Committee of the Whole
Regular MeetingHighland Park, IL · April 13, 2026
Minutes
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 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 5:30 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call:
II. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer
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, City Engineer
Stawski, Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City
Manager Palbitska, Management Analyst Cherry
Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod, CivilTech Representatives (Joey
Ambramson, Tom Liliensiek), Ravinia Festival Association (Jim
Schmitz)
III. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Rescheduled Regular Consolidated Meeting of the
Committee of the Whole Held on March 30, 2026
Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Rescheduled Regular
Consolidated Meeting of the Committee of the Whole 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
IV. Scheduled Business
A. Floodplain Report & Recommendation
City Manager Neukirch introduced the topic of the Floodplain Report and
Recommendations.
Joey Abramson, Civiltech Engineering, presented an overview of floodplain
regulations in Highland Park and provided a recommendation to remove the
Highland Park specific flood plain regulations and continue to adhere to FEMA,
Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Lake County Stormwater
Management Commission regulations.
City Manager Neukirch emphasized important points that were presented by Mr.
Abramson and provided information regarding next steps.
The Council, Civiltech Representatives, Corporation Counsel Elrod, and staff
discussed climate change impacts on the potential increase in the speed or volume of
flooding, impacts of developments in Wisconsin on northeastern parts of Illinois,
liability exposures if the City continues with a more strict approach, insurance being
driven by FEMA not Highland Park regulations, importance of education, potential
property value increases with removing the Highland Park regulations, the use of
FEMA floodplain mapping in neighboring communities, Lake County Watershed
Ordinance protections, and work the City has completed to assist with flooding
issues.
City Council consensus is to remove the Highland Park specific flood plain
regulations and continue to adhere to FEMA, Illinois Department of Natural
Resources, and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission regulations
City Manager Neukirch provided information on next steps which would include future
formal Council approval as well as community education and notification of those
affected.
B. Ravinia Festival Special License Agreement Recommendation
City Manager Neukirch introduced Management Analyst Cherry and the work staff
has undertaken for this agenda item. She provided information about the relationship
between the City and Ravinia Festival.
Management Analyst Cherry provided background information regarding the
development agreements the City and Ravinia Festival have had over the years. She
reviewed the staff recommendation that the parties enter into a special license
agreement in relation to the Special License Area, which would decouple the
operational matters from the current amended development agreement, giving an
overview of current practices that would be formalized in the agreement as well as
incorporation of new items.
The Council, Mr. Schmitz, Corporation Counsel Elrod, and staff discussed the intent
of restricting non-motorized and motorized vehicles within the special license area,
proposed sidewalk updates by Ravinia Festival, lighting of the Green Bay trail
beyond the special license area, importance of removing the public demonstration
language, term and expiration of the license agreement, outside events like the
school district’s Fun Run that would impact the special license area, and seasonal
usage of proposed signage by Ravinia Festival.
The Council was in favor of staff's recommendations. A majority of the Council
expressed approval to update the expiration of the special license agreement to run
concurrent with the development agreement.
City Manager Neukirch noted the conversation regarding the lighting on the Green
Bay Trail will be discussed at a future meeting.
V. Closed Session
Councilmember Lidawer moved the Committee 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 Bruckman seconded the motion. On a
roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously.
At 6:39 PM, the Committee recessed the public portion of the meeting to meet in Closed
Session.
At 7:07 PM, Mayor Rotering reconvened the open session of the Committee of the Whole
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
VI. Adjournment
Councilmember Tapia moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Councilmember Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering
declared the motion passed unanimously.
The Committee of the Whole adjourned its meeting at 7:07 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ashley Palbitska
Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk
Agenda
Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall
1707 St Johns Avenue,
Highland Park, IL 60035
April 13, 2026
5:30 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 website.
The City encourages individuals to sign-up for its enews for important information from the
City. To sign-up for the enews, visit www.cityhpil.com.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Rescheduled Regular Consolidated Meeting of the
Committee of the Whole Held on March 30, 2026
IV. Scheduled Business
A. Floodplain Report & Recommendation
B. Ravinia Festival Special License Agreement Recommendation
V. Other Matters
VI. Closed Session
A. 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11) - Litigation
VII. Adjournment
Packet
Committee of the Whole Meeting
City Hall
1707 St Johns Avenue,
Highland Park, IL 60035
April 13, 2026
5:30 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 website.
The City encourages individuals to sign-up for its enews for important information from the
City. To sign-up for the enews, visit www.cityhpil.com.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Rescheduled Regular Consolidated Meeting of the
Committee of the Whole Held on March 30, 2026
IV. Scheduled Business
A. Floodplain Report & Recommendation
B. Ravinia Festival Special License Agreement Recommendation
V. Other Matters
VI. Closed Session
A. 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11) - Litigation
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VII. Adjournment
Page 2 of 20
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 13, 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 Rescheduled Regular Consolidated Meeting of the
Committee of the Whole Held on March 30, 2026
Recommendation:
For the City Council’s approval are the minutes of the Rescheduled Regular Consolidated
Meeting of the Committee of the Whole held on March 30, 2026.
Attachments:
1. MIN COTW 3-30-2026
Page 3 of 20
MINUTES OF THE REGURLAR RESCHEDULED CONSOLIDATED COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK
MEETING DATE: March 30, 2026
MEETING LOCATION: Public Services Center, 1150 Half Day Road and
City Hall, 1707 St Johns Avenue
I. Call to Order
At 4:34 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order at the Public Services Center and
asked for a roll call:
II. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Lidawer, Blumberg
Absent: Councilmembers Center, Tapia
Staff Present: City Manager Neukirch, Director of Public Works Bannon, Community
Development Director Fontane, Finance Director McCaulou, Fire Chief
Schrage, Deputy Director of Public Works O'Neill, Assistant to the City
Manager Palbitska
III. Tour of Public Services Center and Fire Station #34
The Council and Staff conducted a tour of the Public Services Building and Station #34. They
analyzed the working environments at each location and what next steps could be for the
project.
At 6:02 PM, Mayor Rotering recessed the Committee of the Whole meeting.
At 6:30 PM, Mayor Rotering reconvened the Committee of the Whole meeting
at City Hall:
Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center (arrived at 7:23 PM),
Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Manager Neukirch, Director of Public Works Bannon, Community
Development Director Fontane, Assistant City Manager Jason, Finance
Director McCaulou, Fire Chief Schrage, Assistant City Manager Taub,
Deputy Finance Director Lukasik, Police Commander Roberts,
Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager
Palbitska
Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod
IV. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on
February 23, 2026 and Approval of the Minutes of the Joint Special Meeting of the
Committee of the Whole and Historic Preservation Commission Held on March 9, 2026
Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Committee of the Whole Held on February 23, 2026 and the Minutes of the Joint Special
Meeting of the Committee of the Whole and Historic Preservation Commission Held on
Page 4 of 20
March 9, 2026. Councilmember Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote,
the Mayor declared the motion Passed (6 - 0).
MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer
SECONDER: Councilmember Bruckman
AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia,
Lidawer, Blumberg
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Center
V. Scheduled Business
A. Review of the Capital Improvement Plan, with emphasis on the Public Services Center
and Fire Station #34 Project and associated budget and financing options.
City Manager Neukirch informed the public that the City Council completed a tour of the
Public Services Center and Fire Station #34.
City Manager Neukirch, Public Works Director Bannon and Finance Director McCaulou
presented an overview of the Capital Improvement Plan, with an emphasis on the Public
Services Center & Fire Station #34 project and associated budget and financing options.
The Council and staff discussed capital projects budgeted and other infrastructure
investment that are not yet reflected in the budget, use of the City's reserve funds, Public
Safety Pension contributions, debt scenarios, budget considerations that include property
tax, home rules sales tax, pensions and other fee/license tax considerations. They
discussed the direction the Council would be interested in moving forward in regard to
the Route 41 Pedestrian Bridge. A majority of the Council was interested in moving
forward with the rehabilitation plan for the Route 41 Pedestrian Bridge, versus more than
$10 million redevelopment of the bridge.
Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch noted that staff will continue working with
the consultants and will present additional information and options for consideration as
it relates to the Public Services Center and Fire Station project at a future Committee of
the Whole meeting.
VI. Adjournment
Councilmember Tapia moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering
declared the motion passed unanimously.
The Committee of the Whole adjourned its meeting at 07:33 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ashley Palbitska
Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk
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Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Staff Contact: Ron Bannon, Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works Department
Title: Floodplain Report & Recommendation
Recommendation:
City Staff and representatives from the consulting engineering firm will present an overview of
the Highland Park Floodplain Assessment Study, reviewing how floodplains are established and
how they are measured, the regulatory agencies involved, insurance requirements, and the
restrictions on development. Currently, the City uses two sets of floodplain maps, which is
uncommon: the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Floodplain and the Highland
Park Floodplain, both of which direct the regulatory use of these floodplain areas. In addition,
the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Water Resources (IDNR/OWR), the Lake
County Stormwater Management Commission (LCSMC), and the Lake County Watershed
Development Ordinance (WDO) provide additional requirements and restrictions in floodplain
areas. The presentation will explore the differences between the FEMA and Highland Park
floodplains, the data used to establish each, and the impacts on private residential homes and
businesses.
Policy Consideration:
Based on the findings of the Highland Park floodplain assessment study, staff recommends
discontinuing the City-specific Highland Park floodplain and continue to use the existing FEMA,
IDNR/OWR, and LCSMC WDO protections.
Core Priorities:
Economic Development - aligning the City's floodplain regulations with the FEMA floodplain
creates a more efficient and streamlined development process.
Environmental Sustainability - Floodplain regulations support environmental sustainability by
protecting natural floodplain functions, reducing ecological damage, and guiding development in
ways that maintain long-term ecosystem resilience.
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Attachments:
None
Page 7 of 20
Staff Report
Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Staff Contact: Megan Cherry, Management Analyst
Ghida Neukirch, City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Title: Ravinia Festival Special License Agreement Recommendation
Recommendation:
Staff recommends entering into a Special License Agreement with the Ravinia Festival
Association, decoupling operational matters from the current amended Development Agreement.
Staff will provide an overview of the terms and conditions that would be included in the Special
License Agreement. No recommendations or considerations will be made related to revenues as
part of this Special License Agreement. The current agreement between the City and Ravinia
Festival in relation to revenues is effective until 2029 and will be addressed the year prior to the
agreement expiration.
Policy Consideration:
Background
The City and the Ravinia Festival Association (“RFA”) have enjoyed a mutually respectful,
beneficial and productive professional relationship for more than 122 years. The RFA is woven
into the history of the City, and the City recognizes the fame and arts reputation that the RFA
brings to the community, bolstering Highland Park’s position as a destination for the arts on the
North Shore.
In 2006, the City and the RFA entered into a Development Agreement that codified several
agreements that govern the use and operation of Ravinia Festival. Since then, the Development
Agreement has been amended eight times, with the last amendment approved in 2024. Please see
the attached Ravinia Festival & City of Highland Park Agreement Executive Summary for an
outline of all applicable ordinances and resolutions (Exhibit A).
As the RFA approaches their 125th anniversary and embarks on strategic planning associated
with that milestone, City and RFA staff met to discuss a variety of potential updates to their
agreement with the City. Staff recommends negotiating a Special License Agreement with the
RFA to document current practices and additional requests that pertain to the Special License
Area, which includes portions of the Green Bay Trail (see Exhibit B). Decoupling the regulation
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of the Special License Area from the associated amended Development Agreement will allow
future updates to be made to the Special License Agreement separate from any zoning matters,
which would require amendments to the Planned Development and/or the Development
Agreement.
Staff recommends that the Special License Agreement codify the RFA’s current practices, such
as:
• Creating a designated smoking area
• Allowing a fenced enclosure for yard waste and recyclables
• Documenting the existence of the security gate at the intersection of St. Johns Avenue
and the Green Bay Trail
• Restricting unauthorized non-motorized traffic in the Entry Plaza
• Restricting unauthorized motorized traffic from the Special License Area
• Establishing a City-designated public demonstration area, as agreed upon
• Requiring any third-party uses of the Special License Area be subject to mutual
agreement
There are additional requests from RFA that City staff also recommend incorporating in the
forthcoming Special License Agreement; more information regarding these requests are outlined
in further detail later in this staff report. Additional requests include:
• Extending the term for the Special License Area
• Incorporating language clarifying that the RFA is responsible for maintenance and
restoration of the public right of way
• Allowing the operation of security cameras within the Special License Area
• Permitting the placement of operational signage within the Special License Area
• Improving the sidewalk and installing safety bollards in the Special License Area
Subject to Council support, a resolution will be drafted and placed on the next available City
Council agenda for formal consideration.
Recommendations
The following practices are recommended to be included in the Special License Agreement:
Designated Smoking Area & Fenced Enclosure for Yard Waste/Receptacles
The RFA currently dedicates a portion of the Special License Area as a designated smoking area,
and also maintains a fenced enclosure for yard waste, refuse and recycling receptacles. Staff
recommends incorporating the current use of this area in the Special License Agreement.
Security Gate
The RFA noted there is a security gate at the intersection of St. Johns Avenue and the Green Bay
Trail. The RFA has not utilized the gate, but would like its existence to be documented moving
forward. It is recommended that the security gate be outlined in the RFA’s annual Emergency
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Operations Plan, subject to review and approval by City staff.
Restriction of Non-Motorized/Motorized Traffic
Unauthorized non-motorized traffic is recommended to be restricted from the entry plaza, in
addition to restricting unauthorized motorized traffic from the Special License Area in order to
maintain a safe and secure experience for Ravinia Festival attendees and patrons. Staff
recommends incorporating these restrictions into the Special License Agreement, provided that
clear signage is posted regarding the restrictions.
Establishment of a Public Demonstration Area
The RFA and the City recognize that there may occasionally be times where members of the
community would like to gather to picket or rally on public property that would potentially affect
Ravinia Festival. The City and the RFA would designate a specific area for public
demonstration, which will be outlined in the RFA’s Emergency Operations Plan, subject to laws
and regulations. The City also recommends that the RFA, with review and approval of the City,
designate a media staging area.
Third Party Use of the Special License Area
The RFA requests that any third-party use of the special license area be subject to mutual
agreement. The City is willing and able to communicate and notify the RFA of any special
events or activities for the area that the City plans or approves, but the City is not responsible for
the activities of the third party.
In addition to the current practices outlined above, the following items are recommended to be
included in the Special License Agreement:
Term Extension for Special License Area
The original Development Agreement between the City and the RFA granted the RFA a non-
exclusive special license to encroach upon and use the Special License Area for a variety of uses,
such as continued existence of the historic main gate and portions of two box offices, among
other uses. The Special License Area includes portions of the Green Bay Trail. The term of the
non-exclusive special license “shall expire 20 years after the Effective Date” of the Development
Agreement. The parties entered into the Development Agreement effective February 13, 2006
and therefore the non-exclusive use of the Special License Area has expired as of February 13,
2026. Staff recommends eliminating the term and granting use of the Special License Area to the
RFA in perpetuity, whereby the City may terminate the non-exclusive use of the Special License
Area provided the City notifies the RFA 6 months prior to termination.
Routine Maintenance & Restoration of the Public Right of Way
The City recommends clarifying that the RFA is responsible for normal and routine maintenance
of the public right of way. In addition, the RFA will be responsible for restoring the public right
of way should the City need to perform any utility work. Typically, the City restores areas where
it has performed utility work to its previous, standard condition. However, over the years, the
RFA has improved many parts of the public right of way, replacing gravel with asphalt, concrete
and paver bricks. As such, the RFA will be solely responsible for restoration based on their
improvements to the Special License Area. This responsibility would also allow the RFA to
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complete restoration work based on their schedule, in order to minimize disruption to their
programming.
Use of Security Cameras
The RFA would like to install and operate security cameras within the Special License Area.
Staff recommends allowing the installation and operation of security cameras under the condition
that signage notifying patrons of the cameras is posted in the Special License Area. The RFA
would be required to provide the City with a list outlining where the signs will be located and
subject to other regulations as required by the City, including but not limited to signage.
Operational Signage
The RFA would like to erect operational signage within the Special License Area for the benefit
of its patrons, employees and contractors. Similar to the request for security cameras, the City
recommends allowing the use of operational signage so long as a list of locations, sign types and
sign language is provided and approved by the City in advance of the erection of the signage.
Sidewalk Improvements & Safety Bollards
The RFA would like to make improvements to the gravel path within and along the Special
License Area. The RFA would like to update the path to a sidewalk, constructed of asphalt
pavement with a base, with a width of 6 feet, extending about 713 feet total (see Exhibit C).
Additionally, the RFA would like to replace the existing temporary bollards within the Special
License Area to safety bollards that are crash-rated. The City permits these improvements,
subject to review, approval and issuance of a right of way permit. The RFA acknowledges that it
will be their responsibility to restore the improved sidewalk should the City undertake any utility
work. The RFA may request to proceed with the right of way improvements prior to the approval
of the Special License Agreement; the City Manager may authorize the work through an at-risk
agreement with the RFA.
Financial Impact
The proposed Special License Agreement outlined above will have no financial impact to the
City. Additionally, it should be noted that the RFA pays for all police, fire and transit services
that the City provides, along with any costs associated with those services.
The RFA also pays a municipal admissions fee to the City, which is 5% of the RFA’s gross
admissions revenue. This is paid to the City in lieu of taxes. Annually, the City receives
anywhere from $800,000 to $1 million from the RFA through this fee. In 2025, the RFA paid a
Municipal Admissions Fee in the amount of $1,011,334 to the City. The current terms of the
Municipal Admissions Fee expire on January 1, 2029. The City will review the terms of the
Municipal Admissions Fee in 2028.
Core Priorities:
Fiscal Stability
The recommended updates to the agreement will have no financial impact to the City.
Public Safety
Many of the proposed items in the agreement concern public safety, such as restricting non-
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motorized/motorized traffic in the Special License Area, installing crash-rated safety bollards,
and establishing a designated public demonstration area. These improvements enhance public
safety for Ravinia Festival patrons and attendees, in addition to those in the surrounding
community.
Infrastructure Investment
The City maintains a number of utilities within the Special License Area. By permitting the RFA
to improve the Special License Area and to provide regular upkeep of the public right of way,
infrastructure is well maintained, which is a benefit to RFA patrons and community members
utilizing the Green Bay Trail.
Vibrancy
The recommended changes to the agreement continue to further the RFA’s reputation as a
destination for the arts on the North Shore, contributing to the cultural landscape of the Highland
Park community.
Attachments:
1. Exhibit A Ravinia Festival Agreements Executive Summary
2. Exhibit B Ravinia Depiction of Special License Area
3. Exhibit C C2.0 - Civil Site Plan_Ravinia Sidewalk
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Executive Summary
Ravinia Festival & City of Highland Park Agreement
19 March 2025
Background
In 2006, the City and Ravinia Festival Association (“RFA”) entered into a Development Agreement
(“DA”) that governs the use of the RFA’s property at 418 Sheridan Road (“Property”). The DA
outlines standards for use of the Property, special events, traffic management and neighborhood
meetings, among others.
Since 2006, the DA has been amended eight times. The first and sixth amendments establish and set
forth the terms for a Municipal Admissions Fee to be paid by RFA to the City. The current terms of
the Municipal Admissions Fee expire on January 1, 2029.
This Executive Summary outlines items of importance in each DA, and includes a table of all relevant
ordinances and resolutions.
Use of Property
418 Sheridan Road (“Property”) may only be used for outdoor theater, festival-drama. (O13-
06)
The Ravinia Festival Association (“RFA”) may produce the following events without the
need for authorization: any Ravinia Festival Event that is listed in a season calendar, any
Ravinia Festival event that is not listed in the Season Calendar and where attendance is less
than 3,000 people and the Pavilion is not in use, or any Off Season Event where attendance
is less than 3,000 people and the Pavilion is not in use. (O13-06, O81-2017)
No Major Ravinia Festival Event and no Major Off Season Event may be conducted on the
Property unless the RFA can prove to the City Manager that adequate steps and measures
have been taken to address police/fire safety and parking impact on the City and
surrounding neighborhood. (O13-06, O81-2017)
No Community Event nor Parking Event will be allowed unless the RFA provides written
notification to the Ravinia Festival Commission and demonstrates to the City Manager that
adequate steps and measures have been taken to address police/fire safety and parking
impact on the City and surrounding neighborhood. *Please note, that due to the dissolution
of the Ravinia Festival Commission, written notification shall only be provided to the City
Manager. (O13-06)
The maximum occupancy of the Property shall not exceed 20,000 ticketed persons or 22,000
total persons. (O13-06)
The following are considered accessory uses: food service, indoor theater, administrative
offices/meetings/gatherings, ticket sales, restrooms, off-street parking, storage/maintenance
facilities, retail and merchandise sales, and outdoor projection screens. (O13-06)
1
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Hours of Operation
The hours of operation for the Pavilion, the lawn seating area, and 2007 Food Service
Building are 7:00 AM - 11:59 PM. (O13-06)
The 2007 Food Service Building shall only be used on event days and only open to
individuals attending a permitted event. (O13-06)
Outdoor concert music should end no later than 11:00 PM, and all attendees must leave the
property no later than 11:59 PM. (O13-06)
Municipal Admission Fee
The RFA agrees to pay to the City a municipal admissions fee that is 5% of the RFA’s
admissions revenue, received by RFA from concerts presented on the property. (R04-09)
If the City imposes an amusement tax on the RFA, then the RFA is not required to pay the
municipal admissions fee. (R04-09)
The Sixth Amendment outlines changes made to the calculation of admissions revenue.
(R149-2018):
o Admissions revenue, as defined in the amendment, means the revenue received by
the RFA and reported by the RFA annually as admissions within “Program Service
Revenue” on the RFA’s IRS Form 990.
o Revenue associated with BGH Classics, or any successor program with the same
purpose, is not reported by the RFA on the Form 990 as admissions, and is exempt
from the calculation of the admissions revenue. Revenue from the following are also
exempt:
Family Concerts
The fair market value of tickets given by the RFA for contributors to the
RFA in exchange for contributions to the RFA
Any surcharge for facility, experience center, or box office transactional fees
above and beyond and separate from the Municipal Admissions Fee
Any artist VIP packages, album bundles, or fan club perks as part of an
agreement between RFA and an artist for which fees are remitted exclusively
to the artist and not to the RFA
The RFA will pay the municipal admissions fee during the 2019-2028 Ravinia Festival
seasons. The current terms of the municipal admissions fee expire on January 1, 2029.
(R149-2018)
Neighborhood Meetings
The RFA will hold at least two neighborhood meetings per year, in cooperation with the
City. The meetings will allow residents, the RFA, and the City to discuss traffic management
and other matters that affect the neighbors of the RFA. A representative of the City Council
or City staff will attend each neighborhood meeting, and the City will prepare and keep
minutes of each meeting. (R149-2018)
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Noise
The RFA must comply with Sec. 95.001(O). However, the RFA is permitted to conduct
outdoor concerts on the property on Event Days, so long as concert hall music ends no later
than 11:00 PM and all attendees have left the premises no later than 11:59 PM.
Special Events
“Permitted Event” shall be and mean (i) Ravinia Festival Events, (ii) Major Ravinia Festival
Events, (iii) Off Season Events, (iv) Major Off Season Events, (v) Community Events, (vi)
Parking Events and (vii) such other events as may be approved by the City Manager and
ratified by the City Council in accordance with the Minor Change process in Section 8.M.3
of this Ordinance. (O81-2017)
Permitted Events for Which No Authorization is Required: No advance approval or
authorization shall be required prior to the commencement of any of the following
Permitted Events: any Off Season Event for which (a) the expected attendance is less than
3,000 people and (b) the Pavilion is not in use. (O81-2017)
Traffic
On Event Days, truck deliveries to the 2007 Food Service Building are prohibited after 3 PM
during the Summer Season or any time when Ravinia transit operations are active. (O18-
2017)
Annually, there must be a memorandum of agreement with the City regarding parking and
Police/supervision. On Event Days, truck deliveries to the Property are prohibited any time
when the gates to the Property are open to the public. (O13-06)
The City is permitted to store snow on RFA property. (O13-06)
RFA employees are not allowed to park on the public ROWs immediately surrounding the
Property, except for any area for which there is a Special License Area designated for
employee parking. (O13-06)
The RFA is responsible for ensuring adequate bus service to and from the Property on
Event Days. Bus service may be provided by a public transportation company or at the
RFA’s own cost and expense. (O13-06)
The RFA must prepare and submit for review and approval a Construction Traffic
Management Plan for construction of any Proposed Additions. (Outlined in all
Development Agreements)
3
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Table 1: Ravinia Festival Planned Development Approvals
(in chronological order)
Item # Title Description
Restated O13-06 An Ordinance Restating And Incorporates all other
Ordinance Granting Special Use Permit And approvals into this
Planned Unit Development Ordinance.1
Approval (Ravinia Festival - 418
Sheridan Road)
Development R20-06 for Development Agreement Between Improvements
Agreement (DA) the re-plat, The City Of Highland Park And contemporary to this DA
DA with The Ravinia Festival Association are the following: 2007
O13-06 (Ravinia Development Agreement) Food Service Building and
Dated as of February 13, 2006 the Outdoor Screen, a
Landscape Plan, a Green
Bay Trail ROW Plan,
Snow storage, employee
parking, and bus system
agreements.
1st Amendment R04-09 A Resolution Approving A First Municipal Admissions
to DA Amendment To The Fees
Development Agreement Between
The City Of Highland Park And
The Ravinia Festival Association.
Approved Jan. 26, 2009. Recorded
Feb. 3, 2009.
2nd Amendment R76-10 A Resolution Ratifying a Minor Pedestrian underpass,
to DA Amendment to the Ravinia kiosks, lighting, and
Festival Planned Development landscaping structures
R77-10 A Resolution Approving A Second Pedestrian underpass,
Amendment To The kiosks, lighting, and
Development Agreement Between landscaping structures
The City of Highland Park And
The Ravinia Festival Association.
September 13, 2010
R78-10 A Resolution Approving the Signs along Green Bay
Installation of Signage Along the Trail
1 l. Ordinance No. 8-70 entitled "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL PERMIT TO RAVINIA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION" passed by the City Council
on February 9, 1970;
2. Ordinance No. 5A-74 entitled "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL PERMIT TO RAVINIA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION" passed by the City Council
on January l, 1974;
3. Ordinance No. l8-79B entitled "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO RAVINIA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION" passed by the City
Council on April 9, 1979;
4. Ordinance No. 41A-79 entitled "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO RAVINIA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION 11 passed by the
City Council on September 24, 1979; and
5. Ordinance No. 5-85 entitled "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN THE NATURE OF A CONDITIONAL USE TO THE RAVINIA
FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION AND CREATING THE RAVINIA FESTIVAL COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION" passed by the City Council on
February 25, 1985.
NOTE: The list above is from Ordinance 08-87. All the Ordinances above are identified as being repealed in their entirety by Ord. 08-87.
4
Page 16 of 20
Green Bay Trail by the Ravinia
Festival Association. September
13, 2010
3rd Amendment R132-14 A Resolution Approving A Third Improvements to vacated
to DA Amendment To The ROW, North bus
Development Agreement Between drive/drop-off – pick-up
The City of Highland Park And improvements
The Ravinia Festival Association.
4th Amendment R89-2016 A Resolution Approving a Fourth Cell Antenna system
to DA Amendment To The
Development Agreement Between
The City of Highland Park And
The Ravinia Festival Association.
June 13, 2016.
O55-2016 An Ordinance Amending a Special
Use Permit for Planned
Development and Granting a
Special Use Permit for the
Installation of Personal Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities.
June 13, 2016.
5th Amendment R134-2017 August 28, 2017. Music Experience Center
to DA Resolution
to approve
amendment
to DA
O81-2017 An Ordinance Amending a Special Music Experience Center
Use Permit for Planned Building and Open-Air
Development for the Construction Veranda
of the Music Experience Center
Building and Open-Air Veranda
6th Amendment R149-2018 Nov. 13, 2018 approval. Recorded Municipal Admissions Fee
to DA Resolution Feb. 6, 2019. (deadline expired from 1st
to approve Amendment)
amendment
to DA
Minor R102-2020 August 18, 2020 Removal of vegetation
Amendment and existing fence. New
(Unnumbered) fence along Lambert Tree
Road and other areas and
new landscaping around
the new fence.
7th Amendment O46-2022 May 9, 2022 2nd story additions to 2
to the DA existing accessory
buildings
R102-2020 DA also amended
5
Page 17 of 20
Resolution
to approve
amendment
to DA
8th Amendment O64-2024 August 26, 2024 Rooftop mech. room
to the DA addition, new fence along
east property line, and
loading dock expansion
R99-2024 DA also amended
6
Page 18 of 20
Page 19 of 20
N
30' 0 15' 30' 60'
Scale: 1 inch = 30 feet
0'
6.0
LEGEND:
9'
4.1
PROPERTY LINE
ASPHALT PAVEMENT AND BASE
8'
4.7 RAVINIA
FESTIVAL SITE
IMPROVEMENTS
200 Ravinia Park Road
Highland Park, IL. 60035
Client
RAVINIA
FESTIVAL
200 Ravinia Park Road
Highland Park, IL. 60035
EX HYDRANT TO REMAIN
ASPHALT PAVEMENT
AND BASE
.84'
54 Project Team
CIVIL ENGINEER/LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
W
RO ±7
D 4' 13
OA 9.1 '
ILR
RA
0' '
10 .00
70 225 W Ohio Street - Suite 400; Chicago, IL 60654
(T) 312-467-0123 | (F) 312-467-0220
71
1.2
3'
'
.35
15
Revisions
Date Issue
ASPHALT PAVEMENT AND BASE
6'
Stamp
u
'
.87 Title
u 16
CIVIL SITE PLAN
u
u
Sheet No.
u
C2.0
TERRA Project No. XX-XXX
Page 20 of 20