Good evening. I'd like to call to order
the city council meeting for the city of
Highland Park, Illinois, June 29th,
2026. Will the clerk please call the
role?
>> Council member Center,
» Council member Center,
>> present.
» present.
>> Council member Buckman
» Council member Buckman
>> here.
» here.
>> Council member Ross
» Council member Ross
>> here.
» here.
>> Council member Tapia,
» Council member Tapia,
>> present.
» present.
>> Council member Little
» Council member Little
>> here.
» here.
>> Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing
» Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing
>> here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please
» here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please
rise for the pledge of allegiance.
>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
» I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.
We have a motion to approve the minutes
of the regular rescheduled meeting of
the city council held May 27th, 2026 and
the minutes of the closed session of the
regular rescheduled meeting of the city
council held on May 27th, 2026. So
moved.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> All in favor say I.
» All in favor say I.
>> I. Thank you. Those minutes are
» I. Thank you. Those minutes are
approved. May I have a motion to approve
the warrant list?
>> So moved.
» So moved.
>> Any seconds for the warrant list?
» Any seconds for the warrant list?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Will the clerk please call the vote?
» Will the clerk please call the vote?
>> Council member center.
» Council member center.
>> I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council
» I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council
member Ross.
>> Hi.
» Hi.
>> Council member Tapia.
» Council member Tapia.
>> Hi.
» Hi.
>> Council member Little.
» Council member Little.
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Roing.
» Mayor Roing.
>> I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list
» I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list
is approved. Uh we will continue now to
the report of the mayor.
>> I have no appointments this evening. I
» I have no appointments this evening. I
have no proclamations this evening.
>> I do want to share that earlier this
» I do want to share that earlier this
evening at the start of the committee of
the whole meeting. We dedicated the
beautiful mosaic that is out there
behind where you all came in, displayed
at the top of the stairs just outside
these chambers. Designed by artist Eddie
Hassik from the Chicago Mosaic School
and created in part by community members
at last year's remembrance, the piece
honors the memory of those whose lives
were taken and is a beautiful tribute to
everyone who was impacted by the
Highland Park shooting, especially those
who were injured. It's also a testament
to the resilience of our community. And
so before we continue with our business
this evening, I'm going to share my
remarks from the dedication and I urge
each one of you to take a close look at
it on your way out this evening. My
remarks are as follows. Thank you for
joining us tonight as we dedicate this
beautiful new work of art with such deep
meaning and connection to our community.
This mosaic was created with love and
care, grief and remembrance by many
hands working together to make something
beautiful. At the conclusion of the 2025
remembrance, attendees were invited to
join us in creating this mosaic. Artist
and educator Eddie Hassik conceptualized
the piece and together with students
from the Chicago Mosaic School, she
patiently taught us about the beauty of
mosaic art. How individual pieces of
glass of all different shapes and sizes
blend into one unified image that
reflects each component's uniqueness.
What a perfect metaphor for our
community and the way we continue to
support each other. When our team first
met with Eddie, we shared stories that
defined that time. the resilience and
courage of those who were injured, the
life-saving actions of those who
responded to the tragedy, our pride in
the way our communities showed up for
each other, and most importantly, the
memories of those whose lives were
taken, carefully entrusted to us by
their family members. I ask that we
pause right now and remember them with a
moment of silence. Katie Goldstein,
Arena McCarthy, Kevin Michael McCarthy,
Steven Strauss, Jackie Loie Sunheim,
Nicholas Toedo, and Eduardo Yuvaldo.
Thank you. [clears throat] Eddie's
design, Tree of Life, is a moving
illustration of all that we shared. I'd
like to highlight two aspects in
particular tonight, although again I
encourage everyone to take a moment to
explore the layers of meaning within the
piece. First, the title tree of life.
The central form around which all other
elements are aligned. In the Jewish
tradition, the tree of life is an
enduring symbol of faith and wisdom.
Each of the large heartshaped leaves was
created by a member of our community at
the remembrance and placed into the
final mosaic by one of the talented
artists in Eddie's studio.
Second, the monarch butterfly is a
beloved symbol of sacred connection with
those who have passed on in Mexican
tradition. Other touches from the
vibrant blue of Lake Michigan to the
shaded border that recalls native
limestone make this piece truly
meaningful to our community and we're so
honored to display this piece in city
hall. I'd like to recognize the staff
team who supported this project,
including our city manager Gita Newkerk,
assistant city manager Emily Tub,
communications manager Amanda Bennett,
resiliency specialist Jasmine Alejandro,
LSW, and past resiliency manager Maddie
Katy, LCSW, for their thoughtfulness and
their care. Thank you to each of you.
Just as the roots, leaves, grass,
monarchs, and sky are all connected to
each other, so are we all part of one
shared story. On behalf of the city of
Highland Park, it is an honor for the
council to dedicate this mosaic to the
memories of those whose lives were
taken, the courage of all who were
injured, and the resilience of our
community.
Every family whose lives were changed by
that one minute of gun violence is in
our hearts this week. While there will
not be a formal remembrance this year
based on feedback from victim's families
and victim services experts, if you'd
like to pause and reflection on
Saturday, we invite you to visit the
temporary memorial where the city will
have flowers available to be placed
nearby. We also encourage everyone to
reach out if you or your family would
benefit from the support of the city's
resiliency division. Resiliency
specialist Jasmine Alejandro can provide
short-term counseling and also connect
you with other resources or providers
who might be helpful. Please connect
with Jasmine by emailing resiliency at
cityhpil.com.
[clears throat]
A little more than a week ago, the city
hosted the Taste of Highland Park. I
hope you all went. our signature food
and music festival with a really special
performance celebrating Junth which
coincided with the first day of the
taste of Highland Park. Our newest
federal holiday, Junth, is a celebration
of black resilience, excellence, and
culture that marks the end of slavery in
our country two years after the
Emancipation Proclamation. It was so
important for our community, which holds
our values of diversity and inclusion
dearly, to celebrate this important
holiday at Highland Park's biggest night
out. Our Junth celebration at the taste
was entwined with the city's broader
America 250 events because as we know
black history is American history. We'd
like to give special recognition to
Highland Park High School alumnist
Reverend Corey Ratliff whose all dance
company teamed up with MC4 a talented
vocal quartet and to Keys for an
incredible performance at the Taste of
Highland Park. It was amazing and it was
so exhilarating to experience these
artists amazing talent as they blended
dance with spirituals, gospel music and
contemporary beats. So I hope everybody
had a great junth.
Um I want to also announce that for the
32nd consecutive year the government
finance officers association GFOA has
recognized the city of Highland Park
with the distinguished budget
presentation award. This award reflects
the city's commitment to maintaining the
highest standards of governmental
budgeting. The GFOA holistically
assesses an entity's annual budget
document, evaluating how well it serves
the community as a policy document, a
financial plan, an operations guide, and
a communications device. GFOA recognizes
[clears throat] the city's commitment to
providing its residents with clear and
transparent policy planning and
budgeting through this comprehensive
and, I'm serious, engaging document. It
is a great read. Don't pause. Go to
hpil.com.
Look up the budget. you will have a
great read. We're also especially
delighted to share that the city's
budget earns special recognition for
strategic goals and strategies and
budget process which are both new this
year. This distinction is only awarded
when all three reviewers provide the
highest possible score in a category. In
particular, I'd like to recognize city
manager Gita Newkerk, finance director
Christy Macallu, the finance department
staff, and all of the department
directors for this outstanding
achievement. again. Cityhpil.com/budget.
You'll thank me. Um, next up is business
from the council. Is there any business
from the council? Nope. Okay. City
Manager Newkerk, will you please provide
the staff report?
>> Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee
» Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee
the whole meeting earlier this evening,
there were two reports on the agenda.
One related to term limits. And so on
the agenda is a resolution based on the
policy discussion. So that item is on
the agenda for discussion and
consideration this evening. Um and then
the second item pertained to our license
plate recognition system. So just
special thanks to Chief Jogman, Deputy
Chief Olsen, and Commander Curran for
that presentation. We have a detailed
staff report at the committee, the whole
agenda um providing information about
the license plate reader program. And
then on our website is a wealth of
information including the city's policy
protocols um some privacy considerations
as well as um the important technology
and how it's used for public safety
purposes. Um on the omnibus agenda there
are 15 items for consideration. All are
recommended for approval. I just want to
highlight two of them. Um mayor I love
your enthusiasm with the budget. Um we
also share that enthusiasm for our
annual comprehensive financial report
which is the audit. So the budget tells
the great story in terms of what our
priorities, vision, plans are for the
upcoming year. The audit tells us how
did we actually do, right?
>> Um and so the audit is included in the
» Um and so the audit is included in the
packet for fiscal year 25. The audit was
prepared by Baker Tilly and uh with us
this evening is Cindy Park, our senior
audit supervisor with Baker Tilly in
case there are any questions. And then
special thanks also to our finance staff
um director Christine McCau, who you
recognized earlier as well. The audit
reflects the city's priorities and
commitment um which includes one of our
top priorities is fiscal stability. And
we did [clears throat] receive an
unmodified opinion which means that the
auditors opine that the financial
statements are consistent with generally
accepted accounting principles. Um which
is the most favorable audit opinion that
a municipality can receive. And then the
next item just want to highlight is
number 11 which is a settlement
agreement and covenant not to sue
relating to 1850 Green Bay Road. Um,
part of this settlement includes the
construction of a 12- foot wall sound
barrier wall on the north side of the
Albian property, which is at that
subject address. Um, want to really
thank Andrew Ule with Albon as well as
their team um, for working with us very
closely for several years as you know
because we did hear from Peter and Jody
Mini on a number of occasions at city
council meetings. Um, so thanks to the
Albian team um, for their work on the
settlement agreement. Um the agreement
has been shared with the Morinis and um
and we believe that it is fair and
represents um you know the best
interests of everyone involved. Um so as
noted in the staff report there are code
variations that are going to be required
as part of the construction. Um so we're
recommending approval of the settlement
agreement this evening and then at the
next city council meeting would be the
public hearing and the zoning
considerations.
>> Great.
» Great.
>> That's it for our report.
» That's it for our report.
>> Thank you. City manager Newkerk
» Thank you. City manager Newkerk
assistant to the city manager Palitzka.
if you could please introduce the next
item on our agenda, which is business
from the public.
>> Thank you, mayor. The next item on the
» Thank you, mayor. The next item on the
agenda is business from the public. This
is an opportunity for members of the
public to address city council on a
topic that is within the city council's
purview and jurisdiction, but is not
listed in another location on the
agenda. If you would like to speak about
a matter that is listed on the agenda,
we ask that you wait until that agenda
item is called, and we will give you an
opportunity to speak. Then if your
matter is on the omnibus consent agenda,
please let us know if you'd like us to
remove that matter from the consolidated
list so that you can speak about it.
Please be aware that business from the
public is not intended to be a forum for
open dialogue or engagement with members
of the city council. Rather, it is
intended as an opportunity to make
comments to the city council. Please do
not expect a response from anyone
tonight. If appropriate, we may direct
the city manager or other city staff to
respond to questions or issues raised at
a later date. All comments should be
directed to the city council. All
speakers will be limited to 3 minutes.
We request that the public not applaud
or make other comments after any
speaker. We ask that everyone be
respectful, civil, and non-repetitive.
>> Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there
» Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there
any members of the public who wish to be
heard on an item not on tonight's
agenda?
come to the podium, please, and state
your name for the record. And you have
three minutes to share your big news.
Great. Um, thank you, Mayor, um,
city manager Steve Alrod, and all of
the, uh, people who have helped us. My
name is David Rosenstein, and we're in
the final steps tomorrow of purchasing
Nortons from the current owners. And um
I want to introduce myself and my team,
Simon Lieboich and and Jeff Pollsome um
before we actually take the keys
tomorrow. Uh for me uh my parents moved
to Highland Park in the summer of 1967
and we grew up on Marian Avenue and um
it's been a home for us since we moved
back here some um 35 years ago. And so
we're really looking forward to um uh
being part of this community um and
giving back to this community in
partnership with this community. Um so
this just isn't a business for us but
more of a stewardship of a Highland Park
institution that's been in business for
27 years. um um we don't really consider
Norton's as mine or but rather as ours
as part of the community, part of the
employees, part of um uh our patrons as
well. So, we're really excited about um
this and we're lucky to have the
opportunity to steward this for whatever
period to make it better and improve on
it. Um Norton's has been here a long
time. Uh Richie and Jeff have built this
business into a great business. They're
legends. the last few nights they've
been the the patrons have been coming in
saying goodbye to them and it's been
really heartwarming to see and we're
able to retain all of the staff which
we're really excited about and um just
kind of keep things the way they are
while improving things behind the scene
to make us more efficient going forward.
Uh the licensing and onboarding process
with your team has been great. they've
been very collaborative and uh very
professional, open, helpful um in
answering questions and and directing
us. So, we appreciate that. We want you
to know that they've been very easy to
work with. And again, we're not coming
in here to make major changes or to
change things around. Uh we want to
watch and learn and listen and um and
Norton's belongs to Highland Park uh
more than it belongs to us. And so we
want to make sure that we steward this
institution um in a in the correct way
in an honest way and we want to be
really good partners with the city of
Pho Park. So thank you.
>> Wonderful. We wish you all the best and
» Wonderful. We wish you all the best and
good luck and thank you so much for
coming to share your big news. Hope your
closing goes smoothly. And to those who
are saying what did they say? Nortons.
They are the new owners of Norton's
restaurant. So people weren't quite sure
what you were saying. So, thank you so
much and appreciate you coming here and
we're here to support you. So, thank
you. Thank you. Any other
[clears throat] members of the public
who wish to be heard on an item not on
tonight's agenda?
Seeing none, we'll continue with our
omnibus
um agenda, which includes items 1
through 15. I know uh have a request for
a comment by Council Member Litter. But
first, I'm asking for a motion to
approve items 1 through 15.
>> So moved.
» So moved.
>> Is there a second?
» Is there a second?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Thank you. Um, and then I will share my
» Thank you. Um, and then I will share my
other piece after you make your comment
and we'll take that vote.
>> Thank you. I I just want to uh call
» Thank you. I I just want to uh call
attention to the resolution for the
execution of additional services
agreement uh for phase two of the place
of remembrance. I'm in support of this.
The presentation by SWA was wonderful. I
think we have a lot of options. There is
a slight um error and I just want to
make sure that it's understood that the
council did not actually um adopt an
updated budget. We were just in the
process of reviewing various items and
we're looking for more um specificity as
to where how we proceed with um the
second portion in phase two of that
program. and at in the near term we will
have more firm numbers and be better
able to exact
>> come up with that conclusion. So
» come up with that conclusion. So
>> I just want to make sure that we were
» I just want to make sure that we were
clear that there was no updated actual
budget
>> uh for the construction budget you're
» uh for the construction budget you're
talking about.
>> Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank
» Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank
you for that clarification. So um
instead of supported an updated budget
that's let's just say it's an estimated
budget but certainly it'll come before
you for formal consideration.
>> Absolutely. Fine.
» Absolutely. Fine.
>> Thank you. So,
» Thank you. So,
>> we're sorry. What
» we're sorry. What
>> other item quick top comment number
» other item quick top comment number
seven
>> my favorite part of the packet was
» my favorite part of the packet was
certainly reading about the audit.
>> Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I
» Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I
know how difficult it is to get through
an audit. Christie and team and and
Gita. Um so, congratulations and great
job.
>> Thank you. Thanks.
» Thank you. Thanks.
>> They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you.
» They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you.
Uh with that, we have a motion and a
second. Will the clerk call the vote,
please?
>> Council member center. Hi.
» Council member center. Hi.
>> Council member Breman.
» Council member Breman.
>> Hi.
» Hi.
>> Council member Ross. Hi. Council member
» Council member Ross. Hi. Council member
Tapia.
>> Hi.
» Hi.
>> Council member Little.
» Council member Little.
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Roing.
» Mayor Roing.
>> I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15
» I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15
have been approved. I just want to um
ask the council. Um there's been a
request by the applicant on item B um
which is consideration of a special use
permit in the nature of a preliminary
and final plan development with
modifications from city code and a plat
of re subdivision with variances from
city code related to 147 central avenue
to be continued to a meeting in August.
Um, Steve, was it August?
>> August 17th.
» August 17th.
>> August 17th. And so with that, I am
» August 17th. And so with that, I am
seeking a motion from the council to
continue that item.
>> So moved.
» So moved.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Uh, do we need to have discussion or
» Uh, do we need to have discussion or
>> No, you can um make a voice vote.
» No, you can um make a voice vote.
>> Okay. All in favor say I.
» Okay. All in favor say I.
>> I. I.
» I. I.
>> Thank you. We wanted to share that at
» Thank you. We wanted to share that at
the beginning of the meeting because
that conversation will now be had August
17th.
>> So, thank you for [clears throat] coming
» So, thank you for [clears throat] coming
out if you came out for that item. Very
good.
>> Um but feel free to stick around. We've
» Um but feel free to stick around. We've
got other interesting things on the
agenda.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Um
» FYI, it's very difficult to hear.
>> Okay. So, I will sit closer to the
» Okay. So, I will sit closer to the
microphone. How's that? Can you hear me
now?
>> I think microphones do not
» I think microphones do not
>> they do um but maybe not for all. So,
» they do um but maybe not for all. So,
we'll be we'll be louder. I appreciate
you raising that point. Uh so what we
just did was continue the item related
to 147 central to the August 17th
meeting at request of the applicant.
Great.
>> So we are not talking about 147 central
» So we are not talking about 147 central
tonight, but like I said, you're welcome
to stick around. We have other
interesting things on the agenda.
>> Thank you. Um, continuing on with um
» Thank you. Um, continuing on with um
those items, item A under other business
is a res resolution initiating the
submission of a public question to
establish term limits for elected
offices of mayor and council member. And
I just want to say this was a a
conversation that was had earlier this
evening during the committee of the
whole. um we are going to be discussing
it uh to the same extent and um I don't
know if we we don't have a presentation
we're more just talking about what we
are agreeing to put on the ballot so
that the community can take action via
referendum on the November 3rd ballot
>> right that is correct um so mayor we
» right that is correct um so mayor we
populated the resolution um with the
policy feedback that we received from
the city council the committee the whole
meeting. So those changes are reflected
in yellow.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Um and then subject to council approval.
» Um and then subject to council approval.
Um we would record the resolution with
the Lake County Clerk's Office. Uh also
in include
>> speak into the microphone.
» speak into the microphone.
>> Also include information um for the
» Also include information um for the
public just about the fact that there is
a referendum and here's what the
referendum question is. So that'll be in
the Highlander and the E-News and all of
our communication modalities.
>> And one other just procedural point um
» And one other just procedural point um
because the res resolution has uh been
amended from the version that appeared
in the agenda package based on the
comments of the committee of the whole
meeting. When you do seek a motion, um
you should seek it uh to be to approve
the resolution as amended.
>> As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for
» As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for
those who are not familiar with what's
[clears throat] being discussed this
evening, I'll just share with you that
uh the majority of the council has asked
the city council to place a resolution
on the November 3rd ballot asking a
question concerning the um establishment
of term limits for city council members
and for the mayor. Um, just want to be
clear, this is not applied
retroactively. it is only applied
proactively based on the election that
will happen in April of 2027.
Um the majority asked for we discussed
different elements and that's where
you're hearing about this repopulated
ordinance that's now been uploaded to
the city agenda specifically stating um
how many terms should be limited and
that was agreed to by the majority at
two terms plus under 25 months. So, up
to 10 years taking into account
appointments both for city council and
for the mayor. Um, I'm just going to
state as I have throughout this
conversation, I find term limits uh to
not be in support of the democratic
process. I feel strongly that uh the
voters should be establishing term
limits. Um, but by supporting the
resolution this evening, I'm indicating
my interest in hearing from our citizen
voters. So, I personally don't support
the uh the request and I obviously will
be voting in that direction, but I
certainly want to hear from our
community and get a better understanding
of where they are in terms of the
establishment of term limits. Um, I
don't know. Do we have more comments
that people need to make or should we
just take the vote? We uh
>> I have a statement I wanted to read.
» I have a statement I wanted to read.
>> You have a statement you want to read?
» You have a statement you want to read?
Okay. Go ahead and uh council member
liter read your statement. So, Highland
Park thrives when its leadership
reflects both experience and renewal.
The question before us is not about any
one individual, nor is it a judgment on
past service. It is about whether our
system consistently creates space for
new voices, new energy, and broader
participation in public life. Highland
Park voters should have the opportunity
to decide how long elected officials may
serve. The principle alone is worth
affirming. Turn limits are not a
rejection of leadership. They're a way
of strengthening it. They encourage a
healthy cycle where leaders step
forward, contribute meaningfully, and
then make room for others to do the
same. Good governance does not depend on
any one person. It depends on a
structure that invites continued
engagement and access from the
community. Over time, long tenurs can
unintentionally narrow the field.
Potential candidates, particularly
particularly younger residents or those
with different perspectives, may decide
not to step forward, assuming the
opportunity is not realistic. The cost
is too great, the name recognition of
the incumbent too high. The result is
not stability, but stagnation. Fewer
contested elections, fewer ideas tested,
and fewer residents seeing a path into
civic life. Term limits help reset that
dynamic.
They create a predictable rhythm in
which leadership evolves and
participation expands. They signal that
public office is not a permanent
position, but a period of service. For
candidates with a clear vision, eight
years, two full terms is a meaningful
window. [cough and clears throat] long
enough to learn, set direction,
implement priorities, and be held
accountable for results. I'm not
advocating to discard experience. Those
who have served can continue to
contribute in other roles. It's entirely
possible for individuals to move between
positions, bringing continuity where it
is valued in a sister government
position, on a commission, advisory
group, or board while still allowing
leadership to rotate.
The community would not lose its
institutional knowledge. It
redistributes it. This is not about
limiting people. It is about expanding
opportunity.
A system that regularly invites new
candidates fosters stronger engagement,
deeper debate, and ultimately better
outcomes. It encourages more residents
to see themselves as participants rather
than as observers. and it ensures that
Highland Park's government remains
responsive not just to the present but
to the future.
It is for these reasons that I advocate
for two full terms plus under 25 months
or the two plus two term limit. This
ensures that for both the offices of
mayor and council member two full terms
may be served and if someone fills in
through appointment or election for a
partial term they will still be eligible
to run for the two full terms. This is
also the time frame which many of our
northshore and lakefront neighbors have
adopted. The main issue is that the
voters should decide as to whether they
want to put term limits in place and it
is our obligation to put the question on
the ballot so they can decide. Thank
you.
>> Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn.
» Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn.
>> Thank you. Um I want to share some
» Thank you. Um I want to share some
reservations before I get to where I
land and I know I mentioned this in
committee of the whole but I want to
share my perspective again. Um, at the
most basic level, I keep coming back to
something we discussed in May that
elections themselves are the most direct
form of term limits and voter choice is
the foundation of how we structure
representation here. Also, to me, the
timing of this conversation was
surprising to me because our last
municipal election in 2025, which I was
a part of, I was unopposed. And so, the
practical problem in Highland Park right
now isn't too many incumbents. It's
recruiting willing and cap capable
residents to run at all. And then in the
same cycle in the special election to
fill the unexpired council term, a
firsttime candidate defeated a 12-year
incumbent, which to me is a pretty
strong real world data point that
incumbency in Highland Park does not
necessarily
uh have an edge, especially in this past
election. I do worry about the
trade-offs the sta that the staff had
mentioned from and we discussed in our
May conversation. the loss of
institutional knowledge, the value of a
deep bench, effective transition
planning, and the lame duck dynamic for
officials nearing the end of a cap term.
I'd also like to flag that several
residents have reached out asking us to
also explore a ward system to ensure
equal geographic representation. And
given that we've gone several cycles
without candidates from certain parts of
the city, a term limit structure layered
on top could make that geographic
representation conversation harder. not
easier.
That said, I also do not believe that we
strengthen democracy by narrowing the
field before voters ever get to cast a
ballot and should and we should be very
careful not to import the politics of
distrust into Highland Park by treating
institutional knowledge as a dirty word
when in reality it helps responsible
local government serve residents well.
With all that said about my with my own
concerns about whether term limits are
the right tool for Highland Park, I am
[snorts] not going to stand in the way
of residents having their voices heard
on this question directly. So with that,
I will support placing the referendum on
the November 3rd ballot, which I
understand we'll have to adopt now so
that by August 16th so that we make that
deadline. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah,
» Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah,
without uh uh questioning the intention
of my colleagues, um I would argue the
opposite that um not having turn limits
limits uh the inclusionary democracy. Um
and uh I know that none of us would want
to, you know, support that exclusion.
But in practice uh the power of
incumbency means a person has name
recognition has more money more support
making the threshold for newcomers
younger candidates people who usually
would not run because it's kind of
formidable to to put their hat in the
ring uh to to run and and offer their
voice. So I believe the term limits
gives a a good um cap on the number of
years of service uh that is long you
know eight years for city council. So if
that person wants to run for mayor, they
would have another eight years. Um and
so that seems like, you know, if they
run the full the full run, that would be
12 years um actually 16 years of of
serving the city, which seems to be
plenty to have quite an impact on on our
wonderful city, plus making room for new
blood, new ideas, new energy on an
ongoing systematic basis. I I think that
many times there's inadvertent
systematic uh barriers of entry and and
I think having term limits is one of the
ways to soften those barriers and create
a more inclusionary government. So uh
with that I believe that um we should
have them and uh we'll be supporting um
us having putting a referendum and have
the people decide.
>> Thank you council member center.
» Thank you council member center.
>> Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree
» Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree
with the sentiments that council member
Topia just shared. I think the logic
that we don't have enough viable
candidates is completely flawed. The
barriers to run for office are
significant and the lack of term limits
creates unintended consequences in this
form of exclusionary leadership. I
shared this with the committee the whole
but you know I come from a commercial
background and I've stated you know both
earlier tonight and and in the May
discussion that I believe all good
organizations have leadership change.
Uh, I've al I've served on nonfor-profit
boards that have term limits for the
very reasons that we're talking about
tonight for fresh fresh input, different
perspectives, new regime change. I think
the steep learning curve is is part of
any type of organization and requires
good planning and change management. Uh,
but should not be a barrier to allowing
for new members to to join and to bring
fresh perspectives. I I also shared
earlier that you know I started a new a
new role recently where multiple members
of the executive team left and we have a
brand new leadership team and it has
created an opportunity for tremendous
insight, fresh perspective and new value
to the organization and I think
roles such as sitting on council or the
mayor should be no different. Um, so I'm
really looking forward to having this on
the ballot and to uh allowing the
community to uh provide their opinion.
Uh, and I will certainly be supporting
this uh when it's uh during the November
election.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council Member Ross.
» Thank you, Council Member Ross.
>> Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee
» Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee
of the whole um I believe in uh term
limits and I believed in that uh prior
to uh joining council um a just as a
general concept and um I did share in in
committee of the whole that I originally
thought to have a potentially a flexible
system of three terms on council, two as
mayor and a choice of how to serve you
know which three terms on council two as
mayor, three, you know, three whether
you do uh it' be 20 years, not to exceed
20 years where whether you spent, you
know, the three terms or two terms that
that you get to choose that, but you you
that isn't legal and doable. It's um you
can't intermingle the the two offices.
And again, I I really do believe in term
limits. Um I I you know it in in
committee of the whole there and and
here there have been um dis uh comments
about uh the concept of elections as a
natural form of term limits. Um I I
think you know that that is uh
great and ideal in in theory but the
reality is that there's the power of the
incumbency there's also lack of voter
turnout. there are all sorts of forces
that um inter interfere with that and
and uh I I think that um the there's
also the reality that the highest office
in the land um the the president has
only you know two terms um is limited uh
to two terms uh and I think there is uh
based on what I'm reading um uh or my
own person research online that there's
a growing uh growing support for term
limits
um in in the country. Uh and I I um I I
certainly understand that sentiment
because it as I've said multiple times
tonight um I' I've thought about the
issue of term limits um many times. So,
uh the uh that is why I um am supporting
the where where we've landed um
particularly and I'm going to reiterate
this in light of the the the notion that
council leads um uh this effort and
determination of uh what what the term
limits would be. I I think I as I said
in close uh not close committee of the
whole and I say it now that I I think
it's very important that we as a council
uh uh lead this effort and so I support
the uh two-term and two-term uh tenure
for uh uh city council and tenure for
for mayor with the two extra in any
event. Sorry, I'm I'm I'm rambling here.
>> Maximum of 10 years.
» Maximum of 10 years.
>> Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in
» Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in
either office. Um uh and I I I stand by
that.
>> Thank you. I think it's important to
» Thank you. I think it's important to
note that according to the National
League of Cities, only 9% of US
municipalities have term limits. Um and
I'll reiterate, I think the term limit
is at the ballot box, but all that
notwithstanding I believe in our voters.
And so with that, I'm seeking a motion
to approve item A.
>> So moved as amended.
» So moved as amended.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Second.
» Second.
Um will the code call the vote?
>> Council member center
» Council member center
>> I.
» I.
>> Council member Buckman
» Council member Buckman
>> I.
» I.
>> Council member Ross
» Council member Ross
>> I.
» I.
>> Council member Tapia
» Council member Tapia
>> I.
» I.
>> Council member Little
» Council member Little
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Roing
» Mayor Roing
>> I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as
» I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as
amended. Um has passed. Um item C is a
resolution approving a plat of
subdivision at zero meadow lane. I'm
going to assume that everybody has done
their homework and read the packet. Is
there any further discussion needed or
just a vote taken on item C?
>> Just a vote.
» Just a vote.
>> Is there a motion to approve item C?
» Is there a motion to approve item C?
>> Some move.
» Some move.
>> Is there a second?
» Is there a second?
>> A second.
» A second.
>> Will the clerk please call the vote?
» Will the clerk please call the vote?
>> Council member center.
» Council member center.
>> Hi.
» Hi.
>> Council member Buckman.
» Council member Buckman.
>> I.
» I.
>> Council member Ross.
» Council member Ross.
>> I.
» I.
>> Council member Tapia.
» Council member Tapia.
>> Hi.
» Hi.
>> Council member Little
» Council member Little
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Roing.
» Mayor Roing.
>> I. But there's a member of the audience
» I. But there's a member of the audience
who wished to comment. So corporation
council, what do we do?
allow the comment.
>> Okay. Please come forward and state your
» Okay. Please come forward and state your
name for the record. My apologies, Jack.
I didn't realize that's what you were
here for.
>> Didn't say hello.
» Hello, Mayor and members of the council.
My name is Jack Strom. I live at 1681
Thornwood Lane in Highland Park. Uh I am
one of the properties that is opposite
the metal lane development. My comment
tonight is in regards to which direction
the curb cuts and uh exit from the uh
two lots will be. I would uh hope that
uh you folks consider that having the uh
um cars exit onto the interior meadow
lane road instead of the Thornwood Lane
Road. Um right now there is the existent
meadow lane that runs on the border of
the two lots. Uh the reason I'm
requesting that is because uh we have a
number of uh homeowners that have
children uh young children and they uh
grandchildren visit and it is a um
culdeac.
So, increasing the traffic uh on
Thornwood Lane uh could present a
traffic hazard uh to families and the
children that play on that street. Uh
there is an existing interior road as I
mentioned, the metal lane and it does
border uh the uh two lots as well as the
existing uh uh mansion that is on that
property. And I hope consideration would
be made that uh the uh uh approval of uh
that development would be such that the
uh curb cuts and the and the uh road of
exit out out of that development would
be on the existing interior road instead
of having the properties uh exit on
Thornwood Lane. Thank you for your
consideration. Um I don't know how it
works with you already approving it,
>> right?
» right?
>> But uh if that is possible
» But uh if that is possible
uh I would uh appreciate that that would
uh uh that consideration would be taken
up.
>> Appreciate you coming tonight and
» Appreciate you coming tonight and
sharing that insight from the nuance of
the neighborhood. Um, community
development director, are you able to
address that point now or speak with Mr.
Stum afterwards in terms of trying to
accommodate his request?
>> Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get
» Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get
Mr. Strong's contact information and
then certainly um, Director Fontaine can
talk to him oneonone and then we'll
certainly follow.
>> Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for
» Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for
coming this evening. Thank you. Thank
you.
>> Thank you. Um and so with that we do
» Thank you. Um and so with that we do
have a vote of six to zero to approve
item C and um staff will certainly
follow up with you Mr. Strong. Thank
you. Thank you.
>> Um and with that I believe I am seeking
» Um and with that I believe I am seeking
a motion to adjurnn.
>> So moved.
» So moved.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> All in favor say I.
» All in favor say I.
>> I.
» I.
>> Thank you.