Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall 1707 St Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 May 11, 2026 4:30 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 Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on April 27, 2026 IV. Scheduled Business A. Discussion Regarding the Permanent Place of Remembrance Initial Design Concepts B. Policy Discussion Regarding the Possible Advancement of Term Limits C. Update: Status of 445 Central V. Other Matters VI. Closed Session Page 1 of 70 VII. Adjournment Page 2 of 70 Staff Report Meeting Date: May 11, 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 Committee of the Whole Held on April 27, 2026 Recommendation: For the City Council’s approval are the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole held on April 27, 2026. Attachments: 1. MIN COTW 4-27-2026 Page 3 of 70  MINUTES OF THE OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 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 5:30 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call: II. Roll Call Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center (remote), Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer (remote), Blumberg Absent: None 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. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on April 13, 2026 Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on April 13, 2026. Councilmember Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (7 - 0). MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer SECONDER: Councilmember Bruckman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None B. Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the City Council Held on April 13, 2026 Councilmember Bruckman moved to approve the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on April 13, 2026. Councilmember Ross seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (7 - 0). Page 4 of 70  MOVER: Councilmember Bruckman SECONDER: Councilmember Ross AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None IV. Scheduled Business A. Incentivizing Reduction in Use of Single-Use Bags City Manager Neukirch introduced tonight's discussion regarding incentivizing a reduction in the use of single-use bags. Assistant City Manager Jason presented information on incentivizing a reduction in the use of single-use bags and staff's recommendations. The Council, Corporation Counsel Elrod, and staff discussed other State bans outside of Illinois, Chicago and Northbrook's processes and outcomes, the need to narrow down to just retail space, lowering the square footage requirement, creation of a pilot program, information on impacts through PlacerAI data, continued work towards sustainability, support for the exemptions recommended by staff, optimal split between the merchant and the City as well as what the optimal tax could be to make an impact, and the importance of education for both retailers and the community. Councilmember Center exited the meeting at 6:16 PM. The majority of Council was interested in continuing to explore ways the City can assist with reducing single-use bags. A majority of the Council was in favor of a 50/50 split between the merchant and the City, as well as lowering the square footage requirement to a number in line with Northbrook's legislation. City Manager Neukirch and Assistant City Manager Jason noted that staff will continue to work on this based on Council feedback and will present a follow-up report and recommendation at a future meeting. B. Historic Preservation Incentives City Manager Neukirch noted this is a high level overview and there are some policy considerations that are being sought by staff from the Council. Community Development Director Fontane presented information pertaining to recommendations for encouraging historic preservation. The Council, Corporation Counsel Elrod, and staff discussed preservation through financial tools and regulatory tools. They discussed discouraging loss of preservation through penalty tools. Page 5 of 70  The Council was interested in having staff conduct more research on topics related to property tax abatement, rehabilitation grants, reducing the required number of properties to constitute a district, zoning relief, establishing a historic resource demolition tax, and the prohibition of variances with the loss of a historic resource. A majority of the Council was not interested in exploring the waiving of permit fees or instituting a longer demolition delay. City Manager Neukirch and Director Fontane stated that more information will be presented at a future meeting based on the feedback provided by the Council. V. 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 7:01 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Ashley Palbitska Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Page 6 of 70 Staff Report Meeting Date: May 11, 2026 Staff Contact: Amanda Bennett, Communications Manager Emily Taub, Assistant City Manager Jazmin Alejandro, Social Services Specialist Department: City Manager's Office Title: Discussion Regarding the Permanent Place of Remembrance Initial Design Concepts Recommendation: City staff, SWA Group, and All Together will present information about phase 1 community engagement, present initial concept designs for the Permanent Place of Remembrance, and facilitate a listening session with members of the Council to obtain Council feedback as phase two community engagement gets underway. Consistent with the public engagement approach, the Mayor and Councilmembers will be invited to review each concept design and share input on the design approach and various elements, as the team works to prepare a refined, unified concept for future Council consideration. Policy Consideration: Design Process Overview Note: an overview of the planning process prior to the start of the design phase is included below. In January, 2026, the City entered into an agreement with SWA Group for the design of the permanent Place of Remembrance, including the prominent primary location at the Rose Garden, and the subtle, secondary location at Port Clinton Plaza. The design and construction process is divided into five phases discussed in detail, with milestones, on the City's website. The first phase, Ideation, represented an opportunity for the design team to meet the community and hear feedback on potential design elements through a comprehensive public engagement strategy developed by SWA Group's partner consultant, All Together. Working in partnership with City staff, SWA Group and All Together implemented a tiered approach to this phase of community engagement in line with that of the Location Feedback Survey (2025; see below) and the Place of Remembrance communications plan. Feedback during the Ideation phase focused on mood boards and open-ended questions to help the team actively develop ideas and concept Page 7 of 70 designs from community feedback. This phase entailed ideation listening sessions fro victims' families, individuals who were injured, and first responders, focus groups with various stakeholders, including government and resource partners and others who assisted with the shooting response, including City staff, a listening session at the Committee of the Whole (February 23, 2026), a community workshop, and a public survey. This phase also included an initial joint conversation between the Committee of the Whole and the Historic Preservation Commission, with respect to considerations pertaining to the historic landmark at the Rose Garden on March 9, 2026. The Ideation phase resulted in the three design concepts that will be presented at a public meeting of the Working Group on Thursday, May 7, and at the Council design concept listening session at the Committee of the Whole on Monday, May 11. The public engagement report summarizing quantitative and qualitative feedback received across all is attached to this agenda item and is also available on the City's website. The next phase, Design Concepting, will continue in May and June, 2026. During Design Concepting, the design team will present concept designs informed by the public engagement from the Ideation phase. Victims' family members and people who were injured were invited to schedule in-person listening sessions with the team and two public workshops are planned (May 9 and May 11, following the Committee of the Whole), while SWA Group is on location in Highland Park. This phase will culminate in a presentation to City Council in early June, followed by a presentation to the Historic Preservation Commission later in June. Information about subsequent design phases -- Design Development (anticipated July - September 2026), Construction Documentation (anticipated September - December 2026), and Construction (anticipated 2027 - completion) -- is available on the City's website. The construction timeline will be developed after the final design is determined and a construction manager has been onboarded. RFP responses for construction manager services are due June 5, 2026. Background In 2023, the City Council established a Working Group to guide the planning process for the permanent Place of Remembrance for the Highland Park shooting. The Place of Remembrance has three primary objectives: • Create an accessible public place for reflection, remembrance, and solace; • Pay tribute to the memories of Katie Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin Michael McCarthy, Jacki Lovi Sundheim, Stephen Straus, Nicolas Toledo, and Eduardo Uvaldo; • Honor the community's resiliency, especially those who were injured. The Working Group has been meeting regularly since November of 2023, with all meeting notes and related documents available online at hpremembrance.org/meetings. As previously shared with Council and the public, key milestones include: • Potential location brainstorm and development of the location shortlist (Port Clinton Page 8 of 70  Square, the southwest corner of St. Johns & Central, the Rose Garden): February 27, 2024 & April 3, 2024 • RFP process for location feedback focus group & survey consultants: August 27, 2024 (firm recommendation); October 15, 2024 (Council approval) • Location feedback public engagement process: November 2024 - January 2025; March 31, 2025 (Working Group presentation); April 14 & April 25 (Committee of the Whole presentation); Full downloadable report recommending a prominent, primary Place of Remembrance at the Rose Garden and a subtle, secondary location at Port Clinton Plaza • RFQ process for design services, a multi-phase process: April 30, 2025 (RFQ issued); June 18, 2025 (shortlist developed for interviews & representative designs); August 27, 2025 (Working Group recommendation); October 6, 2025 (Committee of the Whole discussion and selection of SWA Group); December 15, 2025 (Committee of the Whole update and budget determination); January 12, 2026 (approval of agreement with SWA Group) Core Priorities: Fiscal Stability The engagement of Do Tank for the location feedback survey and focus group facilitation was $45,000. The cost of the first stage of SWA's service agreement (project administration; listening, discovery, and community engagement; schematic design) is $262,500 plus up to $21,000 in reimbursable expenses (8% of the costs). The estimate provided by SWA for the second stage (design development; construction documentation; construction administration) is $700,000 - $1,250,000. The final determination on stage two costs will be made after a design is approved. The City Council supported a preliminary budget of $2 million for construction of the Place of Remembrance. Although Council direction was not to pursue active fundraising due to the broad impact of the shooting on the community, the City has received several donations to support this project, most notably a restricted gift of $1 million from Jon & Mindy Gray among other similarly directed gifts for the Permanent Place of Remembrance. Public Safety The design concepts incorporate best practices for public safety and accessibility, including preservation of sightlines and hardscape that supports visitors who may be using mobility devices or pushing strollers. Infrastructure Investment The permanent Place of Remembrance will incorporate a primary installation at the Rose Garden and a subtle, secondary installation at Port Clinton Plaza. While the scale and nature of the designs will be different, each represents a significant infrastructure undertaking given the presence of existing structures at or adjacent to the site. Environmental Sustainability The design concepts take the City's commitment to environmentally sustainable practices into Page 9 of 70 consideration through recommendations for native plantings and seasonality. Attachments: 1. Phase 1 Community Engagement Summary Page 10 of 70 Highland Park Place of Remembrance Phase 1 | Public Engagement Summary May 7, 2026 Page 11 of 70 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Overarching Themes 7 Site-Specific Themes 14 Design Character Preferences 19 In Closing 35 Page 12 of 70 Introduction The City of Highland Park, in partnership with SWA Group and All Together, is undertaking a trauma-informed process to create a permanent place of remembrance to pay tribute to the memory of the seven victims of the Highland Park shooting, create space(s) for reflection and remembrance, and honor the community’s resiliency, especially those who were injured. This process entails multiple phases described in detail at hpremembrance.org/timeline. This report, prepared by All Together, synthesizes all community input gathered during Phase 1: Design Ideation of the Highland Park Place of Remembrance design process. This included a multi-tiered survey, individual and group listening sessions, and a community workshop, all conducted between February and April 2026. Feedback gathered throughout Phase 1 will inform high-level design features and the overall feel of the permanent Place of Remembrance, providing the foundation for concept designs developed in Phase 2: Design Concepts, which will include additional opportunities for community engagement. Page 13 of 370 Our Design Ideation Timeline Phase 1 builds on a prior location study, with Do Tank, which concluded in January 2025 with a recommendation for a two-site approach: a prominent primary Place of Remembrance at the Rose Garden and a subtle, secondary Place of Remembrance at Port Clinton. The City Council supported the recommendation in April 2025. This first round of engagement gave the design team, SWA Group and All Together, the opportunity to learn about victims and their loved ones, understand which design elements matter most, and gather open-ended input to inform early concept development. Multi-Tiered Engagement This engagement process started with those most closely connected and expanded out to the entire Highland Park community and our neighbors. Every voice we heard was valuable in shaping this summary of engagement and furthering design concepts. For this document, references to each tier include but are not limited to the following: Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Next of kin, present and injured, first Present not injured, parade Community members and responders (Police, Fire, EMS, and participants, community leadership, organizations at large others who provided direct on-scene resource partners, businesses, care and response), and healthcare volunteers, first responders, donors, workers and others who provided support as part of the initial response and emergency management efforts, and those who live and work in proximity to either site Page 14 of 470 How We Engaged February March April One-on-one Committee Small group Initial Historic Ideation Survey Community Community with Tier 1 of the Whole sessions with Preservation for Tier 1 and Ideation Ideation (February, Listening Tier 1 and Tier 2 Commission Tier 2 (March Survey for Tier Workshop, March, and April) Session (March and April) Consideration and April), offered 3 (Throughout offered in English (February) (March) in English and March and April), and Spanish Spanish offered in English (April) and Spanish Page 15 of 570 Communications Strategy The Phase 1 communications plan included differentiated outreach to each tier, including email, telephone, and written outreach as appropriate to the needs of each tier. Updates and promotions were included in the Highlander, the City eNews, and social media, and were co-promoted by government and community partners, including a live video interview on the Highland Park Public Library’s Caminando Juntos livestream. The Resiliency Division also offered direct engagement through tabling events at the Highland Park Public Library and personal outreach to Tier 1. Who We Heard From Phase 1 engagement resulted in 179 voices: 124 survey respondents and 55 additional participants across listening sessions and the workshop. 22 102 55 179 Tier 1 Survey Community Survey Listening Session + Total Voices Respondents Respondents Workshop Participants Page 16 of 670 Overarching Themes Across all engagement formats (surveys, individual listening sessions, group listening sessions, and the community workshop), six themes emerged with the greatest consistency. These are the threads that ran through nearly every conversation. Page 17 of 70 Name the seven whose lives were taken. Acknowledge all who were harmed. The most universally held position across all engagement: names of those whose lives were taken should appear in the design, given prominence, and clearly Additional feedback acknowledged. “How can the individuality of each suggested including the person who died come across in 48 individuals who were Names of the seven the design, in a way that is intimate physically injured and without being overt?” acknowledgment to the whose lives were taken Tier 1 Listening Session Participant broader population whose were a consistent and emotionally significant lives were changed without request from Tier 1 voices, particularly from visible wounds; both should be reflected in those who survived with injuries. the space in some form. Many stakeholders indicated this should be done discreetly, without naming, but still meaningfully. Language acknowledging being ‘forever changed’ was suggested. Overarching 18 of 870 Themes Page Honor the people and communities that showed up. Participants across all groups described a community that sheltered and cared for people who were injured, organized mutual aid, and came together to provide support. That story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things was named as something the design should carry forward. “So many heroes and people, you can’t even account for all of the heroic actions. The community cares and showed up, and there’s a lot that future generations can take from that.” Tier 2 Listening Session Participant “Heroism” across first responders, healthcare workers, institutions, and communities was specifically named as something that should be reflected in the design. Mutual aid from surrounding communities was specifically raised as something worth acknowledging beyond Highland Park alone. The design offers an opportunity to honor that broader community of care. Overarching 19 of 970 Themes Page Tell the story of the full community, not only what happened. When participants were asked what they hoped future generations would understand “A story of a community when visiting the Place of Remembrance, their answers were consistent: that Highland that remembers with care, Park is a community that cares deeply for stands together in the face one another. Several participants framed of loss, and balances grief resilience as a statement around community with everyday life.” and relationships. The parade has always been Tier 1 Survey Respondent a multi-generational event that, for decades, brought the entire community (and surrounding areas) together. Families, friends, and neighbors chose to care for one another throughout the event and long after. The shooting does not define who this community is, but how people showed up for each other in its wake does. The design and the stories it tells should hold both what was taken and what this community proved itself to be. Overarching 20 of 10 Themes Page 70 Design for remembrance in every season. Year-round vitality was the most consistent design request across all formats and groups. Participants did not want a space that looks grey and barren for six months of the year. They described a place that holds up in winter through evergreen plantings, materials that age with dignity, and design that does not rely solely on flowers or foliage to carry meaning. In many sessions, participants described that “Pretty and well-taken care the seasonality of the Place of Remembrance could reflect the process of grief, life, and new of regardless of the season. beginnings. Native plants that thrive in Chicago This is especially tough conditions were specifically preferred. Several during winter.” participants also raised the symbolic dimension Tier 1 Survey Respondent of seasonality: spring as renewal, winter as quiet persistence. The design should hold meaning year-round, not only in bloom. Overarching 21 of 11 Themes Page 70 Hold space for cultural diversity with intention. The majority of those whose lives were taken were Latino and/or Jewish. Multiple participants asked that the design honor those specific communities, “Butterflies and hummingbirds are important for the Latino not as an afterthought but as community. They symbolize transformation — a visit of the a core design responsibility. soul from a loved one.” Participants offered concrete, Tier 2 Workshop Participant specific ideas: marigolds and Mexican sunflowers as culturally significant Several participants named the risk of design plants; butterflies and hummingbirds as symbols that gestures broadly toward the community of transformation; a place for pilgrimage as is without honoring anyone in particular. The Jewish tradition, and a place for a celebration of request was to be specific: to name the life after death as is the Latino/Christian tradition, communities, to include their symbols, to and that the Spanish language be included in design with enough cultural knowledge that the any physical signage or inscriptions that may be references are legible to those for whom they incorporated into the design. carry meaning, and discoverable for those who want to learn more. Overarching 22 of 12 Themes Page 70 Let people choose when, and whether, to engage. Participants expressed a consistent and deeply felt need: the ability to choose when, how, and whether to engage with the Place of Remembrance. This came from many directions and people with varied experiences. Some are grieving and want to intentionally seek out the space. Others need to be able to move through downtown Highland Park, go to work, bring their kids to events at Port Clinton, or simply have lunch without being pulled into a somber experience they are not ready for. First responders and other city staff who worked the day of the shooting, throughout the investigation, and continuing to the present, “Some people will come to grieve, some to remember, some described the emotional simply to sit. The space should hold all of that without telling weight of regular proximity anyone how to feel.” to reminders of the event. Tier 3 Survey Respondent Community members who live and work near both sites asked that the design not make grief unavoidable. The same request came from those who spend time near both sites in their daily lives: the design should allow people to step in when they choose to, and step past when they need to. This principle has implications for both sites and for the connection between them. At the Rose Garden, it means clear entry and exit points, a space that holds meaning without imposing it on those working or walking nearby. At Port Clinton, it means a presence that is intentional, that celebrates this community while acknowledging what happened and creating conditions where people retain agency over their own experience. Overarching 23 of 13 Themes Page 70 Site-Specific Themes Across all engagement formats (surveys, individual listening sessions, group listening sessions, and the community workshop), participants found common ground around how they’d like each site to feel. Page 24 of 70 The Rose Garden The Rose Garden carries the broadest support as the primary, dedicated site for remembrance. Agreement on this designation holds across all tiers of engagement and is consistent with Do Tank’s findings in 2025. What the Space Should Include • Acknowledgment of the seven lives taken and • Full ADA accessibility, including smooth, even those injured pathways; no gravel; and snow- and salt-clearable • Comfortable seating, including benches with • Cultural sensitivity with elements that honor backs, shaded, and designed to invite reflection Jewish and Latino traditions • Living plantings with year-round color • Sensory elements that ground you in the space • A water feature for emotional regulation and through color, texture, and sound are woven sensory engagement (note: Participants noted throughout that design constraints around maintenance and • Intentional plant selection where species names cost should be considered) and symbolism are considered • Clear sightlines throughout, because visibility • Presence beyond the garden’s edge, including supports safety and agency for trauma survivors subtle connections to the roadway so the space • Multiple entry/exit points, including preserved isn’t hidden or invisible to passersby access from the City Hall rear parking lot • Meaning to future generations who were not • Design elements that honor the site’s existing present history as a landmark Site-Specific 25 of 15 Themes Page 70 What The Rose Garden Should Feel Like Contemplative Natural Peaceful Private Reflective Serene Site-Specific 26 of 16 Themes Page 70 Port Clinton Plaza Port Clinton Plaza is the heart of downtown and the site of the shooting. It serves as an actively used public space in Highland Park, hosting 20–25 events, businesses, and numerous other activations each year. This subtle, secondary site for the Place of Remembrance will give us an opportunity to acknowledge the lives taken and resilience of the community while also being respectful of this premiere destination, place of business, primary residence, and public space. What Port Clinton Should Feel Like What the Space Should Include • Acknowledgment that the shooting happened here, Everyday honoring the lives taken while also affirming the lives that continue Dynamic • Elements that foster its continued function as downtown’s heart, and a multi-functional space that welcomes everyday life, businesses, and special events Layered • Plants and natural elements to soften the brick-heavy plaza, signaling care without requiring engagement with the memorial Vibrant • Symbolism honoring the seven victims whose lives were taken through plantings or other design elements • Structurally significant enough that people don’t walk or Resilient play on it, but that it doesn’t distract from the everyday experience at Port Clinton Welcoming Site-Specific 27 of 17 Themes Page 70 Connections between the Sites Most participants expressed that the two sites should feel related without being literally linked. A physical path or breadcrumb trail between them was specifically flagged as inappropriate. Instead, participants described something quieter: a shared element that speaks between the sites without announcing itself. A symbolic or visual echo was the most consistent request, with participants suggesting shared color, plant species, artwork, or material that appears at both sites and carries meaning without explanation. Page 28 of 18 70 Design Character Preferences During Phase 1: Design Ideation, participants engaged with mood boards that included representative images of different design elements and aesthetic directions that could be incorporated into the Place of Remembrance at the Rose Garden or Port Clinton. Images were grouped to represent these different directions, and participants shared where their preferences fell along the spectrum. This feedback helped the design team to identify areas of consensus and where opinions varied. Page 29 of 70 Community Ideation Results Tier 1 Tier 2-3 Workshop / Dimension Options Survey Avg Survey Avg Listening Sum of Preference (Scale: 1-3) (Scale: 1-3) Sessions Movement 1. Informal: Loose, 1.85 1.83 Preference for Semi-formal; curvilinear; Open, Naturalistic option 2 meditative flow 2. Semi-Formal: Curvilinear, Organic, Flowing 3. Formal: Linear, Direct, Hard Material 1. Soft, Loose, Natural, 1.82 1.77 Preference for Natural, accessible; no Dynamic, Atmospheric options 1 gravel and 2 2. Defined but Natural, Rough Edges 3. Hard, Clean, Crisp, Clear Page 30 of 20 Design Character Preferences 70 Community Ideation Results Tier 1 Tier 2-3 Workshop / Dimension Options Survey Avg Survey Avg Listening Sum of Preference (Scale: 1-3) (Scale: 1-3) Sessions Color 1. Naturalistic, Softer, 1.96 1.92 Preference for Midpoint; outlier tension Earthier options 2 and 3 2. Quiet, Cool, Relaxed 3. Bright, Cheerful, Exuberant Night 1. Soft Accents, 1.70 1.68 Preference for Quiet at Rose Garden; Presence Atmospheric, Ambient option 1 at expressive at Port Clinton Rose Garden 2. Defined, Strong, and option 3 Bold at Port Clinton 3. Dynamic, Sculptural Page 31 of 21 Design Character Preferences 70 Community Ideation Results Tier 1 Tier 2-3 Workshop / Dimension Options Survey Avg Survey Avg Listening Sum of Preference (Scale: 1-3) (Scale: 1-3) Sessions Nature 1. Ecological, Dynamic, 2.12 2.06 Preference for Curated/naturalistic — Informal option 2 strongest consensus 2. Curated but Dynamic, Naturalistic, Sculptural 3. Formal, Architectural, Familiar Memory 1. Simple, Minimal, 1.81 1.75 Preference for Simple to narrative; keep Reserved options 1 and the ‘7’ 2 2. Narrative Driven, Informative 3. Abstract, Representative Page 32 of 22 Design Character Preferences 70 Movement Directions OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 ✓ 1 3 Informal Semi-Formal Formal Page 33 of 23 Design Character Preferences 70  DIMENSION 1 OF 6 Movement TIER 1 1.85 TIER 2−3 1.83 1− Informal 2—Semi-Formal 3—Formal WORKSHOP / SESSION PREFERENCE Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Key Takeaways • Curved paths, spirals, and a more flowing layout I like the idea of mindfulness in this • The act of walking as meditative, including movement and paths space. Walking along rocks, feeling that take you somewhere without feeling rushed or directed that sensory moment, and using • Plantings that move a visitor through the sense of place, using the landscape itself as a guide that as a way to meditate/process privately. • No large solid walls to avoid feeling “boxed in” but easy to find a private space as you move through Tier 1 Listening Session Participant • Railings for those who need support, smooth walkways for those with walkers or canes, lighting for the days when it gets dark early Page 34 of 24 Design Character Preferences 70 Material Directions OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 ✓ ✓ 1 3 Soft/Natural Defined Hard/Crisp Page 35 of 25 Design Character Preferences 70  DIMENSION 2 OF 6 Material TIER 1 1.82 TIER 2−3 1.77 1− Soft/Natural 2—Defined 3—Hard/Crisp WORKSHOP / SESSION PREFERENCE Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Key Takeaways • Natural materials overall, including wood, textured stone, and When you think of material, organic forms accessibility is the first thing that • Elements that age gracefully and signal care comes to my mind. Whatever • Accessibility as the primary driver when considering material, direction we go with this — ADA which should include non-slip surfaces, clear-able from snow and salt, wheelchair- and walker-compatible friendly and inviting. • Regional materials, including stone native to this geography Tier 1 Listening Session Participant • Material choices that don’t create climbable elements • Seasonal plant material Page 36 of 26 Design Character Preferences 70 Color Directions OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 ✓ ✓ 1 3 Earthy Quiet/Cool Bright Page 37 of 27 Design Character Preferences 70  DIMENSION 3 OF 6 Color TIER 1 1.96 TIER 2−3 1.92 1− Earthy 2—Quiet/Cool 3—Bright WORKSHOP / SESSION PREFERENCE Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Key Takeaways • Some participants expressed a preference for a quieter, ecological Despite what happened, this palette, including pale pinks, purples, whites, and natural tones community has so much joy. • Some participants expressed a preference for vibrant, culturally-specific color I think colors are beautiful incorporated through plantings of meaningful varieties such as marigolds and and important. They bring us Mexican sunflowers • A naturalistic palette can include vibrant colors through living material that natural joy. reads as quiet from a distance and specific up close Tier 1 Listening Session Participant • Kaleidoscope/reflected light as a way to introduce color through material and light • Color infused through non-plant materials as an alternative to plant color alone • Seasonality is considered, so color is present even when plants are dormant Page 38 of 28 Design Character Preferences 70 Night Presence Directions OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 ✓ ✓ 1 3 Soft/Ambient Bold Dynamic/Sculptural Page 39 of 29 Design Character Preferences 70  DIMENSION 4 OF 6 Night Presence TIER 1 1.70 TIER 2−3 1.68 1− Soft/Ambient 2— Bold 3—Dynamic/Sculptural WORKSHOP / SESSION PREFERENCE Rose Garden Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Port Clinton Plaza Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Key Takeaways • Light that feels intentional and used for accessibility and safety Light could be used not only • (Rose Garden at night): Softer, more atmospheric accents. Concerns as an accent, but as part of about dark-sky compliance were raised because the space is near the the memorial. ravine ecosystem and visible from residential properties Tier 1 Survey Respondent • (Port Clinton at night): Expressive and experiential use of light that is interactive, kid-friendly and engaging Page 40 of 30 Design Character Preferences 70 Nature Directions OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 Nature Directions ✓ 1 3 Ecological Curated Formal Page 41 of 31 Design Character Preferences 70  DIMENSION 5 OF 6 Nature TIER 1 2.12 TIER 2−3 2.06 1− Ecological 2—Curated 3—Formal WORKSHOP / SESSION PREFERENCE Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Key Takeaways • Curated, organic, and flowing It is important for it to feel • The meaning behind plant choices (cultural, symbolic, seasonal) should organic and not overly be intentional and communicated through an appropriate modality planned. People want to feel • Participants shared the idea of layering elements and experiences, comfortable and welcoming including more private areas for respite and purposeful but not overly • Native plants that thrive in Chicago conditions and create a sense of life structured. year-round Tier 2 Listening Session Participant • Plants that attract pollinators serve both ecological and cultural purposes, including butterflies, which carry meaning in the Latino community Page 42 of 32 Design Character Preferences 70 Memory Directions OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 ✓ ✓ 1 3 Ambient Bold Dynamic/Sculptural Page 43 of 33 Design Character Preferences 70  DIMENSION 6 OF 6 Memory TIER 1 1.81 TIER 2−3 1.75 1−Simple/Minimal 2—Narrative 3—Abstract WORKSHOP / SESSION PREFERENCE Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Key Takeaways • Names of the seven victims whose lives were taken in a I don’t know her favorite simple yet profound approach flower, but I know she loved • Keep the seven as a recurring motif and as a symbolic anchor to make the world more of design beautiful. • Abstract elements as an alternative to literal memorial forms Tier 2 Listening Session Participant, speaking about a family member lost in the shooting Page 44 of 34 Design Character Preferences 70 In Closing This summary was prepared by All Together as part of the Highland Park Place of Remembrance design engagement process. All Together partnered with SWA Group, the project’s lead design firm, to facilitate Phase 1 engagement, synthesize community input, and translate the full range of voices heard across surveys, listening sessions, and the community workshop into themes and direction that can meaningfully guide SWA Group’s concept development in Phase 2. The perspectives gathered here represent 179 voices across all tiers of engagement, and they carry the weight of lived experience, ongoing grief, and deep investment in how this community chooses to remember. It is our collective responsibility as designers, engagement partners, and stewards of this process to honor what was shared with care and with fidelity as we move into the next phase of this work. Page 45 of 35 70 Questions? Visit hpremembrance.org for more information, or contact remembrance@cityhpil.com Page 46 of 70 Staff Report Meeting Date: May 11, 2026 Staff Contact: Megan Cherry, Management Analyst Ghida Neukirch, City Manager Department: City Manager's Office Title: Policy Discussion Regarding the Possible Advancement of Term Limits Recommendation: The majority of elected officials requested a policy discussion pertaining to the possible advancement of term limits. This report contains research that staff has compiled and information prepared by Corporation Counsel outlining the legal obligations for enacting term limits. Staff will give an overview presentation to the Committee of the Whole. Policy Consideration: Highland Park's Mayor and Councilmembers are elected to staggered four-year terms. Currently, there is no limit to the number of terms a Mayor or Councilmember may serve. Legal Obligations City staff directed Corporation Counsel to author a memorandum outlining the legal obligations and pertinent deadlines as it pertains to term limits. Please see Exhibit A to read the memorandum in its entirety. Any changes to a home rule municipality's terms of office for elected officials must be approved by referendum. Either the City Council or the voters may place referenda on the ballot. The City Council may initiate a referendum by the adoption of a resolution or ordinance. Alternatively, the voters may initiate a referendum by filing a written petition signed by registered voters of the City with the City Clerk. There are various deadlines that must be met in order to place a referendum on the ballot. These deadlines depend on who itiaites the referenedum. Please see Exhibit A for a detailed breakdown of how these deadlines are calculated. Below is a summary of key dates for the referendum, for both the November 3, 2026 General Election and the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election. Page 47 of 70 Community Survey Staff surveyed 17 neighboring communities regarding term limits. Please see Exhibit B for survey questions and responses. Of the 17 communities surveyed, fifteen responded. Of those fifteen, four have formal term limits, and four have informal term limits. The remaining seven do not have term limits. Following is a brief summary of communities. The Northwest Municipal Conference also conducted a survey regarding term limits in 2024; the survey results are attached as Exhibit C. Page 48 of 70  No Term Limits Informal Term Limits Term Limits Arl. Hts. Glencoe Des Plaines Buffalo Grove Glenview Lake Forest Deerfield Kenilworth Skokie Highland Park Lake Bluff Wilmette Highwood Libertyville Lincolnshire Winnetka Skokie is the most recent community surveyed to enact term limits. The Skokie Village Board voted to place a referendum on the ballot asking residents if they wanted term limits for the Mayor, Trustee and Clerk positions. Voters approved the term limits during the November 5, 2024 General Election. The Mayor, Trustees and Clerk can serve no more than three (3) four- year terms in the same elected position. Des Plaines also has term limits for their elected officials. The number of terms of office of each elected city official is limited to no more than two (2) four-year terms of office, whether consecutive or not. Term limits were first implemented in 2003, and amended in 2023. However, there have been a number of referenda regarding this topic over the past several years. In 1998, voters initiated the referendum, but the referendum in 2023 was initiated by elected officials to gauge whether residents wanted an alternative way to limit the number of terms that can be served. This referendum resulted in the aforementioned current terms of office. Lake Forest also has term limits. The Mayor may serve two (2) two-year terms, and aldermen may serve three (3) two-year terms. These term limits were implemented in 1861. Additionally, Wilmette has term limits. For a Trustee, the limit is two (2) four-year terms, and two (2) four-year terms as Village President/Mayor. These term limits were implemented in 1979, though it is not clear why they were initially enacted. Wilmette staff shared that they were not enacted via a referendum. However, Wilmette recently reviewed their policy on term limits, specifically regarding individuals who had been previously elected but not served a full term. The Board of Trustees approved an ordinance that allows individuals to be elected to a third term if that individual was previously elected and served less than 25 months for at least one of that person's previously elected full four-year terms. Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth and Winnetka all have informal term limits. In Glencoe, the caucus sets the informal term limits. The caucus prefers two terms for a Board member and two terms for the head of the body. The term of office for both Board members and the head of the Page 49 of 70 body is four years. A member of the body may serve two terms and then another subsequent two terms as head of the body. It should be noted that exceptions to these informal term limits have been made periodically. Glenview's informal term limits are established by their caucus, which states that the Village President may serve no more than two terms. Kenilworth and Lake Bluff also have informal term limits; the term limit for both communities is eight years for Village President and eight years for Trustee. In Winnetka, the caucus determines the informal term limit. The Village President and Trustees are elected to two-year terms. The caucus imposes eight-year term limits for both President and Trustee. For example, an individual can serve eight years as a Trustee, and an additional eight years as President. Additional Information City staff also contacted the League of Women Voters of Highland Park-Highwood ("LWV HP- HWD") to identify if they have opined or considered term limits. The LWV HP-HWD does not have a position on term limits at the local level. The League of Women Voters of Illinois opposes constitutional or statutory term limits for members of the General Assembly. More broadly, the League of Women Voters of the United States opposes term limits, and authorizes state and local Leagues to use national positions to take action on term limits for state and local offices. Policy Discussion To guide the Council's discussion on the topic of term limits, Council may consider the following: • Should the Council initiate the referendum, or should it wait until a resident group petitions for a referendum? • If the Council initiates the referendum, should it be on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot or the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election ballot? • What term limits should be considered? • Should the term limit policy account for non-consecutive terms? • Should the term limit policy take into account years served as an appointed office holder? Core Priorities: Attachments: 1. Exhibit A - HP - Memo re Deadlines for Term Limit Referendum 2. Exhibit B - Term Limit Municipal Survey Page 50 of 70 3. Exhibit C - NWMC Elected Officials Term Limits Survey Page 51 of 70  Steven M. Elrod 350 North Clark Street Second Floor Chicago, Illinois 60654 312-528-5200 www.elrodfriedman.com Memorandum Date: April 17, 2026 To: City Manager From: Corporation Counsel Re: City of Highland Park Deadlines for a Referendum Changing Term Limits At your request, we have summarized the deadlines for a referendum imposing term limits for elected officials. 1. Referendum Required Pursuant to Article VII, Section 6(f) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, any changes to a home rule municipality’s “terms of office” for its officers must be approved by referendum. Specifically, the Illinois Constitution states that “[a] home rule municipality shall have the power to provide for its officers, their manner of selection and terms of office only as approved by referendum or as otherwise authorized by law.” Because the imposition of term limits would be a change to the “terms of office” of an “officer,” it can be done “only as approved by referendum” according to the Illinois Constitution. 2. Referendum Process A. Initiation Referenda can be placed on the ballot by either the City Council or the voters. The City Council may initiate a referendum by the adoption of a resolution or ordinance. The voters may initiate a referendum by filing a written petition signed by registered voters of the City with the City Clerk (the local election official for the City). The number of required signatures is equal to at least 8% of the total votes cast within the City for candidates for Governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. B. Deadlines The deadline to ensure a referendum is included on the ballot depends on who initiates the referendum. Page 52 of 70  i. Initiated by the City Council If the referendum is initiated by the City Council, an authorizing ordinance or resolution must be adopted not less than 79 days before a regularly scheduled election to be eligible for submission on the ballot at such election. To include a referendum on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, the City Council must adopt an ordinance or resolution no later than August 16, 2026. Under Illinois law, if the statutory deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the deadline becomes the next business day. Because August 16, 2026, is a Sunday, and given the backward-counting calculation of the deadline and the concern with strictly complying with all state election requirements, we recommend that any ordinance or resolution be adopted by Friday, August 14, 2026. To include a referendum on the April 6, 2027 consolidated election ballot, the City Council must adopt an ordinance or resolution no later than January 17, 2027. This deadline also falls on a Sunday, and Monday, January 18, 2027 is a federal holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), so we similarly recommend that any ordinance or resolution be adopted by Friday, January 15, 2027. ii. Initiated by Resident Petition If the referendum is initiated by a resident petition, the petition must be filed with the appropriate officer or board not less than 92 days prior to a regularly scheduled election to be eligible for submission on the ballot at such election. Thus, to be included on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, the petition must be filed on or before August 3, 2026. To be included on the April 6, 2027 consolidated election ballot, the petition must be filed on or before January 4, 2027. All objections to a petition for a referendum must be submitted within five days after the last day for filing the petition. iii. Certification of the Referendum In either case, the City Clerk must certify the question not less than 68 days before the election. The certification must include the form of the question, the date the referendum was initiated by either filing the petition or adopting the resolution or ordinance, and a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution requiring the submission of the public question, if applicable. 4901-8854-6466, v. 2 Page 53 of 70  SUMMARY OF KEY DATES FOR REFERENDUM (For Inclusion on the November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot and the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election Ballot) Milestone Deadline November 3, 2026 General Election Last day to file a citizen-initiated petition with the City Clerk (at least 92 days August 3, 2026 before the regular election). Last day to file objections to any citizen-initiated petitions (five days after filing August 8, 2026* deadline). Last day for the City to adopt a resolution or ordinance to allow a referendum to August 16, 2026* appear on the ballot (at least 79 days before the regular election). Last day to certify all public questions with the City Clerk (at least 68 days before August 27, 2026 the regular election). April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election Last day to file a citizen-initiated petition with the City Clerk (at least 92 days January 4, 2027 before the regular election). Last day to file objections to any citizen-initiated petitions (five days after filing January 9, 2027* deadline). Last day for the City to adopt a resolution or ordinance to allow a referendum to January 17, 2027* appear on the ballot (at least 79 days before the regular election). Last day to certify all public questions with the City Clerk (at least 68 days before January 28, 2027 the regular election). * Denotes a deadline that falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. 4901-8854-6466, v. 2 Page 54 of 70 Municipal Survey - Term Limits April 2026 Municipality Do you have term limits? If yes, when were they What are the term limits? Do you recall why they were Were they approved by Have you experienced any Please send policy Do you If yes, what are they? Do you have a Have you reviewed a implemented? implemented? referendum or resident initiated challenges as a result of term have caucus or term limit policy in the petition? limits? informal comparable last five years? term political party limits? system? Arlington No No No No Heights Buffalo No No No No Grove Deerfield No No Caucus No Des Plaines Term limits were first The current term limits are “the The initial change in 1998 was All changes were by No No Yes implemented in 2003 and number of terms of office of each initiated by resident petition, the referendum, 1998, 2022, and amended in 2023 elected city official is limited to amendments in 2023 were 2023 no more than two four-year initiated by elected officials to terms of office, whether gauge whether residents wanted consecutive or not.” an alternative way to limit the number of terms that can be served. Glencoe Not formally Yes My understanding is that the Yes No. The caucus is caucus prefers 2 terms for a responsible for these Board member and 2 terms for items. the head of the body. A member of the body may serve two terms and then another subsequent 2 terms as head of the body. This is an unwritten rule of the caucus and exceptions have been made periodically. Glenview No Yes My understanding is that there Yes No has been an informal preference established by one caucus-type group that the Village President serve no more than 2 terms. Highwood No No No No Kenilworth No, they are informal. Yes 8 years for Village President, and Caucus system No 8 years for Trustee Lake Bluff No NA NA NA NA NA NA Yes 8 years for Village President, and No No 8 years for Trustee Lake Forest Yes 1861 Current are Mayor 2- 2-year No We had a change to the Office No It is listed in the City of Lake No Caucus No terms. Alderman 3-2-year terms of Mayor from 2- 1 year term Forest Charter to 2- 2-year terms Libertyville No No No Lincolnshire No No No No Skokie Yes Voters approved term limits The Mayor, Trustees and Clerk The Skokie Village Board voted to Referendum No. https://library.municode.com/il/s No Not currently Yes during the November 5, 2024 can serve no more than three, place a referendum on the ballot kokie/codes/code_of_ordinances General Election. four year terms in the same asking residents if they wanted ?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTIIBO elected position. term limits. TR_S2-31COELFUTELI Wilmette Yes 1979 Two (2) four year terms as No We are not aware of any I have attached a copy of our last trustee and two (2) four year significant issues due to the term board action item along with the terms as Village limits other than what we ordinance amendment for your President/Mayor. recently did an amendment for in reference. 2024, which addressed individuals who had previously been elected but not served a full-term. Winnetka The Village President and No term limits N/A N/A N/A https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/ The Winnetka Caucus has 8-year Winnetka has a The Village Council Council are elected to codes/winnetka/latest/winnetka term limits for both President Caucus system had a discussion in two year terms; there _il/0-0-0-17483 and Trustees (To provide an https://www.wi July 2024 regarding are no term limits example, you can serve 8 years nnetkacaucus.or term limits. No as a Trustee then 8 years as g/ further action was President) taken. https://www.youtube .com/watch?v=vOEKi dhBZ4k Page 55 of 70 Elected Officials Term Limits Survey July 2024 3. Does your 1. What is the length 2. What is the length community have term of the term of office of the term of office limits for elected Municipality for Village Trustee? for Village President? officials? 4. If so, what are the limits? Antioch 4 years. 4 years. No. Barrington 4 years. 4 years. No. Deerfield 4 years. 4 years. No. Elk Grove Village 4 years. 4 years. No. There are no formal limits, however it has been historic practice that elected officials do not serve more than two terms in any Board position. It is possible to serve two terms as a Trustee and two Glencoe 4 years. 4 years. No. terms as President. Grayslake 4 years. 4 years. No. Hanover Park 4 years. 4 years. No. We have Councilmembers and We have a Mayor and the term is four years, the term is four years, Highland Park no term limits. no term limits. No. Mayor- two terms Alderman- Lake Forest 2 years. 2 years. Yes. three terms. Lake Zurich 4 year term. 4 year term. No. Village trustees are Mayor is elected to elected to office for four office for a four year Lincolnshire year terms. term. No. Morton Grove 4 years. 4 years. No. Mount Prospect 4 years. 4 years. No. 2 four-year terms for Mayor and 3 four-year terms for Niles 4 years. 4 years. Yes. Trustees. Northbrook 4 years. 4 years. No. Palatine 4 years. 4 years. No. 7 Alderpersons, they serve 4-year terms. Aldermanic terms are The Mayor serves a 4- Park Ridge staggered. year term. No. Prospect Heights 4 years. 4 years. No. Cannot serve more than 2 Rolling Meadows 4 years. 4 years. Yes. consecutive 4-year terms. Skokie 4 years. 4 years. No. Streamwood 4 years. 4 years. No. Wheeling 4 years. 4 years. No. N/A The Village Code (2.04.010) is silent on term limits. However, the Winnetka Caucus (a non-partisan) citizen group nominates candidates for Trustee and Village President, who generally run unopposed. The Caucus has a rule with a term limit of 4 consecutive terms (8 years served) for both Trustee and Village Winnetka 2 years. 2 years. Yes. President. Page 56 of 70 Staff Report Meeting Date: May 11, 2026 Staff Contact: Erin Jason, Assistant City Manager Department: City Manager's Office Title: Update: Status of 445 Central Recommendation: City staff will give an update on the conditions relating to the Planned Development at 445 Central Avenue. Policy Consideration: On November 10, 2025, the Highland Park City Council voted to approve a Second Amendment to the Special Use Permit for a Planned Development at 445 Central Avenue (attached). The amendment to the agreement between the City of Highland Park (City) and Alabama Associates, LP (Developer) permits the use of one of the first floor retail portions of the building to be used for a medical office, Rosewood Dermatology. The medical office would be located in Suite 100 (3,245 sf), leaving two unoccupied units remaining. One unit is approximately 2,032 sf and the second is approximately 2,379 sf. These units could be combined into one space for a single tenant (4,411 sf). There is also a large outdoor patio which would be ideal for use by a restaurant tenant, allowing for outdoor dining without the need to utilize public sidewalks and parking spots. The conditions for granting this special use were as follows: • The developer must enter into lease agreements for a restaurant or retail use of the remaining two spaces on the first floor of the Building no later than December 31, 2027. • The restaurant/retail spaces may (but are not required to) be leased to entities that are related to the Developer. • Prior to the issuance by the City of any certificate of occupancy for Suite 100, the Developer must pay $250,000.00 to the City, to be appropriated for economic development initiatives. • Upon the termination or expiration of the lease for the use of Suite 100 as a medical office, the use of Suite 100 will be limited to retail or restaurant uses. Page 57 of 70 Core Priorities: Attachments: 1. Development Agreement,2025-12-31 - 445 Central Ave Second Amendment Recorded Page 58 of 70 Page 59 of 70 Page 60 of 70 Page 61 of 70 Page 62 of 70 Page 63 of 70 Page 64 of 70 Page 65 of 70 Page 66 of 70 Page 67 of 70 Page 68 of 70 Page 69 of 70 Page 70 of 70