City of Highland Park City Council met March 14.
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, Assistant City Manager Jason, 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, Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on February 28, 2022
Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on February 28, 2022. Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from February 18, 2022 to March 03, 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. Appointments
1. Re-Appointment to Police Pension Board
Mayor Rotering re-appointed Finance Director Logan to the Police Pension Board.
B. Proclamations
1. East on Central 20th Publication Anniversary
Mayor Rotering recognized Highland Park's own East on Central in honor of their 20th publication anniversary. She noted that East on Central is a nonprofit organization that publishes an annual art and literary journal and organizes community events to support the arts, with a goal of encouraging artistic expression of the creative spirit and nurturing the arts in the community.
East on Central President Candice Glicken and Editor-in-Chief Judith Kaufman spoke on behalf of East on Central.
2. Fix-a-Leak Week
Mayor Rotering stated that March 14 through March 20, 2022 is Fix-A-Leak Week. She explained that this week is an opportunity to improve water efficiency in your home by finding and fixing leaks. She read the proclamation.
C. Other business
1. Candlelight Vigil
Mayor Rotering thanked all of those who gathered at City Hall on Saturday, March 12th to show support for the Ukrainian people with a candlelight vigil and the raising of the Ukrainian flag. She noted that there were powerful testimonies provided by members of Highland Park's own Ukrainian community, including the City's newest neighbors. She stated that the public is able to view photos and read selected remarks from the vigil by visiting the City's website.
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 individuals are able to send in public comment to be read into the record. She noted that there was an individual in Council Chambers but did not believe the individual wished to make a public statement. She explained that City had received public comment from two individuals but those comments were for items on the scheduled agenda and she would be able to read those comments when the items came up for discussion.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
Mayor Rotering requested to pull item 2 from the omnibus vote agenda.
Councilmember Stone moved to approve items 1 and 3-11 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilmember SECONDER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
1.Adoption of an Ordinance (O27-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Period of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 Between the City of Highland Park and the International Association of Firefighters Local Union 822”.
3.Adoption of an Ordinance (O28-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending the Compensation Plan for City Employees During the Period of January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022”.
4.Adoption of a Resolution (R34-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the Temporary Personnel Services Agreement with The Salem Group”.
5.Adoption of a Resolution (R35-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the Temporary Personnel Services Agreement with GOVHRUSA, LLC”.
Finance
6.Adoption of a Resolution (R36-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Reallocating 2022 Volume Cap to the Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois”.
Public Works
7.Adoption of a Resolution (R37-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of the 2019 Fire Hydrant Sandblasting & Painting Program Contract to Alpha Paintworks Inc. of Chicago, Illinois”.
8.Adoption of a Resolution (R38-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving Addendum #2 to a Local Agency Agreement for Phase II Final Engineering Design Services for Clavey Road Improvements Project with the Illinois Department of Transportation”.
9.Adoption of a Resolution (R39-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Execution of Addendum #2 to the Phase II Final Engineering Design Services Agreement for Federal Participation for Clavey Road Improvements Project with Ciorba Group, Inc., Chicago, Illinois”.
Community Development
10.Adoption of a Resolution (R40-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving Underwriter Engagement Letters with PNC Bank for the Peers Housing Association and the Ravinia Housing Association”.
11.Adoption of an Ordinance (O29-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending Section 170.704 of "the Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended regarding the Illinois State Plumbing Code”.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
2. Adoption of a Resolution (R42-2022) titled, “A Resolution Authorizing the Execution an Agreement with LakeShore Recycling Systems for the Collection of Single-Family Residential Refuse, Recyclable Materials and Yardwaste for the period between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2027”.
Mayor Rotering noted that she pulled this item because there are a couple of questions that she feels to be outstanding on this item. She voiced the importance of understanding why the contract is not going out to bid and what the conversation was surrounding continuing services with LakeShore Recycling Systems ("LRS").
City Manager Neukirch introduced Walter Willis, Executive Director with Solid Waste Agency of Lake County ("SWALCO"), Josh Connell, President/Owner of LRS, and Bill Kenny, representative with LRS. She provided information as to why the contract was not going out for bid and the benefits of continuing services through LRS.
Director Willis stated that 80% of municipalities, when their contract comes to term, do end up extending services with their current waste hauler. He explained that changing haulers can be a big undertaking and the change has to be worth it. He noted that he maintains a database of different costs throughout Lake County and continues to ask what each municipality’s response is for their waste hauler. He stated that the City does have a larger list of offerings but continue to maintain the Pay as you Throw service which allows Highland Park to be one of the municipalities within Lake County that is offering some of the lowest rates. He noted that the City's basic subscription offering is very competitive, given other things that are going on currently. He stated that the City has a huge spring cleanup that is not usually offered in other municipalities. He noted that this is a reasonable and good contract to extend.
Mayor Rotering noted that a few members of the Council members reached out seeking clarification concerning the future option of year round organics. She asked for clarification as to what the plan is for year round organics in regards to communicating with residents and what is involved with the option in the future.
City Manager Neukirch provided information as to how residents are able to have an organics program right now. She explained, based on feedback from the Council at previous meetings, there was an interest in providing education and promotion about the organics program. She noted that there was an opportunity to automatically implement organics for each property within the community where the cost would be spread across all properties within the City at a rate of $3.05 per property. She noted that there were some Council members that were not comfortable implementing the program right away and provided information as to how the contract provides for the ability to submit written notification to LRS and by doing so, the program would be implemented by April 1, 2023. She explained that education and promotion of the program would take place, as well as follow-up with the Council in the fall of 2022 and based on that feedback, the City would send written notification to LRS or would not take any action at all.
Mayor Rotering reiterated that the program is currently available, households need to make an arrangement to start the program and the option to implement for all households would be considered.
City Manager Neukirch noted that was correct and the City would have to provide written notice to LRS within 90 days of April 1, 2023.
Mayor Rotering noted that some of the concern was about imposing the additional fee, especially for those on a fixed income. She stated that at a future meeting, a discussion regarding education and promotion can be had to discuss what is involved. She noted that in the staff report, there was a sentence discussing how if 50 or more households dropped from the twice a week to once a week, there would be a renegotiation "of the contract" but within the contract, it is noted that it would be just the pricing for the two times a week pick up. She explained that if individuals are reading the staff report only, it looks like the entire contract would be up for renegotiation instead of just that piece of the contract.
Councilmember Blumberg noted that based on the previous conversation, a compromise had been reached that the organics program would be automatically implemented after education and promotion had been provided by the City. He stated that he is comfortable with either re-discussing at a future meeting or having the program implemented as of April 1, 2023. He opined on the compromise that was reached regarding the automatic implementation of the organics program.
City Manager Neukirch provided information as to the intent of the language that was drafted. She noted that she understood what the Council was requesting in regards to education and promotion.
Councilmember Blumberg voiced his appreciation for the information that City Manager Neukirch provided. He explained that the Council has met more times than what was anticipated for the contract as a whole and the concerns were discussed; the compromise was that the program would be implemented automatically. He voiced his concern that there was a consensus at a previous Committee of the Whole meeting but it was not presented the same way on the consent agenda at tonight's meeting.
Councilmember Lidawer voiced her confusion as to the way the contract was presented on the consent agenda. She noted that she was advocating for education and a re-evaluation within a year. She explained that there is a year-round organics program currently in place but it is not an option that all households are paying for. She stated that the comments that were received were encouraging year-round organics but there was confusion as to what was being voted on in regards to a year round organics program for all. She explained that she would be in favor or re evaluating the implementation of the program for all after the review of progress that education of the program has made on the community. She stated that there was not a vote on any terms and there was a soft consensus. She noted that she was in favor of the language as it is presented currently in the contract because it provides for an option to move forward or not.
Councilmember Stone stated that she agreed with the comments that were made by Councilmember Blumberg; it was her understanding that the consensus that was reached was that the organics program would be implemented and there would not be further discussion among the Council but education would take place between now and when the program would start. She noted that she wanted to be realistic as to what that education may produce in terms of numbers and provided information as to how the organics program costing would benefit all households if implemented. She stated that educating households at a higher cost may not make a difference in the number of households participating in the compost program. She explained that the numbers that have been provided so far are the number of households that are participating in the subscription program; there are many households that most likely participate in the Pay as You Throw version of the compost program, which includes a sticker. She noted that the number of those households participating that way may be higher than what is being noted within the subscription numbers. She asked for Director Willis' feedback but based on her understanding of other implementations within other municipalities, the best way to get households involved is to provide the cart to the households and make it part of the contract.
Director Willis noted that when a municipality includes the lower price and provides the third cart, more households become involved; it is similar to how recycling was implemented for all households in the past. He explained that Highwood and Deerfield have implemented the program but there has to be access to the lower rate in order to get households turned on to the programs.
Councilmember Stone followed-up with the understanding that it will be re evaluated with the hope that the program will be implemented automatically in April of next year.
Councilmember Holleman stated that Councilmember Blumberg was correct that there was a consensus to allow the program to be implemented automatically based on the conversation that was had at the last Committee of the Whole meeting. She noted her understanding that it is not going to be easy but the cost of implementing
the program for all is going to be beneficial versus the cost of the subscription program currently. She explained that it is a community issue and it is going to have to happen eventually. She noted that she feels the Council is now back tracking on the decision and she does not understand why.
Mr. Connell stated that he understood there was a concern for those that may be on a fixed income but those types of households tend to not have landscapers to maintain their lawns and may be currently using the Pay as You Throw option with a sticker. He explained that when the program is implemented at $3.05 per household, those using yard waste services eliminate the sticker charges. He noted that this is very similar to an e-waste program or a hazardous waste program.
Director Willis reiterated what Mr. Connell stated and noted that Highwood did deliberate this same topic about five years ago. He explained that one of the reasons why the decided to implement the program was because a lot of their households were using the stickers and by providing the third cart, their households benefited from that change.
Mayor Rotering asked if there was any need for further discussion; seeing none, she asked for a motion.
Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve the contract as it was re-drafted earlier today to include the compost service going into effect April 1, 2023.
Mayor Rotering asked Corporation Counsel Elrod if that was the contract that was posted on the City website under the Open Meetings Act requirements.
Councilmember Blumberg noted that it was not.
Mayor Rotering noted that action needed to be taken on the agreement that was posted with the agenda or amend the agreement that was posted but action cannot be taken on an agreement that was sent out in an email to only Council members. She asked Councilmember Blumberg to withdraw his motion because he is making a motion on an item that was not correctly posted with the agenda on the City's website.
Councilmember Holleman noted that it was not seconded so there isn't a motion. Mayor Rotering stated that there was a motion but there was not second.
Corporation Counsel Elrod asked if the Council was going to seek a motion to approve the contract as posted and then seek a motion to amend to add the language.
Mayor Rotering stated that they could propose an amendment to the posted contract.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that either way is fine; he just wanted to understand what the desire of the Council was.
Mayor Rotering stated that she does not want the Council to take action on something that was sent by email and was not publicly posted.
Councilmember Blumberg noted that he understood that. He stated that he was going to amend his motion. He motioned to approve the contract with the amendment that the composting plan go into effect on April 1st.
Councilmember Stone seconded the motion.
Mayor Rotering stated that there needed to be a year, it cannot just be April 1st. Councilmember Blumberg stated that it was April 1, 2023.
Corporation Counsel Elrod stated that he wants to make sure he understands the action being taken because he is not sure that the revision that was sent today had the automatic implementation.
City Manager Neukirch noted that based on Councilmember Stone's feedback, the motion could be with changes to the agreement that was emailed to the City Council earlier today with a document that has tracked changes; the recommendation is to approve that contract as amended, in addition, Councilmember Blumberg would like to include in that motion that the year-round organics material program be implemented effective April 1, 2023.
Mayor Rotering noted that the agreement that was emailed that includes red-lined changes was not posted to the public with the agenda. She stated that she did not want action to be taken on something that was simply emailed to the City Council; she wanted to see action taken on the item that was posted publicly. She explained that the item can be amended but action should not be taken on what was sent by email.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted the he understood what was being discussed. He recommended the motion to be to approve the contract that was posted on the agenda with an amendment that reflects the changes suggested by Councilmember Stone, which can be read into the record, and the amendment concerning the automatic organics, which also can be read into the record.
City Manager Neukirch noted that she can go through the changes.
Mayor Rotering noted that Councilmember Stone made several red-line changes outside of the organics program. She asked if the changes were significant enough that the Council needs to review the amendments or if the conversation surrounding the organics mandate was sufficient enough.
Councilmember Stone noted that the other changes that were suggested were errors that were identified within the contract that she believed to be significant and important. She stated that there was an error in the sticker price that was quoted in the contract, there was something about whether or not white goods were allowed for collection during the spring cleanup days, there was an error about the cost of electronics pick up for $50 instead of being free; there were about nine different changes. She explained that they were small, quick changes but they are significant.
Mayor Rotering agreed with Councilmember Stone and thanked her for her work on that. She explained that she was looking for justification as to why each red lined item needed to be added. She requested that City Manager Neukirch review the changes and asked Corporation Counsel about the agreement that was publicly posted but there are nine changes that are being proposed.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that the meeting is taking place via Zoom but if he were present in person, he would be able to make those changes and provide a copy to everyone for review. He explained that he could still do that and the Council could table this item until later in the agenda to bring back for a motion once an updated revision was sent to the Council for review.
Mayor Rotering noted that for the public's understanding, there would still need to be a statement as to what is being changed within the contract.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that could be done right now and in the meantime, he can prepare the revised document for the Council's review.
Councilmember Tapia asked a procedural question regarding the vote. He asked if there were two different votes being taken: one for the agreement that was posted and then one for the amendment regarding the automatic implementation if the organics program or if it was one vote for all.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that it will depend on the way in which the motion is presented but the motion can be presented as one packaged deal.
Councilmember Lidawer voiced her concern about the way this was being handled. She noted that there can be two votes, based on what was mentioned by Councilmember Tapia or she recommended putting off the vote until there was a clean, well posted document so the public is aware of what is being amended. She voiced her appreciation for the work that Councilmember Stone completed on the review of the agreement.
Councilmember Holleman stated that the whole point of having a discussion about the item is to have a dialogue and conversation. She explained that the Council amends agreements all the time. She noted that she wanted to make sure there was an understanding that what is taking place is not unusual or not transparent; it is overly transparent because there has been a discussion about the changes that have been recommended. She noted that if there was not the ability to modify a contract during a meeting, then there was no point in having a discussion about it. She explained that the Council has approved amended contracts frequently and it is not unusual or bad practice to approve a contract as amended. She stated that it seems that the only big issue is the implementation date for the organics program that was agreed to previously.
Mayor Rotering reiterated that the contract that was posted did not reflect what the majority had agreed to, which is why this issue was raised to begin with.
Councilmember Stone reiterated what Councilmember Holleman noted regarding amending a contract during a meeting. She noted that the Council does have a version that was sent earlier in the day and was not sure if it was necessary for Corporation Counsel to send a revised version to everyone during the meeting. She recommended having the City Manager review the changes so the public understood what changes were being proposed to the publicly posted version of the agreement. She stated that she was unsure if there was anyone from the public that wished to speak on this topic or if there were any public comments that were submitted for this item.
Mayor Rotering noted that there was a motion on the contract that was posted, there could be a second and then the City Manager can provide the information on those red lined items.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that the way in which the first motion was made by Councilmember Blumberg referred to a different document; it is very simple to say that he is approving a contract that was on the agenda as amended as follows. He stated that the City Manager can read into the record those proposed amendments. He explained that the motion is to approve the contract that was on the agenda as amended, so long as it is clear what those amendments are, the Council has approved ordinances and legislation in this manner before.
Mayor Rotering noted that Councilmember Blumberg may reiterate his motion for item 2 and ask the City Manager to provide information on the amendments.
Councilmember Holleman noted that there is a motion and a second on the table already and that is what would need to be amended.
Mayor Rotering asked if the motion was on the contract that was posted.
Councilmember Blumberg stated that it was but wanted to verbalize what the motion was. He moved to approve item 2 with several amendments to be read by the City Manager, including but not limited to an amendment to make April 1, 2023 the date by which composting will become City wide and part of the service agreement with additional amendments proposed by Councilmember Stone, all of these to be read into the record to be definite and to inform the public exactly what these amendments to the existing posted contract are.
Councilmember Stone, as the seconder, accepted those changes.
Councilmember Stone and City Manager Neukirch provided information on the recommended amendments, which are also detailed by tracked changes which the City Council received earlier in the day.
Councilmember Stolberg noted that the fundamental issue he has with the implementation of the organics program on April 1, 2023 is passing something and then agreeing to educate. He stated that he believed that was backwards. He opined on what he understood to be significant with the recommended amendment. He voiced his concern with mandating something prior to an educational campaign.
Councilmember Tapia opined on how he was in the same place as Councilmember Stolberg.
Councilmember Stone stated that the City has been educating the community on organics for five years and what she believes is going to change the number of households participating in the program is bringing down the cost and providing them that third cart.
Councilmember Stolberg stated that if the community has been educated for the past five years, he is unsure if mandating this type of program is the best way to educate the community on the benefits of this type of program. He opined on the importance of educating first before mandating this type of program.
Councilmember Blumberg stated that he would normally agree with educating before moving forward with legislation but as Councilmember Stone has pointed out, there has already been a long educational period; a fair amount of people are already on board and this is not being implemented for a year to allow for more education on the topic. He explained that it would be one thing if the mandate was to start the program tomorrow, next week or a month from now but this is a mandate for a year away. He voiced the importance of getting this program in place City wide.
Councilmember Lidawer agreed with reasonableness but if the education has been in place there are still households that are unaware of the current organics program that is in place; there is a lot more work that needs to be done.
Councilmember Holleman noted that this is an expensive program to do on an annual basis and until the cost is reasonable for households, the program will not take off.
Mayor Rotering stated that one distinguishing feature with recycling versus the organics program is that the City was receiving money back based on the volume of recyclables.
Councilmember Stone stated that she believes the education that has been provided on this topic has been successful; the number of those participating has increased significantly. She explained that the only households that will participate at this time, at the current cost, are those that are really committed. She noted that many of the individuals that have contacted the City are not unaware of the program, they are currently participating but they are requesting that the cost be lowered.
Councilmember Blumberg noted that it is important to get all households on an organics program. He explained that not everything that is mandated is predicated on educating the public first, some things are important enough to start immediately. He noted that starting it definitively in a year, allows those that would like to wait a year and allow for further education but waiting for further discussions is somewhat meaningless.
Councilmember Stolberg asked if LRS would implement this program with written notice form the City, 90 days before April 1, 2023.
City Manager Neukirch noted that was correct.
Councilmember Stolberg asked if LRS was providing a discount if the program was to be implemented today versus seven months from now.
City Manager Neukirch explained that LRS is holding the price.
Councilmember Stolberg noted that 100 households does not sound like a great deal within the community. He asked if any outreach has been conducted to determine if cost is the factor as to why more households are not participating now. He asked what the rush was to lock it in and mandate it now when education can be provided and the City can really figure out what the hesitation is at this point.
Mayor Rotering voiced her appreciation for the intent behind the discussion but voiced her concern about increasing costs and if there is truly a desire for the program.
Councilmember Blumberg moved to Approve A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with LakeShore Recycling Systems for the Collection of Single-Family Residential Refuse, Recyclable Materials and Yardwaste for the Period Between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2027, as amended including the amendments provided by Councilmember Stone, read by City Manager Neukirch and with the implementation of the Organics Program to take place on April 1, 2023. Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion was defeated.
| RESULT: DEFEATED
MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember AYES: Councilmembers Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, NAYS: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Lidawer |
The Council, Corporation Counsel Elrod and City Manager Neukirch discussed what was being proposed in the posted agreement as it relates to the beginning of the organics program.
Councilmember Stone moved to Approve A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with LakeShore Recycling Systems for the Collection of Single Family Residential Refuse, Recyclable Materials and Yardwaste for the Period Between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2021, as amended including the amendments read by City Manager Neukirch. 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 |
City Manager Neukirch noted that there was a public comment submitted to the City regarding this item. She read the public comment into the record.
Jennifer Futterman, Highland Park resident, voiced her approval of implementing a year-round organics program for all households.
OTHER BUSINESS (the City Council will consider and then either approve or disapprove the following items)
Community Development
12. Adoption of an Ordinance (O30-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (55-57 St Johns Avenue)”.
13. Adoption of a Resolution (R41-2022) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Development Agreement (55-57 St Johns Avenue)”.
Mayor Rotering asked if items 12 and 13 can be discussed together.
Corporation Counsel Elrod stated that they can be discussed and considered together.
Mayor Rotering voiced her appreciation for the affordable units that have been provided in this proposed development. She stated that she would be voting no on this item because she felt that the development was not keeping in character with the neighborhood, as it is too bulky and too dense for this location.
Councilmember Blumberg voiced his appreciation for the efforts put forth by the developer and reiterated his concerns regarding the affordable housing that is being provided. He noted the he would not be voting in favor of the development.
Councilmember Lidawer voiced her appreciation for the work that has been completed on this development.
Councilmember Tapia echoed the comments that were made by Councilmember Lidawer.
Councilmember Holleman moved to approve items 12-13 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilmember Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 2]
MOVER: Michelle Holleman, Councilmember SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilmember AYES: Councilmember Tapia, Councilmember Stolberg, Councilmember Stone, Councilmember Holleman, Councilmember Lidawer NAYS: Mayor Rotering, Councilmember Blumberg |
Mayor Rotering asked for information as to the absence of an internal delivery bay that would normally be required based on City Code.
Community Development Director Fontane noted that the concern was brought up during meetings and in writing. He provided an explanation as to the request that was submitted to waive this requirement for this location. He noted that the developers have met and discussed their operations with the Chief of Police and there does not seem to be a concern regarding this request for waiver.
Police Chief Jogmen confirmed discussions had regarding the work that was conducted to understand the daily operations for the business. He explained that he did reach out to other colleagues where this type of business is operated without an internal delivery system and there are no concerns with operating the business in this way.
Councilmember Holleman requested that not too specific questions be asked regarding this topic but that the Council trust that the development has been reviewed adequately.
Mayor Rotering understands but wanted to provide assurances to those that may have had a concern regarding the lack of an internal delivery bay.
Councilmember Blumberg noted that he did have those concerns but voiced appreciation for what Chief Jogmen has expressed. He noted his enthusiasm to see the relocation of the dispensary to the new location. He asked if any State law mandates that use to be in place that may have changed similarly to accept the current set up that is being proposed.
Community Development Director Fontane stated that this was a local regulation; they have to abide by all State laws and regulations in order to continue to do what they are doing for both medical and adult use.
Corporation Counsel Elrod stated that Director Fontane is correct; this is a City rule, not a State rule.
Councilmember Blumberg asked if that was in terms of what was previously required.
Corporation Counsel Elrod and Community Development Director Fontane stated that was correct.
Councilmember Blumberg thanked them for the information and noted that his inquiry was satisfied.
Councilmember Lidawer stated that there was a lot of work that was completed as it relates to where these types of businesses can be located distance wise from certain uses, like schools. She noted that she was satisfied with the distance requirement even though this location is close to Wolter's Field, which is not a school but related to a school. She stated that if the City is not going to require an internal delivery dock, then maybe the Code needs to be amended to remove that requirement in the future. She discussed an uptick in theft and requested confirmation that there is a security plan in place to alleviate this type of issue at this location. She voiced her appreciation for the easy access off of Highway 41.
Police Chief Jogmen addressed Councilmember Lidawer's concern. Mayor Rotering noted that the uptick in crime has been crimes of opportunity. City Manager Neukirch noted that a public comment was submitted for this item.
Councilmember Stolberg noted that enclosed deliveries and transport was discussed at a Plan and Design Commission meeting and as well as the possibility of reviewing the Code to make adjustments if needed.
Mayor Rotering explained that changes in the Code are often driven by irregularity and an increase in volume related to a particular area of the Code. She stated that this may be more de minimis because there will not be a lot of businesses like this in town.
Community Development Director Fontane added that everything is site specific for special use permits.
City Manager Neukirch read the public comment into the record.
Michael Laxner, Highland Park resident, requested that the additional tax levy collected for this type of business be used for something socially relevant like affordable housing or rehabilitation programs.
Mayor Rotering noted that the City does have funds allocated to working on rehabilitation programs.
Police Chief Jogmen confirmed that was correct.
Councilmember Tapia moved to approve an Ordinance Amending a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development and Granting Special Use Permits for a Planned Development (2000-2030 Skokie Valley Road). Councilmember Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer ABSENT: Councilmember Stone |
A. Councilmember Tapia
Moraine Township
Councilmember Tapia provided his Council Liaison report for the Moraine Township.
Sister Cities Foundation
Councilmember Tapia provided his Council Liaison report for the Sister
Cities Foundation.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Councilmember Tapia provided his Council Liaison report for the Zoning
Board of Appeals.
BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF
A. City Manager Neukirch
COVID Update
City Manager Neukirch provided a report on COVID updates.
Citizen Connect
City Manager Neukirch provided information on the Citizen Connect map that is now available on the City's website.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Holleman moved to adjourn. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 7:09 PM.
http://highlandparkil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=2654&Inline=True
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