City Council
Regular MeetingHighland Park, IL · April 27, 2026
Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIGHLAND PARK
___________________________________________________________________________________
MEETING DATE: April 27, 2026
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 Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer
(remote), Blumberg
Absent: Councilmember Center
Staff Present: City Manager Neukirch, Director of Public Works Bannon, Community
Development Director Fontane, Assistant City Manager Jason, Finance
Director McCaulou, Assistant City Manager Taub, Commander Curran,
Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager
Palbitska
Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Approval of Minutes
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Held on April
13, 2026
Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
the City Council Held on April 13, 2026. Councilmember Tapia seconded the
motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg
SECONDER: Councilmember Tapia
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer, Blumberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Center
2. Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the City
Council on April 13, 2026
Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve the Minutes of the Closed Session of
the Regular Meeting of the City Council Held on April 13, 2026. Councilmember
Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion
Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg
SECONDER: Councilmember Bruckman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer, Blumberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Center
V. Approval of Warrant List
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from April 03, 2026 to April 16, 2026.
Councilmember Tapia moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilmember
Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the
motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Tapia
SECONDER: Councilmember Blumberg
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer, Blumberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Center
VI. Report of Mayor
1. Proclamations
May is Jewish American Heritage Month
Mayor Rotering proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
Highland Park Public Library Executive Director Smith accepted the proclamation
and provided information on Jewish American Heritage activities being provided by
the Library.
May is Highland Park Bike Month
Mayor Rotering proclaimed May as Highland Park Bike Month and recognized
Transportation Advisory Group Chair Elliot Rossen and Advisor Christopher Nelson.
Christopher Johnson accepted the proclamation and provided remarks.
May is Building Safety Month
Mayor Rotering proclaimed May as Building Safety month.
Community Development Director Fontane accepted the proclamation.
2. Other Business
International Compost Awareness Week is May 3 to May 9, 2026
Mayor Rotering reported that the first week in May is International Compost
Awareness week and provided information on activities being held throughout the
week.
Recognition of Student Commissioners Graduating Class of 2026
Mayor Rotering recognized the Student Commissioner Graduating Class of 2026.
VII. Business from the Council
1. Business & Economic Development Advisory Group - Councilmember Bruckman
Councilmember Bruckman provided information on the projects and efforts of the
Business and Economic Development Advisory Group.
2. Sustainability Advisory Group - Councilmember Blumberg
Councilmember Blumberg provided an update on the projects and efforts of the
Sustainability Advisory Group.
VIII. Business from City Staff
1. 2026 Major Projects Workplan - Q1 Report
City Manager Neukirch provided highlights of tonight's omnibus agenda and an
update on the 2026 Major Projects Workplan.
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 remarks for Business from the
Public.
Peter Mordini, Highland Park resident, provided comments as it relates to Albion.
City Manager Neukirch noted that the City will continue to remain in contact with Mr.
Mordini.
X. Omnibus
Mayor Rotering removed item 8 from omnibus vote consideration.
Councilmember Tapia moved to approve items 1-7 by omnibus vote consideration.
Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor
declared the motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Tapia
SECONDER: Councilmember Blumberg
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer,
Blumberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Center
Administration
1. Adoption of an Ordinance (O16-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An
Ordinance Amending the Intergovernmental Agreement Establishing the Solid
Waste Agency of Lake County, Illinois”.
2. Adoption of a Resolution (R49-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A
Resolution Entering Into a Food & Beverage Interior Improvement Grant for Katy
The Butcher LLC (1954 First Street)”.
3. Adoption of a Resolution (R50-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A
Resolution Entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Lake Cook/Skokie LLC
d/b/a Rmarts Shell North Shore (10 Skokie Valley Road)”.
4. Adoption of a Resolution (R51-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A
Resolution entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Gemini Designs LLC
(1316 Old Skokie Road)”.
Public Works
5. Adoption of a Resolution (R52-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A
Resolution Approving the Award of the 2026 Snow Hauling Program Contract to
D&A Enterprises, Inc., of Highland Park, Illinois”.
6. Adoption of a Resolution (R53-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A
Resolution Rejecting the Bids Received for a Contract for the Lead Service Line
Replacement (Phase II) Project”.
Community Development
7. Adoption of a Resolution (R54-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A
Resolution Approving Agreements for Property Management, Operation, and
Maintenance Services for the Peers Housing Association, the Ravinia Housing
Association, and the Sunset Wood Association”.
XI. Items Removed From Omnibus Vote Consideration
8. Adoption of a Resolution (R55-2026) titled, “A Resolution Approving a Public
Right-of-Way Use License Agreement Between the City of Highland Park and Ezee
Fiber Texas, LLC for Installation of Fiber Optic Communications Facilities”.
The Council and Garner Duncan, Telecommunications & Government Affairs
Executive with Ezee Fiber, discussed the location of traffic control cabinets, noise
and decibel levels, removal of the traffic control cabinets if technology were to
change and whose responsibility it is to repair the right-of-way.
Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve a Resolution Approving a Public
Right-of-Way Use License Agreement Between the City of Highland Park and Ezee
Fiber Texas, LLC for Installation of Fiber Optic Communications Facilities.
Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor
declared the motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg
SECONDER: Councilmember Tapia
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer, Blumberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Center
XII. Other Business
A. Adoption of an Ordinance (O17-2026) titled, “An Ordinance Designating the Property
at 273 Sheridan Road a Local Landmark”.
Community Development Director presented information on the designation of a local
landmark for the property at 273 Sheridan Road. He noted this would be the 79th local
landmark within the City.
The Council voiced their appreciation for the voluntary landmark.
Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve an Ordinance Designating the Property at
273 Sheridan Road a Local Landmark. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion.
Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg
SECONDER: Councilmember Tapia
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer, Blumberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Center
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) personnel (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)); and ii) pending litigation (5 ILCS
120/2(c)(11)). Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the
Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
At 8:20 PM, the Council recessed the public portion of the meeting to meet in Closed
Session.
At 9:09 PM, Mayor Rotering reconvened the open session of the City Council meeting.
Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer
(remote), Blumberg
Absent: Councilmember Center
Staff Present: City Manager Neukirch, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska
Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod
XIV. Adjournment
Councilmember Tapia moved to adjourn the City Council meeting. Councilmember
Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion
passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 9:09 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ashley Palbitska
Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk
Agenda
City Council Meeting
City Hall
1707 St Johns Avenue,
Highland Park, Il 60035
April 27, 2026
7:30 PM
Agenda
Individuals with questions or feedback about an agenda item can address the City in the
following ways:
1. Emails with Unlimited Information. Individuals may email the City an unlimited number
of words at cityhp@cityhpil.com. Emails will be forwarded to the City Council if requested.
All emails received will be acknowledged.
2. Telephone. Individuals with no access to email may leave a message with the City
Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000.
3. Live Comments. Individuals are able to address the Council during the City Council
meeting. Questions/comments should be limited to three minutes or less.
Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings are broadcast live on the City’s Facebook
page and on the City’s website. Meetings can be watched after the meeting from a video link on
the City’s meeting portal.
The City encourages individuals to sign-up for its enews for important information from the City
by visiting www.cityhpil.com.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Held on April
13, 2026
B. Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the City
Council on April 13, 2026
V. Approval of Warrant List
A. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from April 03, 2026 to April 16, 2026.
VI. Report of Mayor
A. Proclamations
• May is Jewish American Heritage Month
• May is Highland Park Bike Month
• May is Building Safety Month
B. Other Business
• International Compost Awareness Week is May 3 to May 9, 2026
• Recognition of Student Commissioners Graduating Class of 2026
VII. Business from the Council
A. Business & Economic Development Advisory Group - Councilmember Bruckman
B. Sustainability Advisory Group - Councilmember Blumberg
VIII. Business from City Staff
A. 2026 Major Projects Workplan - Q1 Report
IX. Business from the Public (Individuals wishing to be heard regarding items not listed
on this agenda)
X. Omnibus
Administration
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-926-1004)
1. An Ordinance Amending the Intergovernmental Agreement Establishing the
Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Illinois
2. A Resolution Entering Into a Food & Beverage Interior Improvement Grant for
Katy The Butcher LLC (1954 First Street)
3. A Resolution Entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Lake
Cook/Skokie LLC d/b/a Rmarts Shell North Shore (10 Skokie Valley Road)
4. A Resolution entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Gemini Designs
LLC (1316 Old Skokie Road)
Public Works
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-432-0807)
5. A Resolution Approving the Award of the 2026 Snow Hauling Program
Contract to D&A Enterprises, Inc., of Highland Park, Illinois
6. A Resolution Rejecting the Bids Received for a Contract for the Lead Service
Line Replacement (Phase II) Project
Community Development
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-432-0867)
7. A Resolution Approving Agreements for Property Management, Operation, and
Maintenance Services for the Peers Housing Association, the Ravinia Housing
Association, and the Sunset Wood Association
8. A Resolution Approving a Public Right-of-Way Use License Agreement
Between the City of Highland Park and Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC for Installation
of Fiber Optic Communications Facilities
XI. Items Removed From Omnibus Vote Consideration
XII. Other Business
Community Development
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-432-0867)
A. An Ordinance Designating the Property at 273 Sheridan Road a Local
Landmark
XIII. Closed Session
A. 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) - Personnel
XIV. Adjournment
Packet
City Council Meeting
City Hall
1707 St Johns Avenue,
Highland Park, Il 60035
April 27, 2026
7:30 PM
Agenda
Individuals with questions or feedback about an agenda item can address the City in the
following ways:
1. Emails with Unlimited Information. Individuals may email the City an unlimited number
of words at cityhp@cityhpil.com. Emails will be forwarded to the City Council if requested.
All emails received will be acknowledged.
2. Telephone. Individuals with no access to email may leave a message with the City
Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000.
3. Live Comments. Individuals are able to address the Council during the City Council
meeting. Questions/comments should be limited to three minutes or less.
Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings are broadcast live on the City’s Facebook
page and on the City’s website. Meetings can be watched after the meeting from a video link on
the City’s meeting portal.
The City encourages individuals to sign-up for its enews for important information from the City
by visiting www.cityhpil.com.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Held on April
13, 2026
B. Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the City
Council on April 13, 2026
V. Approval of Warrant List
A. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from April 03, 2026 to April 16, 2026.
VI. Report of Mayor
A. Proclamations
Page 1 of 237
• May is Jewish American Heritage Month
• May is Highland Park Bike Month
• May is Building Safety Month
B. Other Business
• International Compost Awareness Week is May 3 to May 9, 2026
• Recognition of Student Commissioners Graduating Class of 2026
VII. Business from the Council
A. Business & Economic Development Advisory Group - Councilmember Bruckman
B. Sustainability Advisory Group - Councilmember Blumberg
VIII. Business from City Staff
A. 2026 Major Projects Workplan - Q1 Report
IX. Business from the Public (Individuals wishing to be heard regarding items not listed
on this agenda)
X. Omnibus
Administration
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-926-1004)
1. An Ordinance Amending the Intergovernmental Agreement Establishing the
Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Illinois
2. A Resolution Entering Into a Food & Beverage Interior Improvement Grant for
Katy The Butcher LLC (1954 First Street)
3. A Resolution Entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Lake
Cook/Skokie LLC d/b/a Rmarts Shell North Shore (10 Skokie Valley Road)
4. A Resolution entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Gemini Designs
LLC (1316 Old Skokie Road)
Public Works
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-432-0807)
5. A Resolution Approving the Award of the 2026 Snow Hauling Program
Contract to D&A Enterprises, Inc., of Highland Park, Illinois
6. A Resolution Rejecting the Bids Received for a Contract for the Lead Service
Line Replacement (Phase II) Project
Community Development
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-432-0867)
7. A Resolution Approving Agreements for Property Management, Operation, and
Maintenance Services for the Peers Housing Association, the Ravinia Housing
Association, and the Sunset Wood Association
Page 2 of 237
8. A Resolution Approving a Public Right-of-Way Use License Agreement
Between the City of Highland Park and Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC for Installation
of Fiber Optic Communications Facilities
XI. Items Removed From Omnibus Vote Consideration
XII. Other Business
Community Development
(Questions concerning these items can be directed to 847-432-0867)
A. An Ordinance Designating the Property at 273 Sheridan Road a Local
Landmark
XIII. Closed Session
A. 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1) - Personnel
XIV. Adjournment
Page 3 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Held on April 13,
2026
Recommendation:
For the City Council’s approval are the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council held
on April 13, 2026.
Attachments:
1. MIN CC 4-13-2026
Page 4 of 237
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIGHLAND PARK
MEETING DATE: April 13, 2026
MEETING LOCATION: City Hall, 1707 St Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035
I. Call to Order
At 7:31 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
Absent: Councilmember Blumberg
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, Commander Curran, Communications
Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska, Management
Analyst Smith
Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Rescheduled Regular Consolidated Meeting of the
City Council Held on March 30, 2026
Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Rescheduled Regular
Consolidated Meeting of the City Council Held on March 30, 2026. Councilmember
Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion
Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer
SECONDER: Councilmember Meckler Bruckman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross,
Tapia, Lidawer
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Blumberg
Page 5 of 237
V. Approval of Warrant List
A. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from March 20, 2026 to April 02, 2026
Councilmember Tapia moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilmember Lidawer seconded
the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Tapia
SECONDER: Councilmember Lidawer
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross,
Tapia, Lidawer
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Blumberg
VI. Report of Mayor
Mayor Rotering noted that item 2 on the omnibus agenda was being removed from
consideration.
A. Appointments
Kristi McCaulou, Police Pension Board Reappointment, 5/12/2026 - 5/11/2028
Mayor Rotering sought consensus from the Council regarding the appointment of
Finance Director McCaulou to the Police Pension Board with a term of 5/12/2026 -
5/11/2028.
The Council was in consensus.
B. Proclamations
In Support of Tree City USA / Arbor Day Programs
Mayor Rotering proclaimed support for the City's award of Tree City USA and noted
Arbor Day will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19 - 25, 2026
Mayor Rotering proclaimed April 19-25, 2026 as National Crime Victims' Rights
Week.
C. Other Business
Volunteer Appreciation Week
Mayor Rotering recognized the week of April 20, 2026, as Volunteer Appreciation
Week. She provided information on the upcoming Highland Park Awards that is
taking place on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
April is Blue Kids Month
Mayor Rotering noted April as Blue Kids Month.
Officer Seynos provided more information on this initiative and presented information in
English and Spanish.
Page 6 of 237
VII. Business from the Council
A. Transportation Advisory Group Report - Councilmember Lidawer
Councilmember Lidawer provided an update on the work of the Transportation
Advisory Group.
B. Zoning Board of Appeals Report - Councilmember Center
Councilmember Center provided an update on the work of the Zoning Board of
Appeals.
VIII. Business from City Staff
A. Fire Department Strategic Plan Report, 2026-2028
City Manager Neukirch introduced the Fire Department Strategic Plan and introduced
Fire Chief Schrage and Management Analyst Cheryl Smith.
Fire Chief Schrage provided highlights of the Fire Department's strategic plan for
2026–2028.
The Council, City Manager Neukirch and Chief Schrage discussed the increase in
calls over the last 10 years, technology and potential use of AI, and community
feedback.
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 regarding Business
from the Public.
There was no Business from the Public.
X. Omnibus
Councilmember Tapia moved to approve item 1 by omnibus vote consideration.
Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared
the motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Tapia
SECONDER: Councilmember Lidawer
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Blumberg
Page 7 of 237
Administration
1. Adoption of a Resolution (R48-2026) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A
Resolution entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Viaggio Highland Park
Inc. d/b/a Nico Restaurant (581 Roger Williams)”.
XI. Closed Session
Councilmember Lidawer 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) probable litigation (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)); and (ii) lease of property (5
ILCS 120/2(c)(6)). Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the
Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
At 8:14 PM, the Council recessed the public portion of the meeting to meet in Closed
Session.
At 8:45 PM, Mayor Rotering reconvened the open session of the City Council meeting.
Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer
Absent: Councilmember Blumberg
Staff Present: City Manager Neukirch, Public Works Director Bannon, Assistant to
the City Manager Palbitska
Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod
XII. Adjournment
Councilmember Tapia moved to adjourn the City Council meeting. Councilmember
Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion
passed unanimously.
The City Council adjourned its meeting at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ashley Palbitska
Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk
Page 8 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the City Council
on April 13, 2026
Recommendation:
For the City Council’s approval are the minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of
the City Council held on April 13, 2026.
Attachments:
1. MIN CCCS 4-13-2026
Page 9 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Lara Lukasik, Deputy Finance Director
Kristi McCaulou, Finance Director
Department: Finance Department
Title: Warrant List and Wire Transfers from April 03, 2026 to April 16, 2026.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the warrant list and wire transfers for April 03, 2026 to April 16, 2026 in the
amounts of $2,146,102.24 and $183,234.49 respectively, for total disbursement of $2,329,336.73.
Dates Amount
Warrants:
Warrant List 1 (Detail Attached) April 03, 2026 - April 09, 2026 $293,720.87
Warrant List 2 (Detail Attached) April 10, 2026 - April 16, 2026 $664,550.49
Subtotal Warrants (Detail Attached) $958,271.36
Payroll Pay Period: March 16, 2026 - March 29, 2026
Check Date: April 03, 2026 $1,187,830.88
Total Warrants & Payroll $2,146,102.24
IMRF Retirement Fund April 3, 2026 $134,181.79
CCMSI Workers Comp Claims April 6, 2026 $1,274.93
CCMSI Workers Comp Claims April 13, 2026 $999.43
United Parcel Service April 9, 2026 $14.25
United Parcel Service April 16, 2026 $15.87
West Government Services April 9, 2026 $581.70
MacQueen Equipment Group April 9, 2026 $177.56
Williams Scotsman April 16, 2026 $168.00
Baker Tilly Audit Fieldwork April 16, 2026 $31,000.00
J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Card April 16, 2026 $14,820.96
Total Wires $183,234.49
Total Submitted for Approval $2,329,336.73
Purchases are made consistent with the City’s purchasing policy. This policy provides that “when all other
terms and conditions are equal, preference will be given to vendors whose businesses are located in
Highland Park. However, this preference will not adversely affect quality, service, or price consideration.”
Page 10 of 237
Attachments:
1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from April 03, 2026 to April 16, 2026. PDF
Page 11 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 1
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421855 04/09/26 33449 ADVOCATE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 45528 20261048 PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENS HLTH $463.00
Total $463.00
421856 04/09/26 14419 AIR ONE EQUIPMENT 45504 20261329 SUPPLIES FIRE HELMETS FD $1,322.00
Total $1,322.00
421857 04/09/26 38615 ALFRED BENESCH 45498 20260665 ST JOHNS BRIDGE ENG $15,445.09
Total $15,445.09
421858 04/09/26 15184 AVALON PETROLEUM 45441 20260278 UNLEADED FUEL FLEET $30,513.60
Total $30,513.60
421859 04/09/26 21972 BEAVER SHREDDING 45535 20260052 BEAVER SHREDDING SERVICES PD $85.00
Total $85.00
421860 04/09/26 120 BERNARDI AUTO 45540 20261491 CSO VEHICLE TOW PD $180.00
Total $180.00
421861 04/09/26 35782 BITTER JESTER FOUNDATION 45496 20261422 SPONSORSHIPS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026 CMO $24,999.00
Total $24,999.00
421862 04/09/26 29404 CCMSI 45563 20260831 PROPERTY CASUALTY DEDUCTIBLES FIN $7,151.34
Total $7,151.34
421863 04/09/26 39085 CHC WELLNESS 45529 20261061 WELLNESS MANAGEMENT FEE HLTH $4,585.00
Total $4,585.00
421864 04/09/26 36950 CHRISTINA EARLE 45544 20261470 R - REIMBURSEMENT PROGAM SUPPLIES SNR $75.73
Total $75.73
421865 04/09/26 33433 CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE 45520 20261059 BIANNUAL BRIDGE INSPECTION ENG $4,429.00
45521 20260306 BBD BLUEGRASS ALLEY ENG $1,450.00
Total $5,879.00
421866 04/09/26 33433 45473 20261065 ENG SERVICE FACIL $8,494.50
Total $8,494.50
421867 04/09/26 23349 CINTAS #22 45446 20260001 UNIFORM RENTAL WP $63.94
Total $63.94
421868 04/09/26 23349 45395 20260237 UNIFORM RENTAL FLEET $100.69
45396 20260195 UNIFORM RENTAL TRNST $15.69
45397 20260400 UNIFORM RENTAL FACIL $31.18
Page: 1
Page 12 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 2
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
45398 20260417 UNIFORM RENTAL SEWER $84.97
45399 20260365 UNIFORM RENTAL SEWER $95.82
45400 20260366 UNIFORM RENTAL SEWER $77.02
45505 20260158 UNIFORM RENTAL FD $13.35
Total $418.72
421869 04/09/26 2020 CIORBA GROUP 45501 20260648 SHERIDAN ENG $3,928.86
Total $3,928.86
421870 04/09/26 31544 CIVICPLUS 45497 20260005 MUNICODE SUPPLEMENT HOSTING CLRK $1,427.74
Total $1,427.74
421871 04/09/26 14137 CIVILTECH ENGINEERING 45522 20261325 FLOOD PLAIN ASSESSMENT ENG $1,521.90
Total $1,521.90
421872 04/09/26 26496 COMCAST CABLE 45532 20260049 MONTHLY CONVERTER BOXES PD $42.29
Total $42.29
421873 04/09/26 11799 COMMISSION LAKE COUNTY 45502 20261457 JUDSON AVE REF SMC-WDP-26-779 INV- ENG $960.00
STORMWATER 00108660
Total $960.00
421874 04/09/26 11799 45503 20261457 JUDSON AVE BR SMC-WDP-26-779 ENG $2,200.00
INV00108659
Total $2,200.00
421875 04/09/26 17436 COMMUNITY PETTY CASH 45493 20261499 R - PETTY CASH PLAN $161.85
Total $161.85
421876 04/09/26 33260 CONSTELLATION 45555 20260300 NATURAL GAS WP $9,458.81
Total $9,458.81
421877 04/09/26 14821 CORE MAIN 45472 20260367 SUPPLIES SEWER $1,119.04
Total $1,119.04
421878 04/09/26 233 CRAFTWOOD LUMBER 45561 20260877 SUPPLIES FD $36.48
Total $36.48
421879 04/09/26 38996 DIVERSIFIED INSPECTIONS 45422 20260238 INSPECTIONS FLEET $2,036.79
Total $2,036.79
421880 04/09/26 36349 DJS SCUBA LOCKER 45506 20260725 EQUIPMENT FD $1,572.96
45508 20260725 EQUIPMENT FD $2,203.94
Total $3,776.90
Page: 2
Page 13 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 3
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421881 04/09/26 23105 EJ EQUIPMENT 45414 20261424 PARTS VAC-CON FLEET $673.01
45415 20261424 PARTS VAC-CON FLEET $246.07
45416 20261424 PARTS VAC-CON FLEET $365.98
Total $1,285.06
421882 04/09/26 16005 EL-COR INDUSTRIES 45418 20261372 PARTS FLEET $90.12
45425 20261372 PARTS FLEET $292.32
Total $382.44
421883 04/09/26 39582 ERIC PARFENOFF 45568 20261286 R - REIMBURSEMENT ICC LEGAL MODULE BLDG $170.00
Total $170.00
421884 04/09/26 405 FEDEX 45547 20261508 SHIPPING CHARGES CS $40.84
45550 20261185 POSTAGE PD $20.35
45553 20261307 UB ERP SHIPPING FEE FIN $91.19
Total $152.38
421885 04/09/26 35589 FERGUSON US HOLDINGS 45471 20261426 SUPPLIES WTRDS $4,383.00
Total $4,383.00
421886 04/09/26 19204 PARAMEDIC SERVICES ILLINOIS 45477 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $330.00
45478 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $500.00
45479 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $1,280.00
45480 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $2,707.50
45481 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $285.00
45482 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $1,280.00
45483 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $795.00
45484 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $295.00
45485 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $295.00
45486 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $1,305.00
45487 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $310.00
45488 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $1,280.00
45489 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $295.00
45490 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $1,480.00
45491 20260452 R - PLAN REVIEW SERVICES PLAN $550.00
Total $12,987.50
Page: 3
Page 14 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 4
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421887 04/09/26 39479 FLOCK GROUP 45537 20260295 FLOCK SYSTEM LEASE PD $33,610.00
Total $33,610.00
421888 04/09/26 25450 FOX VALLEY FIRE SAFETY 45431 20260260 R - FIRE SUPPRESSION TRNST $804.00
Total $804.00
421889 04/09/26 23546 GALE CERABONA 45492 20260524 ZBA MINUTE TAKER PLAN $265.00
Total $265.00
421890 04/09/26 40019 GENUINE PARTS 45401 20260484 OIL FLUID SERVICES FLEET $52.68
45402 20260484 OIL FLUID SERVICES FLEET $10.90
45403 20260484 OIL FLUID SERVICES FLEET $2.90
45404 20260675 PARTS FLEET $6.83
45405 20260675 PARTS FLEET $58.12
45406 20260675 PARTS FLEET $152.38
45407 20260675 PARTS FLEET ($76.19)
45408 20260675 PARTS FLEET $58.12
45409 20260675 PARTS FLEET $11.22
45410 20260675 PARTS FLEET $121.12
45429 20260261 R - PARTS SUPPLIES PACE BUS TRNST $312.69
45432 20260484 OIL FLUID SERVICES FLEET $110.80
45433 20260484 OIL FLUID SUPPLIES FLEET ($110.80)
45434 20260484 OIL FLUID SUPPLIES FLEET $69.25
45435 20260675 PARTS FLEET $334.44
45436 20260675 PARTS FLEET ($473.60)
45437 20260675 PARTS FLEET ($66.23)
Total $574.63
421891 04/09/26 37548 GFL ENVIRONMENTAL USA 45420 20260215 CLEANING SERVICES FLEET $899.91
Total $899.91
421892 04/09/26 13888 GORDON FLESCH 45526 20260603 MULTI-FUNCTION COPIERS CS $2,542.48
Total $2,542.48
421893 04/09/26 39930 HI FI EVENTS 45495 20261420 EVENT ENOYHP EVENT STAGE CMO $10,102.50
Total $10,102.50
421894 04/09/26 474 HIGHLAND PARK ELECTRIC 45454 20260788 LIGHTING MAINTENANCE STR $150.00
Page: 4
Page 15 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 5
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
45554 20260788 LIGHTING MAINTENANCE STR $600.00
Total $750.00
421895 04/09/26 1326 HIGHLAND PARK FORD 45426 20260248 PARTS FLEET $64.35
45427 20260248 PARTS FLEET $383.57
45428 20260248 PARTS FLEET $387.20
45509 20260476 SUPPLIES FD $5.96
45510 20260476 SUPPLIES FD $29.80
45533 20260357 FLEET VEHICLE PARTS PD $92.18
45534 20261173 OUTSIDE REPAIRS PD $984.52
Total $1,947.58
421896 04/09/26 18549 ICMA-INTERNATIONAL CITY 45556 20261410 ICMA MEMBERSHIP DUES CLRK $200.00
Total $200.00
421897 04/09/26 40003 ILLINOIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 45560 20261227 IEDA SUMMIT REGISTRATION CMO $249.00
Total $249.00
421898 04/09/26 8355 ILLINOIS TACTICAL OFFICERS 45538 20261490 RAPID DEPLOYMENT INSTRUCTOR PD $860.00
TRAINING
45539 20261490 RAPID DEPLOYMENT INSTRUCTOR PD $860.00
TRAINING
Total $1,720.00
421899 04/09/26 542 INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY 45394 20261411 SUPPLIES FORST $80.92
ARBORICULTURE
Total $80.92
421900 04/09/26 33275 JX ENTERPRISES 45430 20260199 R - PARTS SUPPLIES PACE TRNST $218.66
Total $218.66
421901 04/09/26 36969 KEVIN BEST 45527 20261384 R - TUITION REIMBURSEMENT HLTH $785.60
Total $785.60
421903 04/09/26 11901 LAKE COUNTY HOSE 45423 20260318 PARTS FLEET $291.15
Total $291.15
421904 04/09/26 7917 LEACH ENTERPRISES 45417 20260249 PARTS FLEET $13.44
Total $13.44
421905 04/09/26 38916 ACER TREE SERVICE 45453 20260468 TREE MAINTENANCE FORST $450.90
Total $450.90
Page: 5
Page 16 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 6
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421906 04/09/26 2161 LUND INDUSTRIES 45514 20261266 MACHINERY EQUIPMENT FD $705.51
45515 20261408 SUPPLIES FD $434.08
Total $1,139.59
421907 04/09/26 39949 MATRIX IMAGING 45551 20260605 WATER BILL POSTAGE FIN $2,482.40
Total $2,482.40
421908 04/09/26 3027 MCMASTER CARR 45447 20260148 SUPPLIES WP $344.22
Total $344.22
421909 04/09/26 697 MENONI MOCOGNI 45445 20261118 SUPPLIES STR $412.80
45459 20260370 SUPPLIES SEWER $161.75
45470 20260114 SUPPLIES WTRDS $141.00
Total $715.55
421910 04/09/26 697 45517 20261447 EDUCATION TRAINING FD $120.00
Total $120.00
421911 04/09/26 39940 MES I ACQUISITION 45518 20261353 EQUIPMENT FD $515.00
Total $515.00
421912 04/09/26 37438 MILLENNIA PROFESSIONAL 45523 20260989 MFT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENG $1,289.79
Total $1,289.79
421913 04/09/26 749 MUTUAL ACE HARDWARE 45424 20260184 PARTS FLEET $8.99
45456 20260228 SUPPLIES STR $68.29
45519 20261434 SUPPLIES FD $8.31
45562 20261434 SUPPLIES FD $24.27
Total $109.86
421914 04/09/26 1396 NORTH SHORE WATER 45565 20260303 FY2025 SEWER FEES WP $5,631.48
RECLAMATION DISTRICT
Total $5,631.48
421915 04/09/26 37832 NORTHSHORE TRUCK EQUIPMENT 45421 20260253 PARTS FLEET $20.00
Total $20.00
421916 04/09/26 33907 NORTHWEST TRUCKS 45412 20260252 PARTS FLEET $2,608.85
45413 20260252 PARTS FLEET $99.90
45438 20260252 PARTS FLEET $183.99
Total $2,892.74
Page: 6
Page 17 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 7
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421917 04/09/26 807 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY 45564 20261500 EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COURSE PD $2,800.00
CENTER PUBLIC SAFETY CURRAN
Total $2,800.00
421918 04/09/26 33910 ON TIME EMBROIDERY 45524 20261234 UNIFORM SUPPLIES FD $738.00
Total $738.00
421919 04/09/26 38930 PACE ANALYTICAL 45448 20260847 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WP $94.00
Total $94.00
421920 04/09/26 837 PARK DISTRICT HIGHLAND PARK 45494 20260678 FY2025 LOT 4 2026 SHARED TRUE UP CMO $40,645.08
Total $40,645.08
421921 04/09/26 40385 PLATINUM HOMES 45552 20261462 R - HYDRANT METER DEPOSIT FIN $3,000.00
Total $3,000.00
421922 04/09/26 553 RADI-LINK 45419 20261287 PARTS FLEET $2,370.00
Total $2,370.00
421923 04/09/26 40386 SANDY SIMON 45545 20261471 FY2025 R - REIMBURSEMENT PROGAM SNR $35.88
SUPPLIES
Total $35.88
421924 04/09/26 11611 SDS HOLDINGS 45455 20261437 UNIFORM SUPPLIES FORST $239.86
45476 20260146 UNIFORM SUPPLIES WP $300.00
Total $539.86
421925 04/09/26 34941 SIGNATURE TRANSPORTATION 45541 20260826 R - EXCURSIONS TRANSPORTATION SNR $844.13
Total $844.13
421926 04/09/26 34941 45542 20260826 R - EXCURSIONS TRANSPORTATION SNR $989.20
Total $989.20
421927 04/09/26 992 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL 45442 20260173 INSPECTIONS FLEET $900.00
45443 20261455 R - INSPECTIONS TRNST $250.00
Total $1,150.00
421928 04/09/26 1010 SUNSET FOODS 45543 20261469 R - LUNCHEON VALENTINE'S DAY SNR $532.85
Total $532.85
421929 04/09/26 36430 THE HOWARD E NYHART 45557 20260742 PENSION FUND ACTUARIALS FIN $4,000.00
45559 20260742 PENSION FUND ACTUARIALS FIN $4,000.00
Total $8,000.00
421930 04/09/26 34926 TKG ENVIRONMENTAL 45444 20261302 STREET SWEEPING STR $600.00
Page: 7
Page 18 of 237
4/16/2026 8:16 PM Warrant List Page: 8
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
Total $600.00
421931 04/09/26 1749 PATSON 45411 20261396 PARTS FLEET $248.96
Total $248.96
421932 04/09/26 15397 HD SUPPLY 45449 20260420 SUPPLIES WP $252.75
Total $252.75
421933 04/09/26 31841 USIC LOCATING 45457 20260621 UTILITY LOCATES WTRDS $1,814.90
45458 20260789 UTILITY LOCATES WTRDS $9,549.44
Total $11,364.34
421934 04/09/26 37564 VELAN SOLUTIONS 45536 20260024 PEER SUPPORT PD $1,368.00
Total $1,368.00
421935 04/09/26 38898 VERIZON 45439 20260281 GPS SERVICES FLEET $783.02
Total $783.02
421936 04/09/26 38896 WEX BANK 45440 20261240 WEX FUEL CARDS FLEET $430.25
Total $430.25
421937 04/09/26 34483 ZORO TOOLS 45450 20260149 SUPPLIES WP $23.52
45451 20260149 SUPPLIES WP $94.49
45452 20260149 SUPPLIES WP $16.02
45525 20261445 SUPPLIES FD $52.16
Total $186.19
Total $293,720.87
Page: 8
Page 19 of 237
4/16/2026 8:41 PM Warrant List Page: 1
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
696 04/09/26 37935 MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT 45516 20261400 PARTS FD $177.56
Total $177.56
697 04/09/26 2527 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 45469 20260034 SHIPPING FEES WP $14.25
Total $14.25
698 04/09/26 30071 WEST GOVERNMENT 45569 20260124 CLEAR INVESTIGATIVE SOFTWARE PD $581.70
Total $581.70
Total $773.51
Page: 1
Page 20 of 237
vchlist Warrant List Page: 1
04/16/2026 8:46:42AM City of Highland Park
Bank code : aphpbt
Warrant Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount
296592 4/16/2026 039113 BARRY JOHN Ref000290268 UB REFUND 1060 LIVINGSTON ST 41.02
Total : 41.02
296593 4/16/2026 039115 CORPORATION OF LAKE COUNTY Ref000290269 UB REFUND 1342 FERNDALE AVE 58.17
Total : 58.17
296594 4/16/2026 039116 DEVELOPMENT MCNAUGHTON Ref000290270 UB REFUND 2514 HIDDEN OAK 28.50
Total : 28.50
296595 4/16/2026 039112 TRUST MARYON STONE Ref000290267 UB REFUND #001180 130.73
Total : 130.73
4 Vouchers for bank code : aphpbt Bank total : 258.42
4 Vouchers in this report Total vouchers : 258.42
Page: 1
Page 21 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 1
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421938 04/16/26 35720 3SI SECURITY SYSTEMS 45760 20261566 TRACKING SERVICES PD $360.00
Total $360.00
421939 04/16/26 36934 ACME SPORTS 45730 20261204 REPLACEMENT SIG P220 SIGHTS PD $245.00
Total $245.00
421940 04/16/26 38352 ADVANCED CLEANING 45587 20260783 JANITORIAL SERVICES FACIL $10,222.91
Total $10,222.91
421941 04/16/26 40175 AETNA TRUCK PARTS 45629 20261371 PARTS FLEET $819.90
Total $819.90
421942 04/16/26 38636 AL WARREN OIL 45722 20261521 GREASE FLEET $168.00
Total $168.00
421943 04/16/26 26996 ANDERSON LOCK 45590 20261327 LOCKSMITH FACIL $314.62
Total $314.62
421944 04/16/26 45 RENTOKIL NORTH 45589 20260407 PEST CONTROL FACIL $395.03
Total $395.03
421945 04/16/26 36494 ANIMAL QUEST ENTERTAINMENT 45715 20261527 EVENT PETTING ZOO PD $200.00
Total $200.00
421946 04/16/26 38917 ANTARCTIC MECHANICAL 45588 20260459 LIFE SAFETY REPAIR FACIL $1,817.00
Total $1,817.00
421947 04/16/26 39863 AQUA DESIGNS 45648 REFUND - PLMB-2025-01143 BLDG $250.00
45649 REFUND - PLMB-2025-01142 BLDG $250.00
Total $500.00
421948 04/16/26 35650 ASHLEY PALBITSKA 45731 20261567 R - TYLER CONFERENCE REIMBURSEMENT CLRK $830.34
Total $830.34
421949 04/16/26 15184 AVALON PETROLEUM 45716 20260277 DIESEL FUEL FLEET $34,128.50
Total $34,128.50
421950 04/16/26 40388 BILL MERRILL 45460 REFUND - EXTR-2024-01286 BLDG $250.00
Total $250.00
421951 04/16/26 28054 BRIAN SOLDANO 45749 20261493 R - MEAL REIMBURSEMENT PD $25.00
Total $25.00
421952 04/16/26 23349 CINTAS #22 45577 20260001 UNIFORM RENTAL WP $63.94
Page: 1
Page 22 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 2
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
Total $63.94
421953 04/16/26 23349 45570 20260237 UNIFORM RENTAL FLEET $100.69
45571 20260195 UNIFORM RENTAL TRNST $15.69
45572 20260400 UNIFORM RENTAL FACIL $31.18
45573 20260417 UNIFORM RENTAL SEWER $84.97
45574 20260365 UNIFORM RENTAL SEWER $95.82
45575 20260366 UNIFORM RENTAL SEWER $77.02
45661 20260158 UNIFORM RENTAL FD $7.65
45712 20260048 UNIFORM RENTAL PD $12.40
45726 20260048 UNIFORM RENTAL PD $6.70
Total $432.12
421954 04/16/26 2020 CIORBA GROUP 45660 20260670 SHERIDAN RD SIDEWALK ENG $1,000.00
45685 20260657 PED BRIDGE OVER 41 ENG $53,328.01
45692 20260647 SHERIDAN ENG $3,930.86
Total $58,258.87
421955 04/16/26 31602 CLARK BAIRD SMITH 45751 20261539 LEGAL SERVICES CMO $940.00
45752 20261539 LEGAL SERVICES CMO $1,725.00
Total $2,665.00
421956 04/16/26 233 CRAFTWOOD LUMBER 45585 20260227 SUPPLIES STR $131.95
45591 20260401 SUPPLIES FACIL $25.16
45592 20260401 SUPPLIES FACIL $13.99
45593 20260401 SUPPLIES FACIL $6.00
45594 20260401 SUPPLIES FACIL $43.68
45615 20260227 SUPPLIES STR $25.10
45732 20260902 SUPPLIES FD $1.88
45733 20260902 SUPPLIES FD $2.20
45734 20260902 SUPPLIES FD $62.32
Total $312.28
421957 04/16/26 39447 CREDIT SERVICE INTERNATIONAL 45695 20261529 COLLECTIONS FEE DUE FIN $14.25
Total $14.25
421958 04/16/26 11789 DENNY'S RESTAURANTS 45683 20260934 EMERGENCY CREW MEAL STR $95.84
Page: 2
Page 23 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 3
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
Total $95.84
421959 04/16/26 23105 EJ EQUIPMENT 45631 20261424 PARTS VAC-CON FLEET $663.85
Total $663.85
421960 04/16/26 31273 FERGUSON WATERWORKS 45610 20261427 SUPPLIES WTRDS $1,729.49
Total $1,729.49
421961 04/16/26 33100 FOSTER COACH SALES 45735 20261176 SUPPLIES FD $637.83
45738 20261409 PARTS FD $104.06
45739 20261409 PARTS FD $858.36
45740 20261431 SUPPLIES FD $131.56
45742 20261452 SUPPLIES FD $43.82
Total $1,775.63
421962 04/16/26 23546 GALE CERABONA 45656 20260438 MINUTE TAKER SERVICES PLAN $265.00
Total $265.00
421963 04/16/26 40159 GE VERNOVA ELECTRIFICATION 45576 20260302 SOFTWARE SERVICES WP $14,370.59
SOFTWARE HOLDINGS
Total $14,370.59
421964 04/16/26 40019 GENUINE PARTS 45612 20260261 R - PARTS SUPPLIES PACE BUS TRNST $65.56
45613 20260261 R - PARTS SUPPLIES PACE BUS TRNST $77.44
45614 20260675 PARTS FLEET $42.65
45616 20260484 OIL FLUID FLEET $37.35
45617 20260484 OIL FLUID FLEET ($71.89)
45618 20260484 OIL FLUID FLEET $105.35
45619 20260675 PARTS FLEET $10.90
45620 20260484 OIL FLUID FLEET $70.24
45621 20260675 PARTS FLEET $839.84
45622 20260675 PARTS FLEET $15.84
45623 20260675 PARTS FLEET ($13.24)
45624 20260675 PARTS FLEET $22.09
45702 20260484 OIL FLUID FLEET $186.38
45704 20260675 PARTS FLEET $124.11
45705 20260675 PARTS FLEET $227.61
45707 20260675 PARTS FLEET $130.37
Page: 3
Page 24 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 4
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
45708 20260675 PARTS FLEET ($56.00)
45710 20260675 PARTS FLEET $57.61
45723 20260347 PARTS PD $15.80
45724 20260347 PARTS PD $36.96
45725 20260347 PARTS PD $36.38
Total $1,961.35
421965 04/16/26 37548 GFL ENVIRONMENTAL 45630 20260215 CLEANING SERVICES FLEET $389.85
45717 20260215 CLEANING SERVICES FLEET $310.24
45719 20261543 CLEANING SERVICES FLEET $1,125.71
Total $1,825.80
421966 04/16/26 22533 GRAINGER 45633 20260316 PARTS FLEET $97.62
45650 20260374 SUPPLIES SEWER $674.57
Total $772.19
421967 04/16/26 6794 H-O-H CHEMICALS 45684 20261174 SUPPLIES WP $927.45
Total $927.45
421968 04/16/26 1326 HIGHLAND PARK FORD 45743 20261138 SUPPLIES FD $452.16
45761 20261492 OUTSIDE REPAIRS PD $1,075.00
Total $1,527.16
421969 04/16/26 1326 45693 20261538 TWO PATROL VEHICLES PD $48,273.00
Total $48,273.00
421970 04/16/26 1326 45694 20261538 TWO PATROL VEHICLES PD $48,273.00
Total $48,273.00
421971 04/16/26 3809 HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC 45663 20260833 REPLACEMENT TAX FIN $5,328.41
45668 20261530 Q1 2026 IMPACT FEES FIN $9,434.03
Total $14,762.44
421972 04/16/26 29018 HOME DEPOT CREDIT 45595 20260398 SUPPLIES FACIL $319.73
Total $319.73
421973 04/16/26 18478 IDLEWOOD ELECTRIC 45596 20260408 SUPPLIES FACIL $92.57
Total $92.57
421974 04/16/26 36312 IL DEPT NATURAL RESOURCES 45690 20260842 SUPPLIES FORST $457.00
Total $457.00
Page: 4
Page 25 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 5
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421975 04/16/26 542 INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY 45737 20261571 ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FORST $1,300.00
ARBORICULTURE
Total $1,300.00
421976 04/16/26 1430 IRELAND HEATING 45597 20261488 HVAC REPAIRS FACIL $271.25
45598 20261488 HVAC REPAIRS FACIL $951.34
Total $1,222.59
421977 04/16/26 31870 J.G. UNIFORMS 45709 20260140 ADMIN UNIFORMS PD $157.95
Total $157.95
421978 04/16/26 25342 JOSEPH J HENDERSON 45750 20260987 WEST MASTER METER REPLACEMENT WP $78,184.67
PROJECT
Total $78,184.67
421979 04/16/26 6071 KANKAKEE NURSERY 45758 20261293 TREE PURCHASING FORST $11,939.00
45772 20261293 TREE PURCHASING FORST $800.00
Total $12,739.00
421980 04/16/26 40404 KUNES LAKES CHEVROLET 45714 20261554 PARTS FLEET $257.00
Total $257.00
421981 04/16/26 603 LAKE COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS 45511 20261475 MEMBERSHIP DUES(REISSUE) FD $50.00
45512 20261475 MEMBERSHIP DUES(REISSUE) FD $75.00
45513 20261476 MEMBERSHIP DUES(REISSUE) FD $150.00
Total $275.00
421982 04/16/26 1309 LAKE COUNTY CLERK RECORDING 45657 20260436 R - RECORDING FEES PLAN $400.00
Total $400.00
421983 04/16/26 23289 LAKE FOREST BANK 45611 20260786 PRK LOT LEASE FACIL $3,163.79
Total $3,163.79
421984 04/16/26 905 LALUZERNE SMITH 45659 20260299 LEGAL SERVICES LEGL $5,936.00
Total $5,936.00
421985 04/16/26 38916 ACER TREE 45637 20260468 TREE MAINTENANCE FORST $633.00
Total $633.00
421986 04/16/26 39858 LINDE GAS EQUIPMENT 45074 20260143 OXYGEN SUPPLIES(REISSUE) FD $116.55
Total $116.55
421987 04/16/26 40402 LUDWIG CONCRETE 45566 REFUND - EXTR-2024-01220 BLDG $250.00
Total $250.00
Page: 5
Page 26 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 6
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
421988 04/16/26 39463 MATTHEW T. GRUEL 45699 20261556 R - ACTIVITIES CONCERTS SNR $275.00
Total $275.00
421989 04/16/26 3027 MCMASTER CARR 45728 20260343 TAMPER PROOF KEY RINGS PD $70.63
Total $70.63
421990 04/16/26 3027 45628 20260233 PARTS FLEET $91.97
Total $91.97
421991 04/16/26 40390 MCNAUGHTON DEVELOPMENT 45463 REFUND - PLMB-2025-01062 BLDG $1,500.00
Total $1,500.00
421992 04/16/26 697 MENONI MOCOGNI 45640 20260114 SUPPLIES WTRDS $20.10
Total $20.10
421993 04/16/26 39940 MES I ACQUISITION 45744 20260597 EQUIPMENT FD $70.00
45745 20261448 EQUIPMENT FD $241.02
45746 20261454 EQUIPMENT FD $1,500.00
Total $1,811.02
421994 04/16/26 39589 MICHAEL PACOCHA 45754 20261545 R - TUITION REIMBURSEMENT HLTH $892.90
Total $892.90
421995 04/16/26 37889 MICHAEL SHIMANSKI 45755 20261544 R - TUITION REIMBURSEMENT HLTH $650.00
Total $650.00
421996 04/16/26 17838 MID AMERICAN WATER WAUCONDA 45639 20260121 SUPPLIES WTRDS $678.30
Total $678.30
421997 04/16/26 22886 MIDWEST MOTOR 45706 20260342 SHOP SUPPLIES PD $212.72
Total $212.72
421998 04/16/26 40391 MILES RUSH 45467 REFUND - EXTR-2024-01701 BLDG $250.00
Total $250.00
421999 04/16/26 39000 MORENO LANDSCAPE 45686 20260999 ROUTINE GROUNDS FORST $4,892.50
45687 20260999 ROUTINE GROUNDS FORST $174.90
45689 20260460 HARDSCAPE SERVICES FORST $1,836.45
Total $6,903.85
422000 04/16/26 2078 MOTOROLA 45662 20260604 EQUIPMENT FD $1,549.00
45727 20260297 STARCOM AIRTIME FEES PD $3,076.00
Total $4,625.00
Page: 6
Page 27 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 7
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
422001 04/16/26 749 MUTUAL ACE HARDWARE 45583 20260228 SUPPLIES STR $66.58
45586 20260011 SUPPLIES FORST $175.47
45599 20260409 SUPPLIES FACIL $60.55
45600 20260409 SUPPLIES FACIL $14.39
45601 20260409 SUPPLIES FACIL $53.97
45602 20260409 SUPPLIES FACIL $12.59
45603 20260409 SUPPLIES FACIL $30.19
Total $413.74
422002 04/16/26 15041 NCC-PETERSON PRODUCTS 45604 20260821 SUPPLIES FACIL $817.50
45605 20260821 SUPPLIES FACIL $2,254.62
Total $3,072.12
422003 04/16/26 36922 NORTH SHORE AUTO SPA 45720 20260181 DETAIL SPA SERVICES FLEET $11.00
45721 20260181 DETAIL SPA SERVICES FLEET $11.00
Total $22.00
422004 04/16/26 1396 NORTH SHORE WATER 45698 20261224 FY2025 UTILITY FEES FACIL $2,810.34
RECLAMATION DISTRICT
Total $2,810.34
422005 04/16/26 24170 NORTHSHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT 112 45666 20261536 Q1 2026 IMPACT FEES FIN $85,213.37
Total $85,213.37
422006 04/16/26 837 PARK DISTRICT HIGHLAND PARK 45669 20261534 Q1 2026 IMPACT FEES FIN $74,008.37
Total $74,008.37
422007 04/16/26 40397 PETER SWAN 45647 REFUND - EXTR-2024-01280 BLDG $500.00
Total $500.00
422008 04/16/26 32103 PFANG MULTIMEDIA 45697 20260924 HIGHLANDER GRAPHIC DESIGN CMO $3,500.00
Total $3,500.00
422009 04/16/26 39016 PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL 45606 20260609 SUPPLIES FACIL $102.08
Total $102.08
422010 04/16/26 9102 POMP'S TIRE 45635 20261326 PARTS FLEET $1,928.16
Total $1,928.16
422011 04/16/26 16017 PORTER LEE 45718 20260050 ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT PD $1,455.00
Total $1,455.00
Page: 7
Page 28 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 8
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
422012 04/16/26 40384 PRO FENCE 45607 20261436 FENCE REPAIR FACIL $650.00
Total $650.00
422013 04/16/26 923 MICHAEL WHITNEY DRAEGERT 45711 20260255 DOT INSPECTIONS FLEET $705.00
45713 20260167 R - SAFETY LANE TESTING PACE BUSES TRNST $106.50
Total $811.50
422014 04/16/26 39162 SALLY'S NUTS 45773 20261577 EVENT GIVEAWAY BEDAG FORUM CMO $157.50
Total $157.50
422015 04/16/26 11611 SDS HOLDINGS 45580 20260376 UNIFORM SUPPLIES SEWER $300.00
45581 20260390 UNIFORM SUPPLIES PW $303.73
45582 20260390 UNIFORM SUPPLIES PW $25.00
45636 20260419 UNIFORM SUPPLIES STR $211.45
Total $840.18
422016 04/16/26 675 SHARON KLIBANOW 45680 20260520 HC ACCOUNTING SERVICES PLAN $416.25
Total $416.25
422017 04/16/26 40396 SHELLIE COHEN 45645 REFUND - EXTR-2024-01462 BLDG $250.00
Total $250.00
422018 04/16/26 36528 STANDARD FENCING 45642 20261532 FENCE REPAIR FORST $672.00
Total $672.00
422019 04/16/26 14054 STANLEY CONSULTANTS 45691 20260635 WADE AVE BRIDGE ENG $1,568.65
Total $1,568.65
422020 04/16/26 39377 SUNSET LAW ENFORCEMENT 45729 20261415 PRACTICE RIFLE AMMUNITION PD $5,100.00
Total $5,100.00
422021 04/16/26 28214 SUTTON LINCOLN 45747 20260280 MACHINERY EQUIPMENT FD $47,635.00
Total $47,635.00
422022 04/16/26 34926 TKG ENVIRONMENTAL 45638 20261302 STREET SWEEPING STR $600.00
Total $600.00
422023 04/16/26 33282 TODAY'S UNIFORMS 45762 20261366 CLOTHING FD $18.95
45763 20261366 CLOTHING FD $29.90
45764 20261366 CLOTHING FD $44.85
45765 20261366 CLOTHING FD $79.95
45766 20261366 CLOTHING FD $79.95
Page: 8
Page 29 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 9
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
45767 20261366 CLOTHING FD $79.98
45768 20261366 CLOTHING FD $117.70
45769 20261366 CLOTHING FD $263.90
Total $715.18
422024 04/16/26 39994 TOTAL PAVING 45464 REFUND - EXTR-2024-01478 BLDG $250.00
Total $250.00
422025 04/16/26 1355 TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DIST #113 45667 20261535 Q1 2026 IMPACT FEES FIN $33,806.23
Total $33,806.23
422026 04/16/26 39854 TRACY VIGAN 45756 20261381 R - TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT HLTH $29.10
45757 20261380 R - TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT HLTH $18.95
Total $48.05
422027 04/16/26 1749 PATSON 45626 20261501 PARTS FLEET $1,592.43
45627 20261501 PARTS FLEET ($375.00)
Total $1,217.43
422028 04/16/26 39499 TREVOR MOUNT 45753 20261244 R - TUITION REIMBURSEMENT HLTH $650.00
Total $650.00
422029 04/16/26 22779 TYLER TECHNOLOGIES 45670 20261537 FY2025 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $2,560.00
45671 20261537 FY2025 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $5,120.00
45672 20261537 FY2025 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $1,280.00
45673 20261537 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $1,280.00
45674 20261537 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $640.00
45675 20261537 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $640.00
45676 20261537 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $640.00
45677 20261537 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $640.00
45678 20261537 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $3,840.00
45679 20261537 ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION CS $640.00
Total $17,280.00
422030 04/16/26 40395 ULB DRY WATERPROOFING 45644 REFUND - PLMB-2026-01675 BLDG $500.00
Total $500.00
422031 04/16/26 37369 VIAGGIO RESTAURANT 45643 REFUND - EXTR-2026-00198 BLDG $150.00
Total $150.00
Page: 9
Page 30 of 237
4/16/2026 8:45 PM Warrant List Page: 10
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
422032 04/16/26 250 W S DARLEY 45748 20261438 SUPPLIES FIRE HOODS FD $2,565.00
Total $2,565.00
422033 04/16/26 17122 WAREHOUSE DIRECT 45641 20260035 SUPPLIES WP $111.38
Total $111.38
422034 04/16/26 34483 ZORO TOOLS 45578 20260149 SUPPLIES WP $203.12
45579 20260149 SUPPLIES WP $58.22
45608 20260527 SUPPLIES FACIL $21.42
45609 20261198 SUPPLIES FACIL $2,158.99
45632 20261522 PARTS CONVEYOR FLEET $98.90
Total $2,540.65
Total $664,292.07
Page: 10
Page 31 of 237
4/16/2026 9:36 PM Warrant List Page: 1
City of Highland Park
Check # Date Ven# Vendor Name Inv # PO # Description/Account Dept Amount
699 04/16/26 33258 BAKER TILLY 45759 20260606 FY2025 AUDIT FIELDWORK FIN $31,000.00
Total $31,000.00
700 04/16/26 32860 JPMORGAN CHASE MASTERCARD 45696 MARCH 2026 CREDIT CARD FIN $14,820.96
Total $14,820.96
701 04/16/26 2527 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 45646 20260034 SHIPPING FEES WP $15.87
Total $15.87
702 04/16/26 38881 WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN 45681 20260948 STORAGE CONTAINER SCULPTURE CMO $168.00
Total $168.00
Total $46,004.83
Page: 1
Page 32 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Jennifer Dotson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: May is Jewish American Heritage Month
Recommendation:
Attachments:
1. JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2026
Page 33 of 237
Page 34 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Jennifer Dotson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: May is Highland Park Bike Month
Recommendation:
Attachments:
1. 2026 MAY IS HP BIKE MONTH
Page 35 of 237
Page 36 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Archana Mohanchandra, Building Division Manager
Joel Fontane, Director of Community Development
Department: Community Development Department
Title: May is Building Safety Month
Recommendation:
Staff recommend recognizing May as Building Safety Month with the attached Proclamation.
Policy Consideration:
Background. The City of Highland Park recognizes that our public safety and quality-of-life
depend, in part, on the quality and safety of homes, buildings, infrastructure and other structures
that serve the public in everyday life and in times of natural disaster. Building Safety Month
aligns with the City’s core priorities through recognition that safe-guarding persons and property
and enhancing the quality-of-life through building and property code enforcement is important to
our community. Moreover, communications associated with initiatives like this help improve
public education and safety.
Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place each May to raise awareness
about building safety, energy conservation, disaster resilience and water safety. It is sponsored
by the International Code Council to remind public and our community about the critical role of
our local code professionals in helping ensure a safe, energy efficient, well maintained, and high-
quality built environment for all. Among the goals of Building Safety Month is to educate the
community on how building codes help keep the community safe.
City staff are here to help residents and tenants understand the building safety issues associated
with any project or building. Each year Community Development’s - Building Division
examines hundreds of construction plans, issues thousands of permits, and conducts thousands of
inspections to ensure building and life safety. The Building Division also investigates code
violation complaints in response to quality-of-life concerns.
Page 37 of 237
This year’s theme is “Built to Last”, which consists of the following weekly subthemes:
• Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10) focuses on simple actions
homeowners can take to improve safety at home
• Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17) spotlights building safety
professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe.
• Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24) encourages community preparedness and
highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property.
• Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31) showcases the importance of
accessibility in building construction and design.
The attached proclamation recognizes the month of May as Building Safety Month, and
celebrates this year’s theme of “Built to Last”!
For more about Building Safety Month please visit the Built-To-Last at:
https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/building-safety-month/about-building-safety-month/
Core Priorities:
Public Safety, Infrastructure Investment & Environmental Sustainability. Building Safety
Month aligns with the City’s core priorities through recognition that safe-guarding persons and
property and enhancing the quality-of-life through building and property code enforcement is
important to our community.
Attachments:
1. Proclaimation,2026-04-27 - Building Safety Month
Page 38 of 237
City of Highland Park
Mayoral Proclamation lfP
Building Safety Month
WHEREAS, the City of Highland Park, IL is committed to recognizing the essential role of the built
environment - our homes, our offices, our institutional buildings, and other structures - play in
our everyday life and when disasters strike; and
WHEREAS, our confidence in the resilience of our built environment that make up our community is
achieved through the devotion of vigilant professionals - building safety and fire prevention officials,
architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, design professionals, laborers, plumbers, and others in
the construction industry who work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings; and
WHEREAS, dedicated members of the International Code Council, a nonprofit that brings
together local, state, territorial, tribal and federal officials who are experts in the built environment to
create and implement the highest-quality codes to protect us in the buildings where we live, learn,
work and play; and
WHEREAS, modern building codes, such as those adopted by the City of Highland Park, include
safeguards to protect the public from building safety hazards including, hurricanes, snowstorms,
tornadoes, fires, floods and earthquakes; and
WHEREAS, Building Safety Month reminds the public about the critical role these professionals play
in ensuring the safety of all buildings and structures is essential to our prosperity; and
WHEREAS, "Built to Last", the International Code Council's theme for Building Safety Month
2026, encourages us all to raise awareness about building safety on a personal, local, and global
scale; and
WHEREAS, each year, in observance of Building Safety Month, people all over the world commit to
improve building safety, resilience, energy efficiency, and economic investment at home and in the
community, and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state
building departments, fire prevention bureaus, and federal agencies in protecting lives and property.
THEREFORE, I, NANCY R. ROTERING, Mayor of the City of Highland Park and the City Council of
the City of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois do hereby designate May 2026 as
Building Safety Month
Dated this 27th Day of April, 2026.
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Manager & City Clerk
Page 39 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Jennifer Dotson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: Recognition of Student Commissioners Graduating Class of 2026
Recommendation:
Recognition of Student Commissioners Graduating Class of 2026
Attachments:
1. Outgoing Student Recognition 2026
Page 40 of 237
Recognition of Graduating Student Advisory Group, Board & Commission
Representatives Class of 2026
Commission Student Name
Business & Economic Development Maddie Kashy
Cassidy Kulberg
Cultural Arts Addison Edelstein
Frances Peterson
Historic Preservation Amelia Koslow
Housing Mitchell Posner
Human Relations Emmie Dubin
Gracie Goldstein
Olivia Rosenblatt
Library Board of Trustees Nora Gladstone
Renata Smoler
Plan & Design Commission Autumn Fallas
Sister Cities Joseph Moyer
Liam Ornstein
Sustainability Amelia Griffin
Lucas Hoobler
Transportation Noah Kaplan
Ian Robinson
Zoning Board of Appeals Emery Duenow
Page 41 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Ghida Neukirch, City Manager
Amanda Bennett, Communications Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: 2026 Major Projects Workplan - Q1 Report
Recommendation:
The City's 2026 Major Projects workplan includes more than 120 projects aligned with one or
more of the City's core priorities: fiscal stability, public safety, economic development,
infrastructure investment, environmental sustainability, and vibrancy. Major projects represent
initiatives outside the scope of day-to-day operations. Progress is tracked at the Citywide and
department levels with dashboards available on the City's website at cityhpil.com/majorprojects.
Explore the "Completed Projects Spotlight" tab for pictures and details about how each
completed project supports the City's priorities and organizational objectives.
Policy Consideration:
Core Priorities:
The City's major projects workplan includes initiatives that support one or more of the City's
core priorities. While some projects may advance more than one priority, for the purposes of data
reporting on the dashboard, one primary priority has been selected.
Attachments:
None
Page 42 of 237
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Erin Jason, Assistant City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: An Ordinance Amending the Intergovernmental Agreement Establishing the Solid Waste
Agency of Lake County, Illinois
Recommendation:
Staff recommends amending the City's intergovernmental Agreement with the Solid Waste
Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) to expand the size of the Executive Committee, expand the
scope of persons that are eligible to serve as an “Alternate Director” on behalf of an individual
Member, require the Chair of the Board to serve as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of
Directors and to modify the process required to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement. These
recommendations have been reviewed and discussed with the SWALCO Executive Director and
Board.
Policy Consideration:
The City of Highland Park entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) establishing the
Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) in 1991. Pursuant to the IGA each community
is required to appoint a Director and alternates for representation to the SWALCO Board.
Currently, City Manager Neukirch serves as the appointed Director with Assistant City Manager
Jason and Sustainability Manager Knight serving as alternates. In 2025, ACM Jason was
appointed by the SWALCO Board to serve on the Executive Board and is the primary
representative at meetings for Highland Park. Throughout the years, there have been various
amendments to the IGA, primarily focused on the addition of more Lake County communities,
the development of waste reduction projects, and Board membership. The most recent
amendment in 2021 allowed for an immediate past Mayor or Village President to serve as an
alternate to the SWALCO Board. At the present time, all amendments approved by the
SWALCO Board must also be approved by each individual community's governing body.
At the most recent meeting of SWALCO on April 9, 2026, the present communities
unanimously voted to bring forward a four-part amendment for consideration by member
communities to best streamline operations and align with current practices. The amendments are
as follows:
Page 43 of 237
1. Section 8.3. Governance -Any Member may appoint one or more persons to serve as the
Alternate Director. Any such appointee shall meet the qualifications for office as a
Director established in paragraph 8.2, except in the case where a Member is unable to
appoint such an appointee because it is impracticable because of size or time
commitments. In that case a Member may appoint an Alternate Director who was its
immediate past mayor or village president or is a full-time employee in an executive level
position an employee with the Member. An executive level position is generally intended
to mean a person who is a department head or equivalent. The Alternate Director may
attend any meeting of the Board of Directors and may vote as a Director in the absence of
the Director from that Member or if there is a vacancy in the position of Director from
that Member. The term of the Alternate Director shall be the same as the term of the
Director from the appointing Members, Except as provided in paragraph 8.4, a person
serving as the Alternate Director shall serve until his or her term expires and thereafter
until the successor is appointed.
2. Section 8.5. Governance -The Board of Directors shall elect one Director to serve as
Chairman and another Director to serve as Vice-Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at
all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall serve as the Secretary and Treasurer of
the Board of Directors. The Vice-Chairman shall preside over meetings of the Board of
Directors in the Chairman's absence. The Board of Directors shall elect other persons,
who need not be Directors, to the positions of Secretary and Treasurer and may elect
other persons, who need not be Directors, to such other offices as the Board shall
determine.
3. Section 8.9. Governance - There is established an Executive Committee of the Agency.
The Executive Committee shall consist of nine ten (10) Directors. The Executive
Committee shall be selected by vote of the Board of Directors of the Agency. The
Executive Committee shall include the Director from the County of Lake and the
Chairman of the Board of Directors as permanent members, and two (2) persons who are
Directors from Members in good standing, having a population of more than 30,000
persons. Population shall be determined on the basis of the most recent federal census as
reported in the Illinois County and Municipalities, dated June 1, 1989, or as thereafter
updated, and published by the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois. The remaining
six (6) persons shall be elected from the remaining Directors of Members in good
standing, without regard to population.
4. Section 11. Amendment - This Agreement may be amended by written agreement of two-
thirds (2/3) of all Members, authorized by ordinances adopted by their respective
corporate authorities within 90 days of a proposed amendment being approved by the
Board of Directors, certified copies of which shall be filed with the Secretary of the
Agency. Promptly upon their being any amendment to this Agreement, the Secretary of
the Agency shall cause a copy of this amendment to be filed in the office of the Secretary
of State, Index Division.
Staff recommends approval of these amendments as they allow for consideration of
Page 44 of 237
representation from persons holding sustainability-focused positions that may not be executive
level in their organizations, more participation on the Executive Board, follow practices in place
now in relation to Secretary and Treasurer roles which are in line with sister agencies, and finally
allow for amendments to be advanced from the Board to their corporate authorities with a 2/3
vote.
Core Priorities:
Fiscal Stability
There is no financial impact related to this amendment.
Environmental Sustainability
SWALCO is a valued environmental partner to the City of Highland Park. A continued
partnership with SWALCO provides for comprehensive waste management planning to reduce
reliance on land disposal of solid waste and to encourage and promote alternative means of
managing solid waste with a substantial emphasis on composting, recycling, and community
programming.
Attachments:
1. SWALCO IGA 2026 Amendment
2. SWALCO intergovernmental agreement - 2025 update
Page 45 of 237
ORDINANCE 2026-
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
ESTABLISHING THE SOLID WASTE AGENCY OF LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Illinois (the “Agency”) was formed
on or about February 21, 1991 by intergovernmental agreement (hereinafter referred to as the
“Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the City of Highland Park, having duly adopted an Ordinance approving the
Agreement and joining the Agency, has been and remains a member in good standing of the
Agency; and
WHEREAS, the Agency has determined that there is a need to amend the Agreement to
expand the size of the Executive Committee, expand the scope of persons that are eligible to
serve as an “Alternate Director” on behalf of an individual Member, require the Chairman of
the Board to serve as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors and to modify the
process required to amend the Intergovernmental Agreement; and
WHEREAS, by its original terms, the Agreement provides that any amendment to the
Agreement requires the written agreement of each and every Member of the Agency pursuant
to authority granted by a duly enacted Ordinance of each Member.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois as
follows:
SECTION ONE: Sections 8.3, 8.5, 8.9 and 11 of the Agreement establishing the Solid
Waste Agency of Lake County, Illinois are hereby amended and shall read as follows (additional
language marked by underline; deleted language marked by strikethrough):
Section 8.3. Governance – Any Member may appoint one or more persons to serve as the
Alternate Director. Any such appointee shall meet the qualifications for office as a Director
established in paragraph 8.2, except in the case where a Member is unable to appoint such an
appointee because it is impracticable because of size or time commitments. In that case a
Member may appoint an Alternate Director who was its immediate past mayor or village
president or is a full time employee in an executive level position an employee with the
Member. An executive level position is generally intended to mean a person who is a
department head or equivalent. The Alternate Director may attend any meeting of the Board of
Page 46 of 237
Directors and may vote as a Director in the absence of the Director from that Member or if
there is a vacancy in the position of Director from that Member. The term of the Alternate
Director shall be the same as the term of the Director from the appointing Members, Except as
provided in paragraph 8.4, a person serving as the Alternate Director shall serve until his or her
term expires and thereafter until the successor is appointed.
Section 8.5. Governance – The Board of Directors shall elect one Director to serve as Chairman
and another Director to serve as Vice-Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of
the Board of Directors and shall serve as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors.
The Vice-Chairman shall preside over meetings of the Board of Directors in the Chairman’s
absence. The Board of Directors shall elect other persons, who need not be Directors, to the
positions of Secretary and Treasurer and may elect other persons, who need not be Directors,
to such other offices as the Board shall determine.
Section 8.9. Governance - There is established an Executive Committee of the Agency. The
Executive Committee shall consist of nine ten (10) Directors. The Executive Committee shall be
selected by vote of the Board of Directors of the Agency. The Executive Committee shall include
the Director from the County of Lake and the Chairman of the Board of Directors as permanent
members, and two (2) persons who are Directors from Members in good standing, having a
population of more than 30,000 persons. Population shall be determined on the basis of the
most recent federal census as reported in the Illinois County and Municipalities, dated June 1,
1989, or as thereafter updated, and published by the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois.
The remaining six (6) persons shall be elected from the remaining Directors of Members in good
standing, without regard to population.
Section 11. Amendment – This Agreement may be amended by written agreement of two-
thirds (2/3) of all Members, authorized by ordinances adopted by their respective corporate
authorities within 90 days of a proposed amendment being approved by the Board of Directors,
certified copies of which shall be filed with the Secretary of the Agency. Promptly upon their
being any amendment to this Agreement, the Secretary of the Agency shall cause a copy of this
amendment to be filed in the office of the Secretary of State, Index Division.
SECTION TWO: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herein are expressly
repealed.
SECTION THREE: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage, approval and publication as required by law.
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PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL/BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK,
ILLINOIS ON THIS 27 DAY OF APRIL, 2026.
____________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
CLERK
AYES:
NAYES:
ABSENT:
ORDINANCE PASSED:
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Corey Cohn, Business Development Specialist
Jamie Elder, Business Development Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: A Resolution Entering Into a Food & Beverage Interior Improvement Grant for Katy The
Butcher LLC (1954 First Street)
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approving up to a maximum of $56,240.50 from the Food & Beverage Interior
Improvement and Expansion Grant Program for Katy the Butcher LLC, a limited-service food
and beverage establishment at 1954 First Street.
Policy Consideration:
Background
The Food & Beverage Establishment Interior Improvement and Expansion Grant Program
provides financial assistance to qualified new and existing full-service and limited-service food
and beverage businesses that generate sales tax to cover eligible costs when upgrading and
expanding their commercial space. These businesses often face substantial costs when upgrading
and expanding their commercial space. This initiative aims to encourage property owners to
lease high-quality establishments, support the economic vitality of the business community, and
remove barriers to existing business growth and new business attraction. For eligible limited-
service establishments, this grant can cover up to 50% of the approved expenses related to
eligible improvements, up to a maximum of $100,000.
The proposed improvements to the renovation of Katy The Butcher LLC are critical to growing
and expanding the limited-service butcher shop, with the potential to increase revenue and F&B
sales taxes over the long term.
The property is owned by Imperial Realty. To support the project's financial feasibility, the
owner has committed to providing the applicant with rent abatement throughout the construction
period (five months). The complete and signed application for this project remains on file in the
City Manager’s Office.
Eligible Improvements
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• Painting
• Permanent flooring materials
• Lighting (electrical upgrades)
• Kitchen appliances (walk-in cooler and freezer)
• Grease traps
• Permanent HVAC equipment
Cost Estimates
The applicant successfully sought multiple bids for the eligible improvements. The most
competitive bid received for the comprehensive scope of work totaled $112,481. This cost was
notably below the other two submitted estimates, which totaled $171,481 and $180,625.04. In
accordance with the program's 50% reimbursement rate, if awarded, the lowest bid amount
entitles the applicant to a grant award of up to $56,240.50.
Impact of Improvements
Supporting the investment of new food and beverage operators' restaurant space in a key
commercial business district is one of the main tenets of this grant program and has a lasting
impact on the Central Business District (CBD). By investing in modernized kitchen facilities—
including a walk-in kitchen appliances—and a refreshed, reconfigured space with updated
HVAC systems, grease traps, lighting, and other cosmetic upgrades, the operator will enhance
operational efficiency and the overall guest experience. These upgrades allow for an expanded,
unique menu designed to attract regional traffic from neighboring towns, directly stimulating
local economic growth, creating new employment opportunities, and generating increased sales
tax contributions for the City.
Katy Wilhelmi, the operator of Katy the Butcher, brings over sixteen years of specialized
experience in the meat production chain to Highland Park. Her extensive background includes
formal training, where she earned HACCP certification and gained deep expertise in food safety,
fabrication, and animal husbandry. Her rigorous ranching and processing experience is further
complemented by her background as a certified sommelier and her years in fine dining.
Additionally, she has refined her butchery skills through professional experience at Al's Meat
Market for several years, further solidifying her understanding of the regional market and
butcher practices. This unique venue is a destination business that will draw customers from a
broad regional area into the Central Business District.
Program Requirements
• A food and beverage establishment that generates sales tax.
• A limited-service food and beverage establishment, as defined in this document,
generates a minimum annual gross sales revenue of $300,000 for the two most recent tax
years.
• The property and business owner must contribute financially to the project. The property
owner’s contribution may include tenant improvements and rent reductions. If the
property owner refuses to contribute to the improvements, they must provide written
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notification to the City, which will be attached to the public agreement.
• A property comprising or including ground-floor commercial space on a public street in
any commercial district within the City.
• The subject property must be compliant with applicable City codes.
• The subject property must be an existing commercial space within the City limits.
• The property taxes, business license/permit fees, business taxes, water bills, sewer bills,
citations, and any other City invoices for the subject property and business must be
current and not on payment plans.
Core Priorities:
Financial Stability
Katy the Butcher LLC is eligible for a 50/50 cost-share grant of up to a maximum of $56,240.50.
Funds for the Food & Beverage Interior Improvement and Expansion Grant Program are
budgeted in FY2026 in account 1110107.62100 Business Development Programs & Events. All
grant dollars are paid out as reimbursements to the business owner after completion of the work
and verification of expenditures.
The City of Highland Park has updated its grant "claw-back" schedule in relation to this grant
request; the applicant is aware and amenable to the updated provisions. If the restaurant closes or
violates the agreement within five years of receiving funds, the applicant must repay a portion of
the grant within one year of the event.
Claw-back Payment Schedule
0–2 Years: 100% repayment of grant funds.
2–4 Years: 80% repayment of grant funds.
5 Years: 60% repayment of grant funds
Economic Development
The Food & Beverage Interior Grant Program is a driver of economic development by
addressing the substantial costs associated with upgrading a commercial space. The grant
removes financial barriers, supporting the growth of existing food and beverage operators and
attracting new businesses to the City. The focus on businesses that generate sales tax ensures that
the public funds invested create a measurable return through increased municipal revenue and a
stronger local tax base. The proposed improvements are geared towards stimulating broader
economic activity and creating employment opportunities within the community. This strategy
supports business retention, fosters competitive commercial districts, and uses strategic
investment to ensure the long-term economic vitality and stability of the local business
community.
Vibrancy
The Food & Beverage Establishment Interior Improvement and Expansion Grant Program is
strategically aligned with the core priority of Vibrancy by directly funding aesthetic and
functional upgrades to the City's commercial spaces. This financial assistance encourages both
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new and existing businesses to invest and reinvest in improving and expanding their physical
footprint, often in key commercial districts, which translates into a more attractive and engaging
streetscape. By incentivizing operators and property owners in partnership with the City, the
community gains an expansion of cuisine offerings, retains growing businesses and provides
opportunities to grow the City's dining scene, ensuring diverse, modern, and high-caliber
restaurants and making the area a more dynamic and desirable destination for residents and
visitors alike.
Attachments:
1. Exhibit A - Economic Incentive Agreement for Katy the Butcher LLC
2. Resolution Approving F&B Incentive Agreement for Katy The Butcher LLC
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ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN
THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK,
KATY THE BUTCHER LLC, and
IMPERIAL REALTY COMPANY as agent of THE KLAIRMONT FAMILY L.L.C.
THIS ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into
as of this day of , 2026, by and between the CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, an
Illinois home rule municipal corporation (“City”), KATY THE BUTCHER LLC., an Illinois limited
liability company (“Business Owner”), and IMPERIAL REALTY COMPANY as an agent for
THE KLAIRMONT FAMILY L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company (“Property Owner”).
IN CONSIDERATION OF the recitals and mutual covenants and agreements set forth
herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the City, the Business
Owner, and the Property Owner hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. RECITALS.
A. In recognition of the importance of a successful business environment to the City’s
tax base, the City desires to enhance the long-term viability of the City’s tax base and strengthen
the competitive advantage of conducting business within the City by providing, in certain strategic
circumstances, assistance and incentives to new and existing business entities in the City.
B. The City established the Food & Beverage Establishment Interior Improvement
and Expansion Grant Program to offer significant financial assistance to new and existing full-
service and limited-service food and beverage businesses that generate sales tax (“F&B Grant
Program”).
C. The F&B Grant Program aims to encourage property owners to lease to high-
quality food and beverage establishments, support the economic vitality of the business
community, and remove barriers to existing business growth and new business attraction.
D. The Property Owner is the owner of that certain real property located at 1954 First
Street, containing approximately 1,450 interior square feet and 1,465 exterior square feet
(“Property”).
E. The Business Owner is the tenant of the Property and desires to operate a limited-
service establishment at the Property (“Restaurant”).
F. The Business Owner intends to make updates and certain improvements to the
Restaurant (“Improvements”), which Improvements include painting, installation of permanent
flooring materials, lighting and electrical work, and installation of permanent HVAC equipment,
kitchen appliances, and grease traps.
G. The Property Owner contributed financially to the Project by providing rent
abatement to the Business Owner.
H. The City anticipates that the Improvements at the Restaurant will significantly
contribute to the City's economic stability through substantial revenue and employment
opportunities.
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I. In order to construct the Improvements to the Restaurant at the Property, the
Business Owner and the Property Owner (collectively, the “Applicant”) have requested that the
City provide, and the City agrees to provide, an economic incentive grant of up to 50% of the
approved expenses related to eligible Improvements, up to a maximum of $56,240.50 to the
Applicant, as set forth in this Agreement.
J. The City, the Business Owner, and the Property Owner desire to enter into this
Agreement to enable the use of the Property in a manner that will enhance the business
environment of the City.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms
have the following meanings unless a different meaning is required by the context.
A. “Commencement Date” means , .
B. “Corporate Authorities” means the Mayor and City Council of the City.
C. “Effective Date” means the date first written in the first paragraph of the first page
of this Agreement.
D. “Eligible Costs” means those types of expenditures incurred by the Applicant that
are eligible for payment or reimbursement through the F&B Grant Program, as outlined in Exhibit
A attached to this Agreement.
E. “Force Majeure” means a strike, lockout, act of God, global, national, or local
pandemic, or other factors beyond a Party’s reasonable control and reasonable ability to remedy;
provided, however, that Force Majeure does not include: (i) delays caused by weather conditions
unless those conditions are unusually severe or abnormal considering the time of year and the
particular location of the subject property; (ii) economic hardship, impracticability of performance,
or commercial, economic, or market conditions, and (iii) obligations to pay monies owed, including
the Grant Funds.
F. “Grant Funds” means the grant to be provided by the City to the Business Owner,
to reimburse a portion of the Eligible Costs, as set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement.
G. “Lease Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.C of this Agreement.
H. “Parties” means the City, the Business Owner, and the Property Owner,
collectively.
I. “Redevelopment” means the renovations and redevelopment of the Restaurant
including the Improvements located at the Property undertaken by the Applicant.
J. “Requirements of Law” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.D of this
Agreement.
Other capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meaning ascribed to them in this
Agreement.
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SECTION 3. REDEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY.
A. Development, Use, Operation, and Maintenance. The Property must be
developed, used, operated, and maintained in compliance with all Requirements of Law and this
Agreement.
B. Improvements to the Property. The Applicant must complete the Improvements
on or before August 30, 2026, in accordance with the Requirements of Law. In their absolute and
sole discretion, and upon receipt of a written request therefor, the City Manager may extend the
deadline for completion of the Improvements by up to 180 days. The Improvements include,
without limitation: flooring, painting, lighting, décor, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, all to the
extent, in whole or in part, as determined by Applicant in its reasonable discretion taking into
account the intended quality and needs of the Restaurant.
C. Lease of Property. As a condition of the City paying the Grant Funds as set forth
in Section 5 of this Agreement, the Business Owner must submit proof of an agreement for the
lease of the Property from the Property Owner (“Lease Agreement”), which Lease Agreement
must have been executed for at least five years, and must provide a minimum of five years
remaining (“Base Lease Term”).
D. Completion of Improvements and Verification of Redevelopment Costs.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the City will not have any
obligation to pay any portion of the Grant Funds to the Applicant prior to the Applicant’s
submission of a detailed cost estimate which separately shows the proposed Improvements, and
which must match, in all material respects, the scope of work shown in the Applicant’s submitted
plans, all to the reasonable satisfaction of the City Manager. The cost estimate must be provided
by a general contractor not related to the Applicant, including relation through familial relationships
or from any other joint-venture partnership.
E. Receipts. The City may refuse to issue a check for the Grant Funds before
submittal by the Applicant of all receipts or other evidence of actual payment of the Eligible Costs
incurred in the completion of the Redevelopment (collectively, the “Receipts”).
SECTION 4. OPERATIONAL OBLIGATIONS.
A. Compliance with City Code. During the Base Lease Term, the Applicant agrees
to maintain the Restaurant and the Property in accordance with all applicable Requirements of
Law.
B. Eminent Domain. If the whole of the Property is taken by any public authority
under the power of eminent domain, the Term of this Agreement will cease as of the day
possession shall be taken by such public authority. If less than all of the Property is so taken, this
Agreement will terminate only as to the portion so taken by such public authority as of the day of
possession. If the City is the public authority exercising the power of eminent domain, the
Applicant will not be required to repay the Grant Funds to the City.
C. Lease Agreement. The Applicant agrees to maintain the Improvements in
accordance with the Lease Agreement.
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D. Public Rights-of-Way. The Applicant agrees to repair any damage to any public-
right-of-way caused by or in connection with the installation of the Improvements pursuant to this
Agreement and in accordance with the Lease Agreement.
E. Alteration of Improvements. The Applicant agrees to not alter or remove the
Improvements for any reason, without limitation, for at least five years after the Applicant receives
the Grant Funds. If any Improvements that have been paid for, in whole or in part, with Grant
Funds are removed for any reason within the five-year period beginning upon approval of this
Agreement, the entirety of the Grant Funds must be repaid to the City within 30 days after removal
of the Improvements.
SECTION 5. AWARD OF GRANT FUNDS.
A. Grant Funds. The Grant Funds awarded pursuant to this Agreement will not be
offset, reduced, or conditioned upon any other grant, gift, loan or other incentive awarded by any
third party to the Applicant. Conditioned on compliance with the disbursement requirements and
operational obligations set forth in Sections 3, 4, and 5.B of this Agreement, the City agrees to
remit to the Business Owner, at the Applicant’s direction, payment of the Grant Funds pursuant
to the following schedule: a lump sum payment of $56,240.50 within 45 days after submittal of
Receipts or other evidence of actual payment for the Eligible Costs incurred in the completion of
the Redevelopment. The Grant Funds must be used only for the costs incurred by the Applicant
in constructing the Improvements.
B. Disbursement Requirements. The following requirements must be satisfied to
the reasonable satisfaction of the City to allow for the disbursement of the Grant Funds:
1. Submission of Lease Agreement. The Applicant must provide a copy of the
executed Lease Agreement to the City.
2. Submission of Cost Estimate Breakdown. The Applicant must provide to
the City a detailed cost estimate breakdown for the Applicant’s obligations of the
Redevelopment, in accordance with Section 3.E of this Agreement.
3. Filing of UCC Statement. The Applicant must file with the Illinois Secretary
of State an appropriate Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement identifying the
Applicant as debtor and the City as secured party therein, to provide secured rights for the
benefit of the City in the furniture, fixtures and equipment, in a form to be approved in
advance by the City’s Corporation Counsel, which approval may not be unreasonably
withheld, conditioned, or delayed.
C. Closure; Refund of Grant.
1. Refund of Grant Funds. In the event that, at any time on or before the date
that is fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of the Grant Funds, the Applicant either
abandons, permanently closes, or terminates the use of the Property for the Restaurant
on a permanent basis (“Closure”), or alternatively, violates any provision of this
Agreement beyond the applicable cure period set forth in Section 10.B of this Agreement
(“Violation”), then (subject to Section 4.C of this Agreement): (a) the provisions of this
Agreement with regard to the Grant Funds will, as of the date of the Closure or Violation,
automatically terminate and become null and void and be of no further force or effect, and
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the City will have no obligation whatsoever to perform any of its obligations in Section 5 of
this Agreement; and (b) within one year after the date of Closure or Violation, the Applicant
must refund to the City a portion of the Applicant received by the Applicant prior to the
date of the Closure or Violation, as follows:
Date of Closure Claw-back Payment
0-2 years after date of issuance of Grant 100% of the Grant Funds
Funds
2-4 years after date of issuance of Grant 80% of the Grant Funds
Funds
5 years after date of issuance of Grant Funds 60% of the Grant Funds
The obligations set forth in this Section 5.C.1 survive the termination or expiration
of this Agreement.
2. The Applicant must provide the City with no less than 60 days prior written
notice, or such shorter period as practical in the event of casualty or eminent domain, prior
to Closure if the Closure occurs within the five years after the issuance of the Grant Funds.
The Business Owner agrees that the transfer of legal or beneficial interest in all or any
portion of the Property or the Restaurant, in accordance with Section 11.C of this
Agreement does not constitute a Closure for purposes of this Agreement.
D. Limitations on Payment of Grant Funds. The Applicant acknowledges and
agrees that the Restaurant must be operated, used and maintained in strict compliance with all
applicable City codes, ordinances, and regulations (collectively, the “Requirements of Law”),
and that if the Applicant fails to comply in all material respects with the Requirements of Law or
cure any defects, after the City provides Applicant with written notice of any such defect, failure
or violation, within the time set forth in Section 10.B of this Agreement, the City will have the right
to suspend payment of the Grant Funds to the Applicant for the period that the Applicant is not in
material compliance with the Requirements of Law, and the City will have no further obligation to
provide any portion of the Grant Funds to the Applicant until the City determines in its reasonable
discretion that the Applicant is in material compliance with the Requirements of Law, at which
time all suspended payments will be remitted to the Applicant. A legal nonconformity created as
a result of the City’s amendment to the Requirements of Law subsequent to the Commencement
Date will not constitute a failure of the Applicant to comply with the Requirements of Law.
E. Commitment to Fair Employment Practices and Affirmative Action;
Prevailing Wage. If and to extent applicable in accordance with the Requirements of Law, the
Applicant must comply with the requirements pertaining to fair employment practices and
affirmative action described in the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.), as
may be applicable.
SECTION 6. FORCE MAJEURE.
Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, whenever a period of time
is provided for in this Agreement for either of the Parties to perform any act or obligation, and the
Party, as the case may be, is unable to perform or complete the act or obligation because of a
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Force Majeure, then upon the occurrence of the Force Majeure, the time period for the
performance and completion of the acts or obligations will be extended automatically for a
reasonable time to accommodate the delay caused by the Force Majeure.
SECTION 7. LITIGATION AND DEFENSE OF AGREEMENT/INDEMNITY.
A. Litigation. If, during the Term of this Agreement, any lawsuits or proceedings are
filed or initiated against any Party before any court, commission, board, bureau, agency, unit of
government or sub-unit thereof, arbitrator, or other instrumentality, that may materially affect or
inhibit the ability of any Party to perform its obligations under, or otherwise to comply with, this
Agreement (“Litigation”), the Party against which the Litigation is filed or initiated must promptly
deliver a copy of the complaint or charge related thereto all other Parties, and must thereafter
keep such other Parties fully informed concerning all aspects of the Litigation.
B. Defense. The Parties must use their respective good faith efforts to defend the
validity of this Agreement, and all ordinances and resolutions adopted, and agreements executed
by such Party pursuant to this Agreement, including every portion thereof and every approval
given, and every action taken, pursuant thereto. Each Party will have the right to retain its own
independent legal counsel, at its own expense, for any matter. The Parties agree to reasonably
cooperate with each other to carry out the purpose and intent of this Agreement.
C. No Liability for City Review. The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that: (1)
the City is not, and will not be, in any way liable for any violations of restrictive covenants
applicable to the Property that may occur, or for any damages or injuries that may be sustained,
as the result of the City’s review and approval of any plans for the Property, or as a result of the
issuance of any approvals, permits, certificates, or acceptances relating to the use and
development of the Property; and (2) the City’s review and approval of any of the plans and the
issuance of any of the approvals, permits, certificates, or acceptances does not, and will not, in
any way, be deemed to insure the Applicant, or its members, managers, officers, agents,
employees, successors, assigns, tenants, or licensees, or any third Party, against restrictive
covenant violations or damage or injury of any kind at any time.
D. City Procedures. The Applicant acknowledges that notices, meetings, and
hearings have been properly given and held by the City with respect to the approval of this
Agreement and agrees not to challenge any of those actions on the grounds of any procedural
infirmity or of any denial of any procedural right.
E. Indemnity. The Applicant agrees to, and does hereby, hold harmless and
indemnify the City, the Corporate Authorities, all City elected and appointed officials, officers,
employees, agents, representatives, and attorneys (each, an “Indemnitee” and collectively, the
“Indemnitees”) from any and all third-party claims that may, at any time, be asserted against any
of the Indemnitees in connection with (1) the construction, operation, and maintenance of the
Restaurant and the Property; and (2) the performance by the Applicant of its obligations under
this Agreement and all related ordinances, resolutions, or other agreements; provided, however,
that the Applicant will have no indemnification obligation to any of the Indemnitees to the extent
that any losses or damages claimed are caused by the gross negligence, fraud, or willful
misconduct of one or more Indemnitees.
F. Defense Expenses. The Applicant hereby agrees to pay, without protest, all actual
and reasonable expenses incurred by the City in defending itself with regard to any and all of the
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claims identified in Section 7.E of this Agreement. These expenses may include, without limitation:
(1) all out-of-pocket expenses, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees, not to exceed their usual
and customary fee rates to the City; and (2) the reasonable value of any services rendered by
any employees of the City, not to exceed their actual salaries.
G. Joint and Several Liability. The obligations and liabilities of the Business Owner
and the Property Owner under this Agreement are and will be joint and several.
SECTION 8. TERM.
This Agreement will be in full force and effect for a period commencing on the
Commencement Date and through the date that is ten years after the date of the issuance of the
Grant Funds for the Restaurant (“Term”). During the Term, this Agreement inures to the benefit
of and is enforceable by the Applicant, the City, and any of their respective permitted legal
representatives, heirs, grantees, successors, and assigns.
SECTION 9. ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS; PAYMENT OF CITY FEES AND
COSTS.
In addition to any other costs, payments, fees, charges, contributions, or dedications
specifically required by this Agreement, the Applicant must pay to the City, as and when due, all
application, inspection, and permit fees, all other fees, and charges required by applicable City
codes, ordinances, resolutions, rules, or regulations, and all reasonable third-party legal,
engineering, and other consulting or administrative fees, costs, and expenses. The City agrees
to expedite all plan and permit review in connection with the Redevelopment described herein.
SECTION 10. ENFORCEMENT.
A. Enforcement. The Parties to this Agreement may, in law or in equity, by suit,
action, mandamus, or any other proceeding, including without limitation specific performance
(including, without limitation, payment by the City to the Applicant of payments due under this
Agreement), enforce or compel the performance of this Agreement; provided, however, that the
Applicant agrees that it will not seek, and does not have the right to seek, to recover a judgment
for monetary damages against the City, or any past, present, or future director, member, elected
or appointed officer, official, agent, representative, employee, or attorney, of the City on account
of the negotiation or execution of this Agreement. In addition to every other remedy permitted by
law for the enforcement of the terms of this Agreement, the City will be entitled to withhold the
issuance of building permits or certificates of occupancy for the Restaurant only when the
Applicant has failed or refused to meet fully any of its obligations under this Agreement (after
application of any notice and cure provisions). In the event of a judicial proceeding brought by
one Party to this Agreement against the other Party to this Agreement pursuant to this Section,
the prevailing Party will be entitled to reimbursement from the unsuccessful Party of all costs and
expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with the
judicial proceeding.
B. Notice and Cure. No Party may exercise the right to bring any suit, action,
mandamus, or any other proceeding pursuant to Section 10.A of this Agreement without first
providing written notice to all other Parties of the breach or alleged breach and allowing 30 days
to cure the breach or alleged breach. If the breach cannot be cured within the 30-day period
(“Time for Cure”), then the Time for Cure will be extended accordingly, provided that the notified
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Party has promptly commenced to cure the breach within the Time for Cure and continued to
prosecute the cure of the breach with diligence.
SECTION 11. NATURE, SURVIVAL, AND TRANSFER OF OBLIGATIONS.
A. Obligations. The Parties agree that all charges payable pursuant to this
Agreement, together with interest and costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees,
constitute both the personal obligation of the Party liable for its payment, and the successors of
that Party.
B. Binding Effect. The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement is
binding upon the Business Owner, the Property Owner, and any and all of their respective
successors, permitted assigns, and successor owners of record of all or any portion of the
Restaurant.
C. Transferee Assumption. To assure that any potential successor, or permitted
assign has notice of this Agreement and the benefits and obligations created by it, the Applicant
agrees to require, prior to the transfer of a legal or beneficial interest in a majority ownership of,
or controlling interest in the Restaurant, the transferee to execute an enforceable transferee
assumption agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the City. The City agrees that, upon a
successor becoming bound to the personal obligation created in this Agreement in the manner
provided, the liability of the Applicant or other predecessor obligor will be released to the extent
of the transferee’s assumption of liability. The Applicant agrees to notify the City in writing at least
30 days prior to the date on which the Applicant proposes to transfer a legal or beneficial interest
in a majority ownership of, or controlling interest in, the Restaurant to a transferee. Concurrent
with any such transfer described in this Section 11.C, the Applicant must provide the City with a
fully executed copy of the transferee assumption agreement.
D. Transfer Defined. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “transfer” includes
any assignment, transfer, sale, transfer to a receiver or to a trustee in bankruptcy, transfer in trust,
or other disposition of the Restaurant, in whole or in part, by voluntary or involuntary sale,
foreclosure, restructuring, merger, sale and leaseback, consolidation, or otherwise.
E. Prohibited Assignments. It is the express intent of the Parties that, except as
expressly provided or allowed herein, this Agreement, and all of the rights and privileges granted
herein, are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Applicant for operation of a Restaurant on the
Property. Accordingly, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, prior to the Grant Funds
payment, in the event that either the Business Owner does, or attempts to, voluntarily or
involuntarily transfer a majority or controlling interest in the Restaurant without the prior consent
of the Corporate Authorities, which consent may be granted or denied in the sole and absolute
discretion of the Corporate Authorities, this Agreement, and all of the rights and privileges granted
herein, will, at the option of the City, become null and void and be of no force or effect.
SECTION 12. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
A. Business Owner’s Representations and Warranties. In order to induce the City
to enter into this Agreement and to adopt the ordinances and grant the rights herein provided for,
the Business Owner hereby warrants and represents to the City as follows:
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1. The Business Owner is a duly organized, validly existing limited liability
company in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois.
2. The Business Owner has the limited liability company authority and the
legal right to make, deliver, execute, and perform this Agreement and has taken all
necessary actions to authorize the execution, delivery, and performance of this
Agreement.
3. All necessary consents of any members or managers or constituent
entities, creditors, investors, partners, judicial, or administrative bodies, governmental
authorities except the City, or other parties including specifically, but without limitation, all
secured parties, regarding the execution and delivery of this Agreement have been
obtained.
4. The consent or authorization of, filing with, or other act by or in respect of
any governmental authority except the City is not required in connection with the
execution, delivery, performance, validity, or enforceability of this Agreement.
5. The individuals executing this Agreement on behalf of the Business Owner
have the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of the
Business Owner.
6. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement: (a) is not
prohibited by any Requirement of Law or under any contractual obligation of the Business
Owner; (b) will not result in a breach or default under any agreement to which the Business
Owner is a party or to which the Business Owner, in whole or in part, is bound; and (c) will
not violate any restriction, court order, or agreement to which the Business Owner, in
whole or in part, is or are subject.
B. Property Owner’s Representations and Warranties. In order to induce the City
to enter into this Agreement and to adopt the ordinances and grant the rights herein provided for,
the Property Owner hereby warrants and represents to the City as follows:
1. The Property Owner is a duly organized, validly existing limited liability
company in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois.
2. The Property Owner has the limited liability company authority and the
legal right to make, deliver, execute, and perform this Agreement and has taken all
necessary actions to authorize the execution, delivery, and performance of this
Agreement.
3. All necessary consents of any members or managers or constituent
entities, creditors, investors, partners, judicial, or administrative bodies, governmental
authorities except the City, or other parties including specifically, but without limitation, all
secured parties, regarding the execution and delivery of this Agreement have been
obtained.
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4. The consent or authorization of, filing with, or other act by or in respect of
any governmental authority except the City is not required in connection with the
execution, delivery, performance, validity, or enforceability of this Agreement.
5. The individuals executing this Agreement on behalf of the Property Owner
have the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of the
Property Owner.
6. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement: (a) is not
prohibited by any Requirement of Law or under any contractual obligation of the Property
Owner; (b) will not result in a breach or default under any agreement to which the Property
Owner is a party or to which the Property Owner, in whole or in part, is bound; and (c) will
not violate any restriction, court order, or agreement to which the Property Owner, in whole
or in part, is or are subject.
C. City’s Representations and Warranties. In order to induce the Applicant to enter
into this Agreement, the City hereby warrants and represents to the Applicant as follows: (1) the
operation of the Restaurant at the Property is allowed as of right under the current zoning
classification of the Property, without any variance being required; (2) the funds for the Grant
Funds are held by or on account of the City, and are available for timely disbursement pursuant
to this Agreement; and (3) all necessary consents or approvals of the City Council or any
administrative bodies, governmental authorities, or other parties regarding the execution, delivery
and performance by the City of this Agreement have been obtained.
SECTION 13. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
A. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
Parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements and negotiations between the Parties,
whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
B. Amendments and Modifications. No amendment or modification to this
Agreement will be effective until it is reduced to writing and approved and executed by all Parties
to this Agreement in accordance with all applicable statutory procedures.
C. Notices. Any notice, communication, or demand required or permitted to be given
under this Agreement must be in writing and must be delivered: (1) personally, (2) by a reputable
overnight courier, or (3) by certified mail, return receipt requested, and deposited in the U.S. Mail,
postage prepaid. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, notices will be deemed received
after the first to occur of: (a) the date of actual receipt; or (b) the date that is one business day
after deposit with an overnight courier as evidenced by a receipt of deposit; or (c) the date that is
three business days after deposit in the U.S. mail, as evidenced by a return receipt. By notice
complying with the requirements of this Section, each Party to this Agreement has the right to
change the address or the addressee, or both, for all future notices and communications to them,
but no notice of a change of addressee or address will be effective until actually received.
Notices and communications to the City must be addressed to, and delivered at, the following
address:
City of Highland Park
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1707 St. Johns Avenue
Highland Park, Illinois 60035
Attention: City Manager
With a copy to: Elrod Friedman LLP
350 N. Clark Street
Second Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Attention: Hart M. Passman, Deputy Corporation
Counsel
Notices and communications to the Business Owner must be addressed to, and delivered at, the
following address:
Kathryn Wilhelmi, Business Owner
PO Box 1003
Northbrook, Illinois 60035
Attn: Kathryn Wilhelmi
With a copy to:
Attn:
Notices and communications to the Property Owner must be addressed to, and delivered at, the
following address:
Imperial Realty Company, as an agent for The
Klairmont Family L.L.C., Property Owner
4747 W. Peterson Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60646
Attn: _________________
With a copy to:
Attn:
D. Governing Law. This Agreement is to be governed by, and enforced in
accordance with, the internal laws, but not the conflict of laws rules, of the State of Illinois.
E. Interpretation. This Agreement is to be construed without regard to the identity of
the Party who drafted the various provisions of this Agreement. Moreover, each and every
provision of this Agreement is to be construed as though all Parties to this Agreement participated
equally in the drafting of this Agreement. As a result of the foregoing, any rule or construction that
a document is to be construed against the drafting Party is not applicable to this Agreement.
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F. Change in Laws. Except as otherwise explicitly provided in this Agreement, any
reference to laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations of any kind includes the laws, ordinances,
rules, or regulations of any kind as they may be amended or modified from time to time hereafter.
G. Headings. The headings, titles, and captions in this Agreement have been
inserted only for convenience and in no way define, limit, extend, or describe the scope or intent
of this Agreement.
H. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.
I. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement,
no claim as a third-party beneficiary under this Agreement by any person, firm, or corporation may
be made or will be valid against the City or the Applicant.
J. Severability. If any term, covenant, condition, or provision of this Agreement is
held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remainder of
the provisions will remain in full force and effect and will in no way be affected, impaired, or
invalidated.
K. Calendar Days and Time. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, any
reference in this Agreement to “day” or “days” means calendar days and not business days. If the
date for giving of any notice required to be given, or the performance of any obligation, under this
Agreement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, then the notice or obligation may be
given or performed on the next business day after that Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.
L. Exhibit. Exhibit A is attached to this Agreement, and by this reference incorporated
in and made a part of, this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the Exhibit and the text
of this Agreement, the text of this Agreement will control.
M. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which, when executed, is to be deemed to be an original, but all of which together constitute one
and the same instrument.
N. Waiver. Neither the City nor the Applicant are or will be under any obligation to
exercise any of the rights granted to them in this Agreement except as it determines to be in its
best interest from time to time. The failure of the City or the Applicant to exercise at any time any
of those rights is not to be deemed or construed as a waiver of that right, nor will the failure void
or affect the City’s or the Applicant’s respective right, as the case may be, to enforce those rights
or any other rights.
O. Rights Cumulative. Unless expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement,
each and every one of the rights, remedies, and benefits provided by this Agreement are
cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights, remedies, and benefits allowed by law.
P. Consents. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, whenever the consent,
permission, authorization, approval, acknowledgement, or similar indication of assent of any Party
to this Agreement, or of any duly authorized officer, employee, agent, or representative of any
Party to this Agreement, is required in this Agreement, the consent, permission, authorization,
approval, acknowledgement, or similar indication of assent must be in writing.
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Q. Grammatical Usage and Construction. In construing this Agreement, pronouns
include all genders, and the plural includes the singular and vice versa.
R. City Authority to Execute. The City hereby warrants and represents to the
Applicant that the persons executing this Agreement on its behalf have been properly authorized
to do so by the Corporate Authorities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their
duly authorized representatives as of the Effective Date.
CITY:
CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK,
ATTEST: an Illinois home rule municipal
corporation
By: By:
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
BUSINESS OWNER:
Katy the Butcher LLC
an Illinois limited liability company
By: By:
Name:
Name:
Title: Title:
PROPERTY OWNER:
Imperial Realty Company as an agent for
The Klairmont Family L.L.C., an Illinois
limited liability company
By: By:
Name:
Name:
Title: Title:
13
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
) SS
COUNTY OF LAKE )
This instrument was acknowledged before me on , 2026 by Ghida
S. Neukirch, the City Manager of the CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, an Illinois home rule municipal
corporation, and by Ashley Palbitska, the Deputy City Clerk of said home rule municipal
corporation.
Given under my hand and notarial seal this day of , 2026.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: (SEAL)
Page 94 of 237
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
) SS
COUNTY OF LAKE )
I, , a Notary Public in and for said County, in the State aforesaid,
do hereby certify that , personally known to me to be the
, an Illinois limited liability company, signed and delivered said
instrument as his free and voluntary act and as the free and voluntary act of said company, for
the uses and purposes therein set forth.
Given under my hand and notarial seal this day of , 2026.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: (SEAL)
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
) SS
COUNTY OF LAKE )
I, , a Notary Public in and for said County, in the State aforesaid,
do hereby certify that , personally known to me to be the
, an Illinois limited liability company, signed and delivered said
instrument as his free and voluntary act and as the free and voluntary act of said company, for
the uses and purposes therein set forth.
Given under my hand and notarial seal this day of , 2026.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: (SEAL)
Page 95 of 237
EXHIBIT A
LIST OF EXPENDITURES
Painting
Permanent flooring materials
Kitchen appliances
Installation of permanent HVAC equipment
Lighting and electrical work
Grease traps
Page 96 of 237
A-1
CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK
RESOLUTION NO. R2026-____________
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT
WITH KATY THE BUTCHER LLC AND
IMPERIAL REALTY COMPANY, AS AGENT FOR THE KLAIRMONT FAMILY L.L.C.
WHEREAS, Imperial Realty Company, as agent for The Klairmont Family L.L.C., an
Illinois limited liability company (“Property Owner”), is the record title owner of that certain real
property located at 1954 First Street, in the City (“Property”); and
WHEREAS, Katy The Butcher LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (“Business
Owner”), is the tenant of, and desires to operate a limited-service restaurant space
(“Restaurant”) at, the Property; and
WHEREAS, the Property Owner and the Business Owner intend to make updates and
certain improvements to the Property for the benefit of the Restaurant, which will enhance the
City’s tax base and generate new business in the City; and
WHEREAS, the Property Owner and the Business Owner have requested that, to enable
the development of the Restaurant on the Property, the City provide an economic incentive grant
of up to $56,240.50 to assist in the improvement of the Restaurant (“Grant”); and
WHEREAS, the City, the Property Owner, and the Business Owner desire to enter into an
economic incentive agreement to set forth their respective rights and responsibilities regarding
the provision of the Grant and the improvement and operation of the Restaurant ("Agreement");
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it will serve and be in the best interest
of the City and its residents to enter into the Agreement with the Property Owner and the Business
Owner;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT. The Agreement between and
among the City, the Property Owner, and the Business Owner is hereby approved in substantially
the form attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A, and in a final form to be approved by the City
Manager and the Corporation Counsel.
SECTION THREE: EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT. The City Manager and the Deputy
City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute and attest the Agreement with the
Property Owner and the Business Owner upon receipt by the City Clerk of at least one original
copy of the Agreement executed by each of the Property Owner and the Business Owner;
provided, however, that if an executed copy of the Agreement is not received by the City Clerk
within 30 days after the effective date of this Resolution, then this authority to execute and attest
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the Agreement will, at the option of the City Council, be null and void.
SECTION FOUR: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect
upon its passage and approval by a majority of the members of the City Council.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
RESOLUTION NO.
___________________________________
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Clerk
4913-6481-9584, v. 2
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EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Corey Cohn, Business Development Specialist
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: A Resolution Entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Lake Cook/Skokie LLC
d/b/a Rmarts Shell North Shore (10 Skokie Valley Road)
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approving funding from the Exterior Improvement Grant Program, not to
exceed $20,000 for Lake Cook/Skokie LLC d/b/a Rmarts Shell North Shore for eligible
expenditures at 10 Skokie Valley Road.
Policy Consideration:
In recognition of the importance of independent merchants to the City’s vibrancy and tax base,
the Exterior Improvement Program Grant (EIP), effective January 1, 2024, encourages the
improvement and revitalization of the visible exterior appearance of existing buildings. A copy
of the completed application is on file in the City Manager’s Office.
Eligible Improvements
• Replacing, repainting, and restoring exterior doors
• Designing, manufacturing, and installing new signage
• Pressure wash building cleaning
• Painting
• Replacing permanent graphics
Program Requirements and Required Documentation Received
• Written consent from the property owner was included in the application form to
implement the improvements and participate in the program.
• Photos of the existing façade with a diagram outlining the scope of the area to be
repaired.
• Itemized costs for the proposed project.
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Cost Estimates
The applicant provided two cost proposals for the listed eligible improvements. The applicant
intends to select the contractor with the lowest bid at a total cost of $46,758. The grant request of
$20,000 is in accordance with the City’s current ordinance, as it does not exceed the maximum
cap of $20,000 or 50% of the total eligible improvements.
Eligibility
Lake Cook/Skokie LLC d/b/a has met all program requirements per Chapter 107 of “The
Highland Park Code of 1968”. The application is eligible for consideration of a grant. Staff
confirmed that this business generates sales tax as the program requires. Council action on this
item constitutes approval of funding through the EIP contingent on the applicant receiving all
necessary permit approvals separate from this application and the submittal of paid invoices.
Core Priorities:
Fiscal Stability
Lake Cook/Skokie LLC d/b/a Rmarts Shell North Shore is eligible for a grant up to $20,000.
Funds for the Exterior Improvement Grant Program are budgeted in FY2026 in account
1110107.62100 Business Development Programs & Events.
Economic Development
The Exterior Improvement Grant directly contributes to economic development by lowering the
financial barrier for property owners and sales tax-producing businesses to make necessary
structural, functional, and aesthetic upgrades to improve the functionality of the property and
place of business. Through the use of this incentive program, the City effectively leverages
public funds to stimulate greater private investment in commercial real estate improvements. A
higher quality and more modern physical environment helps local sales-tax-generating
businesses become more competitive and ensures their long-term retention.
Vibrancy
The Grant Program significantly boosts community vibrancy by directly improving the overall
aesthetic of commercial business districts. Enhanced exterior improvements create a welcoming,
safe, and visually appealing environment, transforming commercial areas into vibrant
destinations. Furthermore, improvements to functionality support a positive patron experience.
This increased foot traffic and public engagement in the business districts are key indicators of a
thriving and dynamic community life.
Attachments:
1. Resolution Approving EIP Grant to Lake Cook Skokie LLC
2. Renderings - Rmarts Shell North Shore
3. Existing Facade - Rmarts Shell North Shore
4936-0724-3426, v.2
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CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK
RESOLUTION NO. R2026-____________
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENT GRANT FOR
LAKE COOK/SKOKIE LLC D/B/A RMARTS SHELL NORTH SHORE
WHEREAS, the City of Highland Park (“City”) recognizes the importance of
independent merchants to the City's vibrancy, quality of life, and tax base; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 107 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968", as amended ("City
Code"), establishes the City’s Exterior Improvement Program, through which the City provides
financial assistance to sales tax generating businesses and property owners to improve the
appearance and image of business properties; and
WHEREAS, the City has designated funds in the City’s FY2026 budget to approve
Exterior Improvement Program grants ("EIP Grants"); and
WHEREAS, Ryan Razowsky (“Applicant”) is the business owner of Lake Cook/Skokie
LLC d/b/a Rmarts Shell North Shore, located at the address commonly known as 10 Skokie
Valley Road (“Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted an application for an EIP Grant from the City
to improve the exterior of the Property ("Approved Eligible Improvements"); and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has determined that the Applicant qualifies for an EIP
Grant and has recommended issuance of an EIP Grant to the Applicant; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it will serve and be in the best interest
of the City to award an EIP Grant to the Applicant in accordance with, and subject to, the
conditions, restrictions, and provisions of this Resolution;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: APPROVAL OF EIP GRANT. Subject to, and contingent upon, the
condition set forth in Section Three of this Resolution, the City Council hereby approves the
issuance of an EIP Grant to the Applicant in an amount not to exceed 50% of the cost of the
Approved Eligible Improvements and up to a maximum of $20,000, in accordance with, and
pursuant to, Section 107.006(C) of the City Code and the home rule powers of the City.
SECTION THREE: CONDITION. The approval granted in Section Two of this
Resolution is hereby expressly subject to and contingent upon the completion by the Applicant
of the construction of the Approved Eligible Improvements within 120 days after the effective date
of this Resolution.
SECTION FOUR: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect
upon its passage and approval by a majority of the members of the City Council.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
RESOLUTION NO. _________________________
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Clerk
4936-0724-3426, v. 2
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Corey Cohn, Business Development Specialist
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: A Resolution entering into an Exterior Improvement Grant for Gemini Designs LLC (1316
Old Skokie Road)
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approving funding from the Exterior Improvement Grant Program, not to
exceed $20,000 for Gemini Designs LLC for eligible expenditures at 1316 Old Skokie Road.
Policy Consideration:
In recognition of the importance of independent merchants to the City’s vibrancy and tax base,
the Exterior Improvement Program Grant (EIP), effective January 1, 2024, encourages the
improvement and revitalization of the visible exterior appearance of existing buildings. A copy
of the completed application is on file in the City Manager’s Office.
Eligible Improvements
• Removing excess exterior materials
• Upgrading exterior lighting
• Installing or replacing landscaping
Program Requirements and Required Documentation Received
• Written consent from the property owner was included in the application form to
implement the improvements and participate in the program.
• Photos of the existing façade with a diagram outlining the scope of the area to be
repaired.
• Itemized costs for the proposed project.
Cost Estimates
The applicant provided two cost proposals for the listed eligible improvements. The applicant
4924-3237-9554, v.2
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intends to select the contractor with the lowest bid at a total cost of $46,800. The grant request of
$20,000 is in accordance with the City’s current ordinance, as it does not exceed the maximum
cap of $20,000 or 50% of the total eligible improvements.
Eligibility
Gemini Designs LLC has met all program requirements per Chapter 107 of “The Highland Park
Code of 1968”. The application is eligible for consideration of a grant. Staff confirmed that this
business generates sales tax as the program requires. Council action on this item constitutes
approval of funding through the EIP contingent on the applicant receiving all necessary permit
approvals separate from this application and the submittal of paid invoices.
Core Priorities:
Fiscal Stability
Gemini Designs LLC is eligible for a grant up to $20,000. Funds for the Exterior Improvement
Grant Program are budgeted in FY2026 in account 1110107.62100 Business Development
Programs & Events.
Economic Development
The Exterior Improvement Grant directly contributes to economic development by lowering the
financial barrier for property owners and sales tax-producing businesses to make necessary
structural, functional, and aesthetic upgrades to improve the functionality of the property and
place of business. Through the use of this incentive program, the City effectively leverages
public funds to stimulate greater private investment in commercial real estate improvements. A
higher quality and more modern physical environment helps local sales-tax-generating
businesses become more competitive and ensures their long-term retention.
Vibrancy
The Grant Program significantly boosts community vibrancy by directly improving the overall
aesthetic of commercial business districts. Enhanced exterior improvements create a welcoming,
safe, and visually appealing environment, transforming commercial areas into vibrant
destinations. Furthermore, improvements to functionality support a positive patron experience.
This increased foot traffic and public engagement in the business districts are key indicators of a
thriving and dynamic community life.
Attachments:
1. Resolution Approving EIP Grant to Gemini Designs LLC
2. Existing Facade - Gemini Designs
3. Rendering - Gemini Designs
4924-3237-9554, v.2
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CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK
RESOLUTION NO. R2026-____________
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENT GRANT FOR
GEMINI DESIGNS LLC
WHEREAS, the City of Highland Park (“City”) recognizes the importance of
independent merchants to the City's vibrancy, quality of life, and tax base; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 107 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968", as amended ("City
Code"), establishes the City’s Exterior Improvement Program, through which the City provides
financial assistance to sales tax generating businesses and property owners to improve the
appearance and image of business properties; and
WHEREAS, the City has designated funds in the City’s FY2026 budget to approve
Exterior Improvement Program grants ("EIP Grants"); and
WHEREAS, James Broccolo (“Applicant”) is the business owner of Gemini Designs
LLC, located at the address commonly known as 1316 Old Skokie Road (“Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has submitted an application for an EIP Grant from the City
to improve the exterior of the Property ("Approved Eligible Improvements"); and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has determined that the Applicant qualifies for an EIP
Grant and has recommended issuance of an EIP Grant to the Applicant; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it will serve and be in the best interest
of the City to award an EIP Grant to the Applicant in accordance with, and subject to, the
conditions, restrictions, and provisions of this Resolution;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: APPROVAL OF EIP GRANT. Subject to, and contingent upon, the
condition set forth in Section Three of this Resolution, the City Council hereby approves the
issuance of an EIP Grant to the Applicant in an amount not to exceed 50% of the cost of the
Approved Eligible Improvements and up to a maximum of $20,000, in accordance with, and
pursuant to, Section 107.006(C) of the City Code and the home rule powers of the City.
SECTION THREE: CONDITION. The approval granted in Section Two of this
Resolution is hereby expressly subject to and contingent upon the completion by the Applicant
of the construction of the Approved Eligible Improvements within 120 days after the effective date
of this Resolution.
SECTION FOUR: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect
upon its passage and approval by a majority of the members of the City Council.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
RESOLUTION NO. _________________________
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Clerk
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Keith Miller, Utilities Superintendent
Joe O'Neill, Deputy Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works Department
Title: A Resolution Approving the Award of the 2026 Snow Hauling Program Contract to D&A
Enterprises, Inc., of Highland Park, Illinois
Recommendation:
Staff recommends award of the Snow Hauling Program contract to D&A Enterprises, Inc.,
Highland Park, IL. This program was discussed and approved as part of the FY2026 Public
Works budget and is included in the proposed FY2027 budget.
Policy Consideration:
Each winter season, the City hires contractors to augment the Department of Public Works staff
for snow removal operations, including hauling accumulated snow on sidewalks from the City’s
two primary business districts. The trucking firm primarily hauls deposited snow from the
Central and Ravinia Business Districts. This contracted work is an essential component of the
City’s response to snowfall events. The timely removal of accumulated snow from business
districts and parking areas is critical for safe pedestrian and motorist mobility within the two
business districts.
The total estimated bid amount is based on three hauling events, with each event using eight
trucks with drivers lasting eight hours. The contractor provides semi-trucks with drivers, which
are then piled and loaded with snow by Department of Public Works staff. Snow is hauled to
designated sites within the City. This contract varies depending on the severity of the winter
season and the accumulation of snow in the two business districts. This, in turn, can increase or
decrease the need for snow hauling operations. To provide snow relief within the two business
districts, the City typically will perform three to four contractual snow hauling events during an
average winter season. To minimize inconvenience to the shoppers and businesses, the snow
hauling operation is conducted between 9 PM and 7 AM.
On April 16, 2026, three sealed bids were received, with D&A Enterprises, Inc., of Highland
Park, Illinois, representing the low and responsible bidder. The contract includes an annual
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renewal clause for up to five additional and consecutive one-year terms. D&A Enterprises held
the former Snow Hauling Program contract for the previous 4 years and has performed
satisfactorily.
Snow Hauling is outlined in the City’s Snow and Ice Control Plan and promoted through all
public information channels. The Department of Public Works Street Section will manage this
contract. Pertinent documents are available for review at the Public Works Department.
Core Priorities:
Fiscal Stability
The FY2026/2027 General Fund, contains sufficient funding for the Snow Hauling Program.
The historical Snow Hauling Contract costs to date are as follows:
Snow 2023/2024 2024/2025 2025/2026
Season
Amount $0 $0 $5,715
Attachments:
1. Resolution Snow Hauling
2. Bid Tab - 2026 Snow Hauling
3. 2026 Snow Hauling
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CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK
RESOLUTION NO. R________
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AWARD OF THE 2026 SNOW HAULING PROGRAM
CONTRACT TO D & A ENTERPRISES, INC., OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, the City sought bids for the award of the 2026 Snow Hauling Program
Contract (“Contract”), for removal of accumulated snow from the City’s business districts
following heavy snowfalls; and
WHEREAS, D & A Enterprises, Inc., of Highland Park, Illinois (“D&A”), was the low
responsible bidder of the firms that submitted bid packages to the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it will serve and be in the best interest of
the City to enter into the Contractor with D&A;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: AUTHORIZATION OF CONTRACT. The Contract by and
between the City and D&A shall be, and is hereby, authorized in substantially the form attached to
this Resolution.
SECTION THREE: EXECUTION OF CONTRACT. The City Manager and the
Deputy City Clerk shall be, and they are hereby, authorized and directed to execute and attest, on
behalf of the City, the Contract upon receipt by the City Clerk of at least one original copy of the
Contract executed by D&A; provided, however, that if the executed copy of the Contract is not
received by the City Clerk within 60 days after the effective date of this Resolution, then this
authority to execute and attest shall, at the option of the City Council, be null and void.
SECTION FOUR: EXECUTION OF FUTURE RENEWALS OF
AGREEMENTS. The City Manager is authorized to execute future renewals of the Contract for
future calendar years, in accordance with Section 3.B of the Contract, if: (a) the City Manager
determines, in their discretion, that the proposed renewal is favorable to the City; and (b) the terms
of the proposed renewal is substantially similar to the Contract, as determined by the City Manager
and the Corporation Counsel. This Resolution is not to be deemed or interpreted as obligating the
City Manager to execute any future renewal of any Contract.
SECTION FIVE: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall be in full force and
effect upon its passage and approval by a majority of the members of the City Council.
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ADOPTED
AYES:
ADOPTED:
RESOLUTION NO.
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Clerk
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RFP - Snow Hauling Program (#10143665)
Owner: Highland Park IL, City of
Solicitor: Highland Park IL, City of
04/16/2026 11:00 AM CDT
D & A Enterprises Inc Utility Transport Snow Systems
Section Title Line Item Item Code Item Description UofM Quantity
Unit Price Extension Unit Price Extension Unit Price Extension
Base Bid $ 19,200.00 $ 28,606.08 $ 31,104.00
1 1 Estimated Contract Price (3 x 8 x 8 = 192 hours) LSUM 192 $ 100.00 $ 19,200.00 $ 148.99 $ 28,606.08 $ 162.00 $ 31,104.00
Base Bid Total: $ 19,200.00 $ 28,606.08 $ 31,104.00
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Ron Bannon, Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works Department
Title: A Resolution Rejecting the Bids Received for a Contract for the Lead Service Line
Replacement (Phase II) Project
Recommendation:
Staff recommends rejecting the three sealed bids received on March 30, 2026, for the Lead
Service Line Replacement (Phase II) Project.
Policy Consideration:
On March 30, 2026, the City received 3 bids for Phase II of the Lead Service Line Replacement
Project. While reviewing the bids, staff encountered technological irregularities and
complications with the bidding process relating to the bids received for the contract. It is the
staff's recommendation to reject all bids received and rebid the contract.
The project is currently out for bid again with the bid opening scheduled for Monday, May 18,
2026. Once bids are received and reviewed, consideration of the award of the Phase II project is
planned for the May 27, 2026, City Council Meeting. More information on water quality and the
City's Lead Service Line Program is available on the City’s official website and
www.gettheleadoutil.com/highlandpark.
Core Priorities:
Attachments:
1. HP - Resolution Rejecting All Bids for Lead Service Line Replacement Project
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City of Highland Park
Resolution No. ______
A Resolution Rejecting the Bids Received for a
Contract for the Lead Service Line Replacement (Phase II) Project
WHEREAS, the City sought bids for the award of a contract for the replacement of lead
service lines throughout the City (“Contract”); and
WHEREAS, on March 30, 2026, the City encountered multiple technological
irregularities while opening the three sealed bids received for the Contract; and
WHEREAS, due to the technological irregularities and complications with the bidding
process, the City Council has determined that it will serve and be in the best interest of the City
and the public to reject all bids received for the Contract;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: REJECTION OF ALL BIDS RECEIVED. The City Council hereby
rejects all bids received for the Contract, and directs the City Manager, or her designee, to inform
the bidders that all bids were rejected and return to each bidder any bid security submitted by that
bidder in connection with its bid.
SECTION THREE: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect
upon its passage and approval by a majority of the members of the City Council.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
RESOLUTION NO. _________________________
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Clerk
4898-7415-5171, v. 2
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Zubin Coleman, Senior Planner
Department: Community Development Department
Title: A Resolution Approving Agreements for Property Management, Operation, and
Maintenance Services for the Peers Housing Association, the Ravinia Housing Association, and
the Sunset Wood Association
Recommendation:
Staff and the Housing Commission recommend renewal of the property management agreements
for a two-year term with Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) for the Sunset
Woods Association, and with Evergreen Real Estate Services (ERES) for the Peers and Ravinia
Housing Associations.
Policy Consideration:
The City’s three housing associations own the following affordable housing developments:
1. Peers Housing Association (PHA) – the 68-unit Frank B. Peers Senior Housing Building
located at 400 Central Ave. with property management services provided by ERES.
2. Ravinia Housing Association (RHA) – the 17 units at the Ravinia Family Housing
development located at 735 – 763 Pleasant Ave and 2743 – 2755 St. Johns Ave. with
property management services provided by ERES.
3. Sunset Woods Association (SWA) – the 14 rental units located in the Sunset Woods
Condominiums building located at 891 Central Avenue., with property management
services provided by HODC.
The Associations have Housing Management Agreements with the property management firms,
ERES and HODC. Specifically, Peers and Ravinia Housing Associations with ERES, and Sunset
Woods Association has two with HODC. The Council last approved renewal of these
Agreements on April 24, 2024 for a two-year term. These Agreements expire on June 30, 2026.
ERES & HODC have met the obligations of their agreements in a satisfactory manner and have
maintained a positive rapport with the Housing Commission and City staff. Both HODC and
ERES have provided exceptional staffing and quality control processes. ERES continues to be
very responsive to resident needs and requests of the Associations[1] and City staff.
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Association (Commission) Consideration. On April 6, 2026, the Associations recommended by
a vote of 6-0[2] renewal of these property management Agreements (see Attachments 1, 3 and 4)
for an additional two-year term ending June 30, 2028. And allowing one other agreement to
auto-renew (see Attachment 2).
Next Steps
Pending Council Approval, the President of the Peers Associations and the Sunset Woods
Association (also the Chair of the Housing Commission) will execute the corresponding
management agreement documents with ERES and HODC and staff will file them with IHDA as
appropriate.
Additional Background.
ERES
Since 2008, ERES has been the Property Management Company for Peers, Walnut Place, and
Ravinia Housing[3]. In July 2019, the Housing Commission issued a Request for Proposals (RFP)
for property management services for the Peers, Ravinia, and Walnut affordable housing
developments. A review team was assembled to review the two proposals received and selected
ERES for the property management agreement. The Associations approved the selection of
ERES for property management services at their Nov. 6, 2019 meeting; agreements are extended
or renewed on a two-year basis.
The Ravinia Property Management Agreement is an ‘auto-renew’ agreement, which does not
require renewal unless the Agent or the Owner intends to make changes to the terms of the
agreement. ERES does not intend to change the terms of the agreement, nor are they proposing a
new fee. Thus, renewal/extension is not required as it auto-renews (Attachment 2).
The Peers Property Management Agreement is required to be renewed every two years as per the
agreement, and requires approval from Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA). Peers
Property Management Agreement expires on June 30, 2026 (Attachment 1).
HODC
HODC was one of the original members of the Sunset Woods development team (2002) and has
managed the City’s 14 affordable rental units at Sunset Woods since then. City staff and the
Housing Commission representative to the Sunset Woods Condominium Association (SWCA)
Board assess resident satisfaction through their interactions with the tenants. Resident feedback
regarding HODC is favorable. Like ERES, HODC has a staff regional supervisor for the Sunset
Woods rentals to enhance management oversight.
HODC currently has two agreements with the SWA. One for the 12 units and requires the
approval of IHDA (Attachment 3). The second is for units #231 and #319, which does not
require any approval from IHDA as these units were purchased by the Associations without
IHDA assistance (Attachment 4). Both Agreements expire on June 30, 2026.
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[1] Made up of the members of the Housing Commission
[2] Commissioner Beasley absent.
[3] Walnut Place is no longer a part of the City’s affordable housing portfolio because its owner chose to allow the City’s
Operating Agreement to expire in Aug. 2021, and sold the development to Evergreen Real Estate Services (ERES). As a result,
Walnut Place is no longer managed by the Walnut Housing Association, which was subsequently dissolved. However, Walnut
Place remains an affordable housing property managed by ERES.
Core Priorities:
Infrastructure Investment
Vibrancy
Attachments:
1. Resolution Approving Housing Management Agreements (2026)
2. Attachment 1 - Frank B Peers Management Agreement Extension 2026-2028
3. Attachment 2 - Ravinia Management Agreement Auto-Renew
4. Attachment 3 - Sunset Woods IHDA Management Agreement Extension 2026 2028
5. Attachment 4 - Sunset Woods Management Agreement 2026 2028
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CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK
RESOLUTION NO. ____________
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENTS FOR
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR
THE PEERS HOUSING ASSOCIATION, THE RAVINIA HOUSING ASSOCIATION,
AND THE SUNSET WOODS ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the Highland Park Housing Commission (“Commission”) is an independent
municipal corporation created pursuant to Section 33.1101 of “The Highland Park Code of 1968,”
as amended (“City Code”); and
WHEREAS, the Commission is the sole member of the Peers Housing Association, an
Illinois not-for-profit corporation (“Peers”), the Ravinia Housing Association, an Illinois not-for-
profit corporation (“Ravinia”), and the Sunset Woods Association, an Illinois not-for-profit
corporation (“Sunset Woods”, and collectively with Peers and Ravinia, the “Associations”),
and the members of the Commission serve as the directors of each of the Associations; and
WHEREAS, the Associations entered into agreements: (i) with Evergreen Real Estate
Services, L.L.C., of Chicago, Illinois (“ERES”), for the provision of property management,
operation, and maintenance services (collectively, the “Services”) at the properties managed
and operated by Peers and Ravinia pursuant to Section 33.1124 of the City Code; and (ii) Housing
Opportunity Development Commission, of Techny, Illinois (“HODC,” and collectively with ERES,
the “Vendors”), for the provision of the Services at the property managed and operated by
Sunset Woods pursuant to Section 33.1124 of the City Code (collectively, the “Agreements”);
and
WHEREAS, the Agreements will expire on June 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 33.1105(B) of the City Code, the Commission possesses
the authority to enter into the Agreements through the Associations, but only upon the approval
of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 33.1105(B) of the City Code, the Commission has
requested that the City Council approve the renewal of the Agreements for the provision by the
Vendors of the Services for the Associations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the Agreements, and the provision by
the Vendors of the Services for the Associations, will serve and be in the best interests of the City
and its residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF HIGHLAND
PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: APPROVAL OF RENEWAL OF AGREEMENTS. The City Council
hereby approves renewal of the Agreements with the Vendors for the provision of the Services.
-1-
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SECTION THREE: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect
upon its passage and approval by a majority of the members of the City Council.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
RESOLUTION NO.:
___________________________________
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Clerk
-2-
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GROUP EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENTS
Exhibit A-1
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EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Development Name: Frank B. Peers Senior Housing
Project ID (PID): TEB-2269
THIS EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is
made as of the 6th day of April, 2026 , by and between Peers Housing Association
(the “Owner”) and Evergreen Real Estate Services, LLC (the “Property Manager.)
RECITALS
The Owner and the Property Manager have previously entered into that certain Management
Agreement dated as of February 5, 2020 (the “Management Agreement”) and approved by
the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The Management Agreement has expired and the parties
wish to amend it and extend its term.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained below and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:
1. Definitions. All capitalized terms in this Amendment that are not defined herein shall have
the meanings provided in the Management Agreement.
2. Extension of Term. The term of the Management Agreement is extended for a period of
two (2) year(s), beginning on July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2028 ,
unless terminated earlier as provided in the Management Agreement.
3. Fees.
✔ There is no change to the monthly fee of the Property Manager.
There is a change to the monthly fee of the Property Manager. Paragraph
of the Management Agreement is amended to provide that the monthly fee of
the Property manager shall be percent ( %) of gross collections.
4. Warranties and Representations. Owner and Property Manager each warrants that it has
not executed, and represents that it will not execute, any other agreement with provisions
contradictory to or in opposition to the provisions of the Management Agreement, as
amended by this Amendment (the “Amended Management Agreement”) and that, in any
event, the requirements of the Amended Management Agreement are (i) paramount and
controlling as to the rights and obligations set forth in any other agreement and (ii)
supersede any other requirements in conflict with the Amended Management Agreement.
IHDA Extension and Amendment of
Management Agreement
(Revised 6/5/2023)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed by their authorized
representatives.
OWNER:
By:
Print Name:
Title:
Date: __________
FEIN # 36-2949405
PROPERTY MANAGER:
By:
Print Name: John D. Kennedy
Title: Executive Vice President
Date: __________
03/18/2024
FEIN # 36-4274778
This Amendment is approved this day of .
ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
By:
Print Name:
Title: _________________________________________
IHDA Extension and Amendment of Management
Agreement
(Revised 6/5/2023)
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EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Development Name: Sunset Woods
Project ID (PID): HTF 1213
THIS EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is
made as of the 27th day of February , 2026 by and between Sunset Woods Association(the
(the “Owner”) and Housing Opportunity Dev. Corp. “Property Manager.)
This agreement covers 12 units (103, 112, 203, 212, 214, 216, 303, 312, 314, 316, 237, and 337).
RECITALS
The Owner and the Property Manager have previously entered into that
certain Management Agreement dated as of September 1, 2014__________(the “Management
Agreement”) and approved by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The
Management Agreement has expired and the parties wish to amend it and extend its term. NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained below and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is acknowledged, the parties agree
as follows:
1. Definitions. All capitalized terms in this Amendment that are not defined herein shall have
the meanings provided in the Management Agreement.
2. Extension of Term. The term of the Management Agreement is extended for a period of 2
years, beginning on July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2028 unless ,
terminated earlier as provided in the Management Agreement.
3. Fees.
There is no change to the monthly fee of the Property Manager.
There is a change to the monthly fee of the Property Manager. Paragraph
of the Management Agreement is amended to provide that the monthly fee of
the Property manager shall be percent ( %) of gross collections.
4. Warranties and Representations. Owner and Property Manager each warrants that it has
not executed, and represents that it will not execute, any other agreement with provisions
contradictory to or in opposition to the provisions of the Management Agreement, as
amended by this Amendment (the “Amended Management Agreement”) and that, in any
event, the requirements of the Amended Management Agreement are (i) paramount and
controlling as to the rights and obligations set forth in any other agreement and (ii)
supersede any other requirements in conflict with the Amended Management Agreement.
IHDA Extension and Amendment of
Management Agreement
(Revised 6/5/2023)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed by their authorized
representatives.
OWNER:
By:
Print Name: ____________
Title:
Date: 02/26/2026
FEIN #
PROPERTY MANAGER:
By:
Print Name: Richard Koenig
Title: Executive Director
Date: 02/26/2026
FEIN # 36-3237455
This Amendment is approved this day of .
ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
By:
Print Name:
Title:
IHDA Extension and Amendment of Management
Agreement
(Revised 6/5/2023)
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EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this
“Amendment”) is made as of the 26th day of February , 2026, by and between
Sunset Woods Association___ (the “Owner”) and Housing Opportunity Development Corp_
(the “Property Manager”). This agreement covers 2 units (#231 and #319).
RECITALS
A. The Owner and the Property Manager have previously entered into that certain
Management Agreement originally dated as of February 3 , 2010 (the “Management
Agreement”) for the two additional units defined in Exhibit A. The Management Agreement has
expired and the parties wish to amend it and extend its term.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained below and other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is acknowledged, the parties
agree as follows:
1. Definitions. All capitalized terms in this Amendment that are not defined
herein shall have the meanings provided in the Management Agreement.
2. Extension of Term. The term of the Management Agreement is extended
for a period of 2 year(s), beginning on July 1, 2026 and ending on June
30, 2028, unless terminated earlier as provided in the Management
Agreement.
3. Warranties and Representations. Owner and Property Manager each
warrants that it has not executed, and represents that it will not execute, any
other agreement with provisions contradictory to or in opposition to the
provisions of the Management Agreement, as amended by this Amendment
(the “Amended Management Agreement”) and that, in any event, the
requirements of the Amended Management Agreement are (i) paramount and
controlling as to the rights and obligations set forth in any other agreement and
(ii) supersede any other requirements in conflict with the Amended
Management Agreement.
Page 1 of 3
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed by their
authorized representatives.
OWNER:
By:
Print Name:
Title: President
FEIN# 01-0628727
PROPERTY MANAGER: Housing Opportunity
Development Corporation
By: ffe r
/2;,c
_,,
Print Name: RichardK�
Title: Executive Director
FEIN# 36-3237455
Page 2 of 3
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Exhibit A
Rental Units
Units Bedroom Count Income Threshold
#231 two-bedroom up to 80% Chicago Area Median Income
#319 two–bedroom up to 115% Chicago Area Median Income
Page 3 of 3
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Anthony Mistretta, Planner I
Department: Community Development Department
Title: A Resolution Approving a Public Right-of-Way Use License Agreement Between the City
of Highland Park and Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC for Installation of Fiber Optic Communications
Facilities
Recommendation:
Staff recommend authorizing the execution of the attached public right-of-way use license
agreement between the City of Highland Park and Eeze Fiber Texas, LLC Delaware Limited
Liability Company (“Licensee”) for installation of fiber-optic communication facilities.
Policy Consideration:
Municipalities are required to allow fiber optic facility installations within their right-of-ways,
subject to agreements with reasonable terms and conditions.
Background.
The Licensee is required to be certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission as a Local
Exchange Carrier (LEC) or an Interexchange Carrier (IXC), is not delivering, and does not
intend to deliver, cable television services to residents and businesses. Instead, the Licensee
requests the use of the City’s right-of-ways for its fiber optic telecommunication facilities
(“Facilities”) for the benefit of Highland Park residents and possibly other potential business
customers in the future. These facilities will consist of underground fiber optic cable and related
components with the exception of a limited number above ground equipment cabinets.[1]
Interdepartmental team of staff from Public Works and Community Development worked to
revise and customize the attached license agreement that Corporation Counsel created as a
template for municipalities (see Attachment 1).
[1] Cabinets are typically dimensioned as 62”x59”x34”. Each cabinet requires 240VAC single-
phase Class 100 utility power. See Exhibit C for more details.
4913-7940-7206 v.4
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Agreement Summary.
The agreement consists of eight Sections and four Exhibits (A-D). Section 1 Recitals; Section 2
Grant of Right-of-Way License; Section 3 Description of Facilities; Section 4 Construction and
Maintenance; Section 5 Liability, Indemnity and Insurance provisions; Section 6 Term and
Termination provisions; Section 7 Enforcement; and Section 8 regarding General Terms.
Exhibit A identifies in general terms preliminary plans for where the City will allow the
Licensee to construct, install, operate, maintain, and replace its fiber facilities. The Licensee is
responsible for properly assessing all locations for existing utilities. Final location of the
proposed Facilities will be decided based on submittal of a permit applications approved by the
City. Moreover, the Licensee is responsible for damage, if any, caused by their work or facilities,
and must restore the City’s right of ways in a timely manner[1], and provide the City as built
electronic files for use in the City’s geographic information system.
Supplemental Requirements. Section 2 of the Agreement grants use of the right-of-way to the
License subject to Public Right of Way Construction Regulations, as well as the Supplemental
Requirements for Public Right-of-way Fiber Installations (see Exhibit B). They include, but are
not limited to, providing fiber service free of charge to certain publicly-owned facilities free of
charge with conditions; and includes restrictions on what can be charged to residential and
business customers. Please see Exhibit D for details.
[2] Service connection to individual users must be buried within seven business days, restoration
must be completed in five business days after the installation of Fiber Facilities on a block is
completed.
Exhibit C provides general specifications of the fiber facilities, and Exhibit D identifies select
Public Facilities the Licensee will provide fiber service to free of charge, with conditions listed
in Exhibit D.
Project Administration. The proposed project is a large undertaking that exceeds the City’s
capacity to ensure compliance utilizing City staff alone. Importantly, the Agreement includes
reimbursement of municipal third-party costs as the City intends to use third-party consultants to
review permit applications, plans, and inspect worksites for compliance with the Agreement.
To aid administration and completion of work, the Agreement includes terms regarding the
number of service connections per permit application and limits permit validity to 180 days to
ensure that work is completed in a timely manner. In addition, a $100K security will be required
per permit in a form acceptable to the City, which will be returned upon completion of the
installation, restoration, inspection, and approval of the restored right-of-way related to each
permit.
To prevent damage and large-scale disruption to right-of-ways, directional boring or “jacking” is
required as opposed to open trenching. The licensee will also be required to work with City staff
to ensure that all proposed fiber facilities will have the required separation from existing City
4913-7940-7206 v.4
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utilities.
Notice to Property Owners. 30 days prior to commencing work, the Licensee shall provide
written notice, in the form of door hangers, to all private property owners along the section of
right of way affected. Notice shall include the scope of installation activities and telephone
contact information for both the Licensee’s representative and the installation contractor.
Core Priorities:
Economic Development & Infrastructure Investment
The proposed license agreement allows for an investment in utility infrastructure that would
otherwise greatly benefit the residents of the City. By providing access to the licensee’s fiber
optic network, the City is equipped with a much more efficient internet/telecommunications
utility structure.
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1 - Signed Agreement
2. HP - Resolution Approving a PROW License Agremeent with Ezee Fiber for Fiber Optic
Communication Faciltiies
3. Exhibit A - Approved PROW Locations
4. Exhibit B - Supplemental Requirements
5. Exhibit C - Fiber Facility General Specification
6. Exhibit D - Public Facilities
4913-7940-7206 v.4
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City of Highland Park
Resolution No. _____
A Resolution Approving a Public Right-of-Way Use License Agreement Between the City
of Highland Park and Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC for Installation of Fiber Optic
Communications Facilities
WHEREAS, the City owns and maintains public rights-of-way throughout the City for the
benefit of its residents and property owners; and
WHEREAS, the City maintains standards for construction of utility facilities within its public
rights-of-way, which are set forth in Chapter 53 of Title V of the City of Highland Parke of
Ordinances, Illinois, as the same may from time to time be amended (“PROW Construction
Regulations”); and
WHEREAS, Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC (“Licensee”) has requested that the City grant it
permits to commence construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement of fiber
optic telecommunications cables and appurtenant equipment (collectively, the “Fiber Facilities”)
both underground and above ground only on existing utility poles within portions of the City’s
public rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS, the Licensee, which has been certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission
as a Local Exchange Carrier (LEC), is not delivering, and does not intend to deliver, cable
television services, but rather intends to provide fiber optic telecommunications services to
residents and property owners in the City; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of, and subject to, the terms of the Public Right-of-Way
License Agreement attached to this resolution as Exhibit A (“License Agreement”), the City is
willing to allow the Licensee to construct, install, operate, maintain, and replace its Fiber Facilities
within certain of the City’s public rights-of-way identified; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that it is useful to the City and its residents to grant
a license to the Licensee as provided the Agreement for the purpose of memorializing the
Licensee’s rights and obligations with regard to the installation, operation, maintenance, and
repair of the Fiber Facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that execution of the License Agreement
with the Licensee will serve and be in the best interest of the City and its residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF HIGHLAND
PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: APPROVAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT. The City Council hereby
approves the License Agreement between the City and the Licenser, in the form attached to this
Resolution as Exhibit A.
4919-2008-1053, v. 1
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SECTION THREE: EXECUTION OF LICENSE AGREEMENT. The City Manager is
hereby authorized and directed to execute the Agreement with the Licensee, upon receipt by the
City Clerk of at least one original copy of the Agreement executed by the Licensee; provided,
however, that if an executed copy of the Agreement is not received by the City Clerk within 30
days after the effective date of this Resolution, then this authority to execute the Agreement will,
at the option of the City Council, be null and void.
SECTION FOUR: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect
upon its passage and approval by a majority of the members of the City Council.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
RESOLUTION NO.
___________________________________
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Ghida S. Neukirch, City Clerk
4919-2008-1053, v. 1
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EXHIBIT A
LICENSE AGREEMENT
4919-2008-1053, v. 1
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FORM PROW LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR FIBER PROVIDERS - UPDATED March 6, 2026
EXHIBIT C
FIBER FACILITY GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Ezee Fiber's typical construction methodology:
o Cabinets are typically dimensioned as 62”x59”x34”. Each cabinet requires 240VAC
single-phase Class 100 utility power.
o A typical cabinet serves about 7000 homes.
o Core routes connect our cabinets and are typically constructed all underground with
2x2” HDPE duct with one 288ct SMF28 fiber cable. The branches going deeper into
the residential streets feeding homes can be 144 or 96 ct cables.
o All core routes will have cable vaults that are typically dimensioned as 24”x36”x36” or
smaller for splice closures and cable slack. These are typically placed where multiple
cables meet and disperse or break up long runs.
o Routes along residential streets for distribution are typically a 1.25” HDPE duct and or
a .75” HDPE duct and one micro 48ct fiber cable that branches out to single fiber
cables to connect each house.
o Drop cables are typically accessible by 10” round boxes buried at every other
property line, servicing two locations.
14
4913-7940-7206, v. 4
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Staff Contact: Maddy Markle, Planner I
Department: Community Development Department
Title: An Ordinance Designating the Property at 273 Sheridan Road a Local Landmark
Recommendation:
Staff recommend consideration of the Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendation, and
designating the property at 273 Sheridan Road a local landmark.
Policy Consideration:
Commission Consideration:
The Historic Preservation Commission considered the landmark nomination for 273 Sheridan
Road at its March 12, 2026 and April 15, 2026 meetings. The owners spoke about their love for
this historic property, and their intent to ensure its preservation through Local Historic Landmark
designation.
The Commission adopted a resolution making a preliminary landmark recommendation at its
March 12, 2026 meeting. At its April 15, 2026 meeting, the Commission considered Findings of
Fact and a Planning Report that detailed how the property meets six Landmark Criteria.1 The
Commission approved the Planning Report, followed by the Findings, by a unanimous vote of
(7-0). Importantly, the Commission recommends that the landmark designation pertain to the
property, not merely the structure.
The required Planning Report, Commission Resolution, and information about the landmark
designation process are provided in the attached reports the Commission considered. Research
and additional information about the property at 273 Sheridan Road is available in the staff
reports and other documentation provided to the Historic Preservation Commission for its
consideration. Please see Attachments 1-4 for Landmark Nomination, Staff Reports for each
meeting, and the required Planning Report. Attachments 5 and 6 are the Commission’s
Findings of Fact and adopted Resolution respectively. Lastly, Attachments 7 & 8 provide the
Commission’s minutes from the relevant meetings.
Background:
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The owners of 273 Sheridan Road, Kimberly and Barry Schliesmann, voluntarily nominated
their property for a local landmark designation on February 11, 2026.2 The applicants have
nominated their property because it was the residence of famous landscape architect Marshall
Liston Johnson and possess architecturally and historically significant design elements.
Johnson is known for works such as Rosewood Park, Chicago Columbus Park, Gardener’s
Memorial at Laurel Park (abutting City Hall), and the Ford Pavilion at the 1933 Chicago World’s
Fair. The structure and site setting at 273 Sheridan Road both share an association with Johnson.
The property was his personal residence for many decades. Additionally, the property’s Prairie
Style landscape was designed by Johnson. Original design elements such as its stone
outcroppings, stone pathways and lamppost are intact.
The single-family residence on the property was designed by local architect William B. Betts.
Betts designed at least 18 other homes in Highland Park. He is most well-known for his Tudor
and French Eclectic Style residential projects, as well as multiple Historical Revival Style
theaters in the Chicagoland Area.3
The residence at 273 Sheridan Road is a 1936 French Eclectic Style structure.4 Examples of
architectural significance include its recessed entry and window, intricate brickwork, five-point
arch garage door, hipped dormers, prominent chimney, and horizontal board in the side gables.
The residence and landscape have not been significantly altered. The only alteration of note is a
filled-in covered porch on the back of the property. This alteration is not visible from the public
right-of-way. The Commission does not find that this alteration detracts from the property’s
historic significance or its integrity. The property’s original design and aesthetic have been
preserved since its construction.
Historic Program Note.
This designation will be Highland Park’s 79th Historic Landmark designation, and bring the
City’s total number of Regulated Structures,5 including landmarks, to 135.
1. Criteria 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. See Section 2 of the attached Ordinance for details.
2. The applicant submitted a partially complete Landmark Nomination form on Feb. 10, 2026. The application was completed on
Feb. 11, 2026.
3. More information about William Betts can be found in the Commission’s April 15, 2026 Agenda Packet.
4. The French Eclectic Style was most common in Highland Park between 1920 and 1940 following the return of soldiers from
France after WWI. The style, which is related to other historical styles such as Tudor Revival, sought to mimic the designs of
Medieval and Renaissance France. French Eclectic homes can either be formalized or resemble irregular farmhouses. More
information about the French Eclectic Style can be found in the Commission’s March 12, 2026 Agenda Packet.
5. Regulated Structure: Any property, structure, area, object, or landscape of significance that is subject to the provisions of this
Chapter or the provisions of Section 170.040 of the building code because it (a) is a landmark, (b) is located within a historic
district, (c) has been recommended by the commission for preliminary landmark designation pursuant to Section 24.025(A) of
this Chapter, or (d) is located within an area that has been recommended by the commission for historic district designation
pursuant to Section 24.026(A) of this Chapter.
Core Priorities:
Vibrancy — The preservation of historically significant properties contributes to the City's
vibrancy.
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Attachments:
1. Attachment 1 - Landmark Nomination
2. Attachment 2 - March 12, 2026 HPC Staff Report
3. Attachment 3 - April 15, 2026 HPC Staff Report
4. Attachment 4 - Planning Report
5. Attachment 5 - Findings of Fact
6. Attachment 6 - HPC Resolution No. 2026-004
7. Attachment 7 - HPC Minutes 3-12-26
8. Attachment 8 - DRAFT HPC Minutes 4-15-26
9. Attachment 9 - Draft Ordinance Designating 273 Sheridan Road a Local Landmark
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Historic Preservation Review
Application
FORINTERNAL USE ONLI
Property Address: Individual Landmark Status or District: Case #:
273 Sheridan Rd. HIST-2026-00027
Type of Revlew Requested (check all that apply):
Certificate of Appropriateness Landmark Nomination
Certificate of Economic Hardship Other Date Received:
(see stafffor additional requirements)
2/10/26
Type ofWork Proposed (check all that apply):
Addition Relocation
Hearing Date:
Alteration Demolitlon
☑ Restoration/Rehabllitation 3.12.26
Brief Project Description: hard ypTTS
New kilchen and baths, paint, new wood flools
Assigned to:
Planner Markle
enlarging entry from garagelmudroam area;
Coamenecs;taking cate ot bestos enappepitety
PETITIONER & OWNER INFORMATION
Petitioner
Petitioner's Name:
Barry & Kiaberly Schliesmann
Address (City, State, ZIP):
273 Shenidan Rd., Highland Park, 1L 60035
Owner
Property Owner's Name and Owner's Authorized Representative Name Phone:
(If the Petitloner is not the legal owner of the property):
Address (City, State, ZIP): Emall:
Attorney
Contact Name: Business Name: Phone:
Address (City, State, ZIP): Email:
Architect Builder
Contact Name: Business Name:
Rebert Shrago
Address (City, State, ZIP): Shrago Dosigni Build,a 20
171 Beech Lo., Highland Pork, 162n 0 σ U
DROPΓΩTΥ ΟΙWΝΕΡ ΣΙΟΝΑTUIRE
I hereby depose and say that I have read the requirements and procedures outlined in Chapter 24 of the 1997 Highland Park Historic
Preservation Ordinance, as Amended, and all of the above statements and statements contained in my application packet are true.
2026
Property Owner or Authoized Representative Signature Date Petitioner Signature (If Other Than Property Owner) Date
Updated 07.10.2020 Historic Preservation Application Page 1 of 10
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Memorandum
Date: March 12, 2026
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Maddy Markle, Planner I
Subject: Preliminary Landmark Designation – 273 Sheridan Rd
Location 273 Sheridan Road
Historical Name Marshall L. Johnson House
Historical Status “Significant” 2003 Braeside Survey
Structure Style: French Eclectic
Architect: Unknown
Landscape Architect: Marshall Johnson
Builder: Unknown
Built: c. 1935
Petitioners Kimberly and Barry Schliesmann
273 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
Figure 1. Front Façade, 2025
Figure 1. Exterior Façade, 2025. Courtesy Connie Dornan.
Summary of the Nomination
Kimberly and Barry Schliesmann have nominated their property at 273 Sheridan Rd for a Local
Landmark Designation (see Attachment A). They believe their property is worthy of such a
designation because of its unique architectural details and associations with landscape architect
Marshall Liston Johnson.
The property is rated “Significant” in the 2003 Braeside Architectural Survey (see Attachment B).
This is the highest rating a structure can receive, and indicates that it should be considered for a
Local Landmark Designation. The property is also featured in 1973 Illinois Historic Structures (IHS)
1
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Memorandum
Survey, and was given an “Outstanding” rating (see Attachment C). For HPC review purposes, Staff
does not regularly refer to the 1973 IHS Survey or other State surveys. However, Staff referenced the
IHS Survey to emphasize the historic nature of this home and add further credibility to its landmark
nomination analysis.
Marshall Liston Johnson
Marshall Liston Johnson was a landscape architect who resided
and worked in Highland Park. He is most well-known as Jen
Jensen’s son-in-law, office manager, and successor.
Johnson was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1892. He graduated
from Cornell University in 1915. In 1917, he was drafted in WWI
and was stationed in France. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre,
a prestigious French Military award, for capturing German
soldiers. He began working for Jensen in 1919 upon his return
from France.
In 1935, Johnson would take over Jensen’s practice and continue
his work following Jensen’s move from Highland Park to Ellison
Figure 2. Marshall Johnson
Bay, Wisconsin. He worked on projects such as Highland Park’s
Rosewood Park and Gardner’s Memorial, as well as Chicago’s
Columbus Park. He had longstanding relationship with the Ford
Company and designed the Ford Greenfield Village and Dearborn
Inn landscapes. In 1933, Johnson designed the Ford Pavilion landscape for the 1933 Chicago World’s
Fair. 1
In his free time, Johnson was one of the City’s most enthusiastic tree advocates. Johnson served as
member of the Highland Park Men’s Garden Club and the Highland Park Park’s District. Deeds show
that Johnson was the Parks District President in 1957 (see Attachment D). A 1940 newspaper
chronicles Johnson’s effort, as a member of the Men’s Garden Club, to plant 1500 trees for Arbor
Day (see Attachment E). As part of his 1945 run for Park’s District Board, Johnson took out a large
newspaper ad asking for the end of “ruthless tree slaughter” (see Attachment F).
Johnson is recorded as residing at 273 Sheridan Rd (formerly 2141 Oak Knoll Terrace) as early as
1940 in census records (see Attachment G). The landscape design and architecture of 273 Sheridan
Rd. suggests that Johnson was the original owner of the property and was personally involved in
both the landscape design and architecture. Johnson resided at the property up until 1966, a year
before his death.
Architectural Style
The residential structure at 273 Sheridan Rd is a two-story single-family dwelling with an
asymmetrical façade and multi-gable roof. There are three hipped dormers within the front-façade’s
side gable. The main structure is clad in a light-colored masonry veneer. A front-gabled projection
1
Marshall Liston Johnson | TCLF. (n.d.). https://www.tclf.org/pioneer/marshall-liston-johnson
2
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Memorandum
located on the northern side of the exterior façade features an expanse of metal-framed windows as
well as diamond brickwork in the front gable.
The main massing has a recessed entry with curved walls. To the right of the entry there are three
metal casement windows with stone tabbing over the window heads. The windows have rough-edged
stone sills.
The south façade features an integrated two-car garage bordered by five-point arches. Over the
garage there is a recessed window. The recessed window features a curved masonry detail that
matches the front entryway. The gable itself is clad in a rough horizontal board with a zig-zag trim.
Existing photos of the structure have been compiled into Attachment H.
French Eclectic
The 2003 Braeside Survey labels the structure
at 273 Sheridan Rd as Tudor Style, but Staff
believes that French Eclectic is the more
appropriate categorization.
The French Eclectic Style was most common in
Highland Park between 1920 and 1940
following the return of soldiers from France
after WWI. The style, which is related to other
historical styles such as Colonial Revival and
Tudor Revival, sought to mimic the designs of
Medieval and Renaissance France. French
Eclectic homes can either be formalized or
resemble irregular farmhouses. 2
Figure 3. Apremont, France, 1909
The style is characterized by a hipped or
steeply pitched gable roof, light colors, casement windows, hipped dormers, and prominent side
chimneys. The residence at 273 Sheridan Rd exhibits these characteristics.
273 Sheridan Road’s prominent gables, light masonry, casement windows, hipped dormers, and
large chimney resemble the vernacular dwellings in Apremont, France, where Johnson was stationed
during WWI (see Attachment I). The homes in Apremont are modest rectangular dwellings with
light masonry and high pitched gable roofs and hipped gable dormers, depicted in Figure 3. Staff
determined that it’s likely Johnson’s experience in France informed the design of 273 Sheridan Road.
2 McAlester, V., & McAlester, A. L. (1984). A Field Guide to American Houses.
3
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Memorandum
Landscape Style
The landscape at 273 Sheridan Road was designed by Johnson
and embodies the Prairie Landscape Style. The design is not
overly formalized. Instead, it mirrors the natural beauty of the
prairie through its use of low-lying stonework, open spaces
and native plants.
The landscape at 273 Sheridan Road is defined by its open
character, framing of space, and use of horizontal stone layers.
The property retains its original stone outcroppings, paths
and vegetative framing of space. Additionally, the property
retains its original lamppost located to the west side of the
driveway.
The same stone that’s used in the landscape outcroppings is
also used as stone sills on the residential structure. This
implies that Johnson had some level of design control over the
home as well as the landscaping.
Figure 4. 273 Sheridan Rd Stone
Materials Outcroppings, 2007
Historic Materials
• Brick veneer
• Wood siding in gables
• Brick chimney
• Stone tabbing
• Metal casement windows
• Stone sills
• Stone outcroppings
• Stone pavers
• Metal lamppost
Replacement Materials
• Modern roofing material
• Modern driveway material
• Modern fence
• Filled in covered porch on rear elevation
Alterations Figure 5. 273 Sheridan Rd
Lamppost, 2026
It appears that a covered porch on the rear elevation was filled
in with glass windows. The City has no record of when this
alteration occurred. The alteration is not visible from the public-right-of-way. Overall, the property
largely retains its original historic characteristics.
4
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Ownership
Chain of Title
• C. 1935-1966 Marshall L. Johnson and Edith Johnson
• C. 1966-2026 David M. Michaelson and Annette K. Michaelson
• 2026- Present Kimberly and Barry Schliesmann
Complete chain of title documentation is compiled in Attachment J.
Landmark Criteria
The home at 273 Sheridan Road may meet the following Landmark Criteria: 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Sec. 24.015 Criteria for Landmark Designation.
The following is a list of the criteria to be considered in the designation of a Property, Structure,
Area, Object, or Landscape of Significance as a Landmark:
(1) It demonstrates character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage,
or cultural characteristics of the City, county, state, or country.
(2) It is the site of a significant local, county, state, or national event.
(3) It is associated with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the
development of the City, County, State, or Country.
(4) It embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural and/or landscape
style valuable for the study of a specific time period, type, method of
construction, or use of indigenous materials.
(5) It is identifiable as the work of a notable builder, designer, architect, artist, or
landscape architect whose individual work has influenced the development of the
City, County, State, or Country.
(6) It embodies, overall, elements of design, details, materials, and/or
craftsmanship that renders it architecturally, visually, aesthetically, and/or
culturally significant and/or innovative.
(7) It has a unique location or it possesses or exhibits singular physical and/or
aesthetic characteristics that make it an established or familiar visual feature.
(8) It is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure or group of such structures,
including, but not limited to farmhouses, gas stations or other commercial structures, with a
high level of integrity and/or architectural, cultural, historical, and/or community
significance.
(9) It possesses or exhibits significant historical and/or archaeological qualities.
Landmark Nomination Process Outline
The landmark process is initiated when a nomination form is submitted to the Historic Preservation
Commission. At this point, the property owner has already been sent a letter stating the time, place,
5
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Memorandum
and intent of this meeting where the nomination will be considered. The owner has provided consent
to the landmark designation, so the next steps are as follows:
(1) The Commission should consider and discuss the landmark nomination. If the HPC finds that
the property (a) meets two or more Landmark Criteria set forth in Section 24.015 of the City
Code, and (b) has sufficient integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship to make
it worthy of preservation, then the Commission should direct Staff to draft a Resolution
making a preliminary Landmark Designation recommendation.
(2) The Commission should consider the resolution making the preliminary recommendation.
Should the HPC adopt the resolution making a preliminary Landmark Designation
recommendation, the house becomes a “Regulated Structure” with the associated protections
against demolition and alterations.
(3) Staff will draft a Planning Report evaluating the relationship of the proposed designation to
the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the effect of the proposed designation on the surrounding
neighborhood. The Planning Report will be presented to the Commission following the
adoption of the Resolution making the preliminary recommendation.
(4) At a subsequent meeting, the Commission shall review the Planning Report, Findings of Fact,
and make a determination to recommend a landmark designation to City Council.
(5) The City Council will consider the findings, recommendations, and official record of the
Historical Preservation Commission and may, by an Ordinance duly adopted, designate the
subject property as a Local Landmark.
Recommended Action
The Historic Preservation Commission is asked to discuss and consider the preliminary landmark
designation for 273 Sheridan Rd. If the nomination is to be given a positive recommendation for
approval, the Commission must find that the structure meets two or more of the criteria set forth in
Section 24.015 and have sufficient integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship to make
it worthy of preservation or rehabilitation.
If the nomination is given a positive recommendation, the Commission is asked to consider A
Resolution Making a Preliminary Landmark Designation Recommendation for 273 Sheridan Rd.
Should the Commission adopt the resolution making a preliminary Landmark Designation
recommendation, the house becomes a “Regulated Structure” with the associated protections against
demolition and alteration.
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Attachments:
A. Local Landmark Nomination
B. 2003 Braeside Architectural Survey Form
C. 1973 IHS Survey Form
D. 1957 Deed - Parks District Documentation
E. 1940 Newspaper
F. 1945 Newspaper
G. 1940 Census
H. Current Conditions
I. Apresmont Architecture
J. Chain of Title
K. Johnson Military Service Documentation
7
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Memorandum
Date: 4.15.26
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Maddy Markle, Planner I
Subject: Landmark Nomination – 273 Sheridan Road
Location 273 Sheridan Road
Historical Name Marshall L. Johnson House
Historical Status “Significant” 2003 Braeside Survey
Structure Style: French Eclectic
Architect: William Betts
Landscape Architect: Marshall Johnson
Builder: Hansen and Werhane
Built: 1936
Petitioners Kimberly and Barry Schliesmann
273 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
Summary of the Nomination
Kimberly and Barry Schliesmann have nominated their property at 273 Sheridan Road for a Local
Landmark Designation (see Attachment A). They believe their property is worthy of such a
designation because of its unique architectural details and associations with landscape architect
Marshall Liston Johnson.
The property is rated “Significant” in the 2003 Braeside Architectural Survey. This is the highest
rating a structure can receive, and indicates that it should be considered for a Local Landmark
Designation. The property is also featured in 1973 Illinois Historic Structures (“IHS”) Survey, and
was given an “Outstanding” rating. For HPC review purposes, Staff does not regularly refer to the
1973 IHS Survey or other State surveys. However, Staff referenced the IHS Survey to emphasize the
historic nature of this home and add further credibility to its landmark nomination analysis.
Previous Consideration
At the previous March 12, 2026 meeting the HPC considered a preliminary landmark
designation recommendation for the property a 273 Sheridan Road (see Attachment B). The
discussion included information about the original owner and landscape architect, architect, the
French Eclectic Style and the Prairie Landscape Style. The Commission also considered the
integrity of the current property.
The Commission made a motion to find:
• The property at 273 Sheridan Road satisfies Landmark Criteria 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
• The property at 273 Sheridan Road has sufficient integrity of design.
Based on these findings the Commission moved to adopt a preliminary Landmark Designation
Recommendation.
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• Motion Carried 7-0:
o In favor: Weeder, Greenbaum, Pines, Gonka, Hartinger, Portman, Ehrlich
o Opposed: None
o Absent: None
Information regarding the previous March 12, 2026 meeting can be found here:
https://highlandparkil.portal.civicclerk.com/event/365/overview
Finding of Fact
Staff drafted Findings of Fact (see Attachment C) detailing how the property at 273 Sheridan
Road satisfies Landmark Criteria 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The Commission is asked to review the
Findings. If the Commission determines they are consistent with the discussion and vote on this
matter from the March 12, 2026 meeting, then the Findings of Fact should be approved by a
majority vote. The Findings, together with the Resolution Making a Preliminary Landmark
Designation, will represent the HPC’s recommendation to the City Council on this landmark
nomination.
Planning Report
Section 24.025 of the City Code establishes the process for approving a local historic landmark.
Subsection (C) reads as follows:
“Request for Planning Report: Upon adoption of a resolution making a preliminary
landmark designation recommendation, the Commission shall request a report from
the Director of Community Development that evaluates the relationship of the proposed
designation to the City's comprehensive plan and the effect of the proposed designation
on the surrounding neighborhood.
The report shall be submitted to the Commission within 60 days of the request and the
Commission shall make such modifications, changes, and alterations to the report
concerning the proposed landmark designation as it deems necessary in consideration
of any recommendation of the City's Director of Community Development made in the
report….”
Pursuant to the Code above, staff has drafted a planning report discussing the Comprehensive
Plan and the Historic Preservation Plan. The designation of the property is entirely consistent
with the intent of the Master Plan to “preserve neighborhood character.” The Planning Report is
included as Attachment D to this report.
Public Testimony
The petitioner Kimberley Schliesmann was present at the March. 12, 2026 HPC meeting to
answer any questions that the Commission had. Resident Lisa Temkin shared information about
architect William Betts. Resident Mary Seyfarth reminded that Marshall Johnson designed the
Rose Garden at Laurel Park. There was no further public testimony.
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Additional Information
Architect William B. Betts
At the March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting, resident Lisa Temkin informed the Commission that
the structure at 273 Sheridan Road was designed by architect William Betts. Historian Julia
Johnas later followed up with staff and provided documentation verifying the claim.
A 1936 article in The Economist (Attachment E) shows that William Betts was the architect
for the Marshall Johnson House. Betts was an English immigrant who came to the United States
when he was 14. He worked and lived in Highland Park for decades. Betts designed at least 15
homes in Highland Park. 1 Most of Betts’ homes are located in the Braeside survey area. Six of
the homes, including 273 Sheridan Road, were assigned a “Significant” rating in architectural
surveys.
Betts’ own personal residence, 272 Sheridan Road, is located directly across the street from the
Marshall Johnson House. Census records show that Marshall Johnson and William Betts were
neighbors (Attachment F).
In addition to his homes in Highland Park, Betts is known for multiple historical revival style
theatres in the Chicagoland area. 2
Further Works of Marshall Johnson
Since the March 12, 2026 Regular HPC Meeting staff has identified microfilms that show
additional Marshall Johnson plans for various landscapes in Highland Park. 3
Such works include landscape work for the Highland Park Library, Highland Park Central Park,
Lincoln School, Ravinia School, Hotel Moraine, 2220 Sheridan Road, Edwin Kleim Estate,
Florsheim Estate, Kunstader Estate, Herman Wren Residence, Robert Koretz Residence,
Highland Park Savings and Loan, grounds of the incinerator and sewage disposal plant of
Highland Park, Highland Park Women’s Club, former Highland Park Community Center at
Green Bay Road, and a former medical building on Sheridan Road. 4
Landmark Nomination Process Outline
The landmark process is initiated when a nomination form is submitted to the Historic
Preservation Commission. The owner has provided consent to the landmark designation and the
first two steps of the process were completed at the last meeting:
1 273 Sheridan Road, 272 Sheridan Road, 432 Sheridan Road, 176 Sheridan Road, 404 Sheridan Road,
333 Lakeside Place, 353 Lakeside Place, 441 Lakeside Place, 90 Lakeside Place, 355 Brownville Road, 202
Elder Lane, 159 Pierce Road, 360 Lincolnwood, 232 Pierce Road and 601 Pleasant Avenue. Staff verified
William Betts homes using architectural survey data, permit cards and permit applications.
2 Movie Theaters Designed by William B. Betts - Cinema Treasures
3 Microfilms do not indicated to what extent (if any) the plans were implemented.
4 Address unknown.
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Memorandum
(1) The Commission discussed the landmark nomination at the March 12, 2026 meeting and
found that the property
(a) meets two or more Landmark Criteria set forth in Section 24.015 of the City Code,
and
(b) has sufficient integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship to make it
worthy of preservation.
(2) The Commission adopted a resolution making the preliminary recommendation. As a result,
the property became a “Regulated Structure” with the associated protections against demolition
and alteration.
(3) Staff has drafted a Planning Report evaluating the relationship of the proposed designation
to the City’s Master Plan and the effect of the proposed designation on the surrounding
neighborhood. The Commission reviews the Planning Report following the adoption of the
Resolution making the preliminary recommendation, which occurred at the previous meeting.
(4) At the meeting on April 15, 2026, the Commission shall review the Planning Report,
Findings of Fact, and determine whether to recommend a landmark designation to City Council
by approval of the Findings.
(5) The City Council will consider the findings, recommendations, and official record of the
Historic Preservation Commission and may, by an Ordinance duly adopted, designate the
subject property as a Local Landmark.
Recommended Action
The Historic Preservation Commission is asked to review the Planning Report and consider
Staff’s drafted Findings of Fact. The Commission can approve the Findings or make
amendments and add conditions as needed. The Findings will constitute the Commission’s
recommendation to the City Council.
Staff recommends that the Commission consider new information about architect William
Betts and landscape architect Marshall Johnson. The Commission may move to approve the
Findings with the condition that new information about William Betts and Marshall
Johnson be included.
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Memorandum
Attachments:
A. Landmark Nomination
B. Resolution No. 2026-004
C. Findings of Fact
D. Planning Report
E. 1936 The Economist
F. 1940 Census Data
5
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Memorandum
Date: 4.15.26
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Maddy Markle, Planner I
Subject: Planning Report – 273 Sheridan Road
Location 273 Sheridan Road
Historical Name Marshall L. Johnson House
Historical Status “Significant” 2003 Braeside Survey
Structure Style: French Eclectic
Architect: William B. Betts
Builder: Hansen and Werhane
Built: 1936
Petitioners Kimberley and Barry Schliesmann
273 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
Administrative History
Kimberly and Barry Schliesmann have nominated their property at 273 Sheridan Road for a
Local Landmark Designation. They believe their property is worthy of such a designation
because of its unique architectural details and associations with landscape architect Marshall
Liston Johnson.
The property is rated “Significant” in the 2003 Braeside Architectural Survey. This is the highest
rating a structure can receive, and indicates that it should be considered for a Local Landmark
Designation. The property is also featured in 1973 Illinois Historic Structures (“IHS”) Survey,
and was given an “Outstanding” rating. For HPC review purposes, Staff does not regularly refer
to the 1973 IHS Survey or other State surveys. However, Staff referenced the IHS Survey to
emphasize the historic nature of this home and add further credibility to its landmark
nomination analysis.
At the previous March 12, 2026 meeting the HPC considered a preliminary landmark
designation recommendation for the property a 273 Sheridan Road (see Attachment A). The
discussion included information about the original owner and landscape architect, architect, the
French Eclectic Style and the Prairie Landscape Style. The Commission also considered the
integrity of the current property.
The Commission made a motion to find:
• The property at 273 Sheridan Road satisfies Landmark Criteria 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
• The property at 273 Sheridan Road has sufficient integrity of design.
Based on these findings the Commission moved to adopt a preliminary Landmark Designation
Recommendation. The motion carried 7-0.
1
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Memorandum
The Commission directed staff to draft Findings of Fact and a Planning Report per the
requirements of Sec. 24.025(C) of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, which will be considered
at the Special meeting on April 15, 2026.
Property Description
The property is a corner lot at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Oak Knoll Terrace on
which a 1936 French Eclectic gabled-ell home (“Structure”) is located. The structure’s primary
entrance faces west. The structure is characterized by its intricate masonry, recessed entry,
hipped dormers, and five-point arch garage doors. The site was designed by famous landscape
architect Marshall Johnson and retains its historic stone outcroppings, pathways and lamppost.
Finding Architectural and Historic Significance
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed a landmark nomination for the property at the
March 12, 2026 meeting and made the preliminarily determination that the property met six
Landmark criteria (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) and met the integrity requirement. The following analysis
of the standards reflects the Commission’s Findings of Fact for the nomination:
1. It demonstrates character, interest or value as part of the development,
heritage or cultural characteristics of the City, county, state or country;
Finding. The Historic Preservation Commission finds that the property at 273 Sheridan Road is
a strong example of a structure and site that demonstrate character, interest, and value as part
of the development of the City and country.
The property is located in the Lakefront Overlay District and is representative of the large-lot
development that characterized the area during the early 20th Century. The property maintains
its original lot configuration and naturalistic, densely vegetated landscape.
The Commission finds that the lot configuration and landscape at 273 Sheridan Road
demonstrate character, interest and value as part of the early 20th Century development of the
City.
2. It is the site of a significant local, county, state, or national event.
N/A
3. It is associated with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the
development of the City, County, State, or Country.
Finding. The Commission finds that the property at 273 Sheridan Road was the home of notable
landscape architect Marshall Liston Johnson, who resided and worked in Highland Park. He is
well-known as Jen Jensen’s son-in-law, office manager, and successor.
Johnson was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1892. He graduated from Cornell University in
1915. In 1917, he was drafted in WWI and was stationed in France. He was awarded the Croix de
Guerre, a prestigious French Military award, for capturing German soldiers. He began working
for Jensen in 1919 upon his return from France.
2
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Memorandum
In 1935, Johnson would take over Jensen’s practice and continue his work following Jensen’s
move from Highland Park to Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. He worked on projects such as Highland
Park’s Rosewood Park and Gardner’s Memorial, as well as Chicago’s Columbus Park. He had
longstanding relationship with the Ford Motor Company and designed the Ford Greenfield
Village and Dearborn Inn landscapes. In 1933, Johnson designed the Ford Pavilion landscape
for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. 1
In his free time, Johnson was one of the City’s most enthusiastic tree advocates. Johnson served
as member of the Highland Park Men’s Garden Club and the Highland Park Park’s District.
Deeds show that Johnson was the Parks District President in 1957. A 1940 newspaper chronicles
Johnson’s effort, as a member of the Men’s Garden Club, to plant 1500 trees for Arbor Day. 2
Marshall Johnson is recorded as residing at 273 Sheridan Road as early as 1940 in census
records. The landscape design and architecture of 273 Sheridan Road suggests that Johnson was
the original owner of the property and was personally involved in both the landscape design and
architecture. Johnson resided at the property up until 1966, a year before his death.
The Commission finds that Marshall Johnson was a notable person whose landscape
architecture practice and local advocacy influenced the development of the City, County and
State. The Commission believes that his personal property at 273 Sheridan Road deserves to be
preserved.
4. It embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural and/or
landscape style valuable for the study of a specific time period, type, method
of construction, or use of indigenous materials.
Finding. The Commission finds the property exhibits distinguishing characteristics of the
French Eclectic architectural style and the Prairie landscape style.
The French Eclectic Style was most common in Highland Park between 1920 and 1940 following
the return of soldiers from France after WWI. The style, which is related to other historical
styles such as Tudor Revival, sought to mimic the designs of Medieval and Renaissance France.
French Eclectic homes can either be formalized or resemble irregular farmhouses. 3
The style is characterized by a hipped or steeply pitched gable roof, light colors, casement
windows, hipped dormers, and prominent side chimneys. The residence at 273 Sheridan Road
exhibits these characteristics.
273 Sheridan Road’s prominent gables, light masonry, casement windows, hipped dormers, and
large chimney resemble the vernacular dwellings in Apremont, France, where Johnson was
stationed during WWI. The homes in Apremont are modest rectangular dwellings with light
masonry and high pitched gable roofs and hipped gable dormers.
1 Marshall Liston Johnson | TCLF. (n.d.). https://www.tclf.org/pioneer/marshall-liston-johnson
2 The primary sources mentioned can be found in the Commission’s March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
Packet.
3 McAlester, V., & McAlester, A. L. (1984). A Field Guide to American Houses.
3
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Memorandum
Furthermore, the landscape at 273 Sheridan Road is an example of the Prairie landscape style.
The design is not overly formalized. Instead, it mirrors the natural beauty of the prairie through
its use of low-lying stonework, open spaces and native plants.
The landscape at 273 Sheridan Road is defined by its open character, framing of space, and use
of horizontal stone layers. The property retains its original stone outcroppings, paths and
vegetative framing of space. Additionally, the property retains its original lamppost located to
the west side of the driveway.
The Commission finds that the properties use of both the French Eclectic Style and Prairie Style
merit its preservation.
5. It is identifiable as the work of a notable builder, designer, architect, artist,
or landscape architect whose individual work has influenced the
development of the City, County, State, or Country.
Finding. The Commission finds that the landscape at 273 Sheridan Road is the work of notable
landscape architect Marshall Liston Johnson, who resided and worked in Highland Park. He is
well-known as Jen Jensen’s son-in-law, office manager, and successor.
Johnson was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1892. He graduated from Cornell University in
1915. In 1917, he was drafted in WWI and was stationed in France. He was awarded the Croix de
Guerre, a prestigious French Military award, for capturing German soldiers. He began working
for Jensen in 1919 upon his return from France.
In 1935, Johnson would take over Jensen’s practice and continue his work following Jensen’s
move from Highland Park to Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. He worked on projects such as Highland
Park’s Rosewood Park and Gardner’s Memorial, as well as Chicago’s Columbus Park. He had
longstanding relationship with the Ford Company and designed the Ford Greenfield Village and
Dearborn Inn landscapes. In 1933, Johnson designed the Ford Pavilion landscape for the 1933
Chicago World’s Fair.
The Commission finds that Marshall Johnson was a landscape architect whose individual work
influenced the development of the City, County and State. The Commission believes that the
works he designed deserve to be recognized and preserved.
6. It embodies, overall, elements of design, details, materials, and/or
craftsmanship that renders it architecturally, visually, aesthetically, and/or
culturally significant and/or innovative.
Finding. The residential structure at 273 Sheridan Road is a two-story single-family dwelling
with an asymmetrical façade and multi-gable roof. There are three hipped dormers within the
front-façade’s side gable. The main structure is clad in a light-colored masonry veneer. A front-
gabled projection located on the northern side of the exterior façade features an expanse of
metal-framed windows as well as diamond brickwork in the front gable.
4
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Memorandum
The main massing has a recessed entry with curved walls. To the right of the entry there are
three metal casement windows with stone tabbing over the window heads. The windows have
rough-edged stone sills.
The south façade features an integrated two-car garage bordered by five-point arches. Over the
garage there is a recessed window, which features a curved masonry detail that matches the
front entryway. The gable itself is clad in a rough horizontal board with a zig-zag trim.
The Commission finds that these design details and materials exhibit a high level of
craftsmanship and render the property architecturally, visually, aesthetically and culturally
significant.
7. It has a unique location or it possesses or exhibits singular physical and/or
aesthetic characteristics that make it an established or familiar visual
feature.
Finding. The Commission finds that the structure’s unique five-point arch garage doors,
recessed openings, intricate masonry and lamppost contribute to its status as a familiar visual
feature of the community. Its location on a corner lot on a highly visible section of Sheridan
Road further contributes to its status as an established and familiar visual feature of the City.
8. It is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure or group
of such structures, including, but not limited to farmhouses, gas stations or
other commercial structures, with a high level of integrity and/or
architectural, cultural, historical, and/or community significance.
N/A
9. It possesses or exhibits significant historical and/or archaeological
qualities.
N/A
Integrity: Has sufficient integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship
to make it worthy of preservation or rehabilitation.
Finding. The Historic Preservation Commission finds that the structure and site at 273 Sheridan
Road has sufficient integrity to make it worthy of preservation. Overall, the structure has not
been added to and retains its original materials, height, footprint, proportions of front façade,
solid-to-void ratio, rhythm, projections, and massing.
The Commission also finds that the site setting and landscape retain integrity. Johnson’s
original stone outcroppings, pathways and lantern have been preserved.
By Code, any proposed individual landmark must meet two or more landmark criteria and have
sufficient integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship to make it worthy of
preservation or rehabilitation. The property at 273 Sheridan Road has been found to
meet six landmark criteria, while retaining sufficient integrity to qualify for local
Landmark designation.
5
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Memorandum
Historic Preservation Commission Policy
The Historic Preservation Commission adopted a Preliminary Landmark Designation
recommendation on March 12, 2026. Resolution No. 2026-004 (see Attachment B)
designates the property at 273 Sheridan Road in it’s entirely a Regulated Structure. No building
permits or demolition permits shall be issued per Section 24.025(B)(3):
“Upon adoption of the resolution making a preliminary landmark designation
recommendation, and until provided otherwise in this Chapter, the nominated Property,
Structure, Area, Object, or Landscape of Significance shall be a Regulated Structure.”
The permit moratorium described above will conclude upon final disposition of the proposed
local Landmark.
Historic Preservation and the City of Highland Park
Master Plan
The City of Highland Park Master Plan recommends that the City “sustain a philosophy of
preservation,” adding a call to “maintain Highland Park’s sense of place, character, and history;
maintain quality of architecture in residential and public structures,” preserving “the quality of
residential neighborhoods” and protecting the City’s “natural, historic and physical resources.”
The property at 273 Sheridan Road is located in the Master Plan’s Lakefront District. The plan’s
Lakefront District was approved in April of 1999 and recognizes the important of maintaining
neighborhood character. The plan’s vision statement says “Historic Landmarks and landscapes
significantly contribute to the character of the area.” Additionally, the District plan identifies
the demolition as a high-priority concern.
The property at 273 Sheridan Road is representative of the historic homes, landscapes and high-
quality architecture the Master Plan aims to preserve. The preservation of the property at 273
Sheridan Road is in line with the Master Plan’s goal to preserve historic architecture, open space
and notable natural features. A historic designation would also give the property at 273 Sheridan
Road protections against demolition.
Historic Preservation and the City of Highland Park’s
Historic Preservation Plan
The City of Highland Park adopted its first ever Historic Preservation Plan in 2022. One
objective listed in the plan is to identify properties that could potentially be landmarked and
increase the number of landmarked properties. The plan also notes that homes with a
Significant rating should strongly be considered for local landmark nomination.
This home’s local landmark nomination aligns with the vision of the Historic Preservation Plan
due to its historic significance, as found by the Commission and the 2003 Braeside Survey.
6
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Memorandum
Recommendation
Based on the information presented, the Department of Community Development recommends
that the Historic Preservation Commission continue with the Landmark Designation of the
property at 273 Sheridan Road.
Following the adoption of the attached Resolution recommending Landmark Designation, the
Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council.
7
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FINDINGS OF FACT
Recommending Landmark Designation of 273 Sheridan Road
Section 24.025 Landmark Designation Procedures
Pursuant to Section 24.025(D) of the City Code, the Historic Preservation Commission shall make a
determination to recommend a landmark designation to the City Council including findings of fact relating
to the criteria for designation that constitute the basis for its decision.
Criteria for Landmark Designation
1. It demonstrates character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or
cultural characteristics of the City, county, state, or country.
Finding. The Historic Preservation Commission finds that the property at 273 Sheridan Road is a strong
example of a structure and site that demonstrate character, interest, and value as part of the
development of the City and country.
The property is located in the Lakefront Overlay District and is representative of the large-lot
development that characterized the area during the early 20th Century. The property maintains its
original lot configuration and naturalistic, densely vegetated landscape.
The Commission finds that the lot configuration and landscape at 273 Sheridan Road demonstrate
character, interest and value as part of the early 20th Century development of the City.
2. It is the site of a significant local, county, state, or national event.
N/A
3. It is associated with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the
development of the City, County, State, or Country.
Finding. The Commission finds that the property at 273 Sheridan Road was the home of notable
landscape architect Marshall Liston Johnson, who resided and worked in Highland Park. He is well-
known as Jen Jensen’s son-in-law, office manager, and successor.
Johnson was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1892. He graduated from Cornell University in 1915. In
1917, he was drafted in WWI and was stationed in France. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre, a
prestigious French Military award, for capturing German soldiers. He began working for Jensen in 1919
upon his return from France.
In 1935, Johnson would take over Jensen’s practice and continue his work following Jensen’s move
from Highland Park to Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. He worked on projects such as Highland Park’s
Rosewood Park and Gardner’s Memorial, as well as Chicago’s Columbus Park. He had longstanding
Page 1 of 5
Page 212 of 237
relationship with the Ford Motor Company and designed the Ford Greenfield Village and Dearborn Inn
landscapes. In 1933, Johnson designed the Ford Pavilion landscape for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. 1
In his free time, Johnson was one of the City’s most enthusiastic tree advocates. Johnson served as
member of the Highland Park Men’s Garden Club and the Highland Park Park’s District. Deeds show
that Johnson was the Parks District President in 1957. A 1940 newspaper chronicles Johnson’s efforts,
as a member of the Men’s Garden Club, to plant 1500 trees for Arbor Day. 2
Marshall Johnson is recorded as residing at 273 Sheridan Road as early as 1940 in census records. The
landscape design and architecture of 273 Sheridan Road suggests that Johnson was the original owner
of the property and was personally involved in both the landscape design and architecture. Johnson
resided at the property up until 1966, a year before his death.
The Commission finds that Marshall Johnson was a notable person whose landscape architecture
practice and local advocacy influenced the development of the City, County and State. The Commission
believes that his personal property at 273 Sheridan Road deserves to be preserved.
4. It embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural and/or landscape style
valuable for the study of a specific time period, type, method of construction, or use of
indigenous materials.
Finding. The Commission finds the property exhibits distinguishing characteristics of the French
Eclectic architectural style and the Prairie landscape style.
The French Eclectic Style was most common in Highland Park between 1920 and 1940 following the
return of soldiers from France after WWI. The style, which is related to other historical styles such as
Tudor Revival, sought to mimic the designs of Medieval and Renaissance France. French Eclectic homes
can either be formalized or resemble irregular farmhouses. 3
The style is characterized by a hipped or steeply pitched gable roof, light colors, casement windows,
hipped dormers, and prominent side chimneys. The residence at 273 Sheridan Road exhibits these
characteristics.
273 Sheridan Road’s prominent gables, light masonry, casement windows, hipped dormers, and large
chimney resemble the vernacular dwellings in Apremont, France, where Johnson was stationed during
WWI. The homes in Apremont are modest rectangular dwellings with light masonry and high pitched
gable roofs and hipped gable dormers.
Furthermore, the landscape at 273 Sheridan Road is an example of the Prairie landscape style. The
design is not overly formalized. Instead, it mirrors the natural beauty of the prairie through its use of
low-lying stonework, open spaces and native plants.
1 Marshall Liston Johnson | TCLF. (n.d.). https://www.tclf.org/pioneer/marshall-liston-johnson
2 The primary sources mentioned can be found in the Commission’s March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting
Packet.
3 McAlester, V., & McAlester, A. L. (1984). A Field Guide to American Houses.
Page 2 of 5
Page 213 of 237
The landscape at 273 Sheridan Road is defined by its open character, framing of space, and use of
horizontal stone layers. The property retains its original stone outcroppings, paths and vegetative
framing of space. Additionally, the property retains its original lamppost located to the west side of the
driveway.
The Commission finds that the properties use of both the French Eclectic Style and Prairie Style merit
its preservation.
5. It is identifiable as the work of a notable builder, designer, architect, artist, or landscape
architect whose individual work has influenced the development of the City, County,
State, or Country.
Finding. The Commission finds that the landscape at 273 Sheridan Road is the work of notable
landscape architect Marshall Liston Johnson, who resided and worked in Highland Park. He is well-
known as Jen Jensen’s son-in-law, office manager, and successor. Additionally, the structure at 273
Sheridan Road is the work of notable architect William Betts.
Johnson was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1892. He graduated from Cornell University in 1915. In
1917, he was drafted in WWI and was stationed in France. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre, a
prestigious French military award, for capturing German soldiers. He began working for Jensen in 1919
upon his return from France.
In 1935, Johnson would take over Jensen’s practice and continue his work following Jensen’s move
from Highland Park to Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. He worked on projects such as Highland Park’s
Rosewood Park and Gardner’s Memorial, as well as Chicago’s Columbus Park. 4 He had a longstanding
relationship with the Ford Motor Company and designed the Ford Greenfield Village and Dearborn Inn
landscapes. In 1933, Johnson designed the Ford Pavilion landscape for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. 5
The Commission finds that Marshall Johnson was a landscape architect whose individual work
influenced the development of the City, County and State. The Commission believes that the works he
designed deserve to be recognized and preserved.
William Betts was the architect for the Marshall Johnson House. Betts was an English immigrant who
came to the United States when he was 14. He worked and lived in Highland Park for decades. He is
best known for his Tudor and French Eclectic Style residential projects and use of intricate brickwork.
Betts designed at least 15 homes in Highland Park. 6 Most of Betts’ homes are located in the Braeside
survey area. Six of the homes, including 273 Sheridan Road, were assigned a “Significant” rating in
4 Additional landscape plans by Marshall Johnson include the Lincoln School, Highland Park Library,
Highland Park Women’s Club, Hotel Moraine, Edwin Kleim Estate, Florsheim Estate, Kundstader Estate,
Herman Wren Residence, Robert Koretz Residence, Highland Park Savings and Loan, former community
center at Green Bay Road, Highland Park incinerator and sewage disposal plant, and former medical
building on Sheridan Road (address unknown.) In addition to these plans, Johnson also assisted Jen
Jensen on the Highland Park Central Park and Ravinia School plans. (Plans sourced from Dept. of
Community Development microfilm collections.)
5 Marshall Liston Johnson | TCLF. (n.d.). https://www.tclf.org/pioneer/marshall-liston-johnson
6 273 Sheridan Road, 272 Sheridan Road, 432 Sheridan Road, 176 Sheridan Road, 404 Sheridan Road,
333 Lakeside Place, 353 Lakeside Place, 441 Lakeside Place, 90 Lakeside Place, 355 Brownville Road, 202
Elder Lane, 159 Pierce Road, 360 Lincolnwood, 232 Pierce Road and 601 Pleasant Avenue.
Page 3 of 5
Page 214 of 237
architectural surveys. In addition to his homes in Highland Park, Betts is known for multiple historical-
revival style theatres in the Chicagoland area. 7
The Commission finds that Betts’ works contributed to the development of the City and deserve to be
preserved.
6. It embodies, overall, elements of design, details, materials, and/or craftsmanship that
renders it architecturally, visually, aesthetically, and/or culturally significant and/or
innovative.
Finding. The residential structure at 273 Sheridan Road is a two-story single-family dwelling with an
asymmetrical façade and multi-gable roof. There are three hipped dormers within the front-façade’s
side gable. The main structure is clad in a light-colored masonry veneer. A front-gabled projection
located on the northern side of the exterior façade features an expanse of metal-framed windows as well
as diamond brickwork in the front gable.
The main massing has a recessed entry with curved walls. To the right of the entry there are three metal
casement windows with stone tabbing over the window heads. The windows have rough-edged stone
sills.
The south façade features an integrated two-car garage bordered by five-point arches. Over the garage
there is a recessed window, which features a curved masonry detail that matches the front entryway.
The gable itself is clad in a rough horizontal board with a zig-zag trim.
The Commission finds that these design details and materials exhibit a high level of craftsmanship and
render the property architecturally, visually, aesthetically and culturally significant.
7. It has a unique location or it possesses or exhibits singular physical and/or aesthetic
characteristics that make it an established or familiar visual feature.
Finding. The Commission finds that the structure’s unique five-point arch garage doors, recessed
openings, intricate masonry and lamppost contribute to its status as a familiar visual feature of the
community. Its location on a corner lot on a highly visible section of Sheridan Road further contributes
to its status as an established and familiar visual feature of the City.
8. It is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure or group of such
structures, including, but not limited to farmhouses, gas stations or other commercial
structures, with a high level of integrity and/or architectural, cultural, historical, and/or
community significance.
N/A
9. It possesses or exhibits significant historical and/or archaeological qualities.
N/A
7 Movie Theaters Designed by William B. Betts - Cinema Treasures
Page 4 of 5
Page 215 of 237
Integrity: Has sufficient integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship to make
it worthy of preservation or rehabilitation.
Finding. The Historic Preservation Commission finds that the structure and site at 273 Sheridan Road
has sufficient integrity to make it worthy of preservation. Overall, the structure has not been added to
and retains its original materials, height, footprint, proportions of front façade, solid-to-void ratio,
rhythm, projections, and massing.
The Commission also finds that the site setting and landscape retain integrity. Johnson’s original stone
outcroppings, pathways and lantern have been preserved.
By Code, any proposed individual landmark must meet two or more landmark criteria and have
sufficient integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship to make it worthy of preservation or
rehabilitation. The property at 273 Sheridan Road has been found to meet six landmark
criteria, while retaining sufficient integrity to qualify for local Landmark designation.
Page 5 of 5
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1 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
3 OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
4
5
6 MEETING DATE: Thursday, March 12, 2026
7
8 MEETING LOCATION: Council Chambers, City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL
9
10 CALL TO ORDER
11 At 6:33 p.m., Chairperson Weeder called the meeting to order. This Commission meeting takes place on-site.
12 Staff was asked to call the roll. She requested a 10-minute break so Commissioners may read handouts just
13 presented.
14
15 Commissioner Gonka arrived at 6:38 p.m.
16
17 ROLL CALL
18 Commissioners Present: Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
19 & Portman
20
21 Councilmember Absent: Blumberg
22
23 Student Council Present: Cooper Baum
24
25 Student Council Absent: Gabi Goldstein, Amelia Koslow
26
27 Staff declared that a quorum was present.
28
29 Staff Present: Fontane, Coleman, & Markle
30
31 Guests Present: Ken & Marcia Kotula/Petitioner, Owners
32 Kim Schliesmann/Petitioner, Owner
33 Thomas Hiller and Peijian Sun/ Petitioner, Owner
34 Cal Bernstein, Attorney/Samuels & Bernstein
35
36 Others Present: Gale Cerabona, Recorder
37
38 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
39 Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission – February 12, 2026
40
41 Commissioner Pines moved to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 12, 2026. Commissioner
42 Greenbaum seconded the motion.
43
44 On a voice vote
45 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
46 & Portman
47 Voting Nay: None
48
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 1
Page 219 of 237
1 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
2
3 Planner Markle advised that copies of public letters are available (specifically two letters from Mr. Cal
4 Bernstein, Attorney with Samuels & Bernstein, for the case at 147 Central Avenue).
5
6 SCHEDULED BUSINESS
7 Commissioner Ehrlich suggested the last three items be moved up on the agenda. Chairperson Weeder
8 concurred, and the order was rearranged.
9
10 1. Final Consideration of Landmark Nomination – 818 Hill Street
11 Planner Markle offered a presentation:
12 • Not Surveyed
13 • Tudor style with Swedish Folk elements
14 • Builder & Architect is Harry Bengston
15 • Landmark Designation Process
16 • Elevations were shown
17 • Previous Consideration (from the February 12, 2026, HPC meeting)
18 • Findings of Fact
19 • Landmark Criteria
20 • Recommendation
21
22 Commissioner Portman moved to recommend a Landmark Nomination to City Council. Commissioner
23 Ehrlich seconded the motion.
24
25 On a roll call vote
26 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
27 & Portman
28 Voting Nay: None
29
30 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
31
32 2. Preliminary Consideration of Landmark Nomination – 670 De Tamble Avenue
33 Planner Markle offered a presentation:
34 • Landmark Designation Process
35 • Arthur Vetter House
36 • Tudor style
37 • Built in 1928
38 • Builder is Arthur Vetter
39 • Contributing Structure in the 2006 Bob O’Link survey
40 • Elevations were shown
41 • Notable Architectural Features
42 • Tudor-style Characteristics
43 • Arthur & Mabel Vetter
44 • Daniel Vetter
45 • Chain of Title
46 • Alteration History (before & after photos were shown)
47 • 2003-2004 Preservation Award Winner
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 2
Page 220 of 237
1 • Landmark Criteria
2 • Recommendation
3
4 Mr. Ken Kotula, Petitioner, stated the house is nearing 100 years of age. He explained the revisions. The
5 implanted stone and brick work (and stucco) fit more into a Cotswold-hybrid cottage. The neighbor, Lisa
6 Temkin, brought a letter (from after their fire occurred in 2008; previously addressed as 556) which was
7 distributed. The Kotula’s love the house and raised their family there. The house was built October 28, 1928.
8 Mr. Kotula noted this house deserves a landmark nomination. It has been repaired and enhanced.
9
10 Some HPC comments are:
11 • Commissioner Ehrlich would like a picture taken of the letter, so it is in the record.
12 • Commissioner Portman appreciates the owners honoring the house.
13 • Chairperson Weeder said this house is charming, well-composed, detailed and worthy of Criteria 1, 3,
14 4, & 6.
15 • Commissioner Portman:
16 o referenced the differences. Commissioners stated the dormer & French doors were added.
17 He noted a typo.
18 o stated the owners, son & father Arthur & Daniel, are significant. The house won the
19 Preservation award. He asked, and Planner Marke said Bob O’Link has historic homes in that
20 survey area.
21
22 Chairperson Weeder asked if anyone in the audience wishes to speak. There was no one.
23
24 Commissioner Greenbaum moved that this meets Criteria 1, 3, 4, & 6; has sufficient integrity of design; and
25 is recommended for a Preliminary Consideration of Landmark Nomination. Commissioner Ehrlich seconded
26 the motion.
27
28 On a roll call vote
29 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
30 & Portman
31 Voting Nay: None
32
33 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
34
35 3. Preliminary Consideration of Landmark Nomination – 273 Sheridan Road
36 Planner Markle offered a presentation:
37 • Landmark Designation Process
38 • Marshall Johnson House
39 • Significant rating in the 2003 Braeside survey
40 • French Eclectic style
41 • Built in 1935
42 • Architect & Builder are unknown
43 • Marshall Johnson
44 o Notable landscape architect
45 o Trained and worked under Jen Jensen
46 o Jen Jensen’s son-in-law
47 • Elevations were shown
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 3
Page 221 of 237
1 • Aerial view was illustrated
2 • Notable Architectural Features
3 • French-Eclectic style Characteristics
4 • Chain of Title
5 • Alteration History
6 • Landmark Criteria
7 • Recommendation
8
9 Chairperson Weeder asked if anyone from the public wishes to speak. The following came forward:
10 • Lisa Temkin gave a brief history.
11
12 Ms. Kim Schliesmann, Petitioner, advised they are the third owner and were taken by this house. The
13 outside will remain the same. An architectural, Belmont-style, shingle roof is slated to exactly match. The
14 inside is amazing. There is a piece of stained glass (3x4 from the World’s Fair) mounted in the inside. The
15 paving stones might have been a gathering circle. Perhaps students could recreate the yard (via a program).
16 They wish to protect this house. There is no water damage and is in remarkable shape.
17
18 Commissioner Portman shared the University of Illinois has local extension offices.
19
20 Chairperson Weeder asked if anyone in the audience wishes to speak. The following came forward:
21 • Mary Seyfarth stated Marshall Johnson is the designer of the Rose Garden.
22
23 Commissioner Portman asked, and Planner Markle said, regarding Criteria 7, the HPC may want to consider
24 this as a significant corner lot.
25
26 Commissioner Greenbaum moved that Criteria 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 are met. This house has sufficient integrity,
27 and the HPC wishes to adopt a Preliminary Landmark Nomination. Commissioner Ehrlich seconded the
28 motion.
29
30 On a roll call vote
31 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
32 & Portman
33 Voting Nay: None
34
35 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
36
37 4. Review of Written Report to the Plan and Design Commission regarding Planned Development – 147
38 Central Avenue
39 Planner Markle offered a brief presentation:
40 • HPC is required to give a recommendation to the PDC
41 • Prior HPC Consideration on January 8, 2026
42 o a report was summarized by Staff
43 • Recommendation
44
45 Senior Planner Coleman read the first part of the memo on Page 10. Planner Markle said the report goes
46 into more detail.
47
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 4
Page 222 of 237
1 Chairperson Weeder said this is an unusual situation, as the attorney wrote a letter that the HPC is not
2 competent to discuss/vote. Discussion took place on the two agenda items relating to this matter.
3
4 Commissioner Ehrlich said the HPC is being asked to address something based on the facts on the ground at
5 the time of the ruling (as they presently exist). The historic designation was made as one property. The
6 property line exists where it was designated. It is not currently subdivided. This is Monticello in Highland
7 Park. He has seen nothing that gives the HPC the power to do this. The HPC should do nothing on this. A
8 COA is needed. Commissioner Ehrlich can’t believe he is being threatened with a constitutional
9 amendment. The HPC will make a recommendation/motion that the designation remains, and the HPC or
10 City Council don’t have the authority to change that. He is upset he was never given the design commission
11 document. What is relevant is an attorney made a comment that a $2,500 public benefit/donation would be
12 given.
13
14 Director Fontane said there are two applications before the HPC. Part of the PDC’s purview is to decide
15 several things. The HPC is being consulted. He expounded on the process.
16
17 Some HPC comments are…..
18 • Commissioner Portman is not in favor of agreeing to the second point in the drafted written
19 recommendation.
20 • Commissioner Gonka said building on the lot affects the landmark designation.
21
22 Director Fontane reminded the size of this property triggers a Planned Development. The Planned
23 Development process does not remove a landmark designation.
24
25 • Commissioner Ehrlich expressed that Corporation Counsel hasn’t said the HPC cannot operate
26 without facts on the ground. He feels a joint meeting should take place with the PDC.
27
28 Senior Planner Coleman explained the PDC process and request for input from the HPC.
29
30 • Chairperson Weeder believes the bullet points on drafted written recommendation are well
31 considered. She’d like it to be more specific (on restrictive yard setbacks….). Director Fontane
32 explained same. Chairperson Weeder would like to have more time to study this.
33
34 Director Fontane said this is not a conversation between two Commissions. It is a request to obtain
35 the HPC’s vantage point.
36
37 • Commissioner Portman would like to add on the second part of the written
38 recommendation……allowing any structure to be built on Lot B will create more density on the
39 existing estate. Planner Markle said this is noted and read same.
40 • Commissioner Ehrlich concurred.
41 • Commissioner Gonka would like to add information on the COA even if it’s redundant.
42
43 Commissioner Gonka moved to continue this matter to add more research as per this discussion tonight.
44 Commissioner Ehrlich seconded the motion. Commissioner Gonka amended the motion that this be
45 continued to a date in April. Commissioner Ehrlich accepted the amendment.
46
47 On a roll call vote
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 5
Page 223 of 237
1 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
2 & Portman
3 Voting Nay: None
4
5 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
6
7 5. Continuation of Partial Landmark Removal – 147 Central Avenue
8 Planner Markle offered a presentation:
9 • Prior HPC Consideration
10 • Summary of Application
11 • Photos were shown
12 • Prior Designation
13 • Recommendation
14
15 Mr. Bernstein, Attorney with Samuels & Bernstein, shared the PDC has discussed nothing further at this
16 time, as it awaits input from the HPC. It was noted subdivision relief is being requested; is a through lot.
17
18 Chairperson Weeder asked if anyone from the public wishes to speak. The following came forward:
19 • Kelsey Gonzalez referred to her extensive comments. She would like the HPC to have its own
20 language on the previous matter. Ms. Gonzalez stated….what is binding is this item (landmark
21 removal). She read excerpts from her letter. The HPC is here to protect Highland Park residences.
22 Other entities went through an extensive review. It is ridiculous that the City wouldn’t protect this,
23 as it’s a public treasure. If this occurs, Highland Park’s preservation program preserves nothing.
24
25 Commissioner Gonka expressed that while the whole process is confusing the items discussed are
26 relevant. Planner Markle explained the footnote. Corporation Counsel drafted the Resolution.
27 Director Fontane said what’s in the packet is a draft.
28
29 • Tom Corning defers to Ms. Gonzalez, as she is more invested and closer to the property. He concurs
30 with Ms. Gonzalez. Calling this Monticello is an appropriate measure. The Central Street Bridge is
31 large, trees were removed. Mr. Corning likes that input from the PDC and HPC is being sought. He
32 thanked the HPC. Mr. Corning would like to see the landmark removal item be thrown away. He is
33 sensitive that this is a burden. Mr. Corning would like to see serious FAR, bulk restrictions, etc., be
34 put in place. There is not an Appearance Review Commission for any property. It is important,
35 architecturally, that neighbors don’t see a black box. It is a prime property. To make this a palatable
36 venture, he would like to see comments, restrictions, and conditions applied.
37
38 Director Fontane expounded on the process.
39
40 Some HPC comments are…..
41 • Commissioner Gonka said the gate is not on the property. A little bit of a fence is. It was stated this
42 meets Criteria 3 & 7.
43 • Commissioner Ehrlich believes this should be continued, dovetailed with the previous agenda item.
44 • Commissioner Gonka said there isn’t anyone from the public who wants to see this subdivided. The
45 Commission is knowledgeable about the Criteria and can consider the Criteria. There is no question
46 that the lot meets at least two Criteria. Commissioner Greenbaum concurred.
47 • Commissioner Gonka said the Commisison is confident in their ability to assess a Landmarked parcel.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 6
Page 224 of 237
1 • Commissioner Portman believes Criteria 4 is met.
2 • Commissioner Ehrlich believes Criteria 2 is met.
3 • Commissioner Greenbaum believes Criteria 1 is met. Commissioners Pines and Ehrlich concurred.
4 • Commissioner Pines doesn’t believe Criteria 2 applies. More information is needed.
5
6 Commissioner Gonka moved to find that Lot B located at 147 Central Avenue does satisfy Landmark Criteria
7 1, 3, 4, & 7, does have sufficient integrity of design, and recommends City Council not adopt a Landmark
8 Removal ordinance.
9 Commissioner Greenbaum seconded the motion.
10
11 On a roll call vote
12 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
13 & Portman
14 Voting Nay: None
15
16 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
17
18 DISCUSSION ITEMS
19 1. 2026 Preservation Month Events
20 Planner Markle advised that Staff recommends a Walking Tour/Open House of The Highlands. Senior
21 Planner Coleman said this would be confirmed tomorrow with City Management. Commissioner Pines
22 asked, and Senior Planner Coleman replied this would be in place of the Bicycle Tour. Commissioner Ehrlich
23 would like to invite Jean Sogin due to her vast knowledge. Everyone agreed this would be a great event.
24
25 Student Council Baum departed the meeting at 9:34 p.m.
26
27 Planner Markle advised the event for the Preservation Awards would be at the Willets House on May 7,
28 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2026.
29
30 BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
31 There was no Business from the Public.
32
33 OTHER BUSINESS
34 1. Next Regular Meeting is Scheduled for April 15, 2026
35 It was noted the next regular HPC Meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026.
36
37 STAFF REPORT
38 There was no Staff Report.
39
40 ADJOURNMENT
41 Commissioner Gonka moved to adjourn at 9:41 p.m. Commissioner Hartinger seconded the motion.
42
43 On a voice vote
44 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
45 & Portman
46 Voting Nay: None
47
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 7
Page 225 of 237
1 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
2
3 Respectfully Submitted,
4 Gale Cerabona, Recorder
5
6 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING ON FEBRUARY 12, 2026, WERE APPROVED WITHOUT CORRECTIONS.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
March 12, 2026 - Page 8
Page 226 of 237
1 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
3 OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
4
5
6 MEETING DATE: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
7
8 MEETING LOCATION: Council Chambers, City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL
9
10 CALL TO ORDER
11 At 6:35 p.m., Chairperson Weeder called the meeting to order. This Commission meeting takes place on-site.
12 Staff was asked to call the roll.
13
14 ROLL CALL
15 Commissioners Present: Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
16 & Portman
17
18 Councilmember Present: Blumberg
19
20 Student Council Absent: Cooper Baum
21
22 Student Council Present: Gabi Goldstein
23
24 Staff declared that a quorum was present.
25
26 Staff Present: Coleman & Markle
27
28 Guests Present: Cal Bernstein, Attorney/Samuels & Bernstein
29
30 Others Present: Gale Cerabona, Recorder
31
32 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
33 Chairperson Weeder stated she received a request to move the Approval of Minutes until later in the
34 meeting and will carry out that request.
35
36 SCHEDULED BUSINESS
37 1. 147 Central Avenue – Review of Written Report to the Plan & Design Commission regarding Planned
38 Development
39 Planner Markle offered a presentation:
40 • Commission Consideration Required
41 • Prior HPC Consideration – January 8, 2026
42 • Recommendation
43
44 Mr. Cal Bernstein, Attorney, thanked the HPC for having a Special Meeting, so this matter can move forward.
45
46 Chairperson Weeder asked if anyone in the audience wishes to speak. There was no one.
47
48 Planner Markle shared information on nearby properties and illustrated a graph of same.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 15, 2026 - Page 1
Page 227 of 237
1
2 Some HPC comments are…..
3 • Commissioner Pines:
4 o asked if these are actual or zoning setbacks. Planner Markle said this is existing streetscape
5 information.
6 o expressed, regarding the Cornelius House, a 45’ setback from the lot line to the house.
7 o discussed the massing, scale, and proportionality.
8 o said Lot 2 could potentially be 12’ from the lot line; this could be very negative if something
9 was built.
10 o stated the HPC would like to see this property preserved and not disappear.
11 • Chairperson Weeder:
12 o referenced the house at 175 Central Avenue; a huge difference in side yards (from the
13 proposed property at 147 Central Avenue). Planner Markle verified the table indicates the
14 site plan attachment.
15 o said she would mirror the existing to the lot line. Planner Markle said that would be 68’.
16 • Commissioner Hartinger asked, and Planner Markle noted the restrictions/requirements (for new
17 construction).
18 • Commissioner Greenbaum identified a wraparound porch on the east side. Her concern is, when it
19 was designed, it was intended to see the east view.
20
21 Councilmember Blumberg said, when one engages on what the owners can see, that speaks to the
22 interior. This exceeds the purview of the HPC. He is referring to the distances between the houses.
23 It’s an air and light issue; a Plan & Design issue.
24
25 • Commissioner Ehrlich believes the entire property should be preserved. The HPC’s role should not be
26 to give guidance to the PDC. He cares about people walking past this house and noticing the oldest
27 and most majestic house in Highland Park. Anyone wishing to change that should present to the
28 HPC. The draft written recommendation doesn’t reflect his viewpoint. The property has changed
29 (since the bridge). Perhaps the easement, setbacks have changed.
30
31 Senior Planner Coleman noted the Draft Report recommends denial, etc.
32
33 Commissioner Ehrlich said there could be hypotheticals.
34
35 • Commissioner Portman said he felt all along that the HPC’s recommendation should stand on its own.
36 He would like to see no provisions after the fact.
37 • Commissioner Hartinger said the HPC can’t control what the PDC does. He discussed if the lots
38 become separated.
39 • Commissioner Portman said it was determined that it is still a protected property. Increasing the
40 front setback is important.
41
42 Senior Planner Coleman needs to review COAs. He noted there are 14 standards for construction.
43 The COA standards don’t regulate setbacks.
44
45 • Chairperson Weeder said, if the HPC takes Commissioner Ehrlich’s stand, the HPC is taking the
46 perfect over the practical. She recommends the side yard be increased between 147 & 175 Central
47 Avenue from 12’ to 45-50’, and reminded this is a nonbinding recommendation.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 15, 2026 - Page 2
Page 228 of 237
1 • Commissioner Pines asked if the recommendation should be skimmed.
2
3 Councilmember Blumberg suggested keeping the recommendations within the purview of what the
4 PDC is requesting. He expounded.
5
6 • Commissioner Greenbaum reiterated, when it was designed, the view was meant to be there. To
7 make this more practical, and because taxes are outrageous, she feels a setback should be assigned,
8 so this estate could have a lake view. Though the HPC is against separating the lots, she wonders if
9 recommendations should be given. Senior Planner Coleman said this is the HPC’s opportunity.
10 • Commissioner Hartinger asked if there have been situations where if a lot is split, the HPC gave
11 recommendations on what to look for. Senior Planner Coleman stated there haven’t been instances.
12
13 Councilmember Blumberg said, if the lot is subdivided, that requires the Petitioner to come back.
14 The new lot is not automatically de-landmarked. He expounded.
15
16 • Chairperson Weeder asked about de-landmarking. Planner Markle found the HPC did not
17 recommend landmark removal. If split, Lot B would still be landmarked.
18 • Commissioner Ehrlich:
19 o asked if a COA was granted without a plan. He stated it is not the HPC’s place to give
20 guidance. It could be given when a COA is presented to the HPC. Planner Markle reminded
21 the PDC wants the HPC’s guidance and direction.
22 o said, if a COA is to be given, a plan must be submitted. He doesn’t want to mislead anyone
23 by suggesting various numbers of feet.
24
25 Councilmember Blumberg said the HPC is not being asked to say anything about a COA. He
26 reminded the HPC is being asked to give a recommendation with any restrictions, suggestions.
27 Councilmember Blumberg said, if this property is not subdivided, someone could present a plan on
28 the un-subdivided area. Limitations could be placed on the lot.
29
30 • Chairperson Weeder mentioned the crux of the issue is noted at the end of the Staff Report. She
31 expounded on parameters.
32 • Commissioner Pines concurred.
33
34 Commissioner Gonka arrived at 7:41 p.m.
35
36 • Commissioner Ehrlich would like the HPC to review the 14 criteria and noted, this matter could be
37 continued.
38 • Commissioner Pines said the restrictions are not as grave as Commissioner Ehrlich is making them
39 out to be.
40 • Commissioner Hartinger said the Staff Report covers 98% of the HPC’s view. Setback issues could be
41 added.
42 • Commissioner Portman concurred with the exception of the specification from the HPC. It was
43 stated Staff intended to include the second 3-page nonbinding recommendation.
44 • Chairperson Weeder named the specific areas to address and suggested moving the discussion
45 toward that. It’s about the experience of the public viewing this.
46
47 Chairperson Weeder asked if anyone in the audience wishes to speak. There was no one.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 15, 2026 - Page 3
Page 229 of 237
1
2 Senior Planner Coleman summarized the additional 50’ is a new point to add.
3
4 More HPC comments are…..
5 • Commissioner Gonka asked:
6 o about the process. Planner Markle explained same.
7 o what the HPC is actually saying regarding 50’ in addition to 12’. Planner Markle explained
8 same.
9 • Commissioner Pines said Lot 2 is approximately 90,000 sq. ft.; over 2 acres. The amount that’s
10 buildable is likely 25,000-30,000 sq. ft.; a robust footprint. The site plan has to be handled artfully.
11
12 Councilmember Blumberg suggested the two other agenda items be given attention at this time, as the
13 public may wish to speak on those.
14
15 2. 670 De Tamble Avenue – Final Consideration of Landmark Nomination
16 Planner Markle offered a presentation:
17 • Summary
18 • Arthur Vetter House
19 • Tudor style
20 • Built in 1928
21 • Landmark Designation Process
22 • Previous Consideration
23 • Findings of Fact
24 • Landmark Criteria
25 • Recommendation
26
27 Commissioner Greenbaum moved that this meets Criteria 1, 3, 4, & 6; has sufficient integrity of design; and
28 recommends City Council adopt a Landmark Designation Ordinance. Commissioner Gonka seconded the
29 motion.
30
31 On a roll call vote
32 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
33 & Portman
34 Voting Nay: None
35
36 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
37
38 3. 273 Sheridan Road – Final Consideration of Landmark Nomination
39 Planner Markle offered a presentation:
40 • Previous Consideration
41 • Marshall Johnson House
42 • Significant rating in the 2003 Braeside survey
43 • French Eclectic style
44 • Built in 1936
45 • Findings of Fact
46 • Landmark Criteria
47 • Additional Information
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 15, 2026 - Page 4
Page 230 of 237
1 o architect is William Betts who designed 18 homes in Highland Park
2 o elevations of those homes were shown
3 • Recommendation
4
5 Commissioner Greenbaum moved that Criteria 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 are met. This house has sufficient integrity of
6 design. The HPC wishes to adopt a Landmark Designation recommendation and the drafted Findings of Fact
7 and Planning Report with new information about Marshall Johnson & William Betts added. Commissioner
8 Gonka seconded the motion.
9
10 On a roll call vote
11 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
12 & Portman
13 Voting Nay: None
14
15 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
16
17 Back to…..
18
19 1. 147 Central Avenue – Review of Written Report to the Plan & Design Commission regarding Planned
20 Development
21 Chairperson Weeder reminded the HPC was discussing setbacks and reducing bulk.
22
23 Commissioner Ehrlich asked, and Planner Markle said the site plan was the only thing submitted. They
24 stated the PDC is waiting for the HPC.
25
26 Mr. Bernstein said, as far as he knows, nothing’s been designed for this property. He noted the potential
27 buyer for Lot B has retained James Fraerman, Principal at Fraerman Associates Architecture, who is well
28 versed on the HPC’s view and the 14 standards. Fraerman has served on HPC in the past.
29
30 Final HPC comments…..
31 • Commissioner Pines summarized that setback and height information be added to the Staff Report.
32 • Commissioner Gonka maintained that 80’ is not enough and said whatever is built shouldn’t be taller
33 than the existing house; side setback should be 100’ from the proposed lot line.
34 • Commissioner Greenbaum maintains that a more restrictive front yard setback would maintain the
35 Lot 1’s view.
36 • Commissioner Ehrlich maintains that the HPC should not include conditions of approval in written
37 report.
38 • Commissioner Pines believes that is excessive; 80’ would meet the same objective.
39
40 Commissioner Pines moved to approve the written report presented by Staff with the changes:
41 • to increase the west side-yard setback to 80’ for Lot 2
42 • require that the height of a new structure not exceed that of the Cornelius Field home
43
44 Commissioner Portman seconded the motion.
45
46 On a roll call vote
47 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Hartinger, Pines, & Portman
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 15, 2026 - Page 5
Page 231 of 237
1 Voting Nay: Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, & Greenbaum
2
3 Planner Markle declared that the motion passed 4-3. Planner Markle advised they will attend the PDC
4 meeting.
5
6 Mr. Bernstein reminded HPC Commissioners cannot discuss this at the PDC meeting due to the Open
7 Meetings Act.
8
9 Councilmember Blumberg said speaking separately is contrary to what the HPC, as a whole, has put forth.
10
11 Back to…..
12
13 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
14 Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission – March 12, 2026
15
16 Commissioner Gonka expressed that the HPC did an incredible job on the motions at the last meeting.
17 Chairperson Weeder thanked Gale Cerabona, Recorder; Planner Markle, and Senior Planner Coleman for the
18 incredible job they’ve been doing.
19
20 Commissioner Gonka moved to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 12, 2026. Commissioner
21 Greenbaum seconded the motion.
22
23 On a voice vote
24 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
25 & Portman
26 Voting Nay: None
27
28 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
29
30 DISCUSSION ITEMS
31 1. 2026 Preservation Awards
32 Planner Markle reminded the event for the Preservation Awards is at the Willits House on May 7, 2026, at
33 6:30 p.m. They noted sparkling water is being provided. Snacks are welcome. Nominations are posted.
34 Judges made a decision on the winners. Chairperson Weeder offered to bring snacks.
35
36 BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
37 There was no Business from the Public.
38
39 OTHER BUSINESS
40 1. Next Regular Meeting is Scheduled for May 14, 2026
41 It was noted the next regular HPC Meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2026.
42
43 STAFF REPORT
44 There was no Staff Report.
45
46 ADJOURNMENT
47 Commissioner Greenbaum moved to adjourn at 8:34 p.m. Commissioner Portman seconded the motion.
48
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 15, 2026 - Page 6
Page 232 of 237
1 On a voice vote
2 Voting Yea Chairperson Weeder; Commissioners Ehrlich, Gonka, Greenbaum, Hartinger, Pines,
3 & Portman
4 Voting Nay: None
5
6 Staff declared that the motion passed unanimously.
7
8 Respectfully Submitted,
9
10
11 Gale Cerabona
12 Recorder
13
14 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING ON MARCH 12, 2026, WERE APPROVED WITHOUT CORRECTIONS.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 15, 2026 - Page 7
Page 233 of 237
City of Highland Park
Ordinance No. ______
An Ordinance Designating the Property at
273 Sheridan Road a Local Landmark
WHEREAS, Barry and Kimberly Schliesmann (collectively, the "Owner") are the record
title owners of that certain real property commonly known 273 Sheridan Road, Highland Park,
Illinois, and legally described in Exhibit A attached to and, by this reference made a part of, this
Ordinance ("Property"); and
WHEREAS, the Property was originally the residence of, and owned by, Marshall Liston
Johnson; and
WHEREAS, Marshall Liston Johnson is found to have significantly contributed to the
development of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Property’s landscape was designed by notable landscape architect
Marshall Liston Johnson and the single-family structure on the Property (“Structure”) was
designed by notable architect William Betts; and
WHEREAS, the Structure exemplifies the French Eclectic style, possesses historically
significant design details, and exhibits a high level of craftsmanship; and
WHEREAS, on February 11, 2026, pursuant to Section 24.025(A) of "The Highland Park
Code of 1968," as amended ("City Code"), the Owner submitted a written nomination to the Chair
of the Historic Preservation Commission of the City ("Commission") to designate the Property
as a landmark; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 24.025(B)(1) of the City Code, a public meeting of the
Commission to consider preliminary landmark designation of the Property was held on March 12,
2026, notice of which meeting was delivered to the Owner on February 23, 2026; and
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2026, the Commission adopted Resolution No. 2026-004,
recommending preliminary landmark designation of the Property pursuant to Section 24.025(B)(2)
of the City Code; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2026, the Commission accepted the planning report prepared by
the City Director of Community Development, pursuant to Section 24.025(C) of the City Code;
and
WHEREAS, at a public meeting of the Commission held on April 15, 2026, the
Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed landmark designation of the Property,
in accordance with Section 24.025(D) of the City Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it will serve and be in the best interest
of the City and its residents to designate the Property as a landmark;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF HIGHLAND PARK,
LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
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SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made
a part of, this Ordinance as findings of the City Council.
SECTION TWO: FINDINGS. The City Council, having reviewed the findings,
recommendations, and official record of the Commission, hereby finds as follows:
A. The Property has sufficient integrity of location, design, materials, and
workmanship to make it worthy of preservation, thereby satisfying the criterion for
landmark designation set forth in Section 24.025(F)(2)(a) of the City Code;
B. The Property demonstrates character, interest and value as part of the
development, heritage, and cultural characteristics of the City, thereby satisfying
the criterion for landmark designation set forth in Section 24.015(1) of the City
Code;
C. The Property is associated with a person who significantly contributed to the
development of the City thereby satisfying the criterion for landmark designation
set forth in Section 24.015(3) of the City Code;
D. The Property embodies distinguishing characteristics of architectural and
landscape styles valuable for the study of a period of time and historic methods of
construction, thereby satisfying the criterion for landmark designation set forth in
Section 24.015(4) of the City Code;
E. The Property is identifiable as the work of a notable builder and notable landscape
architect whose individual works have influenced the development of the City,
thereby satisfying the criterion for landmark designation set forth in Section
24.015(5) of the City Code;
F. The Property embodies elements of design, detailing, craftsmanship and materials
that render it architecturally, visually, aesthetically and culturally significant,
thereby satisfying the criterion for landmark designation set forth in Section
24.015(6) of the City Code; and
G. The Property possesses singular physical and aesthetic characteristics that make
it an established visual feature thereby satisfying the criterion for landmark
designation set forth in Section 24.015(7) of the City Code.
SECTION THREE: LANDMARK DESIGNATION. In accordance with, and pursuant to,
Section 24.025(F)(2) of the City Code, the City Council hereby designates the Property as a
landmark.
SECTION FOUR: RECORDATION; BINDING EFFECT. The City Clerk is hereby
directed to record a copy of this Ordinance with the Recording Division of the Lake County Clerk’s
Office. This Ordinance and the privileges, obligations, and provisions contained herein inure
solely to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Owner and each of their heirs, representatives,
successors, and assigns.
SECTION FIVE: PUBLICATION. The City Clerk is hereby directed to publish this
Ordinance in pamphlet form pursuant to the Statutes of the State of Illinois.
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SECTION SIX: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance will be in full force and effect
from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
PASSED:
APPROVED:
PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM:
ORDINANCE NO.
___________________________________
Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Ghida Neukirch, City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY
LOT 1 IN HILL AND STONE’S RAVINE VIEW SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER
(SW ¼) OF SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 43 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL
MERIDIAN, AS PER PLAT RECORDED JANUARY 24, 1923 AS DOCUMENT 280135 IN BOOK
“L” OF PLATS, PAGE 60, IN LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
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