City of Highland Park City Council met April 24
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, Director of Public Works Bannon, Community Development Director Fontane, Assistant City Manager Jason, Police Chief Jogmen, Fire Chief Schrage, Community Development Deputy Director Later, Communications Manager Bennett, Deputy City Clerk Palbitska
ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Rescheduled Regular City Council Meeting Held on April 10, 2023
Councilmember Stone moved to approve the minutes of the Rescheduled Regular City Council Meeting Held on April 10, 2023. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a voice 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 |
APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from March 31, 2023 to April 13, 2023.
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 |
REPORT OF MAYOR
A. Proclamations
1. May is Jewish American Heritage Month
Mayor Rotering proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans throughout the nation's history. She invited Arthur Maserjian and Julie Reeder, who represent the Combat Antisemitism Movement, to accept the proclamation.
Arthur Maserjian thanked the Mayor and City Council for the proclamation. He shared information about Jewish history in the area and his own Jewish history.
2. May 2023 is Highland Park Bike Month
Mayor Rotering noted that May is Bike Month. She invited Councilmember Stone, the Council liaison to the Transportation Advisory Group, to read the proclamation.
Councilmember Stone proclaimed May to be Bike Month. She invited Brent Ross to accept the proclamation.
Brent Ross accepted the proclamation and provided information on upcoming bike events.
Councilmember Stone encouraged community members to opt outside this spring and summer to explore the beautiful City. She noted that there are self-directed tours of local architectural landmarks and a family-friendly bike through the Highlands neighborhood. She noted that there will be a brand new, guided historic preservation bike tour that is scheduled for May 28 at 1PM and tentatively June 3 at 11AM that begins and ends at Moraine Park on Sheridan Road.
3. Historic Preservation Month 2023 & Upcoming Historic Preservation Awards
Mayor Rotering noted that May is also Historic Preservation Month. She invited Councilmember Blumberg, Council liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, to read the proclamation.
Councilmember Blumberg proclaimed May to be Historic Preservation Month. He noted that over the past few years, the Historic Preservation Commission has undertaken a tremendous effort to enhance the City's longstanding work to preserve the rich architectural history of the community, culminating in the adoption of the City's first Historic
Preservation Plan on November 28, 2022. He invited Bill Levy, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission to accept the proclamation.
Mayor Rotering thanked Chair Levy for his continued work on the Historic Preservation Commission. She invited Community Development Director Fontane to the podium for a brief presentation regarding the upcoming Historic Preservation Awards.
Director Fontane presented information on the upcoming Historic Preservation Awards.
B. Other business
1. Recognition of Graduating Student Commissioners - Class of 2023 Mayor Rotering congratulated the Class of 2023 Student Commissioners. She noted that these graduating seniors volunteered their time and provided their unique perspective to help shape conversations and policy recommendations.
Business & Economic Development Advisory Group
Ava Adelman
Cultural Arts Advisory Group
Spencer Sabath
Historic Preservation Commission
Asher Mendelson
Housing Commission
Colin Chase
Human Relations Advisory Group
Mia Ness
Library Board of Trustees
Noah Apley
Plan & Design Commission
Adriana Lauren Mendoza
Sustainability Advisory Group
Lea Bahn
Davide Albiani
Transportation Advisory Group
Ari Posner
Zoning Board of Appeals
Jeremy Bach
2. Recognition of Councilmembers Michelle Holleman & Adam Stolberg Mayor Rotering noted that tonight is the final full meeting with Councilmembers Michelle Holleman and Adam Stolberg as they conclude their terms of office. She shared comments on her tenure with both Councilmembers.
Councilmembers Blumberg, Stone, Lidawer, and Tapia shared their experiences with Councilmembers Holleman and Stolberg.
Councilmember Holleman shared her history as a member of the City Council for the past nine years.
Councilmember Stolberg shared his history as a member of the City Council, as well as his experience with the Plan and Design Commission.
On behalf of the City Mayor Rotering voiced her deep appreciation for Councilmembers Holleman and Stolberg for their dedicated work as members of the Highland Park City Council.
BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL
A. Plan & Design Commission Report - Councilmember Stolberg Councilmember Stolberg provided a report on the Plan and Design Commission.
BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF
1. Thank you Councilmembers Holleman and Stolberg
On behalf of City staff, City Manager Neukirch thanked and applauded
Councilmembers Holleman and Stolberg for their hard work, preparedness, support and for making policy decisions based on the best interest of the community.
2. GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY2021 City Manager Neukirch provided information on the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence that the City received for financial reporting in 2021.
3. Preliminary Plans for July 4, 2023
City Manager Neukirch provided updated information as to the preliminary plans for July 4, 2023.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda)
There was none.
SCHEDULED BUSINESS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
Mayor Rotering removed items 1, 3, and 6 from omnibus vote consideration.
Councilmember Stolberg moved to approve items 2, 4, 5, and 7-8 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilmember SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
Administration
2. Adoption of a Resolution (R57-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Resolution Approving Agreement with Professional Security Services for Special Events”.
Public Works
4. Adoption of a Resolution (R58-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Central Avenue Resurfacing & Water Improvements Contract to Peter Baker & Son Co. of Lake Bluff, Illinois”.
5. Adoption of a Resolution (R59-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Prospect Avenue Storm Sewer Project Contract to Misfits Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois”.
7. Adoption of a Resolution (R60-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Rock Salt Purchase Contract to Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois”.
Community Development
8. Adoption of an Ordinance (O24-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Granting A Special Exception For Off-Street Parking Relief (668-700 Park Avenue West)”.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. An Ordinance Amending Section 33.005 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," As Amended, Regarding Advisory Group Membership.
Councilmember Lidawer noted that this ordinance goes to the fact that advisory group members have been residents of Highland Park and this recommended change broadens the ability to allow business owners and managers to be appointed to the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group. She explained that business owners have a definite interest in the community but she does not agree with the language to allow managers to be appointed. She noted that the language she would be advocating for has to do with owners of businesses or their designee. She explained that she would like the language to be reflective of a certain level within the business hierarchy. She stated that there needs to be a clear understanding between members of the public, businesses in the public and the City because the level of commitment is not expressed adequately with the term manager.
Corporation Counsel Elrod explained that this particular provision, Section Three, is not going into the Municipal Code, but rather language to guide the Mayor and City Council as to what the field of candidacy would be. He noted that he does not have any issues with Councilmember Lidawer's suggestion but it is just for the Council to determine what guidance should be provided to the Mayor and future Mayors for appointing members to the commission.
Councilmember Lidawer noted that while she understands that, it is important to have this open to residents only.
Mayor Rotering shared that there are a few commissions and boards that, through ex-officio positions, are open to individuals that are not residents but individuals that represent entities that are relevant to the mission of the group.
Councilmember Blumberg asked for clarification that the only change to the Code is language that allows this commission to permit, as the Council allows, non-residents.
Corporation Counsel Elrod clarified that the Code change is to allow for any advisory group to have non-resident members. He explained that the additional language is guidance for the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group.
Councilmember Blumberg stated that as the Council sees fit, would have great flexibility to appoint individuals.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that the threshold question the Council should be focusing on is whether or not the Council wants to change a long standing provision that members of advisory groups can only be residents; that is the key change.
City Manager Neukirch explained the intent of the use of the term manager and voiced that the objective is to enable business leaders to be part of the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group. The group currently consists primarily of residents and a business voice is suggested.
Councilmember Stone voiced her appreciation for the explanation. She noted that the term designee is very vague and if the commissions and advisory groups are going to be opened to non-residents, there needs to be very specific language and individuals that have a vested interest in the community. She stated that she would agree with staff's recommendation and made a motion to approve the ordinance as presented.
Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion.
Councilmember Holleman voiced her opposition for allowing individuals to be appointed that are not Highland Park residents. She noted that she would not be voting in favor of the ordinance.
Mayor Rotering voiced her appreciation for the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce being in attendance. She explained that the Chamber of Commerce is a very structured area where members of the business community can gather and discuss issues within the community with the City's presence. She noted that it may be redundant to add a business owner to the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group.
Councilmember Lidawer voiced her opposition to the term manager. She noted that without the change of the term manager, she struggles with allowing non-residents.
Councilmember Blumberg asked for clarification if this would apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals or Plan and Design Commission.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that this was just for advisory groups, which is a separate category from other boards and commissions. He explained that the Code change is for all advisory groups only.
Councilmember Blumberg withdrew his motion.
Councilmember Stone withdrew the motion. She asked if she could make a new motion to deny the ordinance.
Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that was not necessary because this was not brought up from another public body of the City. He asked if the Council would want this to solely be for the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group.
The Council was in consensus that they did not want that.
Mayor Rotering stated that this item failed for the lack of a motion.
| RESULT: FAILED |
3. Adoption of a Resolution (R61-2023) titled, “Support for the Illinois Legislature to Pass Ethan's Law and the Safe Storage of Firearms”.
Mayor Rotering voiced her appreciation for Lake County Board Commissioner Paul Frank for raising this issue.
Commissioner Frank provided information on Ethan's Law and the Safe Storage of Firearms legislation and how this legislation came to be.
Mayor Rotering thanked Commissioner Frank for raising everyone's awareness and the opportunity to learn more about this. She noted that when Commissioner Frank was a Councilmember, he brought to the City's attention the 10 day window to pass the assault weapons ban in 2013 under the Illinois Concealed Carry Act. She read the resolution into the record. She stated that the legislative session is coming to a close soon for the season and if the Council moves forward with the approval of the resolution, the City will be informing the legislature of the support to pass this law.
Councilmember Stolberg moved to approve a Resolution in Support for the Illinois Legislature to Pass Ethan's Law and the Safe Storage of Firearms. Councilmember Stoned seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilmember SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
6. Adoption of a Resolution (R62-2023) titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of a Purchase of Services Agreement with Pace to Provide Local Bus and Ravinia Park and Ride Service for Calendar Year 2023”.
Councilmember Stone voiced her concern that Pace has cut their service in Highland Park and that the City will become responsible for the local share of the fair fare box revenue, especially because of the service cuts. She noted that the routes need to be reviewed to provide better services to and within Highland Park. She noted that members of the Transportation Advisory Groups suggested reviews of the routes in the past with local universities that have stated they could do the work for their educational programs. She noted that Pace had indicated they would be completing the analysis but she does not believe they have done so; she suggested that it could be added to the City's work plan. She stated that the City needs a regional resolution and looked to Commissioner Frank for his support. She explained that two individuals in the last two weeks have expressed their frustration with not having access to the transportation they need in order to get to their place of work. She noted that she is unsure as to what the solution is but she understands that the Council would have to approve the agreement to continue to provide some kind of service to the community. She noted that maybe a review can be conducted before the contract expires in a few months.
Councilmember Stolberg agreed with statements that have been made by Councilmember Stone. He asked what options the City may have if the agreement was not approved or does the Council have to approve the agreement and then put Pace on notice that there needs to be a reevaluation of the services being provided.
City Manager Neukirch provided information as to why it is recommended that the Council approve the agreement being presented.
Councilmember Holleman noted that the agreement needs to be approved but in the future there may be a better way to operate the Ravinia buses versus the regular buses.
Councilmember Tapia requested the review of needs for employees that are in Highland Park and if they may be struggling to accept a job in Highland Park because of the cut in services. He added that the review should include the needs of adults with special needs who are having a hard time getting back and forth. He recommended that as part of the review, the City ask the retailers and restaurants what they would like to see.
Councilmembers Stone, Holleman, and City Manager Neukirch discussed the marketing of the reverse shuttle to downtown to allow riders to ride for free.
Mayor Rotering noted that at the last CMAP Board meeting, she raised the concerns surrounding the entire process, fair fare box sharing, and how Lake County is a public transit desert.
Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve a Resolution Authorizing Renewal of a Purchase of Services Agreement with Pace to Provide Local Bus and Ravinia Park and Ride Service for Calendar year 2023. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember SECONDER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
OTHER BUSINESS (the City Council will consider and then either approve or disapprove the following items)
Community Development
9. Consideration of a Plan and Design Commission Recommendation for a Special Use Permit in the Nature of a Preliminary and Final Planned Development and a Plat of Consolidation for Ravinia School (763 Dean Avenue)
Community Development Director Fontane presented information on the consideration of a Plan and Design Commission recommendation for a special use permit in the nature of a preliminary and final planned development and a plat of consolidation for Ravinia School at 763 Dean Avenue.
Councilmember Stone noted that the applicant's plan did not conform to the condition that all exterior lighting not exceed 3,000K; there is one light fixture that is specified to be 4,000K.
Director Fontane noted that the information will be reviewed and ensure that all items are reflected appropriately in the documents.
Councilmember Stone noted that May Watts Park was going to be incorporated into the property and asked if the relocation of the playground was going to disturb the wild area at the south end of the park.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, explained that the school acquired May Watts Park and will incorporate the preserve as appropriate as can be and do not plan to encroach that much into the wild area but educational use will dictate how it will be used.
Councilmember Stone noted that during Director Fontane's presentation on lighting, it was the WST LED Light that was specified at 4,000K in the applicant’s plan. She noted that this type of light was also specified at 6,000 lumens and the other light fixtures were 3,000 lumens each; she noted that the 6,000 lumens seemed high and sought clarification if that correct.
Chief Architect with Wight and Company, Stuart Brodsky, noted that it will be checked into to see if there was a discrepancy.
Councilmember Stone noted that the community was very clear in the desire to maintain neighborhood schools and she commended the School District for finding a way to update the building in a way in keeping with the historic nature of the building. She asked if the new parking area is proposed to be permeable pavement.
Erickson Engineering Project Manager, Josh Cap, stated that the proposal is to bid for permeable pavers and that cost will determine will be dependent on whether or not that bid moves forward.
Councilmember Stone noted that the City has done some work with permeable paving and may be able to assist with that. She noted that the Forester suggested removing two or three of the parking spaces to reduce the risk of losing some of the adjacent large oak trees. She asked if that was a possibility.
Mr. Cap noted that was something that could be looked into.
Councilmember Lidawer voiced her appreciation for the work that has been conducted on this project.
Dr. Lubelfeld voiced his appreciation for the Board of Education of North Shore School District 112 and Wight and Company.
Councilmember Holleman voiced her appreciation for the accessibility features within the building.
Councilmember Holleman moved to direct staff to draft documents.
Councilmember Stone asked Councilmember Holleman to amend her motion with the condition that staff recommended the condition with the 3,000K light fixtures.
Councilmember Holleman noted that she would not amend her motion as staff will ensure all of the lighting is appropriate.
Councilmember Tapia voiced his appreciation for the work the District has put into this project.
Councilmember Stolberg voiced his appreciation for the work the District has put into this project.
Councilmember Holleman moved to direct staff to draft documents for a Special Use Permit in the Nature of a Preliminary and Final Planned Development and a Plat of Consolidation for Ravinia School at 763 Dean Avenue. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Michelle Holleman, Councilmember SECONDER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Tapia, Stolberg, Stone, Blumberg, Holleman, Lidawer |
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Tapia moved to adjourn. Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. On a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 7:21 PM.
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