Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park City Council met Oct. 23.

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 Ross, Hoobler, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Neukirch, Director of Public Works Bannon, Community Development Director Fontane, Assistant City Manager Jason, Police Chief Jogmen, Finance Director Logan, Fire Chief Schrage, Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska

ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod, Assistant Corporation Counsel Martinez

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on October 10, 2023

Councilmember Stone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on October 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 Ross, Hoobler, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST

1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from September 30, 2023 to October 12, 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 Ross, Hoobler, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

REPORT OF MAYOR

A. Release of Community Members

Mayor Rotering shared with the community the news of the release of Judith and Natalie Ra'anan, members of the Evanston community.

B. Proclamations

Diwali Awareness Day is November 12, 2023

Mayor Rotering proclaimed November 12, 2023 as Diwali Awareness Day.

C. Other business

Mayor Rotering invited the community to participate in the City's observance of Veterans Day on Saturday November 11, 2023.

BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL

There was none.

BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF

City Manager Neukirch noted that at the request of Councilmember Lidawer, she provided information for the bid waiver request for item 1 on the omnibus agenda. She also presented information on the 2023 Major Projects quarter three update.

BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda)

Dr. Mark Nolan Hill and Cadet Abigail Smilovitz provided information on an event that was held last month to honor three Lake County veterans with bronze headstone markers from the Veterans Administration.

Mayor Rotering thanked Dr. Hill and Cadet Smilovitz for continued commitment to veterans groups, DAR and compassionate community members throughout Lake County.

SCHEDULED BUSINESS

ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember SECONDER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Hoobler, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

Administration

1. Adoption of an Ordinance (O54-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements of the City's Purchasing Manual and Approving the Purchase of City Hall Furniture From Forward Space, LLC, of Chicago, IL”.

Finance

2. Approval of Water Rates Effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024

3. Adoption of an Ordinance (O55-2023) 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 Ending December 31, 2023 Reflecting 2023 Estimates Determined During the 2024 Budget Process”.

Public Safety

6. Adoption of a Resolution (R113-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Police Safety Equipment From Safeware, Inc., of Lanam, Maryland”.

7. Adoption of a Resolution (R114-2023) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Emergency Vehicle Equipment from LDV Custom Specialty Vehicles, Inc. of Burlington, Wisconsin”.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION

4. Adoption of an Ordinance (O56-2023) titled, “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 72 of the "Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended, Regarding Parking Regulations in Fort Sheridan”.

The Council and City Manager Neukirch discussed the following items:

•  Communication that was received opposing the restriction

•  How the restriction mirrors other parking restrictions with in the City

•  A need to maintain open access to resources

•  The fundamental issue regarding the parking is the behavior of the patrons

•  Walking the extra distance to get to the resource does not seem compatible

•  Parking is available

•  Current on street parking encourages trespassing through private properties to reach the beach

•  Permits will be available from the homeowner for guests

•  Ability to call the Police Department if a homeowner is holding an event with increased need for parking near their home

•  How living in proximity to the lake is an attractive nuisance

•  A large number of residents noted that the restriction was necessary

•  Research was conducted as to the available parking in the area as well as an understanding as to what signage can be put in place

•  Disappointment that other jurisdictions are not taking action to address the issue

•  Possibility of reviewing parking restrictions in a year to see the benefit or non-benefit of having the restriction in place

•  Concerns about unintended message about being an inclusive community •  Residents should have priority parking

•  Overnight parking is not allowed in the area

•  Staff's review of the availability of parking during the week days and on weekends

•  Use of parking passes works well in areas with restrictions

•  How signage can be used to guide residents and visitors to the resources from the parking lots

•  Comprehensive parking plan is needed

Christine Sheer, Highland Park resident, voiced concerns about the parking issues that have been taking place in the area.

Shelly Catabolay, Highland Park resident, voiced concerns about the parking issues that have been taking place in the area.

Jackie Henderson, Highland Park resident, voiced concerns about the parking issues that have been taking place in the area.

David Henderson, Highland Park resident, voiced concerns about the parking issues that have been taking place in the area.

Ben Ellis, Highwood resident, voiced concerns with the proposed parking restriction.

Mayor Rotering and Mr. Ellis discussed how the available parking lots in the area were full when he recently visited with his 73 year old mother.

Michelle Frank, Highland Park resident, voiced concerns about the parking issues that have been taking place in the area.

The Council and Manager Neukirch discussed the following:

•  Appreciation for the comments provided by the residents

•  Clear nexus as to the behavior and where it is happening

•  Need for a review of accessibility for those that need it

•  Interest in moving forward with the proposed restriction for the time being

•  Access to resources will not be prevented

•  Need for clarification as to whether or not it is required to pay to park in some of the parking lots in the area

•  Staff can contact other jurisdictions to understand the requirement of pay to park in certain areas

•  There is a large focus on inclusivity and the assurance that everyone will have access to the public resources

•  Lake County Forest Preserve does not have plans to expand parking currently but recognizes there is a concern by the residents

•  Request to have report back to the Council in a year as to how the restrictions are affecting the area

Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve an Ordinance Amending Chapter 72 of the "Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended, Regarding Parking Regulations in Fort Sheridan. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Hoobler, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

5. Adoption of an Ordinance (O57-2023) titled, “An Ordinance Granting Variations from Chapter 150.805(B)(1) of the "City of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of 1997", as Amended, and Section 93.235(I) of the "Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended (370 Beech Street)”.

Councilmember Lidawer thanked the petitioner for being responsive to the request of landscaping plans. She requested that this item be sent back to the Zoning Board of Appeals ("ZBA") for their review since the ZBA unanimously recommended against providing the variance due to the Applicants having created the hardship they were seeking relief from.

Councilmembers Blumberg and Stone noted that was not an issue for the ZBA to review again and that what has been submitted complies with the ordinance.

Richard Becker, Becker Architects, was critical of the proposed landscaping plan in that no new landscaping was proposed for the new parking area and how the personal circumstances of the petitioner should not be part of the decision making process since this is not a standard for a zoning variation. He requested that this go back to ZBA for a technical review.

Jay Berlinski, Highland Park resident, reviewed the proposed ordinance and voiced concern that the ordinance did not reflect that the ZBA recommendation was a seven to zero vote against the proposal. He stated that the basis for relief has changed from the first proposal.

Ian Wagon, Chalet landscape architect, discussed the buffer area from the lot to the garage.

Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that he is satisfied with the legal form of the ordinance and if there is action following this meeting, it would happen in a circuit court.

Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve an Ordinance Granting Variations from Chapter 150.805(B)(1) of the "City of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of

1997," as Amended, and Section 93.235(I) of the "Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended (370 Beech Street). Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.

RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 1] MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Hoobler, Tapia, Stone, Blumberg NAYS: Councilmember Lidawer

OTHER BUSINESS (the City Council will consider and then either approve or disapprove the following items)

Administration

8. Adoption of an Ordinance (O58-2023) titled, “An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (1970 First Street)”.

The Council, City Manager Neukirch and Waterway General Council Mike Goldman discussed the following:

•  Excitement of having a car wash in the area again

•  Objection to the Plan and Design's ("PDC") recommendation to not allow retail sales

•  Objection to the PDC's recommendation that the occupants receiving a car wash would have to stay in their car

•  Bike repair is a great addition; having it located to a nearby bike trail would make more sense

•  Proposed light fixtures

•  Lights are to be turned off at 8:00 PM

•  Some lights near the building will be kept on to create a safe space without creating a distraction

•  Proposed spot light will be changed to down lighting

•  In depth discussion of the proposed facade of the building in comparison to the brick façade of the other car wash location in Highland Park

•  Possibility of planting more trees along First Street; trees are not germane to the conversation of what is being proposed

•  Concern regarding PDC recommended restrictions and impact on community’s business friendly position

Nancy Meacham, Highland Park resident, voiced her opposition for the approval of the proposed Waterway Car Wash and urged the Council to not approve the ordinance.

The Council was in agreement that the motion would include the following amendments:

•  Elimination of conditions four and six

•  Relocation of the bike station to the Highland Park Metra station or another location along the bike trail

•  Proposed spot light will be changed to down lighting

•  The three lights that will remain on will be the lights on the building

Councilmember Stone moved to approve an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (1970 First Street), 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, Councilmembers Ross, Hoobler, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

Councilmember Ross asked if there can be a discussion in the future about the processes of the PDC in terms of their design review and asked if portions of it can come to the Council sooner.

Mayor Rotering explained that the PDC is a recommending body to the Council and that anyone is welcome to attend their public meetings. She urged the Council to allow the members of the PDC to follow their processes and allow their decisions to come before the Council for a final decision. She stated that if a design piece is missing, that is on the applicant, it is not the role of the Council.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Blumberg 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 7:12 PM.

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