Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park Committee of the Whole met Jan. 27

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

At 5:30 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:

PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, 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 McCaulou, Fire Chief Schrage, Assistant City Manager Taub, Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska

ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod, Assistant Corporation Counsel Martinez

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1.Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on January 13, 2025

2.Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on January 13, 2025

Councilmember Stone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the  Committee of the Whole Held on January 13, 2025 and the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on January 13, 2025. 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 Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

SCHEDULED BUSINESS

1. Demolition Tax - Special Applicability Rules

Community Development Director Fontane presented information on the current Demolition Tax and requested feedback from the Committee as to whether or not to include an additional applicability provision that would make the demolition tax not applicable to new owners under certain conditions.

Mayor Rotering, Corporation Counsel Elrod, City Manager Neukirch, and Director Fontane discussed the direction of tonight's discussion, what next steps would include and impacts to the current resident requesting relief from the demolition tax.

The Committee and staff discussed the impacts to affordable housing, economic impacts to residents, concerns making changes for one resident, reviewing the definition of demolition, inclusion of long term residency, a ten year exception, and the possibility of reviewing the amount of the demolition tax.

Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch noted there is consensus to amend the City Code and discussed next steps.

2. Vacancy Tax Policy Discussion

City Manager Neukirch presented policy consideration regarding advancing a possible vacancy tax.

The Committee, Corporation Counsel Elrod and staff discussed concerns of sending a negative message to the business community, litigation, implementation of a registration for vacant commercial properties, importance of understanding why properties are vacant long-term, alternative ways to keep property owners engaged, importance of the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group's ("BEDAG") feedback, and relief property owners receive for maintaining vacant properties.

City Manager Neukirch noted next steps would be to have BEDAG review and opine on ways to keep the property owners responsible. She discussed the Food and Beverage Incentive and Boutique Incentive. She explained this would come back to the Committee in June as staff would like to see how the program is working.

Assistant City Manager Jason explained that the incentive programs are a topic on BEDAG's agenda at tomorrow night's meeting.

3. Review of Drone Shows and Fireworks Displays

City Manager Neukirch requested feedback as to whether the City should have a drone show in 2025 that would coincide with a City event or to look into a fireworks display in 2026.

The Committee and staff discussed the cost of a drone show, the possibility of having a drone show every few years, the fact that drones do not have the affect of grandeur like fireworks, the need to understand the community's wants as it relates to drones and fireworks, and how the drone shows or fireworks should be attached to the 4th of July, not at the end of an event due to the excitement of a grand finale.

City Manager Neukirch stated, based on the conversation, there would be no drone show scheduled for 2025 and research would be conducted as to next steps in planning for 2026.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Tapia moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Councilmember Stone seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

The Committee of the Whole adjourned its meeting at 6:45 PM.

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