City Council

Minutes of a Regular Meeting of The City Council of the City of Highland Park MEETING DATE: November 10, 2025 MEETING LOCATION: City Hall 1707 St Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Il 60035 I. Call to Order At 7:30 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call: II. Roll Call Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, 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, Commander Curran, Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska, Sustainability Manager Knight Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Held on October 20, 2025 Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve the Minutes of the Reuglar Meeting of the City Council Held on October 20, 2025. Councilmember Center seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed. MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg SECONDER: Councilmember Center AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None V. Approval of Warrant List A. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from October 10, 2025 to October 30, 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.  MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg SECONDER: Councilmember Lidawer AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None VI. Report of Mayor A. Other Business Mayor Rotering provided information on support services for the community. She highlighted information for the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2025. Dr. Mark Nolan Hill shared information on the most recent Chicago Veteran Honor Flight. VII. Business from the Council There was none. VIII. Business from City Staff City Manager Neukirch provided an update on the dissolution of the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District and annexation to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch confirmed that all the assets and liabilities will be assumed by the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD). They discussed the requirement of the accounting of the funds. City Manager Neukirch provided highlights of items on the omnibus agenda. She also provided information on the upcoming new water billing system that will be implemented in the first quarter, 2026. Sustainability Manager Knight presented information on Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reduction Goals. The Council voiced their appreciation for the presentation and for the efforts conducted by staff to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Council and staff discussed sustainable construction, optimistic insight and possible concerns for the future. IX. Business from the Public (Individuals wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda) Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska provided opening comments for Business from the Public. Ken Temkin, Highland Park resident, requested the City condemn and counter federal immigration enforcement in Highland Park and neighboring communities. Mayor Rotering provided comments in regards to Mr. Temkin's statement.  Mark Gilhooley, Highland Park resident, voiced concern with the federal actions being taken against immigrant neighbors. Janet Garcia, Highland Park resident, voiced concern with the federal actions being taken against immigrant neighbors. She requested the City do more with what they can within their purview. Mayor Rotering provided statements regarding the environment surrounding immigration actions by the federal government. Ken Katula, Highland Park resident, suggested that if there is ICE activity within Highland Park, an alert should go out to the community. He asked about Green Bay Road resurfacing. Mayor Rotering noted that the first amendment is alive in Highland Park. She stated that Green Bay Road resurfacing will be on the agenda for 2028. Owners of the Shell Gas Station on Green Bay Road, provided highlights as to the beautification actions they will be taking to update the property. They requested assistance with possibly offering liquor and gaming terminals. They voiced their appreciation for all of the support related to the immigration conversations. Councilmember Tapia responded to the comments made regarding the environment surrounding immigrant neighbors. X. Omnibus The Council and staff discussed items 4 & 5 on the omnibus agenda. Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve items 1–8 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed. MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer SECONDER: Councilmember Tapia AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmember Centers, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None Finance 1. Approval of an Estimate of the Amount of Revenue to be generated from Tax Year 2025 Property Taxes for Collection in the Fiscal Year 2026 in Accordance with the Truth in Taxation Statute  Public Works 2. R130-2025 - A Resolution Approving Award of the Grant Assistance Consulting Services Agreements with Civiltech Engineer, Inc., of Itasca, Illinois and Baxter & Woodman, Inc., of Bannockburn, Illinois 3. R131-2025 - A Resolution Approving Award of the Traffic Engineering Services Agreements with Civiltech Engineering, Inc., of Itasca, Illinois; Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc., of Elgin Illinois; and Baxter & Woodman, Inc., of Bannockburn, Illinois 4. R132-2025 - A Resolution Repealing Resolution No. R145-2024 and Approving a Revised Professional Services Agreement with USIC Locating Services, LLC, of Indianapolis, Indiana 5. R133-2025 - A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Officer Regarding the Pedestrian Bridge over US 41 Replacement Project Community Development 6. R134-2025 - A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Enterprise Resource Planning Software and Implementation Contract between the City of Highland Park and Tyler Technologies Inc., of Plano, Texas Public Safety 7. O55-2025 - An Ordinance Amending Section 71.275 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," as amended, Regarding Driver Duty to Make Traffic Accident Report 8. R135-2025 - A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Public Safety Cadets for the Operation of a Police Cadet Program XII. Other Business A. Public Hearing Related to the Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois At 8:39 PM, Mayor Rotering called to order the Public Hearing Related to the Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois and asked the Clerk to call the roll: Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg Absent: None Mayor Rotering declared a quorum was present.  City Manager Neukirch provided opening statements regarding the proposed budget. Finance Director McCaulou presented information as it relates to the proposed budget for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for Fiscal Year 2026. The Council and staff discussed revenue increases, drawdowns, personnel costs, Library tax levy, lead service line replacement program, and the impact of drawdowns on the City's rating into the future. The public hearing was closed at 9:02 PM. Mayor Rotering noted that individuals who were unable to attend this evening's public hearing, may submit written comments to the attention of the City Finance Director. She stated that the City Council will consider an Ordinance Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget and related items at the November 24, 2025 City Council Meeting. B. Public Hearing for an Amendment to a Special Use Permit in the Nature of a Planned Development (445 Central Avenue) At 9:03 PM, Mayor Rotering called to order the Public Hearing Related to an Amendment to a Special Use Permit in the Nature of a Planned Development (445 Central Avenue) and asked the Clerk to call the roll: Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg Absent: None Mayor Rotering declared a quorum was present. Community Development Director Fontane presented information regarding the proposed amendment to a Special Use Permit in the Nature of a Planned Development at 445 Central Avenue. The Council, City Staff and Scott Canal, property owner of 445 Central Avenue, discussed guarantees that will be provided to ensure the remaining spaces are filled within 2026. They discussed the timeline for leasing the spaces. They discussed concerns about ensuring this project would be completed. Corporation Counsel noted that if the medical use were to leave, the restriction would revert to the required use within the space. The Council and Mr. Canal discussed circling back on the restaurants that had demonstrated interest in the past. They discussed setting markers to move forward in order to understand the timeline of leasing the spaces.  Councilmembers provided comments and voiced concerns regarding the project and the direction they would be voting on items related to the proposed amendments. The public hearing was closed at 9:28 PM. Mayor Rotering noted that the Council will consider an Ordinance Amending a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development at 445 Central Avenue. C. O56-2025 - An Ordinance Amending a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (445 Central Avenue) D. R136-2025 - A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Development Agreement Between the City of Highland Park and Alabama Associates, LP Corporation Counsel Elrod explained that items C and D can be taken by omnibus. He noted item D would be as amended. He stated that the motion may include the requirement of a report within six months then quarterly after that with a comprehensive report required annually. Councilmember Center asked, if the content of the reports do not meet the satisfaction of the Council, will further actions be able to be taken as far as penalties. Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that the applicant should provide written reports that will then be available as part of the public record. Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve items C & D by omnibus vote consideration, with Item D being as amended, to include that the applicant will be required to provide reports after six months and then on a quarterly basis with a comprehensive report required annually. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (6 - 1). MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer SECONDER: Councilmember Tapia AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer NAYS: Councilmember Blumberg E. O57-2025 - An Ordinance Amending a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (763 Dean Avenue) The Council and Community Development Director Fontane discussed how the lighting will comply with Dark Sky requirements. They addressed concerns related to the proposed additional parking spaces and the location of those proposed parking spaces being on private property, not on Roger Williams.  Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve an Ordinance Amending a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development (763 Dean Avenue). Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed. MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg SECONDER: Councilmember Lidawer AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None F. Consideration of a Planned Development and Final Plat (932 and 942 Deerfield Rd.) The Council, the applicant and Community Development Director discussed the alternatives for the facades. Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the drafting of documents for a Planned Development and Final Plat (932 and 942 Deerfield Road). Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed. MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer SECONDER: Councilmember Tapia AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None XIII. Closed Session Councilmember Blumberg moved the Council to close its meeting to the public, pursuant to the following cited section of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)), for the purposes of, (i) security (5 ILCS 120/2(C)(8)); and (ii) purchase or lease of property (5 ILCS 120/2(C)(5)). Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. At 9:48 PM, the Council recessed the public portion of the meeting to meet in Closed Session. At 10:20 PM, Mayor Rotering reconvened the open session of the City Council meeting.  Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg Absent: None Staff Present: City Manager Neukirch, Police Chief Jogmen, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod XIV. Adjournment Councilmember Tapia moved to adjourn the City Council meeting. Councilmember Center seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously. The City Council adjourned its meeting at 10:20 PM Respectfully Submitted, Ashley Palbitska Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk