Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park City Council met April 10

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

At 7:33 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:

ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Neukirch, Director of Public Works Bannon, Community Development Director Fontane, Assistant City Manager Jason, Fire Chief Schrage, Commander Cameron, 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 March 11, 2024

Councilmember Stone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on March 11, 2024, as amended. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a voice 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 Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone,

Blumberg

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST

1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from March 01, 2024 to March 28, 2024.

Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember

SECONDER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember

AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

REPORT OF MAYOR

A. Proclamations

1. 2024 Tree City USA/Arbor Day Proclamation

Mayor Rotering proclaimed the City as Tree City USA and provided information on the Arbor Day event taking place on April 27, 2024.

2. 2024 Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month Proclamation

Mayor Rotering proclaimed April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.

B. Other business

1. Blue Kids Program

Mayor Rotering provided information on the Blue Kids Program.

BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL

A. Historic Preservation Commission Report - Councilmember Blumberg

Councilmember Blumberg presented information on the Historic Preservation Commission.

B. Township High School District 113 Report - Councilmember Ross

Councilmember Ross presented information on Township High School District 113.

BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF

1. Omnibus Agenda Highlights

City Manager Neukirch highlighted items on the Omnibus Agenda.

2. Independence Day 2024 Plans

City Manager Neukirch provided information on Independence Day 2024 Plans.

3. Place of Remembrance Update

City Manager Neukirch provided updates on the Place of Remembrance.

4. 2024 Major Projects Q1 Update

City Manager Neukirch provided highlights of the work that has been completed on the City's Major Projects during FY2024, Quarter One.

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

Mayor Rotering provided a statement regarding the opportunity for the public to address the Council on an item that was not on tonight’s agenda.

Carl Lambrecht, Highland Park resident, discussed a book.

Irwin Bernstein, Highland Park resident, discussed the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group and gas powered leaf blowers.

Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch addressed Mr. Bernstein's comments.

Richard Rosenberg, Highland Park resident and business owner, discussed a need to amend the City Code as it relates to liquor licenses and recusal process.

Mayor Rotering and Corporation Counsel Elrod discussed the application process as well as the responsibility of the licensing body and applicant.

Faye Rosenberg, Highland Park resident and business owner, discussed a need to amend the City Code as it relates to liquor licenses.

Levi Kane, Highland Park resident, discussed a need to amend the City Code as it relates to liquor licenses.

Paul Weinberg, Highland Park resident, discussed gas powered leaf blowers.

City Manager Neukirch discussed and answered questions posed by Mr. Weinberg.

Samuel, Highland Park resident, discussed the amendment to the City's Liquor code.

Mary Dillon Grant, Highland Park resident, discussed amendments to Chapter 119 - Alcoholic Beverages.

Linda Feinstein, Highland Park resident, discussed the liquor code within the City Code.

Doug Purington, Highland Park resident, discussed the liquor code within the City Code.

William Abonce, Highland Park resident and business owner, read a letter from the Illinois Restaurant Association.

SCHEDULED BUSINESS

ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION

Councilmember Lidawer requested to remove item 1 from omnibus vote consideration.

Councilmember Tapia commended City Staff and the Council for their work on items that will continue to enhance the business districts.

Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve items 2-19 by omnibus vote consideration, with items 7 and 13 as amended. Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember

SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember

AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

Administration

2. Adoption of a Resolution (R29-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Amending the Annual Fee Resolution Concerning Liquor Licenses”.

3. Adoption of an Ordinance (O29-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Authorizing the Disposition of Surplus Property”.

4. Adoption of a Resolution (R30-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for a Shared Risk Manager”. 

Finance

5. Adoption of an Ordinance (O30-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirements of the City’s Purchasing Manual and Approving the Renewal of LaserFiche Document Management Software with Migration to Cloud Hosting”.

Public Works

6. Adoption of a Resolution (R31-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Fuel Delivery Contract to Avalon Petroleum Company of Kankakee, Illinois”.

7. Adoption of a Resolution (R32-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A

Resolution Authorizing Award of the Business Districts (CBD/RBD) Landscape & Hardscape Maintenance Contract to Moreno Landscape and Hardscape, LLC., of Highland Park, Illinois”.

RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember

SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember

AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone,

Blumberg

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

8. Adoption of a Resolution (R33-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Briergate Business District Improvements Project Contract to Alliance Contractors, Inc. of Woodstock, Illinois”.

9. Adoption of a Resolution (R34-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled,

“Resolution Approving a Local Public Agency Agreement for Phase I Engineering Services with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the Dean Avenue Bridge Replacement Project”.

10. Adoption of a Resolution (R35-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Phase I Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for the Dean Avenue Bridge Replacement Project to Baxter & Woodman, Inc., of Crystal Lake, Illinois”.

11. Adoption of a Resolution (R36-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Second Street Streetscape Project Contract to Everlast Blacktop, Inc. of Elgin, Illinois”.

12. Adoption of a Resolution (R37-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Central Business District (CBD) Resurfacing and Pedestrian Signal Improvement Project Contract to Builders Paving, LLC, of Hillside, Illinois”.

13. Adoption of a Resolution (R38-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Certain City Officials and Officers to Execute Approved Contracts with the State of Illinois and Directing the City Clerk to Complete and Execute a Certificate of Authority for State Contracts”.

RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember

SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember

AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

14. Adoption of a Resolution (R39-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Supporting an Illinois Department of Transportation Requirement Pertaining to Written Permits for Construction on a State Highway”.

15. Adoption of a Resolution (R40-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Acknowledging the IDOT Selection of Alliance Contractors, Inc Pursuant to the Approved Agreement between the City and IDOT for the Central Avenue at Hickory Street HSIP Funded Project”.

16. Adoption of a Resolution (R41-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the 2024 Fire Hydrant Sandblasting & Painting Program Contract to Alpha Maintenance and Services, Inc. of Algonquin, Illinois”.

Community Development

17. Adoption of an Ordinance (O31-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Amending the "City of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of 1997." as Amended, and Chapter 173 of the "the Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended, Regarding the Regulation of Fences”.

Public Safety

18. Adoption of an Ordinance (O32-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements of the City's Purchasing Manual and Approving An Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona, for the Purchase of an Audio Video Recording System for Police Interview and Detention Rooms”.

19. Adoption of a Resolution (R42-2024) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Police Uniforms From J.G. Uniforms, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois”.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION

1. Adoption of an Ordinance (O33-2024) titled, “An Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Chapter 119 of "The Highland Park Code Of 1968," As Amended, Regarding Liquor Licenses (Hours of Operation, Cocktails to Go, Keg Regulations, Revised Classifications, New Classifications)”.

Councilmember Lidawer highlighted aspects of the proposed amendments. She discussed Section 119.320 of the City Code and noted that further conversations need to be had. She requested that the ordinance be continued to the April 24, 2024 City Council meeting.

City Manager Neukirch noted that there are two businesses that are waiting for a decision to be made regarding these proposed amendments as reviewed in January by the COTW. She stated that staff is recommending that the ordinance be approved.

Councilmember Stone and Blumberg noted they were ready to move forward with the recommended amendments.

Councilmember Tapia noted that he would be in favor of continuing this item to the next City Council meeting.

Councilmember Ross noted that she was comfortable with moving forward with this item tonight.

The Committee opined on whether to continue the ordinance to the next City Council meeting on April 24, 2024 or move forward with the item on the agenda tonight.

Councilmember Lidawer moved to continue this item to the next City Council meeting on April 24, 2024. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion failed.

RESULT: FAILED

MOVER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember

SECONDER: Andrés Tapia, Councilmember

AYES: Councilmembers Lidawer, Tapia

NAYS: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Stone, Blumberg

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve an Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Chapter 119 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," as Amended, Regarding Liquor Licenses (Hours of Operation, Cocktails to Go, Keg Regulations, Revised Classification, New Classifications), as amended. Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.

RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [4 TO 2]

MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember

SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember

AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Ross, Stone, Blumberg

NAYS: Councilmembers Lidawer, Tapia

ABSENT: Councilmember Hoobler

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 9:14 PM.

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