[8:51] Good evening. I'd like to call to order

[8:53] the city council meeting for the city of

[8:54] Highland Park, Illinois, June 29th,

[8:57] 2026. Will the clerk please call the

[8:59] role?

[9:00] >> Council member Center,

[9:00] » Council member Center,

[9:00] >> present.

[9:01] » present.

[9:01] >> Council member Buckman

[9:02] » Council member Buckman

[9:02] >> here.

[9:02] » here.

[9:02] >> Council member Ross

[9:03] » Council member Ross

[9:03] >> here.

[9:04] » here.

[9:04] >> Council member Tapia,

[9:05] » Council member Tapia,

[9:05] >> present.

[9:05] » present.

[9:05] >> Council member Little

[9:06] » Council member Little

[9:06] >> here.

[9:06] » here.

[9:06] >> Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing

[9:09] » Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing

[9:09] >> here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please

[9:10] » here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please

[9:10] rise for the pledge of allegiance.

[9:13] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[9:16] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[9:16] United States of America and to the

[9:18] republic for which it stands, one nation

[9:22] under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[9:25] justice for all.

[9:30] We have a motion to approve the minutes

[9:31] of the regular rescheduled meeting of

[9:33] the city council held May 27th, 2026 and

[9:36] the minutes of the closed session of the

[9:38] regular rescheduled meeting of the city

[9:39] council held on May 27th, 2026. So

[9:42] moved.

[9:43] >> Second.

[9:43] » Second.

[9:43] >> All in favor say I.

[9:45] » All in favor say I.

[9:45] >> I. Thank you. Those minutes are

[9:47] » I. Thank you. Those minutes are

[9:47] approved. May I have a motion to approve

[9:48] the warrant list?

[9:49] >> So moved.

[9:50] » So moved.

[9:50] >> Any seconds for the warrant list?

[9:52] » Any seconds for the warrant list?

[9:52] >> Second.

[9:53] » Second.

[9:53] >> Will the clerk please call the vote?

[9:55] » Will the clerk please call the vote?

[9:55] >> Council member center.

[9:56] » Council member center.

[9:56] >> I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council

[9:57] » I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council

[9:57] member Ross.

[9:58] >> Hi.

[9:58] » Hi.

[9:58] >> Council member Tapia.

[9:59] » Council member Tapia.

[9:59] >> Hi.

[9:59] » Hi.

[9:59] >> Council member Little.

[10:01] » Council member Little.

[10:01] >> I.

[10:01] » I.

[10:01] >> Mayor Roing.

[10:02] » Mayor Roing.

[10:02] >> I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list

[10:04] » I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list

[10:04] is approved. Uh we will continue now to

[10:06] the report of the mayor.

[10:08] >> I have no appointments this evening. I

[10:10] » I have no appointments this evening. I

[10:10] have no proclamations this evening.

[10:12] >> I do want to share that earlier this

[10:14] » I do want to share that earlier this

[10:14] evening at the start of the committee of

[10:16] the whole meeting. We dedicated the

[10:18] beautiful mosaic that is out there

[10:21] behind where you all came in, displayed

[10:24] at the top of the stairs just outside

[10:25] these chambers. Designed by artist Eddie

[10:28] Hassik from the Chicago Mosaic School

[10:31] and created in part by community members

[10:33] at last year's remembrance, the piece

[10:35] honors the memory of those whose lives

[10:38] were taken and is a beautiful tribute to

[10:41] everyone who was impacted by the

[10:42] Highland Park shooting, especially those

[10:44] who were injured. It's also a testament

[10:47] to the resilience of our community. And

[10:49] so before we continue with our business

[10:51] this evening, I'm going to share my

[10:52] remarks from the dedication and I urge

[10:55] each one of you to take a close look at

[10:57] it on your way out this evening. My

[10:59] remarks are as follows. Thank you for

[11:01] joining us tonight as we dedicate this

[11:03] beautiful new work of art with such deep

[11:05] meaning and connection to our community.

[11:07] This mosaic was created with love and

[11:10] care, grief and remembrance by many

[11:12] hands working together to make something

[11:14] beautiful. At the conclusion of the 2025

[11:17] remembrance, attendees were invited to

[11:20] join us in creating this mosaic. Artist

[11:22] and educator Eddie Hassik conceptualized

[11:24] the piece and together with students

[11:26] from the Chicago Mosaic School, she

[11:28] patiently taught us about the beauty of

[11:30] mosaic art. How individual pieces of

[11:33] glass of all different shapes and sizes

[11:35] blend into one unified image that

[11:38] reflects each component's uniqueness.

[11:40] What a perfect metaphor for our

[11:42] community and the way we continue to

[11:43] support each other. When our team first

[11:46] met with Eddie, we shared stories that

[11:48] defined that time. the resilience and

[11:50] courage of those who were injured, the

[11:53] life-saving actions of those who

[11:54] responded to the tragedy, our pride in

[11:57] the way our communities showed up for

[11:59] each other, and most importantly, the

[12:01] memories of those whose lives were

[12:03] taken, carefully entrusted to us by

[12:06] their family members. I ask that we

[12:09] pause right now and remember them with a

[12:11] moment of silence. Katie Goldstein,

[12:13] Arena McCarthy, Kevin Michael McCarthy,

[12:16] Steven Strauss, Jackie Loie Sunheim,

[12:19] Nicholas Toedo, and Eduardo Yuvaldo.

[12:35] Thank you. [clears throat] Eddie's

[12:37] design, Tree of Life, is a moving

[12:39] illustration of all that we shared. I'd

[12:42] like to highlight two aspects in

[12:43] particular tonight, although again I

[12:45] encourage everyone to take a moment to

[12:47] explore the layers of meaning within the

[12:49] piece. First, the title tree of life.

[12:51] The central form around which all other

[12:54] elements are aligned. In the Jewish

[12:56] tradition, the tree of life is an

[12:58] enduring symbol of faith and wisdom.

[13:00] Each of the large heartshaped leaves was

[13:03] created by a member of our community at

[13:05] the remembrance and placed into the

[13:07] final mosaic by one of the talented

[13:09] artists in Eddie's studio.

[13:11] Second, the monarch butterfly is a

[13:14] beloved symbol of sacred connection with

[13:16] those who have passed on in Mexican

[13:18] tradition. Other touches from the

[13:20] vibrant blue of Lake Michigan to the

[13:22] shaded border that recalls native

[13:24] limestone make this piece truly

[13:26] meaningful to our community and we're so

[13:28] honored to display this piece in city

[13:30] hall. I'd like to recognize the staff

[13:32] team who supported this project,

[13:34] including our city manager Gita Newkerk,

[13:37] assistant city manager Emily Tub,

[13:39] communications manager Amanda Bennett,

[13:41] resiliency specialist Jasmine Alejandro,

[13:44] LSW, and past resiliency manager Maddie

[13:47] Katy, LCSW, for their thoughtfulness and

[13:50] their care. Thank you to each of you.

[13:52] Just as the roots, leaves, grass,

[13:55] monarchs, and sky are all connected to

[13:57] each other, so are we all part of one

[14:00] shared story. On behalf of the city of

[14:02] Highland Park, it is an honor for the

[14:04] council to dedicate this mosaic to the

[14:06] memories of those whose lives were

[14:08] taken, the courage of all who were

[14:10] injured, and the resilience of our

[14:12] community.

[14:14] Every family whose lives were changed by

[14:17] that one minute of gun violence is in

[14:19] our hearts this week. While there will

[14:22] not be a formal remembrance this year

[14:24] based on feedback from victim's families

[14:26] and victim services experts, if you'd

[14:29] like to pause and reflection on

[14:30] Saturday, we invite you to visit the

[14:32] temporary memorial where the city will

[14:34] have flowers available to be placed

[14:36] nearby. We also encourage everyone to

[14:39] reach out if you or your family would

[14:40] benefit from the support of the city's

[14:42] resiliency division. Resiliency

[14:45] specialist Jasmine Alejandro can provide

[14:48] short-term counseling and also connect

[14:50] you with other resources or providers

[14:52] who might be helpful. Please connect

[14:54] with Jasmine by emailing resiliency at

[14:57] cityhpil.com.

[15:00] [clears throat]

[15:01] A little more than a week ago, the city

[15:03] hosted the Taste of Highland Park. I

[15:05] hope you all went. our signature food

[15:07] and music festival with a really special

[15:09] performance celebrating Junth which

[15:11] coincided with the first day of the

[15:12] taste of Highland Park. Our newest

[15:15] federal holiday, Junth, is a celebration

[15:17] of black resilience, excellence, and

[15:18] culture that marks the end of slavery in

[15:21] our country two years after the

[15:23] Emancipation Proclamation. It was so

[15:25] important for our community, which holds

[15:27] our values of diversity and inclusion

[15:28] dearly, to celebrate this important

[15:30] holiday at Highland Park's biggest night

[15:33] out. Our Junth celebration at the taste

[15:35] was entwined with the city's broader

[15:37] America 250 events because as we know

[15:40] black history is American history. We'd

[15:42] like to give special recognition to

[15:44] Highland Park High School alumnist

[15:46] Reverend Corey Ratliff whose all dance

[15:48] company teamed up with MC4 a talented

[15:51] vocal quartet and to Keys for an

[15:54] incredible performance at the Taste of

[15:55] Highland Park. It was amazing and it was

[15:57] so exhilarating to experience these

[15:59] artists amazing talent as they blended

[16:01] dance with spirituals, gospel music and

[16:04] contemporary beats. So I hope everybody

[16:06] had a great junth.

[16:08] Um I want to also announce that for the

[16:10] 32nd consecutive year the government

[16:13] finance officers association GFOA has

[16:16] recognized the city of Highland Park

[16:17] with the distinguished budget

[16:18] presentation award. This award reflects

[16:21] the city's commitment to maintaining the

[16:22] highest standards of governmental

[16:24] budgeting. The GFOA holistically

[16:26] assesses an entity's annual budget

[16:28] document, evaluating how well it serves

[16:30] the community as a policy document, a

[16:33] financial plan, an operations guide, and

[16:35] a communications device. GFOA recognizes

[16:38] [clears throat] the city's commitment to

[16:40] providing its residents with clear and

[16:42] transparent policy planning and

[16:43] budgeting through this comprehensive

[16:45] and, I'm serious, engaging document. It

[16:48] is a great read. Don't pause. Go to

[16:51] hpil.com.

[16:53] Look up the budget. you will have a

[16:55] great read. We're also especially

[16:57] delighted to share that the city's

[16:59] budget earns special recognition for

[17:01] strategic goals and strategies and

[17:04] budget process which are both new this

[17:05] year. This distinction is only awarded

[17:07] when all three reviewers provide the

[17:09] highest possible score in a category. In

[17:12] particular, I'd like to recognize city

[17:14] manager Gita Newkerk, finance director

[17:16] Christy Macallu, the finance department

[17:18] staff, and all of the department

[17:20] directors for this outstanding

[17:21] achievement. again. Cityhpil.com/budget.

[17:25] You'll thank me. Um, next up is business

[17:29] from the council. Is there any business

[17:30] from the council? Nope. Okay. City

[17:33] Manager Newkerk, will you please provide

[17:35] the staff report?

[17:38] >> Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee

[17:40] » Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee

[17:40] the whole meeting earlier this evening,

[17:42] there were two reports on the agenda.

[17:43] One related to term limits. And so on

[17:46] the agenda is a resolution based on the

[17:49] policy discussion. So that item is on

[17:51] the agenda for discussion and

[17:53] consideration this evening. Um and then

[17:55] the second item pertained to our license

[17:57] plate recognition system. So just

[18:00] special thanks to Chief Jogman, Deputy

[18:01] Chief Olsen, and Commander Curran for

[18:03] that presentation. We have a detailed

[18:05] staff report at the committee, the whole

[18:07] agenda um providing information about

[18:10] the license plate reader program. And

[18:13] then on our website is a wealth of

[18:15] information including the city's policy

[18:17] protocols um some privacy considerations

[18:20] as well as um the important technology

[18:23] and how it's used for public safety

[18:24] purposes. Um on the omnibus agenda there

[18:27] are 15 items for consideration. All are

[18:30] recommended for approval. I just want to

[18:32] highlight two of them. Um mayor I love

[18:35] your enthusiasm with the budget. Um we

[18:37] also share that enthusiasm for our

[18:39] annual comprehensive financial report

[18:41] which is the audit. So the budget tells

[18:43] the great story in terms of what our

[18:45] priorities, vision, plans are for the

[18:48] upcoming year. The audit tells us how

[18:50] did we actually do, right?

[18:51] >> Um and so the audit is included in the

[18:53] » Um and so the audit is included in the

[18:53] packet for fiscal year 25. The audit was

[18:56] prepared by Baker Tilly and uh with us

[18:58] this evening is Cindy Park, our senior

[19:01] audit supervisor with Baker Tilly in

[19:02] case there are any questions. And then

[19:04] special thanks also to our finance staff

[19:07] um director Christine McCau, who you

[19:09] recognized earlier as well. The audit

[19:11] reflects the city's priorities and

[19:13] commitment um which includes one of our

[19:15] top priorities is fiscal stability. And

[19:17] we did [clears throat] receive an

[19:18] unmodified opinion which means that the

[19:20] auditors opine that the financial

[19:22] statements are consistent with generally

[19:24] accepted accounting principles. Um which

[19:26] is the most favorable audit opinion that

[19:28] a municipality can receive. And then the

[19:31] next item just want to highlight is

[19:32] number 11 which is a settlement

[19:34] agreement and covenant not to sue

[19:36] relating to 1850 Green Bay Road. Um,

[19:39] part of this settlement includes the

[19:41] construction of a 12- foot wall sound

[19:43] barrier wall on the north side of the

[19:46] Albian property, which is at that

[19:48] subject address. Um, want to really

[19:50] thank Andrew Ule with Albon as well as

[19:52] their team um, for working with us very

[19:56] closely for several years as you know

[19:58] because we did hear from Peter and Jody

[20:00] Mini on a number of occasions at city

[20:01] council meetings. Um, so thanks to the

[20:04] Albian team um, for their work on the

[20:06] settlement agreement. Um the agreement

[20:09] has been shared with the Morinis and um

[20:12] and we believe that it is fair and

[20:14] represents um you know the best

[20:16] interests of everyone involved. Um so as

[20:18] noted in the staff report there are code

[20:20] variations that are going to be required

[20:22] as part of the construction. Um so we're

[20:24] recommending approval of the settlement

[20:26] agreement this evening and then at the

[20:28] next city council meeting would be the

[20:29] public hearing and the zoning

[20:31] considerations.

[20:32] >> Great.

[20:33] » Great.

[20:33] >> That's it for our report.

[20:33] » That's it for our report.

[20:33] >> Thank you. City manager Newkerk

[20:35] » Thank you. City manager Newkerk

[20:35] assistant to the city manager Palitzka.

[20:37] if you could please introduce the next

[20:38] item on our agenda, which is business

[20:40] from the public.

[20:41] >> Thank you, mayor. The next item on the

[20:43] » Thank you, mayor. The next item on the

[20:43] agenda is business from the public. This

[20:45] is an opportunity for members of the

[20:47] public to address city council on a

[20:49] topic that is within the city council's

[20:51] purview and jurisdiction, but is not

[20:54] listed in another location on the

[20:56] agenda. If you would like to speak about

[20:58] a matter that is listed on the agenda,

[21:00] we ask that you wait until that agenda

[21:01] item is called, and we will give you an

[21:04] opportunity to speak. Then if your

[21:06] matter is on the omnibus consent agenda,

[21:08] please let us know if you'd like us to

[21:10] remove that matter from the consolidated

[21:12] list so that you can speak about it.

[21:14] Please be aware that business from the

[21:15] public is not intended to be a forum for

[21:18] open dialogue or engagement with members

[21:20] of the city council. Rather, it is

[21:22] intended as an opportunity to make

[21:23] comments to the city council. Please do

[21:26] not expect a response from anyone

[21:27] tonight. If appropriate, we may direct

[21:30] the city manager or other city staff to

[21:32] respond to questions or issues raised at

[21:34] a later date. All comments should be

[21:37] directed to the city council. All

[21:39] speakers will be limited to 3 minutes.

[21:41] We request that the public not applaud

[21:43] or make other comments after any

[21:45] speaker. We ask that everyone be

[21:47] respectful, civil, and non-repetitive.

[21:49] >> Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there

[21:51] » Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there

[21:51] any members of the public who wish to be

[21:53] heard on an item not on tonight's

[21:55] agenda?

[21:57] come to the podium, please, and state

[21:59] your name for the record. And you have

[22:00] three minutes to share your big news.

[22:03] Great. Um, thank you, Mayor, um,

[22:08] city manager Steve Alrod, and all of

[22:11] the, uh, people who have helped us. My

[22:13] name is David Rosenstein, and we're in

[22:16] the final steps tomorrow of purchasing

[22:19] Nortons from the current owners. And um

[22:22] I want to introduce myself and my team,

[22:25] Simon Lieboich and and Jeff Pollsome um

[22:28] before we actually take the keys

[22:30] tomorrow. Uh for me uh my parents moved

[22:34] to Highland Park in the summer of 1967

[22:36] and we grew up on Marian Avenue and um

[22:40] it's been a home for us since we moved

[22:41] back here some um 35 years ago. And so

[22:46] we're really looking forward to um uh

[22:49] being part of this community um and

[22:52] giving back to this community in

[22:54] partnership with this community. Um so

[22:57] this just isn't a business for us but

[22:59] more of a stewardship of a Highland Park

[23:03] institution that's been in business for

[23:05] 27 years. um um we don't really consider

[23:10] Norton's as mine or but rather as ours

[23:14] as part of the community, part of the

[23:15] employees, part of um uh our patrons as

[23:19] well. So, we're really excited about um

[23:21] this and we're lucky to have the

[23:23] opportunity to steward this for whatever

[23:25] period to make it better and improve on

[23:28] it. Um Norton's has been here a long

[23:31] time. Uh Richie and Jeff have built this

[23:34] business into a great business. They're

[23:36] legends. the last few nights they've

[23:37] been the the patrons have been coming in

[23:40] saying goodbye to them and it's been

[23:42] really heartwarming to see and we're

[23:44] able to retain all of the staff which

[23:46] we're really excited about and um just

[23:50] kind of keep things the way they are

[23:51] while improving things behind the scene

[23:54] to make us more efficient going forward.

[23:56] Uh the licensing and onboarding process

[23:59] with your team has been great. they've

[24:00] been very collaborative and uh very

[24:03] professional, open, helpful um in

[24:06] answering questions and and directing

[24:08] us. So, we appreciate that. We want you

[24:11] to know that they've been very easy to

[24:12] work with. And again, we're not coming

[24:15] in here to make major changes or to

[24:17] change things around. Uh we want to

[24:20] watch and learn and listen and um and

[24:25] Norton's belongs to Highland Park uh

[24:28] more than it belongs to us. And so we

[24:30] want to make sure that we steward this

[24:32] institution um in a in the correct way

[24:35] in an honest way and we want to be

[24:37] really good partners with the city of

[24:39] Pho Park. So thank you.

[24:40] >> Wonderful. We wish you all the best and

[24:42] » Wonderful. We wish you all the best and

[24:42] good luck and thank you so much for

[24:45] coming to share your big news. Hope your

[24:47] closing goes smoothly. And to those who

[24:49] are saying what did they say? Nortons.

[24:51] They are the new owners of Norton's

[24:53] restaurant. So people weren't quite sure

[24:55] what you were saying. So, thank you so

[24:56] much and appreciate you coming here and

[24:58] we're here to support you. So, thank

[25:00] you. Thank you. Any other

[25:02] [clears throat] members of the public

[25:03] who wish to be heard on an item not on

[25:05] tonight's agenda?

[25:07] Seeing none, we'll continue with our

[25:09] omnibus

[25:10] um agenda, which includes items 1

[25:13] through 15. I know uh have a request for

[25:16] a comment by Council Member Litter. But

[25:18] first, I'm asking for a motion to

[25:20] approve items 1 through 15.

[25:21] >> So moved.

[25:22] » So moved.

[25:22] >> Is there a second?

[25:23] » Is there a second?

[25:23] >> Second.

[25:24] » Second.

[25:24] >> Thank you. Um, and then I will share my

[25:27] » Thank you. Um, and then I will share my

[25:27] other piece after you make your comment

[25:29] and we'll take that vote.

[25:30] >> Thank you. I I just want to uh call

[25:32] » Thank you. I I just want to uh call

[25:32] attention to the resolution for the

[25:34] execution of additional services

[25:36] agreement uh for phase two of the place

[25:39] of remembrance. I'm in support of this.

[25:41] The presentation by SWA was wonderful. I

[25:45] think we have a lot of options. There is

[25:48] a slight um error and I just want to

[25:51] make sure that it's understood that the

[25:53] council did not actually um adopt an

[25:57] updated budget. We were just in the

[26:00] process of reviewing various items and

[26:02] we're looking for more um specificity as

[26:06] to where how we proceed with um the

[26:08] second portion in phase two of that

[26:12] program. and at in the near term we will

[26:15] have more firm numbers and be better

[26:17] able to exact

[26:18] >> come up with that conclusion. So

[26:19] » come up with that conclusion. So

[26:19] >> I just want to make sure that we were

[26:20] » I just want to make sure that we were

[26:20] clear that there was no updated actual

[26:22] budget

[26:25] >> uh for the construction budget you're

[26:27] » uh for the construction budget you're

[26:27] talking about.

[26:27] >> Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank

[26:30] » Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank

[26:30] you for that clarification. So um

[26:32] instead of supported an updated budget

[26:34] that's let's just say it's an estimated

[26:36] budget but certainly it'll come before

[26:38] you for formal consideration.

[26:39] >> Absolutely. Fine.

[26:40] » Absolutely. Fine.

[26:40] >> Thank you. So,

[26:42] » Thank you. So,

[26:42] >> we're sorry. What

[26:43] » we're sorry. What

[26:43] >> other item quick top comment number

[26:46] » other item quick top comment number

[26:46] seven

[26:47] >> my favorite part of the packet was

[26:49] » my favorite part of the packet was

[26:49] certainly reading about the audit.

[26:51] >> Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I

[26:53] » Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I

[26:53] know how difficult it is to get through

[26:54] an audit. Christie and team and and

[26:57] Gita. Um so, congratulations and great

[26:59] job.

[27:00] >> Thank you. Thanks.

[27:01] » Thank you. Thanks.

[27:01] >> They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you.

[27:03] » They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you.

[27:03] Uh with that, we have a motion and a

[27:04] second. Will the clerk call the vote,

[27:06] please?

[27:06] >> Council member center. Hi.

[27:07] » Council member center. Hi.

[27:07] >> Council member Breman.

[27:08] » Council member Breman.

[27:08] >> Hi.

[27:08] » Hi.

[27:08] >> Council member Ross. Hi. Council member

[27:10] » Council member Ross. Hi. Council member

[27:10] Tapia.

[27:10] >> Hi.

[27:11] » Hi.

[27:11] >> Council member Little.

[27:12] » Council member Little.

[27:12] >> I.

[27:12] » I.

[27:12] >> Mayor Roing.

[27:13] » Mayor Roing.

[27:13] >> I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15

[27:15] » I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15

[27:15] have been approved. I just want to um

[27:17] ask the council. Um there's been a

[27:20] request by the applicant on item B um

[27:24] which is consideration of a special use

[27:27] permit in the nature of a preliminary

[27:28] and final plan development with

[27:29] modifications from city code and a plat

[27:31] of re subdivision with variances from

[27:33] city code related to 147 central avenue

[27:36] to be continued to a meeting in August.

[27:40] Um, Steve, was it August?

[27:42] >> August 17th.

[27:43] » August 17th.

[27:43] >> August 17th. And so with that, I am

[27:46] » August 17th. And so with that, I am

[27:46] seeking a motion from the council to

[27:48] continue that item.

[27:49] >> So moved.

[27:50] » So moved.

[27:50] >> Second.

[27:51] » Second.

[27:51] >> Uh, do we need to have discussion or

[27:54] » Uh, do we need to have discussion or

[27:54] >> No, you can um make a voice vote.

[27:56] » No, you can um make a voice vote.

[27:56] >> Okay. All in favor say I.

[27:58] » Okay. All in favor say I.

[27:58] >> I. I.

[27:59] » I. I.

[27:59] >> Thank you. We wanted to share that at

[28:01] » Thank you. We wanted to share that at

[28:01] the beginning of the meeting because

[28:03] that conversation will now be had August

[28:05] 17th.

[28:06] >> So, thank you for [clears throat] coming

[28:07] » So, thank you for [clears throat] coming

[28:07] out if you came out for that item. Very

[28:11] good.

[28:11] >> Um but feel free to stick around. We've

[28:13] » Um but feel free to stick around. We've

[28:13] got other interesting things on the

[28:15] agenda.

[28:15] >> Yeah.

[28:16] » Yeah.

[28:16] >> Um

[28:21] » FYI, it's very difficult to hear.

[28:25] >> Okay. So, I will sit closer to the

[28:27] » Okay. So, I will sit closer to the

[28:27] microphone. How's that? Can you hear me

[28:29] now?

[28:29] >> I think microphones do not

[28:32] » I think microphones do not

[28:32] >> they do um but maybe not for all. So,

[28:36] » they do um but maybe not for all. So,

[28:36] we'll be we'll be louder. I appreciate

[28:38] you raising that point. Uh so what we

[28:41] just did was continue the item related

[28:43] to 147 central to the August 17th

[28:46] meeting at request of the applicant.

[28:49] Great.

[28:49] >> So we are not talking about 147 central

[28:52] » So we are not talking about 147 central

[28:52] tonight, but like I said, you're welcome

[28:54] to stick around. We have other

[28:55] interesting things on the agenda.

[28:58] >> Thank you. Um, continuing on with um

[29:01] » Thank you. Um, continuing on with um

[29:01] those items, item A under other business

[29:05] is a res resolution initiating the

[29:07] submission of a public question to

[29:09] establish term limits for elected

[29:12] offices of mayor and council member. And

[29:15] I just want to say this was a a

[29:17] conversation that was had earlier this

[29:19] evening during the committee of the

[29:21] whole. um we are going to be discussing

[29:24] it uh to the same extent and um I don't

[29:29] know if we we don't have a presentation

[29:31] we're more just talking about what we

[29:34] are agreeing to put on the ballot so

[29:36] that the community can take action via

[29:39] referendum on the November 3rd ballot

[29:44] >> right that is correct um so mayor we

[29:46] » right that is correct um so mayor we

[29:46] populated the resolution um with the

[29:50] policy feedback that we received from

[29:51] the city council the committee the whole

[29:53] meeting. So those changes are reflected

[29:54] in yellow.

[29:55] >> Okay.

[29:56] » Okay.

[29:56] >> Um and then subject to council approval.

[29:59] » Um and then subject to council approval.

[29:59] Um we would record the resolution with

[30:01] the Lake County Clerk's Office. Uh also

[30:04] in include

[30:05] >> speak into the microphone.

[30:08] » speak into the microphone.

[30:08] >> Also include information um for the

[30:12] » Also include information um for the

[30:12] public just about the fact that there is

[30:14] a referendum and here's what the

[30:16] referendum question is. So that'll be in

[30:18] the Highlander and the E-News and all of

[30:20] our communication modalities.

[30:22] >> And one other just procedural point um

[30:26] » And one other just procedural point um

[30:26] because the res resolution has uh been

[30:29] amended from the version that appeared

[30:31] in the agenda package based on the

[30:34] comments of the committee of the whole

[30:36] meeting. When you do seek a motion, um

[30:38] you should seek it uh to be to approve

[30:41] the resolution as amended.

[30:43] >> As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for

[30:46] » As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for

[30:46] those who are not familiar with what's

[30:49] [clears throat] being discussed this

[30:50] evening, I'll just share with you that

[30:52] uh the majority of the council has asked

[30:55] the city council to place a resolution

[30:57] on the November 3rd ballot asking a

[31:01] question concerning the um establishment

[31:04] of term limits for city council members

[31:07] and for the mayor. Um, just want to be

[31:10] clear, this is not applied

[31:12] retroactively. it is only applied

[31:15] proactively based on the election that

[31:18] will happen in April of 2027.

[31:21] Um the majority asked for we discussed

[31:26] different elements and that's where

[31:27] you're hearing about this repopulated

[31:30] ordinance that's now been uploaded to

[31:32] the city agenda specifically stating um

[31:36] how many terms should be limited and

[31:39] that was agreed to by the majority at

[31:41] two terms plus under 25 months. So, up

[31:46] to 10 years taking into account

[31:49] appointments both for city council and

[31:52] for the mayor. Um, I'm just going to

[31:55] state as I have throughout this

[31:57] conversation, I find term limits uh to

[32:00] not be in support of the democratic

[32:02] process. I feel strongly that uh the

[32:05] voters should be establishing term

[32:07] limits. Um, but by supporting the

[32:09] resolution this evening, I'm indicating

[32:11] my interest in hearing from our citizen

[32:14] voters. So, I personally don't support

[32:17] the uh the request and I obviously will

[32:20] be voting in that direction, but I

[32:22] certainly want to hear from our

[32:23] community and get a better understanding

[32:25] of where they are in terms of the

[32:27] establishment of term limits. Um, I

[32:30] don't know. Do we have more comments

[32:32] that people need to make or should we

[32:33] just take the vote? We uh

[32:35] >> I have a statement I wanted to read.

[32:36] » I have a statement I wanted to read.

[32:36] >> You have a statement you want to read?

[32:37] » You have a statement you want to read?

[32:37] Okay. Go ahead and uh council member

[32:39] liter read your statement. So, Highland

[32:41] Park thrives when its leadership

[32:43] reflects both experience and renewal.

[32:46] The question before us is not about any

[32:48] one individual, nor is it a judgment on

[32:50] past service. It is about whether our

[32:53] system consistently creates space for

[32:56] new voices, new energy, and broader

[32:59] participation in public life. Highland

[33:02] Park voters should have the opportunity

[33:04] to decide how long elected officials may

[33:07] serve. The principle alone is worth

[33:10] affirming. Turn limits are not a

[33:13] rejection of leadership. They're a way

[33:15] of strengthening it. They encourage a

[33:18] healthy cycle where leaders step

[33:20] forward, contribute meaningfully, and

[33:22] then make room for others to do the

[33:24] same. Good governance does not depend on

[33:27] any one person. It depends on a

[33:29] structure that invites continued

[33:31] engagement and access from the

[33:34] community. Over time, long tenurs can

[33:37] unintentionally narrow the field.

[33:40] Potential candidates, particularly

[33:42] particularly younger residents or those

[33:45] with different perspectives, may decide

[33:47] not to step forward, assuming the

[33:50] opportunity is not realistic. The cost

[33:52] is too great, the name recognition of

[33:54] the incumbent too high. The result is

[33:57] not stability, but stagnation. Fewer

[34:00] contested elections, fewer ideas tested,

[34:03] and fewer residents seeing a path into

[34:05] civic life. Term limits help reset that

[34:09] dynamic.

[34:10] They create a predictable rhythm in

[34:12] which leadership evolves and

[34:14] participation expands. They signal that

[34:17] public office is not a permanent

[34:19] position, but a period of service. For

[34:23] candidates with a clear vision, eight

[34:25] years, two full terms is a meaningful

[34:28] window. [cough and clears throat] long

[34:29] enough to learn, set direction,

[34:31] implement priorities, and be held

[34:33] accountable for results. I'm not

[34:36] advocating to discard experience. Those

[34:38] who have served can continue to

[34:40] contribute in other roles. It's entirely

[34:42] possible for individuals to move between

[34:45] positions, bringing continuity where it

[34:47] is valued in a sister government

[34:49] position, on a commission, advisory

[34:51] group, or board while still allowing

[34:54] leadership to rotate.

[34:56] The community would not lose its

[34:58] institutional knowledge. It

[35:00] redistributes it. This is not about

[35:02] limiting people. It is about expanding

[35:05] opportunity.

[35:07] A system that regularly invites new

[35:10] candidates fosters stronger engagement,

[35:12] deeper debate, and ultimately better

[35:15] outcomes. It encourages more residents

[35:18] to see themselves as participants rather

[35:20] than as observers. and it ensures that

[35:23] Highland Park's government remains

[35:25] responsive not just to the present but

[35:28] to the future.

[35:31] It is for these reasons that I advocate

[35:32] for two full terms plus under 25 months

[35:36] or the two plus two term limit. This

[35:39] ensures that for both the offices of

[35:42] mayor and council member two full terms

[35:45] may be served and if someone fills in

[35:47] through appointment or election for a

[35:48] partial term they will still be eligible

[35:51] to run for the two full terms. This is

[35:54] also the time frame which many of our

[35:56] northshore and lakefront neighbors have

[35:58] adopted. The main issue is that the

[36:01] voters should decide as to whether they

[36:03] want to put term limits in place and it

[36:05] is our obligation to put the question on

[36:08] the ballot so they can decide. Thank

[36:10] you.

[36:11] >> Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn.

[36:13] » Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn.

[36:13] >> Thank you. Um I want to share some

[36:15] » Thank you. Um I want to share some

[36:15] reservations before I get to where I

[36:17] land and I know I mentioned this in

[36:18] committee of the whole but I want to

[36:20] share my perspective again. Um, at the

[36:22] most basic level, I keep coming back to

[36:24] something we discussed in May that

[36:26] elections themselves are the most direct

[36:28] form of term limits and voter choice is

[36:30] the foundation of how we structure

[36:32] representation here. Also, to me, the

[36:34] timing of this conversation was

[36:36] surprising to me because our last

[36:38] municipal election in 2025, which I was

[36:40] a part of, I was unopposed. And so, the

[36:44] practical problem in Highland Park right

[36:45] now isn't too many incumbents. It's

[36:47] recruiting willing and cap capable

[36:49] residents to run at all. And then in the

[36:52] same cycle in the special election to

[36:54] fill the unexpired council term, a

[36:56] firsttime candidate defeated a 12-year

[36:59] incumbent, which to me is a pretty

[37:01] strong real world data point that

[37:03] incumbency in Highland Park does not

[37:05] necessarily

[37:07] uh have an edge, especially in this past

[37:09] election. I do worry about the

[37:11] trade-offs the sta that the staff had

[37:14] mentioned from and we discussed in our

[37:16] May conversation. the loss of

[37:17] institutional knowledge, the value of a

[37:20] deep bench, effective transition

[37:21] planning, and the lame duck dynamic for

[37:24] officials nearing the end of a cap term.

[37:27] I'd also like to flag that several

[37:29] residents have reached out asking us to

[37:31] also explore a ward system to ensure

[37:34] equal geographic representation. And

[37:36] given that we've gone several cycles

[37:38] without candidates from certain parts of

[37:40] the city, a term limit structure layered

[37:42] on top could make that geographic

[37:44] representation conversation harder. not

[37:47] easier.

[37:48] That said, I also do not believe that we

[37:51] strengthen democracy by narrowing the

[37:53] field before voters ever get to cast a

[37:55] ballot and should and we should be very

[37:58] careful not to import the politics of

[38:00] distrust into Highland Park by treating

[38:02] institutional knowledge as a dirty word

[38:04] when in reality it helps responsible

[38:07] local government serve residents well.

[38:09] With all that said about my with my own

[38:12] concerns about whether term limits are

[38:13] the right tool for Highland Park, I am

[38:15] [snorts] not going to stand in the way

[38:16] of residents having their voices heard

[38:18] on this question directly. So with that,

[38:21] I will support placing the referendum on

[38:23] the November 3rd ballot, which I

[38:25] understand we'll have to adopt now so

[38:27] that by August 16th so that we make that

[38:30] deadline. Thank you.

[38:31] >> Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah,

[38:34] » Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah,

[38:34] without uh uh questioning the intention

[38:37] of my colleagues, um I would argue the

[38:39] opposite that um not having turn limits

[38:42] limits uh the inclusionary democracy. Um

[38:46] and uh I know that none of us would want

[38:49] to, you know, support that exclusion.

[38:51] But in practice uh the power of

[38:54] incumbency means a person has name

[38:57] recognition has more money more support

[38:59] making the threshold for newcomers

[39:01] younger candidates people who usually

[39:03] would not run because it's kind of

[39:05] formidable to to put their hat in the

[39:07] ring uh to to run and and offer their

[39:10] voice. So I believe the term limits

[39:11] gives a a good um cap on the number of

[39:15] years of service uh that is long you

[39:18] know eight years for city council. So if

[39:20] that person wants to run for mayor, they

[39:21] would have another eight years. Um and

[39:24] so that seems like, you know, if they

[39:25] run the full the full run, that would be

[39:27] 12 years um actually 16 years of of

[39:31] serving the city, which seems to be

[39:32] plenty to have quite an impact on on our

[39:35] wonderful city, plus making room for new

[39:37] blood, new ideas, new energy on an

[39:39] ongoing systematic basis. I I think that

[39:42] many times there's inadvertent

[39:44] systematic uh barriers of entry and and

[39:48] I think having term limits is one of the

[39:50] ways to soften those barriers and create

[39:53] a more inclusionary government. So uh

[39:56] with that I believe that um we should

[39:58] have them and uh we'll be supporting um

[40:00] us having putting a referendum and have

[40:02] the people decide.

[40:03] >> Thank you council member center.

[40:05] » Thank you council member center.

[40:05] >> Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree

[40:08] » Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree

[40:08] with the sentiments that council member

[40:10] Topia just shared. I think the logic

[40:12] that we don't have enough viable

[40:13] candidates is completely flawed. The

[40:16] barriers to run for office are

[40:18] significant and the lack of term limits

[40:20] creates unintended consequences in this

[40:22] form of exclusionary leadership. I

[40:25] shared this with the committee the whole

[40:26] but you know I come from a commercial

[40:28] background and I've stated you know both

[40:30] earlier tonight and and in the May

[40:32] discussion that I believe all good

[40:34] organizations have leadership change.

[40:37] Uh, I've al I've served on nonfor-profit

[40:40] boards that have term limits for the

[40:43] very reasons that we're talking about

[40:44] tonight for fresh fresh input, different

[40:46] perspectives, new regime change. I think

[40:50] the steep learning curve is is part of

[40:54] any type of organization and requires

[40:56] good planning and change management. Uh,

[40:58] but should not be a barrier to allowing

[41:01] for new members to to join and to bring

[41:04] fresh perspectives. I I also shared

[41:07] earlier that you know I started a new a

[41:09] new role recently where multiple members

[41:11] of the executive team left and we have a

[41:14] brand new leadership team and it has

[41:16] created an opportunity for tremendous

[41:19] insight, fresh perspective and new value

[41:22] to the organization and I think

[41:27] roles such as sitting on council or the

[41:30] mayor should be no different. Um, so I'm

[41:32] really looking forward to having this on

[41:34] the ballot and to uh allowing the

[41:37] community to uh provide their opinion.

[41:40] Uh, and I will certainly be supporting

[41:41] this uh when it's uh during the November

[41:45] election.

[41:46] >> Thank you.

[41:47] » Thank you.

[41:47] >> Thank you, Council Member Ross.

[41:49] » Thank you, Council Member Ross.

[41:49] >> Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee

[41:51] » Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee

[41:52] of the whole um I believe in uh term

[41:55] limits and I believed in that uh prior

[41:58] to uh joining council um a just as a

[42:03] general concept and um I did share in in

[42:07] committee of the whole that I originally

[42:09] thought to have a potentially a flexible

[42:12] system of three terms on council, two as

[42:15] mayor and a choice of how to serve you

[42:17] know which three terms on council two as

[42:20] mayor, three, you know, three whether

[42:23] you do uh it' be 20 years, not to exceed

[42:27] 20 years where whether you spent, you

[42:29] know, the three terms or two terms that

[42:33] that you get to choose that, but you you

[42:35] that isn't legal and doable. It's um you

[42:37] can't intermingle the the two offices.

[42:40] And again, I I really do believe in term

[42:43] limits. Um I I you know it in in

[42:47] committee of the whole there and and

[42:49] here there have been um dis uh comments

[42:53] about uh the concept of elections as a

[42:56] natural form of term limits. Um I I

[42:59] think you know that that is uh

[43:04] great and ideal in in theory but the

[43:06] reality is that there's the power of the

[43:07] incumbency there's also lack of voter

[43:10] turnout. there are all sorts of forces

[43:12] that um inter interfere with that and

[43:14] and uh I I think that um the there's

[43:18] also the reality that the highest office

[43:21] in the land um the the president has

[43:24] only you know two terms um is limited uh

[43:27] to two terms uh and I think there is uh

[43:31] based on what I'm reading um uh or my

[43:35] own person research online that there's

[43:37] a growing uh growing support for term

[43:40] limits

[43:41] um in in the country. Uh and I I um I I

[43:46] certainly understand that sentiment

[43:49] because it as I've said multiple times

[43:51] tonight um I' I've thought about the

[43:53] issue of term limits um many times. So,

[43:56] uh the uh that is why I um am supporting

[44:02] the where where we've landed um

[44:04] particularly and I'm going to reiterate

[44:06] this in light of the the the notion that

[44:11] council leads um uh this effort and

[44:15] determination of uh what what the term

[44:18] limits would be. I I think I as I said

[44:20] in close uh not close committee of the

[44:22] whole and I say it now that I I think

[44:24] it's very important that we as a council

[44:27] uh uh lead this effort and so I support

[44:31] the uh two-term and two-term uh tenure

[44:36] for uh uh city council and tenure for

[44:40] for mayor with the two extra in any

[44:43] event. Sorry, I'm I'm I'm rambling here.

[44:45] >> Maximum of 10 years.

[44:46] » Maximum of 10 years.

[44:46] >> Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in

[44:49] » Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in

[44:49] either office. Um uh and I I I stand by

[44:53] that.

[44:53] >> Thank you. I think it's important to

[44:55] » Thank you. I think it's important to

[44:55] note that according to the National

[44:56] League of Cities, only 9% of US

[44:59] municipalities have term limits. Um and

[45:03] I'll reiterate, I think the term limit

[45:04] is at the ballot box, but all that

[45:06] notwithstanding I believe in our voters.

[45:08] And so with that, I'm seeking a motion

[45:10] to approve item A.

[45:12] >> So moved as amended.

[45:13] » So moved as amended.

[45:14] >> Yes.

[45:14] » Yes.

[45:14] >> Thank you.

[45:14] » Thank you.

[45:14] >> Second.

[45:16] » Second.

[45:16] Um will the code call the vote?

[45:20] >> Council member center

[45:21] » Council member center

[45:21] >> I.

[45:22] » I.

[45:22] >> Council member Buckman

[45:23] » Council member Buckman

[45:23] >> I.

[45:23] » I.

[45:23] >> Council member Ross

[45:24] » Council member Ross

[45:24] >> I.

[45:25] » I.

[45:25] >> Council member Tapia

[45:26] » Council member Tapia

[45:26] >> I.

[45:26] » I.

[45:26] >> Council member Little

[45:27] » Council member Little

[45:27] >> I.

[45:27] » I.

[45:28] >> Mayor Roing

[45:28] » Mayor Roing

[45:28] >> I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as

[45:31] » I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as

[45:31] amended. Um has passed. Um item C is a

[45:35] resolution approving a plat of

[45:36] subdivision at zero meadow lane. I'm

[45:39] going to assume that everybody has done

[45:40] their homework and read the packet. Is

[45:43] there any further discussion needed or

[45:45] just a vote taken on item C?

[45:47] >> Just a vote.

[45:48] » Just a vote.

[45:48] >> Is there a motion to approve item C?

[45:50] » Is there a motion to approve item C?

[45:50] >> Some move.

[45:52] » Some move.

[45:52] >> Is there a second?

[45:53] » Is there a second?

[45:53] >> A second.

[45:54] » A second.

[45:54] >> Will the clerk please call the vote?

[45:56] » Will the clerk please call the vote?

[45:56] >> Council member center.

[45:56] » Council member center.

[45:56] >> Hi.

[45:57] » Hi.

[45:57] >> Council member Buckman.

[45:58] » Council member Buckman.

[45:58] >> I.

[45:58] » I.

[45:58] >> Council member Ross.

[45:59] » Council member Ross.

[45:59] >> I.

[46:00] » I.

[46:00] >> Council member Tapia.

[46:01] » Council member Tapia.

[46:01] >> Hi.

[46:02] » Hi.

[46:02] >> Council member Little

[46:04] » Council member Little

[46:04] >> I.

[46:04] » I.

[46:04] >> Mayor Roing.

[46:05] » Mayor Roing.

[46:05] >> I. But there's a member of the audience

[46:07] » I. But there's a member of the audience

[46:07] who wished to comment. So corporation

[46:10] council, what do we do?

[46:12] allow the comment.

[46:14] >> Okay. Please come forward and state your

[46:16] » Okay. Please come forward and state your

[46:16] name for the record. My apologies, Jack.

[46:17] I didn't realize that's what you were

[46:19] here for.

[46:20] >> Didn't say hello.

[46:29] » Hello, Mayor and members of the council.

[46:32] My name is Jack Strom. I live at 1681

[46:36] Thornwood Lane in Highland Park. Uh I am

[46:41] one of the properties that is opposite

[46:44] the metal lane development. My comment

[46:47] tonight is in regards to which direction

[46:52] the curb cuts and uh exit from the uh

[46:57] two lots will be. I would uh hope that

[47:02] uh you folks consider that having the uh

[47:08] um cars exit onto the interior meadow

[47:13] lane road instead of the Thornwood Lane

[47:18] Road. Um right now there is the existent

[47:22] meadow lane that runs on the border of

[47:24] the two lots. Uh the reason I'm

[47:27] requesting that is because uh we have a

[47:30] number of uh homeowners that have

[47:34] children uh young children and they uh

[47:37] grandchildren visit and it is a um

[47:42] culdeac.

[47:44] So, increasing the traffic uh on

[47:47] Thornwood Lane uh could present a

[47:50] traffic hazard uh to families and the

[47:54] children that play on that street. Uh

[47:57] there is an existing interior road as I

[48:00] mentioned, the metal lane and it does

[48:02] border uh the uh two lots as well as the

[48:07] existing uh uh mansion that is on that

[48:11] property. And I hope consideration would

[48:14] be made that uh the uh uh approval of uh

[48:21] that development would be such that the

[48:26] uh curb cuts and the and the uh road of

[48:30] exit out out of that development would

[48:34] be on the existing interior road instead

[48:37] of having the properties uh exit on

[48:40] Thornwood Lane. Thank you for your

[48:43] consideration. Um I don't know how it

[48:46] works with you already approving it,

[48:49] >> right?

[48:49] » right?

[48:49] >> But uh if that is possible

[48:53] » But uh if that is possible

[48:53] uh I would uh appreciate that that would

[48:57] uh uh that consideration would be taken

[49:00] up.

[49:01] >> Appreciate you coming tonight and

[49:02] » Appreciate you coming tonight and

[49:02] sharing that insight from the nuance of

[49:04] the neighborhood. Um, community

[49:06] development director, are you able to

[49:09] address that point now or speak with Mr.

[49:11] Stum afterwards in terms of trying to

[49:15] accommodate his request?

[49:16] >> Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get

[49:18] » Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get

[49:18] Mr. Strong's contact information and

[49:20] then certainly um, Director Fontaine can

[49:22] talk to him oneonone and then we'll

[49:24] certainly follow.

[49:25] >> Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for

[49:26] » Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for

[49:26] coming this evening. Thank you. Thank

[49:28] you.

[49:28] >> Thank you. Um and so with that we do

[49:31] » Thank you. Um and so with that we do

[49:31] have a vote of six to zero to approve

[49:34] item C and um staff will certainly

[49:36] follow up with you Mr. Strong. Thank

[49:38] you. Thank you.

[49:40] >> Um and with that I believe I am seeking

[49:42] » Um and with that I believe I am seeking

[49:42] a motion to adjurnn.

[49:44] >> So moved.

[49:45] » So moved.

[49:45] >> Second.

[49:45] » Second.

[49:45] >> All in favor say I.

[49:47] » All in favor say I.

[49:47] >> I.

[49:48] » I.

[49:48] >> Thank you.

City Council Meeting

Transcript