by the City but also by the State as it pertains to historic preservation.
She noted that a number of people have joined virtually for the meeting and that there was one virtual hand raised for public comment.
Mayor Rotering noted that if Ms. Gonzalez had more to add to the statement that had previously been read into the record, she could do so in a minute or less.
Ms. Gonzalez continued to voice her concern for the reconstruction of the Central Avenue bridge and requested that the City pause the work being done so that public feedback and input could be provided on this project.
Mayor Rotering thanked Ms. Gonzalez for joining this evening and that she understood how important this item was to her and many of the neighbors in the area. She noted that, based on a previous conversation that was had at the last City Council meeting, over 20 public meetings were held in regards to this project and they were properly noticed. She stated that it is hard to have this kind of change but it needs to be recognized that the City is working in concert with the State. She noted that there is a difficult balance that needs to be recognized between investing in the City's infrastructure and the character of a single lane bridge. She stated that it is the City's priority to invest and improve infrastructure; for the City, this is the best way it can be done.
City Manager Neukirch noted that City Hall is open if anyone from the public wishes to join in the meeting in person.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
City Manager Neukirch noted that there was an individual in Council Chambers that wished to address the Council regarding item 11.
Mayor Rotering pulled item 11 from omnibus vote consideration.
Councilmember Stone moved to approve items 1-10 and 12-15 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 (O23-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Ripple Public Relations, LLC, of Highland Park, Illinois for the Performance of Event Marketing and Management Services”.
2.Adoption of an Ordinance (O24-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 119 of “The Highland Park Code of 1968”, as Amended, Regarding Class S-3 Liquor Licenses”.
3.Adoption of a Resolution (R24-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Amending The Annual Fee Resolution Regarding Class S-3 Liquor License Fees”.
Finance
4.Adoption of an Ordinance (O25-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving the Abatement of the 2021 Tax Levy for the Series 2022 General Obligation Bond Issue”.
5.Adoption of a Resolution (R25-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Resolution Approving the City’s Ravinia Fire Station Builders Risk Insurance for the Policy Period of March 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023”.
Public Works
6.Adoption of a Resolution (R26-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Local Agency Agreement for Phase II Final Engineering with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Green Bay Road Improvements Project”.
7.Adoption of a Resolution (R27-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Phase II Final Engineering Services Agreement with Transystems, Inc., Schaumburg, Illinois for the Green Bay Road Improvements Project Federal Grant Participation”.
8.Adoption of a Resolution (R28-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the 2022 Unit Price Tree Purchasing Program Contracts to Multiple Vendors”.
9.Adoption of a Resolution (R29-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the 2021 Routine Grounds Maintenance Contracts to Moreno Landscape of North Chicago, Illinois”.
10.Adoption of a Resolution (R30-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of the 2018 Fuel Purchase and Delivery Contract with Avalon Petroleum Company, Inc. of Kankakee, Illinois”.
Community Development
12.Adoption of a Resolution (R31-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Extension of the Loan for Twelve Senior Affordable Rental Units at 891 Central Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois”.
13.Denial of Right-of-Way Encroachment, 2780 Ridge Road.
Public Safety
14.Adoption of a Resolution (R32-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Guarantee Maximum Price Amendment to the Agreement for the Construction of the New Ravinia Fire Station”.
15.Adoption of a Resolution (R33-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Five Police Vehicles from Highland Park Ford Lincoln Superstore, of Highland Park, Illinois”.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
11. Adoption of an Ordinance (O26-2022) titled, “An Ordinance Approving An Amendment To A Special Use Permit In The Nature Of A Conditional Use For Operation of A Gasoline Fuel Station And Motor Vehicle Washing Facility (2580 Skokie Valley Road)”.
Mayor Rotering invited the member of the public to ask a question or make a comment on this item and requested that they provide their statement in two minutes or less.
City Manager Neukirch introduced Richard McMahon, who is representing the applicant.
Alec Hersch, Highland Park resident, voiced his concern regarding the possible approval of a conditional use for the fuel station.
Mayor Rotering noted that Mr. Hersch had exceeded his time for public comment. Mr. Hersch voiced his frustration on the time limit.
Mayor Rotering asked if Mr. Hersch would like to have a conversation with the Council or if he wished to just make a comment.
Mr. Hersch noted that he was interested in having a conversation but did not realize there was a time limit for his comments.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted for the record a procedural point regarding public hearings that are held for these types of projects. He explained that public comment is allowed during a public hearing and there is no time limit. He stated that tonight is
a City Council meeting where individuals are able to make a comment but it is not a public hearing, there is a difference. He explained that the transcripts and meeting minutes of the Plan and Design Commission ("PDC") have been presented to the City Council to assist in making an informed decision.
City Manager Neukirch noted there are directions on the City's website for public comment. Individuals have the ability to provide public comment to the Council in an unlimited amount of words, yet there are time limit parameters for public comments made during a City Council meeting.
She noted that there was another individual in the Council Chambers that wished to address the Council regarding this topic.
Councilmember Stolberg voiced his concern regarding a comment that was made by Mr. Hersch noting that the City was providing an easy button for this application. He provided information as to the public process that is undertaken for this type of request and/or project. He explained that the City Code is there to protect everyone but unfortunately not all developments fit into a nice little package and that is the reason why the City allows for a public hearing during the PDC meetings or a way for individuals to provide public comment to the City so that it may be read into the record. He noted that the PDC did meet on two occasions regarding this amendment. He noted that he takes the Code very seriously and there are provisions within the Code that allow for variations, comments, testimony, relief and public benefit. He opined on how this is not an easy process. He stated that this was a very public process and it was dealt with accordingly based on the parameters of the Code. He noted that the relief that is being sought is minimal compared to a lot of other developments within the City. He made it very clear that there is not an easy button in Highland Park and there is no way around the very public process.
Mr. Hersch noted that he was at the meeting and provided comments during the public hearing. He voiced concern about the City allowing the business to build a sign that is 50% bigger than what is already in place.
Marina Geller, Highland Park resident, voiced concern regarding the proposed amendment.
Mayor Rotering noted that this is for the gas station that is across Skokie Valley Road and then across Half Day Road; it is not the current Casey's gas station adjacent to the neighborhood that is requesting the amendment. She noted that she remembers the frustration from the neighbors when changes were being made to the now Casey's gas station and voiced her appreciation for the input from the neighbors for that project. She noted the important fact that the gas station requesting this amendment tonight does not abut a neighborhood.
Ms. Geller voiced her concerns with the landscaping that was reduced with the first Casey's project and the illumination from the proposed new sign for the other gas station that will continue to shine into her neighborhood. She requested that the Council review the request and if the request is not for something that is granted in the Code, the Council should not approve it.
Mayor Rotering noted that there is a change to the lighting plan that will diminish the lighting after a certain hour and it is understood that it is a concern of the neighbors.
Community Development Director Fontane provided information on the conditions and some of the changes that would be made that would address some of the concerns of the neighbors.
Councilmember Lidawer noted that the lighting is with PDC's approval, a lesser infringement in terms of light pollution because the backlight of the entire sign is an improvement to the situation by the changes. She opined on the comment regarding how easy the process is and voiced how difficult it is to go through this process. She requested more information be provided to the community as to how rigorous this process really is.
Councilmember Stone noted that this is the gas station that is across, kitty corner, from the gas station that was discussed in the past. She stated that the gas station in question will have less lighting and the signage will not be illuminated as much. She explained that they are not adding any lights and while they are enlarging the building, they are not adding any impervious surface because the area is already paved over. She explained that there is relief being requested for the monument sign but they are resurfacing the current sign; a new brand is being put on the existing sign, it is not going to be any bigger than what is there currently.
Mr. McMahon noted that was correct.
Councilmember Stone reiterated that the sign will be the same size as it is now but with a different brand.
Councilmember Stolberg voiced concern when constituents do not feel they are being heard and voice their concerns. He voiced his appreciation for those that have voiced their opposition and noted that the time limit that is stated by the Mayor is the same opportunity that is given to everyone that wishes to address the Council. He noted that if no deviation from the Code was allowed, there would be developments that are in downtown Highland Park and all over Highland Park that would not be there today. He explained that there is a mechanism for relief and there is policy and procedure in place as well as public hearings with notice requirements; not everything fits into a box. He noted that he welcomes everyone's comments and he appreciated the involvement of the public. He explained that even though there is a Code, it does not mean that things do not change because developers are given an opportunity to present their ideas in a very public format and they are put through a very rigorous process.
Councilmember Stolberg moved to approve an Ordinance Approving an
Amendment to a Special Use Permit in the Nature of a Conditional Use for Operation of a Gasoline Fuel Station and Motor Vehicle Washing Facility (2580 Skokie Valley Road). Councilmember Holleman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilmember SECONDER: Michelle Holleman, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
City Manager Neukirch noted that if any resident wished to inquire as to what can be installed on their property, they can contact the City and staff would be happy to answer any questions.
BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL
There was none.
BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF
There was none.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Stone moved to adjourn. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 6:08 PM.
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