Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park City Council met April 28

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

At 7:31 PM, Mayor Nancy Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:

ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia (Remote), 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, Management Analyst Cherry

ALSO PRESENT: Assistant Corporation Counsel Martinez

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting Held on April 14, 2025

Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on April 14, 2025 as amended. Councilmember Ross seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.

RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [5 TO 0]

MOVER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember

SECONDER: Yumi Ross, Councilmember

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

PRESENT: Councilmembers Stone, Blumberg

2. Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular City Council Meeting held on April 14, 2025

Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular City Council Meeting held on April 14, 2025. Councilmember Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed.

RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 0]

MOVER: Annette Lidawer, Councilmember

SECONDER: Barisa Bruckman, Councilmember

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

PRESENT: Councilmembers Stone, Blumberg

APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST

1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from April 04, 2025 to April 17, 2025.

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 Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Stone, Blumberg

REPORT OF MAYOR

A. Solidarity with Hostages in Gaza

Mayor Rotering provided comments in solidarity with the hostages in Gaza.

B. Proclamations

1. May is Jewish American Heritage Month

Mayor Rotering proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

Councilmember Lidawer provided comments.

C. Other Business

1. Recognition of Graduating Student Advisory Group, Board & Commission Representatives - Class of 2025

Mayor Rotering recognized the outgoing Class of 2025 Student Commissioners.

2. Sentencing Remarks

Mayor Rotering shared remarks on the recent sentencing.

3. Place of Remembrance Location Selection

Mayor Rotering shared information regarding the selection of the permanent Place of Remembrance location.

BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL

Councilmember Blumberg provided an update on a recent meeting of the Regional Leaf Blower Working Group.

BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF

City Manager Neukirch provided highlights of the omnibus agenda.

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

Management Analyst Cherry provided opening comments regarding Business from the Public.

Carl Lambrecht, Highland Park resident, spoke about violence in the community and cannabis.

Irwin Bernstein, Highland Park resident, commented on the use of gas leaf blowers as it pertains to golf course maintenance. He also shared information about an upcoming fundraiser for gun violence prevention.

SCHEDULED BUSINESS

ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION

Councilmember Lidawer pulled item 3 from omnibus vote consideration.

Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve items 1, 2, 4 and 5 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: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember

SECONDER: Kim Stone, Councilmember

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

Administration

1. Adoption of an Resolution (R51-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving an Exterior Improvement Grant for Coffee & Tea Bar Hospitality LLC, Doing Business as Braeside Market”.

2. Adoption of an Ordinance (O30-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Authorizing the Conveyance of Real Property (Laurel Avenue - Library)”. 

Public Works

4. Adoption of an Resolution (R53-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving Renewal of the Rock Salt Purchase Contract to Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois”.

5. Adoption of an Resolution (R54-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Contract of the City Hall and Fire Training Tower Tuckpointing Project to ALFA Chicago, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois through the Equalis Group Purchasing Cooperative.”.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS CONSIDERATION

3. Adoption of an Resolution (R52-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Traffic Signal and Multi-use Path Project at 1201 Park Avenue West to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. of Huntley, Illinois”.

Councilmember Lidawer asked for clarification on the path's placement and length.

City Manager Neukirch and Public Works Director Bannon provided background on the sidewalk and its length.

Councilmember Ross asked if a traffic study was considered for this site. City Manager Neukirch shared information about the planning process for the traffic  signal, and noted that City staff and the project consultant did not believe that a traffic study was warranted for this project.

Councilmember Stone noted that the Transportation Advisory Group discussed the potential for this multi-use path to connect with Green Bay Road. Director Bannon shared that staff is currently conceptualizing how this path would eventually connect to Green Bay Road.

Mark Portman, Highland Park resident, provided comments on the proposed path and how actions at the federal level of government may impact local projects.

Mike Laxner, Highland Park resident, asked about the timing of the traffic light, specifically at night when there is less traffic. Public Works Director Bannon noted that the signal will be timed with the other lights in the area and provided information about the timing mechanism on the traffic signal.

Councilmember Stone moved to approve a Resolution Authorizing Award of the Traffic Signal and Multi-use Path Project at 1201 Park Avenue West to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. of Huntley, Illinois. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilmember

SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilmember

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

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 8:16 PM

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