1 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:53,120 Good evening. I'd like to call to order 2 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:54,959 the city council meeting for the city of 3 00:08:54,959 --> 00:08:57,600 Highland Park, Illinois, June 29th, 4 00:08:57,600 --> 00:08:59,600 2026. Will the clerk please call the 5 00:08:59,600 --> 00:09:00,000 role? 6 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:00,949 >> Council member Center, 7 00:09:00,949 --> 00:09:00,959 » Council member Center, 8 00:09:00,959 --> 00:09:01,430 >> present. 9 00:09:01,430 --> 00:09:01,440 » present. 10 00:09:01,440 --> 00:09:02,470 >> Council member Buckman 11 00:09:02,470 --> 00:09:02,480 » Council member Buckman 12 00:09:02,480 --> 00:09:02,790 >> here. 13 00:09:02,790 --> 00:09:02,800 » here. 14 00:09:02,800 --> 00:09:03,829 >> Council member Ross 15 00:09:03,829 --> 00:09:03,839 » Council member Ross 16 00:09:03,839 --> 00:09:04,150 >> here. 17 00:09:04,150 --> 00:09:04,160 » here. 18 00:09:04,160 --> 00:09:05,110 >> Council member Tapia, 19 00:09:05,110 --> 00:09:05,120 » Council member Tapia, 20 00:09:05,120 --> 00:09:05,430 >> present. 21 00:09:05,430 --> 00:09:05,440 » present. 22 00:09:05,440 --> 00:09:06,550 >> Council member Little 23 00:09:06,550 --> 00:09:06,560 » Council member Little 24 00:09:06,560 --> 00:09:06,949 >> here. 25 00:09:06,949 --> 00:09:06,959 » here. 26 00:09:06,959 --> 00:09:09,110 >> Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing 27 00:09:09,110 --> 00:09:09,120 » Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing 28 00:09:09,120 --> 00:09:10,550 >> here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please 29 00:09:10,550 --> 00:09:10,560 » here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please 30 00:09:10,560 --> 00:09:13,519 rise for the pledge of allegiance. 31 00:09:13,519 --> 00:09:16,150 >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 32 00:09:16,150 --> 00:09:16,160 » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 33 00:09:16,160 --> 00:09:18,800 United States of America and to the 34 00:09:18,800 --> 00:09:22,160 republic for which it stands, one nation 35 00:09:22,160 --> 00:09:25,360 under God, indivisible, with liberty and 36 00:09:25,360 --> 00:09:30,150 justice for all. 37 00:09:30,160 --> 00:09:31,839 We have a motion to approve the minutes 38 00:09:31,839 --> 00:09:33,279 of the regular rescheduled meeting of 39 00:09:33,279 --> 00:09:36,720 the city council held May 27th, 2026 and 40 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:38,320 the minutes of the closed session of the 41 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:39,920 regular rescheduled meeting of the city 42 00:09:39,920 --> 00:09:42,560 council held on May 27th, 2026. So 43 00:09:42,560 --> 00:09:43,360 moved. 44 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:43,910 >> Second. 45 00:09:43,910 --> 00:09:43,920 » Second. 46 00:09:43,920 --> 00:09:45,590 >> All in favor say I. 47 00:09:45,590 --> 00:09:45,600 » All in favor say I. 48 00:09:45,600 --> 00:09:47,030 >> I. Thank you. Those minutes are 49 00:09:47,030 --> 00:09:47,040 » I. Thank you. Those minutes are 50 00:09:47,040 --> 00:09:48,480 approved. May I have a motion to approve 51 00:09:48,480 --> 00:09:49,200 the warrant list? 52 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:50,470 >> So moved. 53 00:09:50,470 --> 00:09:50,480 » So moved. 54 00:09:50,480 --> 00:09:52,550 >> Any seconds for the warrant list? 55 00:09:52,550 --> 00:09:52,560 » Any seconds for the warrant list? 56 00:09:52,560 --> 00:09:53,509 >> Second. 57 00:09:53,509 --> 00:09:53,519 » Second. 58 00:09:53,519 --> 00:09:55,030 >> Will the clerk please call the vote? 59 00:09:55,030 --> 00:09:55,040 » Will the clerk please call the vote? 60 00:09:55,040 --> 00:09:56,070 >> Council member center. 61 00:09:56,070 --> 00:09:56,080 » Council member center. 62 00:09:56,080 --> 00:09:57,829 >> I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council 63 00:09:57,829 --> 00:09:57,839 » I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council 64 00:09:57,839 --> 00:09:58,399 member Ross. 65 00:09:58,399 --> 00:09:58,710 >> Hi. 66 00:09:58,710 --> 00:09:58,720 » Hi. 67 00:09:58,720 --> 00:09:59,590 >> Council member Tapia. 68 00:09:59,590 --> 00:09:59,600 » Council member Tapia. 69 00:09:59,600 --> 00:09:59,910 >> Hi. 70 00:09:59,910 --> 00:09:59,920 » Hi. 71 00:09:59,920 --> 00:10:01,030 >> Council member Little. 72 00:10:01,030 --> 00:10:01,040 » Council member Little. 73 00:10:01,040 --> 00:10:01,350 >> I. 74 00:10:01,350 --> 00:10:01,360 » I. 75 00:10:01,360 --> 00:10:02,150 >> Mayor Roing. 76 00:10:02,150 --> 00:10:02,160 » Mayor Roing. 77 00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:04,230 >> I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list 78 00:10:04,230 --> 00:10:04,240 » I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list 79 00:10:04,240 --> 00:10:06,800 is approved. Uh we will continue now to 80 00:10:06,800 --> 00:10:08,480 the report of the mayor. 81 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:10,310 >> I have no appointments this evening. I 82 00:10:10,310 --> 00:10:10,320 » I have no appointments this evening. I 83 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:12,399 have no proclamations this evening. 84 00:10:12,399 --> 00:10:14,550 >> I do want to share that earlier this 85 00:10:14,550 --> 00:10:14,560 » I do want to share that earlier this 86 00:10:14,560 --> 00:10:16,560 evening at the start of the committee of 87 00:10:16,560 --> 00:10:18,880 the whole meeting. We dedicated the 88 00:10:18,880 --> 00:10:21,839 beautiful mosaic that is out there 89 00:10:21,839 --> 00:10:24,240 behind where you all came in, displayed 90 00:10:24,240 --> 00:10:25,920 at the top of the stairs just outside 91 00:10:25,920 --> 00:10:28,720 these chambers. Designed by artist Eddie 92 00:10:28,720 --> 00:10:31,120 Hassik from the Chicago Mosaic School 93 00:10:31,120 --> 00:10:33,680 and created in part by community members 94 00:10:33,680 --> 00:10:35,839 at last year's remembrance, the piece 95 00:10:35,839 --> 00:10:38,399 honors the memory of those whose lives 96 00:10:38,399 --> 00:10:41,120 were taken and is a beautiful tribute to 97 00:10:41,120 --> 00:10:42,720 everyone who was impacted by the 98 00:10:42,720 --> 00:10:44,640 Highland Park shooting, especially those 99 00:10:44,640 --> 00:10:47,360 who were injured. It's also a testament 100 00:10:47,360 --> 00:10:49,120 to the resilience of our community. And 101 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:51,519 so before we continue with our business 102 00:10:51,519 --> 00:10:52,959 this evening, I'm going to share my 103 00:10:52,959 --> 00:10:55,200 remarks from the dedication and I urge 104 00:10:55,200 --> 00:10:57,120 each one of you to take a close look at 105 00:10:57,120 --> 00:10:59,920 it on your way out this evening. My 106 00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:01,839 remarks are as follows. Thank you for 107 00:11:01,839 --> 00:11:03,680 joining us tonight as we dedicate this 108 00:11:03,680 --> 00:11:05,519 beautiful new work of art with such deep 109 00:11:05,519 --> 00:11:07,839 meaning and connection to our community. 110 00:11:07,839 --> 00:11:10,240 This mosaic was created with love and 111 00:11:10,240 --> 00:11:12,880 care, grief and remembrance by many 112 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:14,880 hands working together to make something 113 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:17,920 beautiful. At the conclusion of the 2025 114 00:11:17,920 --> 00:11:20,000 remembrance, attendees were invited to 115 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:22,720 join us in creating this mosaic. Artist 116 00:11:22,720 --> 00:11:24,959 and educator Eddie Hassik conceptualized 117 00:11:24,959 --> 00:11:26,399 the piece and together with students 118 00:11:26,399 --> 00:11:28,560 from the Chicago Mosaic School, she 119 00:11:28,560 --> 00:11:30,720 patiently taught us about the beauty of 120 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:33,360 mosaic art. How individual pieces of 121 00:11:33,360 --> 00:11:35,600 glass of all different shapes and sizes 122 00:11:35,600 --> 00:11:38,240 blend into one unified image that 123 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:40,640 reflects each component's uniqueness. 124 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:42,160 What a perfect metaphor for our 125 00:11:42,160 --> 00:11:43,839 community and the way we continue to 126 00:11:43,839 --> 00:11:46,160 support each other. When our team first 127 00:11:46,160 --> 00:11:48,240 met with Eddie, we shared stories that 128 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:50,959 defined that time. the resilience and 129 00:11:50,959 --> 00:11:53,200 courage of those who were injured, the 130 00:11:53,200 --> 00:11:54,959 life-saving actions of those who 131 00:11:54,959 --> 00:11:57,680 responded to the tragedy, our pride in 132 00:11:57,680 --> 00:11:59,279 the way our communities showed up for 133 00:11:59,279 --> 00:12:01,920 each other, and most importantly, the 134 00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:03,920 memories of those whose lives were 135 00:12:03,920 --> 00:12:06,560 taken, carefully entrusted to us by 136 00:12:06,560 --> 00:12:09,279 their family members. I ask that we 137 00:12:09,279 --> 00:12:11,279 pause right now and remember them with a 138 00:12:11,279 --> 00:12:13,839 moment of silence. Katie Goldstein, 139 00:12:13,839 --> 00:12:16,880 Arena McCarthy, Kevin Michael McCarthy, 140 00:12:16,880 --> 00:12:19,839 Steven Strauss, Jackie Loie Sunheim, 141 00:12:19,839 --> 00:12:35,269 Nicholas Toedo, and Eduardo Yuvaldo. 142 00:12:35,279 --> 00:12:37,279 Thank you. [clears throat] Eddie's 143 00:12:37,279 --> 00:12:39,839 design, Tree of Life, is a moving 144 00:12:39,839 --> 00:12:42,160 illustration of all that we shared. I'd 145 00:12:42,160 --> 00:12:43,760 like to highlight two aspects in 146 00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:45,360 particular tonight, although again I 147 00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:47,040 encourage everyone to take a moment to 148 00:12:47,040 --> 00:12:49,200 explore the layers of meaning within the 149 00:12:49,200 --> 00:12:51,839 piece. First, the title tree of life. 150 00:12:51,839 --> 00:12:54,320 The central form around which all other 151 00:12:54,320 --> 00:12:56,560 elements are aligned. In the Jewish 152 00:12:56,560 --> 00:12:58,079 tradition, the tree of life is an 153 00:12:58,079 --> 00:13:00,639 enduring symbol of faith and wisdom. 154 00:13:00,639 --> 00:13:03,360 Each of the large heartshaped leaves was 155 00:13:03,360 --> 00:13:05,120 created by a member of our community at 156 00:13:05,120 --> 00:13:07,360 the remembrance and placed into the 157 00:13:07,360 --> 00:13:09,279 final mosaic by one of the talented 158 00:13:09,279 --> 00:13:11,519 artists in Eddie's studio. 159 00:13:11,519 --> 00:13:14,000 Second, the monarch butterfly is a 160 00:13:14,000 --> 00:13:16,079 beloved symbol of sacred connection with 161 00:13:16,079 --> 00:13:18,320 those who have passed on in Mexican 162 00:13:18,320 --> 00:13:20,880 tradition. Other touches from the 163 00:13:20,880 --> 00:13:22,720 vibrant blue of Lake Michigan to the 164 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:24,480 shaded border that recalls native 165 00:13:24,480 --> 00:13:26,720 limestone make this piece truly 166 00:13:26,720 --> 00:13:28,720 meaningful to our community and we're so 167 00:13:28,720 --> 00:13:30,480 honored to display this piece in city 168 00:13:30,480 --> 00:13:32,959 hall. I'd like to recognize the staff 169 00:13:32,959 --> 00:13:34,720 team who supported this project, 170 00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:37,360 including our city manager Gita Newkerk, 171 00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:39,440 assistant city manager Emily Tub, 172 00:13:39,440 --> 00:13:41,920 communications manager Amanda Bennett, 173 00:13:41,920 --> 00:13:44,399 resiliency specialist Jasmine Alejandro, 174 00:13:44,399 --> 00:13:47,360 LSW, and past resiliency manager Maddie 175 00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:50,480 Katy, LCSW, for their thoughtfulness and 176 00:13:50,480 --> 00:13:52,800 their care. Thank you to each of you. 177 00:13:52,800 --> 00:13:55,040 Just as the roots, leaves, grass, 178 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:57,199 monarchs, and sky are all connected to 179 00:13:57,199 --> 00:14:00,079 each other, so are we all part of one 180 00:14:00,079 --> 00:14:02,480 shared story. On behalf of the city of 181 00:14:02,480 --> 00:14:04,320 Highland Park, it is an honor for the 182 00:14:04,320 --> 00:14:06,800 council to dedicate this mosaic to the 183 00:14:06,800 --> 00:14:08,399 memories of those whose lives were 184 00:14:08,399 --> 00:14:10,480 taken, the courage of all who were 185 00:14:10,480 --> 00:14:12,959 injured, and the resilience of our 186 00:14:12,959 --> 00:14:14,959 community. 187 00:14:14,959 --> 00:14:17,760 Every family whose lives were changed by 188 00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:19,920 that one minute of gun violence is in 189 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:22,399 our hearts this week. While there will 190 00:14:22,399 --> 00:14:24,399 not be a formal remembrance this year 191 00:14:24,399 --> 00:14:26,560 based on feedback from victim's families 192 00:14:26,560 --> 00:14:29,120 and victim services experts, if you'd 193 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:30,720 like to pause and reflection on 194 00:14:30,720 --> 00:14:32,959 Saturday, we invite you to visit the 195 00:14:32,959 --> 00:14:34,720 temporary memorial where the city will 196 00:14:34,720 --> 00:14:36,480 have flowers available to be placed 197 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:39,040 nearby. We also encourage everyone to 198 00:14:39,040 --> 00:14:40,800 reach out if you or your family would 199 00:14:40,800 --> 00:14:42,880 benefit from the support of the city's 200 00:14:42,880 --> 00:14:45,199 resiliency division. Resiliency 201 00:14:45,199 --> 00:14:48,079 specialist Jasmine Alejandro can provide 202 00:14:48,079 --> 00:14:50,000 short-term counseling and also connect 203 00:14:50,000 --> 00:14:52,639 you with other resources or providers 204 00:14:52,639 --> 00:14:54,639 who might be helpful. Please connect 205 00:14:54,639 --> 00:14:57,839 with Jasmine by emailing resiliency at 206 00:14:57,839 --> 00:15:00,635 cityhpil.com. 207 00:15:00,635 --> 00:15:01,199 [clears throat] 208 00:15:01,199 --> 00:15:03,440 A little more than a week ago, the city 209 00:15:03,440 --> 00:15:05,040 hosted the Taste of Highland Park. I 210 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:07,120 hope you all went. our signature food 211 00:15:07,120 --> 00:15:09,199 and music festival with a really special 212 00:15:09,199 --> 00:15:11,360 performance celebrating Junth which 213 00:15:11,360 --> 00:15:12,959 coincided with the first day of the 214 00:15:12,959 --> 00:15:15,040 taste of Highland Park. Our newest 215 00:15:15,040 --> 00:15:17,279 federal holiday, Junth, is a celebration 216 00:15:17,279 --> 00:15:18,880 of black resilience, excellence, and 217 00:15:18,880 --> 00:15:21,199 culture that marks the end of slavery in 218 00:15:21,199 --> 00:15:23,040 our country two years after the 219 00:15:23,040 --> 00:15:25,519 Emancipation Proclamation. It was so 220 00:15:25,519 --> 00:15:27,199 important for our community, which holds 221 00:15:27,199 --> 00:15:28,959 our values of diversity and inclusion 222 00:15:28,959 --> 00:15:30,959 dearly, to celebrate this important 223 00:15:30,959 --> 00:15:33,199 holiday at Highland Park's biggest night 224 00:15:33,199 --> 00:15:35,839 out. Our Junth celebration at the taste 225 00:15:35,839 --> 00:15:37,519 was entwined with the city's broader 226 00:15:37,519 --> 00:15:40,079 America 250 events because as we know 227 00:15:40,079 --> 00:15:42,880 black history is American history. We'd 228 00:15:42,880 --> 00:15:44,399 like to give special recognition to 229 00:15:44,399 --> 00:15:46,000 Highland Park High School alumnist 230 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:48,639 Reverend Corey Ratliff whose all dance 231 00:15:48,639 --> 00:15:51,759 company teamed up with MC4 a talented 232 00:15:51,759 --> 00:15:54,000 vocal quartet and to Keys for an 233 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:55,519 incredible performance at the Taste of 234 00:15:55,519 --> 00:15:57,600 Highland Park. It was amazing and it was 235 00:15:57,600 --> 00:15:59,360 so exhilarating to experience these 236 00:15:59,360 --> 00:16:01,600 artists amazing talent as they blended 237 00:16:01,600 --> 00:16:04,000 dance with spirituals, gospel music and 238 00:16:04,000 --> 00:16:06,160 contemporary beats. So I hope everybody 239 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:08,639 had a great junth. 240 00:16:08,639 --> 00:16:10,800 Um I want to also announce that for the 241 00:16:10,800 --> 00:16:13,199 32nd consecutive year the government 242 00:16:13,199 --> 00:16:16,320 finance officers association GFOA has 243 00:16:16,320 --> 00:16:17,839 recognized the city of Highland Park 244 00:16:17,839 --> 00:16:18,880 with the distinguished budget 245 00:16:18,880 --> 00:16:21,120 presentation award. This award reflects 246 00:16:21,120 --> 00:16:22,800 the city's commitment to maintaining the 247 00:16:22,800 --> 00:16:24,320 highest standards of governmental 248 00:16:24,320 --> 00:16:26,880 budgeting. The GFOA holistically 249 00:16:26,880 --> 00:16:28,959 assesses an entity's annual budget 250 00:16:28,959 --> 00:16:30,880 document, evaluating how well it serves 251 00:16:30,880 --> 00:16:33,199 the community as a policy document, a 252 00:16:33,199 --> 00:16:35,680 financial plan, an operations guide, and 253 00:16:35,680 --> 00:16:38,886 a communications device. GFOA recognizes 254 00:16:38,886 --> 00:16:40,320 [clears throat] the city's commitment to 255 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:42,079 providing its residents with clear and 256 00:16:42,079 --> 00:16:43,600 transparent policy planning and 257 00:16:43,600 --> 00:16:45,839 budgeting through this comprehensive 258 00:16:45,839 --> 00:16:48,320 and, I'm serious, engaging document. It 259 00:16:48,320 --> 00:16:51,360 is a great read. Don't pause. Go to 260 00:16:51,360 --> 00:16:53,440 hpil.com. 261 00:16:53,440 --> 00:16:55,360 Look up the budget. you will have a 262 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:57,519 great read. We're also especially 263 00:16:57,519 --> 00:16:59,040 delighted to share that the city's 264 00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:01,360 budget earns special recognition for 265 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:04,000 strategic goals and strategies and 266 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:05,760 budget process which are both new this 267 00:17:05,760 --> 00:17:07,839 year. This distinction is only awarded 268 00:17:07,839 --> 00:17:09,600 when all three reviewers provide the 269 00:17:09,600 --> 00:17:12,240 highest possible score in a category. In 270 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,160 particular, I'd like to recognize city 271 00:17:14,160 --> 00:17:16,559 manager Gita Newkerk, finance director 272 00:17:16,559 --> 00:17:18,880 Christy Macallu, the finance department 273 00:17:18,880 --> 00:17:20,319 staff, and all of the department 274 00:17:20,319 --> 00:17:21,679 directors for this outstanding 275 00:17:21,679 --> 00:17:25,919 achievement. again. Cityhpil.com/budget. 276 00:17:25,919 --> 00:17:29,200 You'll thank me. Um, next up is business 277 00:17:29,200 --> 00:17:30,720 from the council. Is there any business 278 00:17:30,720 --> 00:17:33,440 from the council? Nope. Okay. City 279 00:17:33,440 --> 00:17:35,039 Manager Newkerk, will you please provide 280 00:17:35,039 --> 00:17:38,160 the staff report? 281 00:17:38,160 --> 00:17:40,230 >> Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee 282 00:17:40,230 --> 00:17:40,240 » Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee 283 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:42,160 the whole meeting earlier this evening, 284 00:17:42,160 --> 00:17:43,919 there were two reports on the agenda. 285 00:17:43,919 --> 00:17:46,240 One related to term limits. And so on 286 00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:49,280 the agenda is a resolution based on the 287 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:51,520 policy discussion. So that item is on 288 00:17:51,520 --> 00:17:53,200 the agenda for discussion and 289 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:55,520 consideration this evening. Um and then 290 00:17:55,520 --> 00:17:57,919 the second item pertained to our license 291 00:17:57,919 --> 00:18:00,000 plate recognition system. So just 292 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:01,919 special thanks to Chief Jogman, Deputy 293 00:18:01,919 --> 00:18:03,919 Chief Olsen, and Commander Curran for 294 00:18:03,919 --> 00:18:05,840 that presentation. We have a detailed 295 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:07,600 staff report at the committee, the whole 296 00:18:07,600 --> 00:18:10,400 agenda um providing information about 297 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:13,280 the license plate reader program. And 298 00:18:13,280 --> 00:18:15,120 then on our website is a wealth of 299 00:18:15,120 --> 00:18:17,600 information including the city's policy 300 00:18:17,600 --> 00:18:20,160 protocols um some privacy considerations 301 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:23,120 as well as um the important technology 302 00:18:23,120 --> 00:18:24,960 and how it's used for public safety 303 00:18:24,960 --> 00:18:27,919 purposes. Um on the omnibus agenda there 304 00:18:27,919 --> 00:18:30,160 are 15 items for consideration. All are 305 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:32,400 recommended for approval. I just want to 306 00:18:32,400 --> 00:18:35,600 highlight two of them. Um mayor I love 307 00:18:35,600 --> 00:18:37,679 your enthusiasm with the budget. Um we 308 00:18:37,679 --> 00:18:39,600 also share that enthusiasm for our 309 00:18:39,600 --> 00:18:41,600 annual comprehensive financial report 310 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:43,520 which is the audit. So the budget tells 311 00:18:43,520 --> 00:18:45,600 the great story in terms of what our 312 00:18:45,600 --> 00:18:48,080 priorities, vision, plans are for the 313 00:18:48,080 --> 00:18:50,000 upcoming year. The audit tells us how 314 00:18:50,000 --> 00:18:51,360 did we actually do, right? 315 00:18:51,360 --> 00:18:53,909 >> Um and so the audit is included in the 316 00:18:53,909 --> 00:18:53,919 » Um and so the audit is included in the 317 00:18:53,919 --> 00:18:56,320 packet for fiscal year 25. The audit was 318 00:18:56,320 --> 00:18:58,880 prepared by Baker Tilly and uh with us 319 00:18:58,880 --> 00:19:01,039 this evening is Cindy Park, our senior 320 00:19:01,039 --> 00:19:02,960 audit supervisor with Baker Tilly in 321 00:19:02,960 --> 00:19:04,880 case there are any questions. And then 322 00:19:04,880 --> 00:19:07,280 special thanks also to our finance staff 323 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:09,360 um director Christine McCau, who you 324 00:19:09,360 --> 00:19:11,760 recognized earlier as well. The audit 325 00:19:11,760 --> 00:19:13,520 reflects the city's priorities and 326 00:19:13,520 --> 00:19:15,760 commitment um which includes one of our 327 00:19:15,760 --> 00:19:17,760 top priorities is fiscal stability. And 328 00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:18,559 we did [clears throat] receive an 329 00:19:18,559 --> 00:19:20,559 unmodified opinion which means that the 330 00:19:20,559 --> 00:19:22,320 auditors opine that the financial 331 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:24,400 statements are consistent with generally 332 00:19:24,400 --> 00:19:26,640 accepted accounting principles. Um which 333 00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:28,400 is the most favorable audit opinion that 334 00:19:28,400 --> 00:19:31,039 a municipality can receive. And then the 335 00:19:31,039 --> 00:19:32,400 next item just want to highlight is 336 00:19:32,400 --> 00:19:34,000 number 11 which is a settlement 337 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:36,000 agreement and covenant not to sue 338 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:39,280 relating to 1850 Green Bay Road. Um, 339 00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:41,360 part of this settlement includes the 340 00:19:41,360 --> 00:19:43,679 construction of a 12- foot wall sound 341 00:19:43,679 --> 00:19:46,000 barrier wall on the north side of the 342 00:19:46,000 --> 00:19:48,160 Albian property, which is at that 343 00:19:48,160 --> 00:19:50,559 subject address. Um, want to really 344 00:19:50,559 --> 00:19:52,960 thank Andrew Ule with Albon as well as 345 00:19:52,960 --> 00:19:56,240 their team um, for working with us very 346 00:19:56,240 --> 00:19:58,320 closely for several years as you know 347 00:19:58,320 --> 00:20:00,000 because we did hear from Peter and Jody 348 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:01,919 Mini on a number of occasions at city 349 00:20:01,919 --> 00:20:04,799 council meetings. Um, so thanks to the 350 00:20:04,799 --> 00:20:06,960 Albian team um, for their work on the 351 00:20:06,960 --> 00:20:09,120 settlement agreement. Um the agreement 352 00:20:09,120 --> 00:20:12,240 has been shared with the Morinis and um 353 00:20:12,240 --> 00:20:14,240 and we believe that it is fair and 354 00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:16,000 represents um you know the best 355 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:18,400 interests of everyone involved. Um so as 356 00:20:18,400 --> 00:20:20,559 noted in the staff report there are code 357 00:20:20,559 --> 00:20:22,400 variations that are going to be required 358 00:20:22,400 --> 00:20:24,880 as part of the construction. Um so we're 359 00:20:24,880 --> 00:20:26,240 recommending approval of the settlement 360 00:20:26,240 --> 00:20:28,320 agreement this evening and then at the 361 00:20:28,320 --> 00:20:29,840 next city council meeting would be the 362 00:20:29,840 --> 00:20:31,039 public hearing and the zoning 363 00:20:31,039 --> 00:20:32,080 considerations. 364 00:20:32,080 --> 00:20:33,029 >> Great. 365 00:20:33,029 --> 00:20:33,039 » Great. 366 00:20:33,039 --> 00:20:33,909 >> That's it for our report. 367 00:20:33,909 --> 00:20:33,919 » That's it for our report. 368 00:20:33,919 --> 00:20:35,510 >> Thank you. City manager Newkerk 369 00:20:35,510 --> 00:20:35,520 » Thank you. City manager Newkerk 370 00:20:35,520 --> 00:20:37,280 assistant to the city manager Palitzka. 371 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:38,799 if you could please introduce the next 372 00:20:38,799 --> 00:20:40,640 item on our agenda, which is business 373 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:41,600 from the public. 374 00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:43,510 >> Thank you, mayor. The next item on the 375 00:20:43,510 --> 00:20:43,520 » Thank you, mayor. The next item on the 376 00:20:43,520 --> 00:20:45,440 agenda is business from the public. This 377 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:47,280 is an opportunity for members of the 378 00:20:47,280 --> 00:20:49,280 public to address city council on a 379 00:20:49,280 --> 00:20:51,440 topic that is within the city council's 380 00:20:51,440 --> 00:20:54,000 purview and jurisdiction, but is not 381 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:56,080 listed in another location on the 382 00:20:56,080 --> 00:20:58,000 agenda. If you would like to speak about 383 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:00,000 a matter that is listed on the agenda, 384 00:21:00,000 --> 00:21:01,840 we ask that you wait until that agenda 385 00:21:01,840 --> 00:21:04,000 item is called, and we will give you an 386 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:06,159 opportunity to speak. Then if your 387 00:21:06,159 --> 00:21:08,400 matter is on the omnibus consent agenda, 388 00:21:08,400 --> 00:21:10,080 please let us know if you'd like us to 389 00:21:10,080 --> 00:21:12,000 remove that matter from the consolidated 390 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:14,240 list so that you can speak about it. 391 00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:15,919 Please be aware that business from the 392 00:21:15,919 --> 00:21:18,080 public is not intended to be a forum for 393 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:20,159 open dialogue or engagement with members 394 00:21:20,159 --> 00:21:22,320 of the city council. Rather, it is 395 00:21:22,320 --> 00:21:23,919 intended as an opportunity to make 396 00:21:23,919 --> 00:21:26,400 comments to the city council. Please do 397 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:27,919 not expect a response from anyone 398 00:21:27,919 --> 00:21:30,320 tonight. If appropriate, we may direct 399 00:21:30,320 --> 00:21:32,720 the city manager or other city staff to 400 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:34,960 respond to questions or issues raised at 401 00:21:34,960 --> 00:21:37,360 a later date. All comments should be 402 00:21:37,360 --> 00:21:39,760 directed to the city council. All 403 00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:41,919 speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. 404 00:21:41,919 --> 00:21:43,760 We request that the public not applaud 405 00:21:43,760 --> 00:21:45,520 or make other comments after any 406 00:21:45,520 --> 00:21:47,440 speaker. We ask that everyone be 407 00:21:47,440 --> 00:21:49,600 respectful, civil, and non-repetitive. 408 00:21:49,600 --> 00:21:51,830 >> Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there 409 00:21:51,830 --> 00:21:51,840 » Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there 410 00:21:51,840 --> 00:21:53,440 any members of the public who wish to be 411 00:21:53,440 --> 00:21:55,600 heard on an item not on tonight's 412 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:57,280 agenda? 413 00:21:57,280 --> 00:21:59,200 come to the podium, please, and state 414 00:21:59,200 --> 00:22:00,720 your name for the record. And you have 415 00:22:00,720 --> 00:22:03,440 three minutes to share your big news. 416 00:22:03,440 --> 00:22:08,960 Great. Um, thank you, Mayor, um, 417 00:22:08,960 --> 00:22:11,039 city manager Steve Alrod, and all of 418 00:22:11,039 --> 00:22:13,360 the, uh, people who have helped us. My 419 00:22:13,360 --> 00:22:16,159 name is David Rosenstein, and we're in 420 00:22:16,159 --> 00:22:19,120 the final steps tomorrow of purchasing 421 00:22:19,120 --> 00:22:22,799 Nortons from the current owners. And um 422 00:22:22,799 --> 00:22:25,360 I want to introduce myself and my team, 423 00:22:25,360 --> 00:22:28,400 Simon Lieboich and and Jeff Pollsome um 424 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:30,400 before we actually take the keys 425 00:22:30,400 --> 00:22:34,159 tomorrow. Uh for me uh my parents moved 426 00:22:34,159 --> 00:22:36,559 to Highland Park in the summer of 1967 427 00:22:36,559 --> 00:22:40,080 and we grew up on Marian Avenue and um 428 00:22:40,080 --> 00:22:41,919 it's been a home for us since we moved 429 00:22:41,919 --> 00:22:46,559 back here some um 35 years ago. And so 430 00:22:46,559 --> 00:22:49,919 we're really looking forward to um uh 431 00:22:49,919 --> 00:22:52,960 being part of this community um and 432 00:22:52,960 --> 00:22:54,799 giving back to this community in 433 00:22:54,799 --> 00:22:57,360 partnership with this community. Um so 434 00:22:57,360 --> 00:22:59,679 this just isn't a business for us but 435 00:22:59,679 --> 00:23:03,679 more of a stewardship of a Highland Park 436 00:23:03,679 --> 00:23:05,919 institution that's been in business for 437 00:23:05,919 --> 00:23:10,400 27 years. um um we don't really consider 438 00:23:10,400 --> 00:23:14,159 Norton's as mine or but rather as ours 439 00:23:14,159 --> 00:23:15,760 as part of the community, part of the 440 00:23:15,760 --> 00:23:19,120 employees, part of um uh our patrons as 441 00:23:19,120 --> 00:23:21,679 well. So, we're really excited about um 442 00:23:21,679 --> 00:23:23,919 this and we're lucky to have the 443 00:23:23,919 --> 00:23:25,919 opportunity to steward this for whatever 444 00:23:25,919 --> 00:23:28,640 period to make it better and improve on 445 00:23:28,640 --> 00:23:31,679 it. Um Norton's has been here a long 446 00:23:31,679 --> 00:23:34,400 time. Uh Richie and Jeff have built this 447 00:23:34,400 --> 00:23:36,080 business into a great business. They're 448 00:23:36,080 --> 00:23:37,760 legends. the last few nights they've 449 00:23:37,760 --> 00:23:40,240 been the the patrons have been coming in 450 00:23:40,240 --> 00:23:42,320 saying goodbye to them and it's been 451 00:23:42,320 --> 00:23:44,880 really heartwarming to see and we're 452 00:23:44,880 --> 00:23:46,960 able to retain all of the staff which 453 00:23:46,960 --> 00:23:50,000 we're really excited about and um just 454 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:51,840 kind of keep things the way they are 455 00:23:51,840 --> 00:23:54,159 while improving things behind the scene 456 00:23:54,159 --> 00:23:56,720 to make us more efficient going forward. 457 00:23:56,720 --> 00:23:59,039 Uh the licensing and onboarding process 458 00:23:59,039 --> 00:24:00,799 with your team has been great. they've 459 00:24:00,799 --> 00:24:03,360 been very collaborative and uh very 460 00:24:03,360 --> 00:24:06,480 professional, open, helpful um in 461 00:24:06,480 --> 00:24:08,880 answering questions and and directing 462 00:24:08,880 --> 00:24:11,120 us. So, we appreciate that. We want you 463 00:24:11,120 --> 00:24:12,960 to know that they've been very easy to 464 00:24:12,960 --> 00:24:15,279 work with. And again, we're not coming 465 00:24:15,279 --> 00:24:17,600 in here to make major changes or to 466 00:24:17,600 --> 00:24:20,080 change things around. Uh we want to 467 00:24:20,080 --> 00:24:25,120 watch and learn and listen and um and 468 00:24:25,120 --> 00:24:28,000 Norton's belongs to Highland Park uh 469 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:30,080 more than it belongs to us. And so we 470 00:24:30,080 --> 00:24:32,400 want to make sure that we steward this 471 00:24:32,400 --> 00:24:35,520 institution um in a in the correct way 472 00:24:35,520 --> 00:24:37,120 in an honest way and we want to be 473 00:24:37,120 --> 00:24:39,039 really good partners with the city of 474 00:24:39,039 --> 00:24:40,720 Pho Park. So thank you. 475 00:24:40,720 --> 00:24:42,950 >> Wonderful. We wish you all the best and 476 00:24:42,950 --> 00:24:42,960 » Wonderful. We wish you all the best and 477 00:24:42,960 --> 00:24:45,360 good luck and thank you so much for 478 00:24:45,360 --> 00:24:47,679 coming to share your big news. Hope your 479 00:24:47,679 --> 00:24:49,360 closing goes smoothly. And to those who 480 00:24:49,360 --> 00:24:51,600 are saying what did they say? Nortons. 481 00:24:51,600 --> 00:24:53,279 They are the new owners of Norton's 482 00:24:53,279 --> 00:24:55,279 restaurant. So people weren't quite sure 483 00:24:55,279 --> 00:24:56,720 what you were saying. So, thank you so 484 00:24:56,720 --> 00:24:58,559 much and appreciate you coming here and 485 00:24:58,559 --> 00:25:00,480 we're here to support you. So, thank 486 00:25:00,480 --> 00:25:02,587 you. Thank you. Any other 487 00:25:02,587 --> 00:25:03,440 [clears throat] members of the public 488 00:25:03,440 --> 00:25:05,360 who wish to be heard on an item not on 489 00:25:05,360 --> 00:25:07,600 tonight's agenda? 490 00:25:07,600 --> 00:25:09,360 Seeing none, we'll continue with our 491 00:25:09,360 --> 00:25:10,880 omnibus 492 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:13,200 um agenda, which includes items 1 493 00:25:13,200 --> 00:25:16,320 through 15. I know uh have a request for 494 00:25:16,320 --> 00:25:18,240 a comment by Council Member Litter. But 495 00:25:18,240 --> 00:25:20,000 first, I'm asking for a motion to 496 00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:21,840 approve items 1 through 15. 497 00:25:21,840 --> 00:25:22,789 >> So moved. 498 00:25:22,789 --> 00:25:22,799 » So moved. 499 00:25:22,799 --> 00:25:23,909 >> Is there a second? 500 00:25:23,909 --> 00:25:23,919 » Is there a second? 501 00:25:23,919 --> 00:25:24,549 >> Second. 502 00:25:24,549 --> 00:25:24,559 » Second. 503 00:25:24,559 --> 00:25:27,510 >> Thank you. Um, and then I will share my 504 00:25:27,510 --> 00:25:27,520 » Thank you. Um, and then I will share my 505 00:25:27,520 --> 00:25:29,120 other piece after you make your comment 506 00:25:29,120 --> 00:25:30,320 and we'll take that vote. 507 00:25:30,320 --> 00:25:32,710 >> Thank you. I I just want to uh call 508 00:25:32,710 --> 00:25:32,720 » Thank you. I I just want to uh call 509 00:25:32,720 --> 00:25:34,720 attention to the resolution for the 510 00:25:34,720 --> 00:25:36,400 execution of additional services 511 00:25:36,400 --> 00:25:39,120 agreement uh for phase two of the place 512 00:25:39,120 --> 00:25:41,760 of remembrance. I'm in support of this. 513 00:25:41,760 --> 00:25:45,279 The presentation by SWA was wonderful. I 514 00:25:45,279 --> 00:25:48,080 think we have a lot of options. There is 515 00:25:48,080 --> 00:25:51,279 a slight um error and I just want to 516 00:25:51,279 --> 00:25:53,760 make sure that it's understood that the 517 00:25:53,760 --> 00:25:57,679 council did not actually um adopt an 518 00:25:57,679 --> 00:26:00,159 updated budget. We were just in the 519 00:26:00,159 --> 00:26:02,799 process of reviewing various items and 520 00:26:02,799 --> 00:26:06,000 we're looking for more um specificity as 521 00:26:06,000 --> 00:26:08,880 to where how we proceed with um the 522 00:26:08,880 --> 00:26:12,080 second portion in phase two of that 523 00:26:12,080 --> 00:26:15,360 program. and at in the near term we will 524 00:26:15,360 --> 00:26:17,360 have more firm numbers and be better 525 00:26:17,360 --> 00:26:18,240 able to exact 526 00:26:18,240 --> 00:26:19,669 >> come up with that conclusion. So 527 00:26:19,669 --> 00:26:19,679 » come up with that conclusion. So 528 00:26:19,679 --> 00:26:20,870 >> I just want to make sure that we were 529 00:26:20,870 --> 00:26:20,880 » I just want to make sure that we were 530 00:26:20,880 --> 00:26:22,960 clear that there was no updated actual 531 00:26:22,960 --> 00:26:25,600 budget 532 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:27,430 >> uh for the construction budget you're 533 00:26:27,430 --> 00:26:27,440 » uh for the construction budget you're 534 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:27,760 talking about. 535 00:26:27,760 --> 00:26:30,149 >> Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank 536 00:26:30,149 --> 00:26:30,159 » Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank 537 00:26:30,159 --> 00:26:32,640 you for that clarification. So um 538 00:26:32,640 --> 00:26:34,960 instead of supported an updated budget 539 00:26:34,960 --> 00:26:36,640 that's let's just say it's an estimated 540 00:26:36,640 --> 00:26:38,240 budget but certainly it'll come before 541 00:26:38,240 --> 00:26:39,919 you for formal consideration. 542 00:26:39,919 --> 00:26:40,789 >> Absolutely. Fine. 543 00:26:40,789 --> 00:26:40,799 » Absolutely. Fine. 544 00:26:40,799 --> 00:26:42,070 >> Thank you. So, 545 00:26:42,070 --> 00:26:42,080 » Thank you. So, 546 00:26:42,080 --> 00:26:43,350 >> we're sorry. What 547 00:26:43,350 --> 00:26:43,360 » we're sorry. What 548 00:26:43,360 --> 00:26:46,149 >> other item quick top comment number 549 00:26:46,149 --> 00:26:46,159 » other item quick top comment number 550 00:26:46,159 --> 00:26:47,279 seven 551 00:26:47,279 --> 00:26:49,909 >> my favorite part of the packet was 552 00:26:49,909 --> 00:26:49,919 » my favorite part of the packet was 553 00:26:49,919 --> 00:26:51,679 certainly reading about the audit. 554 00:26:51,679 --> 00:26:53,430 >> Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I 555 00:26:53,430 --> 00:26:53,440 » Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I 556 00:26:53,440 --> 00:26:54,799 know how difficult it is to get through 557 00:26:54,799 --> 00:26:57,200 an audit. Christie and team and and 558 00:26:57,200 --> 00:26:59,760 Gita. Um so, congratulations and great 559 00:26:59,760 --> 00:27:00,159 job. 560 00:27:00,159 --> 00:27:01,029 >> Thank you. Thanks. 561 00:27:01,029 --> 00:27:01,039 » Thank you. Thanks. 562 00:27:01,039 --> 00:27:03,430 >> They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you. 563 00:27:03,430 --> 00:27:03,440 » They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you. 564 00:27:03,440 --> 00:27:04,799 Uh with that, we have a motion and a 565 00:27:04,799 --> 00:27:06,000 second. Will the clerk call the vote, 566 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:06,320 please? 567 00:27:06,320 --> 00:27:07,510 >> Council member center. Hi. 568 00:27:07,510 --> 00:27:07,520 » Council member center. Hi. 569 00:27:07,520 --> 00:27:08,470 >> Council member Breman. 570 00:27:08,470 --> 00:27:08,480 » Council member Breman. 571 00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:08,789 >> Hi. 572 00:27:08,789 --> 00:27:08,799 » Hi. 573 00:27:08,799 --> 00:27:10,470 >> Council member Ross. Hi. Council member 574 00:27:10,470 --> 00:27:10,480 » Council member Ross. Hi. Council member 575 00:27:10,480 --> 00:27:10,960 Tapia. 576 00:27:10,960 --> 00:27:11,269 >> Hi. 577 00:27:11,269 --> 00:27:11,279 » Hi. 578 00:27:11,279 --> 00:27:12,230 >> Council member Little. 579 00:27:12,230 --> 00:27:12,240 » Council member Little. 580 00:27:12,240 --> 00:27:12,549 >> I. 581 00:27:12,549 --> 00:27:12,559 » I. 582 00:27:12,559 --> 00:27:13,350 >> Mayor Roing. 583 00:27:13,350 --> 00:27:13,360 » Mayor Roing. 584 00:27:13,360 --> 00:27:15,510 >> I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15 585 00:27:15,510 --> 00:27:15,520 » I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15 586 00:27:15,520 --> 00:27:17,520 have been approved. I just want to um 587 00:27:17,520 --> 00:27:20,320 ask the council. Um there's been a 588 00:27:20,320 --> 00:27:24,960 request by the applicant on item B um 589 00:27:24,960 --> 00:27:27,120 which is consideration of a special use 590 00:27:27,120 --> 00:27:28,559 permit in the nature of a preliminary 591 00:27:28,559 --> 00:27:29,840 and final plan development with 592 00:27:29,840 --> 00:27:31,600 modifications from city code and a plat 593 00:27:31,600 --> 00:27:33,279 of re subdivision with variances from 594 00:27:33,279 --> 00:27:36,480 city code related to 147 central avenue 595 00:27:36,480 --> 00:27:40,880 to be continued to a meeting in August. 596 00:27:40,880 --> 00:27:42,960 Um, Steve, was it August? 597 00:27:42,960 --> 00:27:43,830 >> August 17th. 598 00:27:43,830 --> 00:27:43,840 » August 17th. 599 00:27:43,840 --> 00:27:46,470 >> August 17th. And so with that, I am 600 00:27:46,470 --> 00:27:46,480 » August 17th. And so with that, I am 601 00:27:46,480 --> 00:27:48,480 seeking a motion from the council to 602 00:27:48,480 --> 00:27:49,840 continue that item. 603 00:27:49,840 --> 00:27:50,630 >> So moved. 604 00:27:50,630 --> 00:27:50,640 » So moved. 605 00:27:50,640 --> 00:27:51,350 >> Second. 606 00:27:51,350 --> 00:27:51,360 » Second. 607 00:27:51,360 --> 00:27:54,149 >> Uh, do we need to have discussion or 608 00:27:54,149 --> 00:27:54,159 » Uh, do we need to have discussion or 609 00:27:54,159 --> 00:27:56,789 >> No, you can um make a voice vote. 610 00:27:56,789 --> 00:27:56,799 » No, you can um make a voice vote. 611 00:27:56,799 --> 00:27:58,470 >> Okay. All in favor say I. 612 00:27:58,470 --> 00:27:58,480 » Okay. All in favor say I. 613 00:27:58,480 --> 00:27:59,190 >> I. I. 614 00:27:59,190 --> 00:27:59,200 » I. I. 615 00:27:59,200 --> 00:28:01,110 >> Thank you. We wanted to share that at 616 00:28:01,110 --> 00:28:01,120 » Thank you. We wanted to share that at 617 00:28:01,120 --> 00:28:03,039 the beginning of the meeting because 618 00:28:03,039 --> 00:28:05,520 that conversation will now be had August 619 00:28:05,520 --> 00:28:06,399 17th. 620 00:28:06,399 --> 00:28:07,590 >> So, thank you for [clears throat] coming 621 00:28:07,590 --> 00:28:07,600 » So, thank you for [clears throat] coming 622 00:28:07,600 --> 00:28:11,279 out if you came out for that item. Very 623 00:28:11,279 --> 00:28:11,520 good. 624 00:28:11,520 --> 00:28:13,590 >> Um but feel free to stick around. We've 625 00:28:13,590 --> 00:28:13,600 » Um but feel free to stick around. We've 626 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:15,120 got other interesting things on the 627 00:28:15,120 --> 00:28:15,840 agenda. 628 00:28:15,840 --> 00:28:16,389 >> Yeah. 629 00:28:16,389 --> 00:28:16,399 » Yeah. 630 00:28:16,399 --> 00:28:21,430 >> Um 631 00:28:21,440 --> 00:28:25,919 » FYI, it's very difficult to hear. 632 00:28:25,919 --> 00:28:27,669 >> Okay. So, I will sit closer to the 633 00:28:27,669 --> 00:28:27,679 » Okay. So, I will sit closer to the 634 00:28:27,679 --> 00:28:29,360 microphone. How's that? Can you hear me 635 00:28:29,360 --> 00:28:29,840 now? 636 00:28:29,840 --> 00:28:32,149 >> I think microphones do not 637 00:28:32,149 --> 00:28:32,159 » I think microphones do not 638 00:28:32,159 --> 00:28:36,389 >> they do um but maybe not for all. So, 639 00:28:36,389 --> 00:28:36,399 » they do um but maybe not for all. So, 640 00:28:36,399 --> 00:28:38,559 we'll be we'll be louder. I appreciate 641 00:28:38,559 --> 00:28:41,039 you raising that point. Uh so what we 642 00:28:41,039 --> 00:28:43,360 just did was continue the item related 643 00:28:43,360 --> 00:28:46,720 to 147 central to the August 17th 644 00:28:46,720 --> 00:28:49,520 meeting at request of the applicant. 645 00:28:49,520 --> 00:28:49,919 Great. 646 00:28:49,919 --> 00:28:52,789 >> So we are not talking about 147 central 647 00:28:52,789 --> 00:28:52,799 » So we are not talking about 147 central 648 00:28:52,799 --> 00:28:54,480 tonight, but like I said, you're welcome 649 00:28:54,480 --> 00:28:55,520 to stick around. We have other 650 00:28:55,520 --> 00:28:58,320 interesting things on the agenda. 651 00:28:58,320 --> 00:29:01,350 >> Thank you. Um, continuing on with um 652 00:29:01,350 --> 00:29:01,360 » Thank you. Um, continuing on with um 653 00:29:01,360 --> 00:29:05,039 those items, item A under other business 654 00:29:05,039 --> 00:29:07,440 is a res resolution initiating the 655 00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:09,440 submission of a public question to 656 00:29:09,440 --> 00:29:12,080 establish term limits for elected 657 00:29:12,080 --> 00:29:15,120 offices of mayor and council member. And 658 00:29:15,120 --> 00:29:17,120 I just want to say this was a a 659 00:29:17,120 --> 00:29:19,760 conversation that was had earlier this 660 00:29:19,760 --> 00:29:21,679 evening during the committee of the 661 00:29:21,679 --> 00:29:24,559 whole. um we are going to be discussing 662 00:29:24,559 --> 00:29:29,120 it uh to the same extent and um I don't 663 00:29:29,120 --> 00:29:31,279 know if we we don't have a presentation 664 00:29:31,279 --> 00:29:34,159 we're more just talking about what we 665 00:29:34,159 --> 00:29:36,960 are agreeing to put on the ballot so 666 00:29:36,960 --> 00:29:39,520 that the community can take action via 667 00:29:39,520 --> 00:29:44,320 referendum on the November 3rd ballot 668 00:29:44,320 --> 00:29:46,710 >> right that is correct um so mayor we 669 00:29:46,710 --> 00:29:46,720 » right that is correct um so mayor we 670 00:29:46,720 --> 00:29:50,240 populated the resolution um with the 671 00:29:50,240 --> 00:29:51,760 policy feedback that we received from 672 00:29:51,760 --> 00:29:53,200 the city council the committee the whole 673 00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:54,960 meeting. So those changes are reflected 674 00:29:54,960 --> 00:29:55,919 in yellow. 675 00:29:55,919 --> 00:29:56,470 >> Okay. 676 00:29:56,470 --> 00:29:56,480 » Okay. 677 00:29:56,480 --> 00:29:59,510 >> Um and then subject to council approval. 678 00:29:59,510 --> 00:29:59,520 » Um and then subject to council approval. 679 00:29:59,520 --> 00:30:01,919 Um we would record the resolution with 680 00:30:01,919 --> 00:30:04,799 the Lake County Clerk's Office. Uh also 681 00:30:04,799 --> 00:30:05,679 in include 682 00:30:05,679 --> 00:30:08,070 >> speak into the microphone. 683 00:30:08,070 --> 00:30:08,080 » speak into the microphone. 684 00:30:08,080 --> 00:30:12,789 >> Also include information um for the 685 00:30:12,789 --> 00:30:12,799 » Also include information um for the 686 00:30:12,799 --> 00:30:14,640 public just about the fact that there is 687 00:30:14,640 --> 00:30:16,080 a referendum and here's what the 688 00:30:16,080 --> 00:30:18,960 referendum question is. So that'll be in 689 00:30:18,960 --> 00:30:20,640 the Highlander and the E-News and all of 690 00:30:20,640 --> 00:30:22,640 our communication modalities. 691 00:30:22,640 --> 00:30:26,389 >> And one other just procedural point um 692 00:30:26,389 --> 00:30:26,399 » And one other just procedural point um 693 00:30:26,399 --> 00:30:29,520 because the res resolution has uh been 694 00:30:29,520 --> 00:30:31,679 amended from the version that appeared 695 00:30:31,679 --> 00:30:34,240 in the agenda package based on the 696 00:30:34,240 --> 00:30:36,159 comments of the committee of the whole 697 00:30:36,159 --> 00:30:38,960 meeting. When you do seek a motion, um 698 00:30:38,960 --> 00:30:41,360 you should seek it uh to be to approve 699 00:30:41,360 --> 00:30:43,120 the resolution as amended. 700 00:30:43,120 --> 00:30:46,630 >> As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for 701 00:30:46,630 --> 00:30:46,640 » As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for 702 00:30:46,640 --> 00:30:49,086 those who are not familiar with what's 703 00:30:49,086 --> 00:30:50,159 [clears throat] being discussed this 704 00:30:50,159 --> 00:30:52,640 evening, I'll just share with you that 705 00:30:52,640 --> 00:30:55,279 uh the majority of the council has asked 706 00:30:55,279 --> 00:30:57,840 the city council to place a resolution 707 00:30:57,840 --> 00:31:01,760 on the November 3rd ballot asking a 708 00:31:01,760 --> 00:31:04,720 question concerning the um establishment 709 00:31:04,720 --> 00:31:07,840 of term limits for city council members 710 00:31:07,840 --> 00:31:10,640 and for the mayor. Um, just want to be 711 00:31:10,640 --> 00:31:12,799 clear, this is not applied 712 00:31:12,799 --> 00:31:15,440 retroactively. it is only applied 713 00:31:15,440 --> 00:31:18,559 proactively based on the election that 714 00:31:18,559 --> 00:31:21,840 will happen in April of 2027. 715 00:31:21,840 --> 00:31:26,000 Um the majority asked for we discussed 716 00:31:26,000 --> 00:31:27,760 different elements and that's where 717 00:31:27,760 --> 00:31:30,320 you're hearing about this repopulated 718 00:31:30,320 --> 00:31:32,480 ordinance that's now been uploaded to 719 00:31:32,480 --> 00:31:36,240 the city agenda specifically stating um 720 00:31:36,240 --> 00:31:39,120 how many terms should be limited and 721 00:31:39,120 --> 00:31:41,679 that was agreed to by the majority at 722 00:31:41,679 --> 00:31:46,720 two terms plus under 25 months. So, up 723 00:31:46,720 --> 00:31:49,279 to 10 years taking into account 724 00:31:49,279 --> 00:31:52,399 appointments both for city council and 725 00:31:52,399 --> 00:31:55,200 for the mayor. Um, I'm just going to 726 00:31:55,200 --> 00:31:57,200 state as I have throughout this 727 00:31:57,200 --> 00:32:00,080 conversation, I find term limits uh to 728 00:32:00,080 --> 00:32:02,159 not be in support of the democratic 729 00:32:02,159 --> 00:32:05,279 process. I feel strongly that uh the 730 00:32:05,279 --> 00:32:07,279 voters should be establishing term 731 00:32:07,279 --> 00:32:09,519 limits. Um, but by supporting the 732 00:32:09,519 --> 00:32:11,919 resolution this evening, I'm indicating 733 00:32:11,919 --> 00:32:14,399 my interest in hearing from our citizen 734 00:32:14,399 --> 00:32:17,440 voters. So, I personally don't support 735 00:32:17,440 --> 00:32:20,480 the uh the request and I obviously will 736 00:32:20,480 --> 00:32:22,080 be voting in that direction, but I 737 00:32:22,080 --> 00:32:23,760 certainly want to hear from our 738 00:32:23,760 --> 00:32:25,760 community and get a better understanding 739 00:32:25,760 --> 00:32:27,519 of where they are in terms of the 740 00:32:27,519 --> 00:32:30,960 establishment of term limits. Um, I 741 00:32:30,960 --> 00:32:32,159 don't know. Do we have more comments 742 00:32:32,159 --> 00:32:33,519 that people need to make or should we 743 00:32:33,519 --> 00:32:35,200 just take the vote? We uh 744 00:32:35,200 --> 00:32:36,710 >> I have a statement I wanted to read. 745 00:32:36,710 --> 00:32:36,720 » I have a statement I wanted to read. 746 00:32:36,720 --> 00:32:37,750 >> You have a statement you want to read? 747 00:32:37,750 --> 00:32:37,760 » You have a statement you want to read? 748 00:32:37,760 --> 00:32:39,360 Okay. Go ahead and uh council member 749 00:32:39,360 --> 00:32:41,600 liter read your statement. So, Highland 750 00:32:41,600 --> 00:32:43,600 Park thrives when its leadership 751 00:32:43,600 --> 00:32:46,559 reflects both experience and renewal. 752 00:32:46,559 --> 00:32:48,559 The question before us is not about any 753 00:32:48,559 --> 00:32:50,799 one individual, nor is it a judgment on 754 00:32:50,799 --> 00:32:53,600 past service. It is about whether our 755 00:32:53,600 --> 00:32:56,640 system consistently creates space for 756 00:32:56,640 --> 00:32:59,600 new voices, new energy, and broader 757 00:32:59,600 --> 00:33:02,880 participation in public life. Highland 758 00:33:02,880 --> 00:33:04,640 Park voters should have the opportunity 759 00:33:04,640 --> 00:33:07,440 to decide how long elected officials may 760 00:33:07,440 --> 00:33:10,960 serve. The principle alone is worth 761 00:33:10,960 --> 00:33:13,440 affirming. Turn limits are not a 762 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:15,679 rejection of leadership. They're a way 763 00:33:15,679 --> 00:33:18,159 of strengthening it. They encourage a 764 00:33:18,159 --> 00:33:20,159 healthy cycle where leaders step 765 00:33:20,159 --> 00:33:22,720 forward, contribute meaningfully, and 766 00:33:22,720 --> 00:33:24,640 then make room for others to do the 767 00:33:24,640 --> 00:33:27,840 same. Good governance does not depend on 768 00:33:27,840 --> 00:33:29,760 any one person. It depends on a 769 00:33:29,760 --> 00:33:31,919 structure that invites continued 770 00:33:31,919 --> 00:33:34,080 engagement and access from the 771 00:33:34,080 --> 00:33:37,279 community. Over time, long tenurs can 772 00:33:37,279 --> 00:33:40,159 unintentionally narrow the field. 773 00:33:40,159 --> 00:33:42,640 Potential candidates, particularly 774 00:33:42,640 --> 00:33:45,600 particularly younger residents or those 775 00:33:45,600 --> 00:33:47,679 with different perspectives, may decide 776 00:33:47,679 --> 00:33:50,240 not to step forward, assuming the 777 00:33:50,240 --> 00:33:52,960 opportunity is not realistic. The cost 778 00:33:52,960 --> 00:33:54,799 is too great, the name recognition of 779 00:33:54,799 --> 00:33:57,360 the incumbent too high. The result is 780 00:33:57,360 --> 00:34:00,399 not stability, but stagnation. Fewer 781 00:34:00,399 --> 00:34:03,200 contested elections, fewer ideas tested, 782 00:34:03,200 --> 00:34:05,600 and fewer residents seeing a path into 783 00:34:05,600 --> 00:34:09,280 civic life. Term limits help reset that 784 00:34:09,280 --> 00:34:10,800 dynamic. 785 00:34:10,800 --> 00:34:12,879 They create a predictable rhythm in 786 00:34:12,879 --> 00:34:14,560 which leadership evolves and 787 00:34:14,560 --> 00:34:17,760 participation expands. They signal that 788 00:34:17,760 --> 00:34:19,760 public office is not a permanent 789 00:34:19,760 --> 00:34:23,440 position, but a period of service. For 790 00:34:23,440 --> 00:34:25,679 candidates with a clear vision, eight 791 00:34:25,679 --> 00:34:28,000 years, two full terms is a meaningful 792 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:29,280 window. [cough and clears throat] long 793 00:34:29,280 --> 00:34:31,520 enough to learn, set direction, 794 00:34:31,520 --> 00:34:33,599 implement priorities, and be held 795 00:34:33,599 --> 00:34:36,000 accountable for results. I'm not 796 00:34:36,000 --> 00:34:38,720 advocating to discard experience. Those 797 00:34:38,720 --> 00:34:40,240 who have served can continue to 798 00:34:40,240 --> 00:34:42,639 contribute in other roles. It's entirely 799 00:34:42,639 --> 00:34:45,280 possible for individuals to move between 800 00:34:45,280 --> 00:34:47,440 positions, bringing continuity where it 801 00:34:47,440 --> 00:34:49,440 is valued in a sister government 802 00:34:49,440 --> 00:34:51,760 position, on a commission, advisory 803 00:34:51,760 --> 00:34:54,079 group, or board while still allowing 804 00:34:54,079 --> 00:34:56,399 leadership to rotate. 805 00:34:56,399 --> 00:34:58,160 The community would not lose its 806 00:34:58,160 --> 00:35:00,000 institutional knowledge. It 807 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:02,880 redistributes it. This is not about 808 00:35:02,880 --> 00:35:05,280 limiting people. It is about expanding 809 00:35:05,280 --> 00:35:07,920 opportunity. 810 00:35:07,920 --> 00:35:10,000 A system that regularly invites new 811 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:12,960 candidates fosters stronger engagement, 812 00:35:12,960 --> 00:35:15,440 deeper debate, and ultimately better 813 00:35:15,440 --> 00:35:18,000 outcomes. It encourages more residents 814 00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:20,960 to see themselves as participants rather 815 00:35:20,960 --> 00:35:23,520 than as observers. and it ensures that 816 00:35:23,520 --> 00:35:25,359 Highland Park's government remains 817 00:35:25,359 --> 00:35:28,160 responsive not just to the present but 818 00:35:28,160 --> 00:35:31,119 to the future. 819 00:35:31,119 --> 00:35:32,960 It is for these reasons that I advocate 820 00:35:32,960 --> 00:35:36,400 for two full terms plus under 25 months 821 00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:39,119 or the two plus two term limit. This 822 00:35:39,119 --> 00:35:42,079 ensures that for both the offices of 823 00:35:42,079 --> 00:35:45,119 mayor and council member two full terms 824 00:35:45,119 --> 00:35:47,040 may be served and if someone fills in 825 00:35:47,040 --> 00:35:48,960 through appointment or election for a 826 00:35:48,960 --> 00:35:51,359 partial term they will still be eligible 827 00:35:51,359 --> 00:35:54,880 to run for the two full terms. This is 828 00:35:54,880 --> 00:35:56,960 also the time frame which many of our 829 00:35:56,960 --> 00:35:58,800 northshore and lakefront neighbors have 830 00:35:58,800 --> 00:36:01,440 adopted. The main issue is that the 831 00:36:01,440 --> 00:36:03,359 voters should decide as to whether they 832 00:36:03,359 --> 00:36:05,760 want to put term limits in place and it 833 00:36:05,760 --> 00:36:08,320 is our obligation to put the question on 834 00:36:08,320 --> 00:36:10,880 the ballot so they can decide. Thank 835 00:36:10,880 --> 00:36:11,359 you. 836 00:36:11,359 --> 00:36:13,030 >> Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn. 837 00:36:13,030 --> 00:36:13,040 » Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn. 838 00:36:13,040 --> 00:36:15,349 >> Thank you. Um I want to share some 839 00:36:15,349 --> 00:36:15,359 » Thank you. Um I want to share some 840 00:36:15,359 --> 00:36:17,040 reservations before I get to where I 841 00:36:17,040 --> 00:36:18,800 land and I know I mentioned this in 842 00:36:18,800 --> 00:36:20,079 committee of the whole but I want to 843 00:36:20,079 --> 00:36:22,720 share my perspective again. Um, at the 844 00:36:22,720 --> 00:36:24,880 most basic level, I keep coming back to 845 00:36:24,880 --> 00:36:26,480 something we discussed in May that 846 00:36:26,480 --> 00:36:28,240 elections themselves are the most direct 847 00:36:28,240 --> 00:36:30,640 form of term limits and voter choice is 848 00:36:30,640 --> 00:36:32,160 the foundation of how we structure 849 00:36:32,160 --> 00:36:34,720 representation here. Also, to me, the 850 00:36:34,720 --> 00:36:36,240 timing of this conversation was 851 00:36:36,240 --> 00:36:38,640 surprising to me because our last 852 00:36:38,640 --> 00:36:40,880 municipal election in 2025, which I was 853 00:36:40,880 --> 00:36:44,000 a part of, I was unopposed. And so, the 854 00:36:44,000 --> 00:36:45,680 practical problem in Highland Park right 855 00:36:45,680 --> 00:36:47,520 now isn't too many incumbents. It's 856 00:36:47,520 --> 00:36:49,440 recruiting willing and cap capable 857 00:36:49,440 --> 00:36:52,480 residents to run at all. And then in the 858 00:36:52,480 --> 00:36:54,560 same cycle in the special election to 859 00:36:54,560 --> 00:36:56,640 fill the unexpired council term, a 860 00:36:56,640 --> 00:36:59,119 firsttime candidate defeated a 12-year 861 00:36:59,119 --> 00:37:01,200 incumbent, which to me is a pretty 862 00:37:01,200 --> 00:37:03,599 strong real world data point that 863 00:37:03,599 --> 00:37:05,920 incumbency in Highland Park does not 864 00:37:05,920 --> 00:37:07,440 necessarily 865 00:37:07,440 --> 00:37:09,440 uh have an edge, especially in this past 866 00:37:09,440 --> 00:37:11,839 election. I do worry about the 867 00:37:11,839 --> 00:37:14,000 trade-offs the sta that the staff had 868 00:37:14,000 --> 00:37:16,079 mentioned from and we discussed in our 869 00:37:16,079 --> 00:37:17,839 May conversation. the loss of 870 00:37:17,839 --> 00:37:20,000 institutional knowledge, the value of a 871 00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:21,920 deep bench, effective transition 872 00:37:21,920 --> 00:37:24,480 planning, and the lame duck dynamic for 873 00:37:24,480 --> 00:37:27,040 officials nearing the end of a cap term. 874 00:37:27,040 --> 00:37:29,359 I'd also like to flag that several 875 00:37:29,359 --> 00:37:31,359 residents have reached out asking us to 876 00:37:31,359 --> 00:37:34,160 also explore a ward system to ensure 877 00:37:34,160 --> 00:37:36,720 equal geographic representation. And 878 00:37:36,720 --> 00:37:38,320 given that we've gone several cycles 879 00:37:38,320 --> 00:37:40,160 without candidates from certain parts of 880 00:37:40,160 --> 00:37:42,800 the city, a term limit structure layered 881 00:37:42,800 --> 00:37:44,480 on top could make that geographic 882 00:37:44,480 --> 00:37:47,040 representation conversation harder. not 883 00:37:47,040 --> 00:37:48,880 easier. 884 00:37:48,880 --> 00:37:51,359 That said, I also do not believe that we 885 00:37:51,359 --> 00:37:53,440 strengthen democracy by narrowing the 886 00:37:53,440 --> 00:37:55,760 field before voters ever get to cast a 887 00:37:55,760 --> 00:37:58,000 ballot and should and we should be very 888 00:37:58,000 --> 00:38:00,160 careful not to import the politics of 889 00:38:00,160 --> 00:38:02,800 distrust into Highland Park by treating 890 00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:04,960 institutional knowledge as a dirty word 891 00:38:04,960 --> 00:38:07,119 when in reality it helps responsible 892 00:38:07,119 --> 00:38:09,680 local government serve residents well. 893 00:38:09,680 --> 00:38:12,000 With all that said about my with my own 894 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:13,680 concerns about whether term limits are 895 00:38:13,680 --> 00:38:15,801 the right tool for Highland Park, I am 896 00:38:15,801 --> 00:38:16,880 [snorts] not going to stand in the way 897 00:38:16,880 --> 00:38:18,640 of residents having their voices heard 898 00:38:18,640 --> 00:38:21,599 on this question directly. So with that, 899 00:38:21,599 --> 00:38:23,599 I will support placing the referendum on 900 00:38:23,599 --> 00:38:25,920 the November 3rd ballot, which I 901 00:38:25,920 --> 00:38:27,920 understand we'll have to adopt now so 902 00:38:27,920 --> 00:38:30,320 that by August 16th so that we make that 903 00:38:30,320 --> 00:38:31,839 deadline. Thank you. 904 00:38:31,839 --> 00:38:34,150 >> Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah, 905 00:38:34,150 --> 00:38:34,160 » Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah, 906 00:38:34,160 --> 00:38:37,359 without uh uh questioning the intention 907 00:38:37,359 --> 00:38:39,839 of my colleagues, um I would argue the 908 00:38:39,839 --> 00:38:42,720 opposite that um not having turn limits 909 00:38:42,720 --> 00:38:46,880 limits uh the inclusionary democracy. Um 910 00:38:46,880 --> 00:38:49,200 and uh I know that none of us would want 911 00:38:49,200 --> 00:38:51,920 to, you know, support that exclusion. 912 00:38:51,920 --> 00:38:54,640 But in practice uh the power of 913 00:38:54,640 --> 00:38:57,119 incumbency means a person has name 914 00:38:57,119 --> 00:38:59,440 recognition has more money more support 915 00:38:59,440 --> 00:39:01,680 making the threshold for newcomers 916 00:39:01,680 --> 00:39:03,760 younger candidates people who usually 917 00:39:03,760 --> 00:39:05,359 would not run because it's kind of 918 00:39:05,359 --> 00:39:07,760 formidable to to put their hat in the 919 00:39:07,760 --> 00:39:10,000 ring uh to to run and and offer their 920 00:39:10,000 --> 00:39:11,839 voice. So I believe the term limits 921 00:39:11,839 --> 00:39:15,680 gives a a good um cap on the number of 922 00:39:15,680 --> 00:39:18,240 years of service uh that is long you 923 00:39:18,240 --> 00:39:20,320 know eight years for city council. So if 924 00:39:20,320 --> 00:39:21,599 that person wants to run for mayor, they 925 00:39:21,599 --> 00:39:24,079 would have another eight years. Um and 926 00:39:24,079 --> 00:39:25,839 so that seems like, you know, if they 927 00:39:25,839 --> 00:39:27,520 run the full the full run, that would be 928 00:39:27,520 --> 00:39:31,280 12 years um actually 16 years of of 929 00:39:31,280 --> 00:39:32,640 serving the city, which seems to be 930 00:39:32,640 --> 00:39:35,200 plenty to have quite an impact on on our 931 00:39:35,200 --> 00:39:37,440 wonderful city, plus making room for new 932 00:39:37,440 --> 00:39:39,920 blood, new ideas, new energy on an 933 00:39:39,920 --> 00:39:42,960 ongoing systematic basis. I I think that 934 00:39:42,960 --> 00:39:44,720 many times there's inadvertent 935 00:39:44,720 --> 00:39:48,560 systematic uh barriers of entry and and 936 00:39:48,560 --> 00:39:50,960 I think having term limits is one of the 937 00:39:50,960 --> 00:39:53,839 ways to soften those barriers and create 938 00:39:53,839 --> 00:39:56,240 a more inclusionary government. So uh 939 00:39:56,240 --> 00:39:58,400 with that I believe that um we should 940 00:39:58,400 --> 00:40:00,480 have them and uh we'll be supporting um 941 00:40:00,480 --> 00:40:02,000 us having putting a referendum and have 942 00:40:02,000 --> 00:40:03,119 the people decide. 943 00:40:03,119 --> 00:40:05,270 >> Thank you council member center. 944 00:40:05,270 --> 00:40:05,280 » Thank you council member center. 945 00:40:05,280 --> 00:40:08,069 >> Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree 946 00:40:08,069 --> 00:40:08,079 » Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree 947 00:40:08,079 --> 00:40:10,240 with the sentiments that council member 948 00:40:10,240 --> 00:40:12,000 Topia just shared. I think the logic 949 00:40:12,000 --> 00:40:13,599 that we don't have enough viable 950 00:40:13,599 --> 00:40:16,800 candidates is completely flawed. The 951 00:40:16,800 --> 00:40:18,480 barriers to run for office are 952 00:40:18,480 --> 00:40:20,880 significant and the lack of term limits 953 00:40:20,880 --> 00:40:22,800 creates unintended consequences in this 954 00:40:22,800 --> 00:40:25,280 form of exclusionary leadership. I 955 00:40:25,280 --> 00:40:26,800 shared this with the committee the whole 956 00:40:26,800 --> 00:40:28,320 but you know I come from a commercial 957 00:40:28,320 --> 00:40:30,800 background and I've stated you know both 958 00:40:30,800 --> 00:40:32,800 earlier tonight and and in the May 959 00:40:32,800 --> 00:40:34,960 discussion that I believe all good 960 00:40:34,960 --> 00:40:37,520 organizations have leadership change. 961 00:40:37,520 --> 00:40:40,960 Uh, I've al I've served on nonfor-profit 962 00:40:40,960 --> 00:40:43,599 boards that have term limits for the 963 00:40:43,599 --> 00:40:44,880 very reasons that we're talking about 964 00:40:44,880 --> 00:40:46,960 tonight for fresh fresh input, different 965 00:40:46,960 --> 00:40:50,160 perspectives, new regime change. I think 966 00:40:50,160 --> 00:40:54,400 the steep learning curve is is part of 967 00:40:54,400 --> 00:40:56,640 any type of organization and requires 968 00:40:56,640 --> 00:40:58,960 good planning and change management. Uh, 969 00:40:58,960 --> 00:41:01,200 but should not be a barrier to allowing 970 00:41:01,200 --> 00:41:04,800 for new members to to join and to bring 971 00:41:04,800 --> 00:41:07,680 fresh perspectives. I I also shared 972 00:41:07,680 --> 00:41:09,359 earlier that you know I started a new a 973 00:41:09,359 --> 00:41:11,680 new role recently where multiple members 974 00:41:11,680 --> 00:41:14,400 of the executive team left and we have a 975 00:41:14,400 --> 00:41:16,960 brand new leadership team and it has 976 00:41:16,960 --> 00:41:19,839 created an opportunity for tremendous 977 00:41:19,839 --> 00:41:22,160 insight, fresh perspective and new value 978 00:41:22,160 --> 00:41:27,510 to the organization and I think 979 00:41:27,520 --> 00:41:30,079 roles such as sitting on council or the 980 00:41:30,079 --> 00:41:32,640 mayor should be no different. Um, so I'm 981 00:41:32,640 --> 00:41:34,160 really looking forward to having this on 982 00:41:34,160 --> 00:41:37,839 the ballot and to uh allowing the 983 00:41:37,839 --> 00:41:40,319 community to uh provide their opinion. 984 00:41:40,319 --> 00:41:41,839 Uh, and I will certainly be supporting 985 00:41:41,839 --> 00:41:45,359 this uh when it's uh during the November 986 00:41:45,359 --> 00:41:46,560 election. 987 00:41:46,560 --> 00:41:47,430 >> Thank you. 988 00:41:47,430 --> 00:41:47,440 » Thank you. 989 00:41:47,440 --> 00:41:49,030 >> Thank you, Council Member Ross. 990 00:41:49,030 --> 00:41:49,040 » Thank you, Council Member Ross. 991 00:41:49,040 --> 00:41:51,990 >> Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee 992 00:41:51,990 --> 00:41:52,000 » Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee 993 00:41:52,000 --> 00:41:55,520 of the whole um I believe in uh term 994 00:41:55,520 --> 00:41:58,160 limits and I believed in that uh prior 995 00:41:58,160 --> 00:42:03,599 to uh joining council um a just as a 996 00:42:03,599 --> 00:42:07,839 general concept and um I did share in in 997 00:42:07,839 --> 00:42:09,440 committee of the whole that I originally 998 00:42:09,440 --> 00:42:12,640 thought to have a potentially a flexible 999 00:42:12,640 --> 00:42:15,119 system of three terms on council, two as 1000 00:42:15,119 --> 00:42:17,920 mayor and a choice of how to serve you 1001 00:42:17,920 --> 00:42:20,560 know which three terms on council two as 1002 00:42:20,560 --> 00:42:23,200 mayor, three, you know, three whether 1003 00:42:23,200 --> 00:42:27,040 you do uh it' be 20 years, not to exceed 1004 00:42:27,040 --> 00:42:29,520 20 years where whether you spent, you 1005 00:42:29,520 --> 00:42:33,119 know, the three terms or two terms that 1006 00:42:33,119 --> 00:42:35,599 that you get to choose that, but you you 1007 00:42:35,599 --> 00:42:37,839 that isn't legal and doable. It's um you 1008 00:42:37,839 --> 00:42:40,880 can't intermingle the the two offices. 1009 00:42:40,880 --> 00:42:43,200 And again, I I really do believe in term 1010 00:42:43,200 --> 00:42:47,359 limits. Um I I you know it in in 1011 00:42:47,359 --> 00:42:49,359 committee of the whole there and and 1012 00:42:49,359 --> 00:42:53,040 here there have been um dis uh comments 1013 00:42:53,040 --> 00:42:56,400 about uh the concept of elections as a 1014 00:42:56,400 --> 00:42:59,920 natural form of term limits. Um I I 1015 00:42:59,920 --> 00:43:04,079 think you know that that is uh 1016 00:43:04,079 --> 00:43:06,240 great and ideal in in theory but the 1017 00:43:06,240 --> 00:43:07,839 reality is that there's the power of the 1018 00:43:07,839 --> 00:43:10,640 incumbency there's also lack of voter 1019 00:43:10,640 --> 00:43:12,400 turnout. there are all sorts of forces 1020 00:43:12,400 --> 00:43:14,880 that um inter interfere with that and 1021 00:43:14,880 --> 00:43:18,800 and uh I I think that um the there's 1022 00:43:18,800 --> 00:43:21,200 also the reality that the highest office 1023 00:43:21,200 --> 00:43:24,000 in the land um the the president has 1024 00:43:24,000 --> 00:43:27,119 only you know two terms um is limited uh 1025 00:43:27,119 --> 00:43:31,280 to two terms uh and I think there is uh 1026 00:43:31,280 --> 00:43:35,280 based on what I'm reading um uh or my 1027 00:43:35,280 --> 00:43:37,680 own person research online that there's 1028 00:43:37,680 --> 00:43:40,480 a growing uh growing support for term 1029 00:43:40,480 --> 00:43:41,680 limits 1030 00:43:41,680 --> 00:43:46,960 um in in the country. Uh and I I um I I 1031 00:43:46,960 --> 00:43:49,359 certainly understand that sentiment 1032 00:43:49,359 --> 00:43:51,599 because it as I've said multiple times 1033 00:43:51,599 --> 00:43:53,599 tonight um I' I've thought about the 1034 00:43:53,599 --> 00:43:56,560 issue of term limits um many times. So, 1035 00:43:56,560 --> 00:44:02,240 uh the uh that is why I um am supporting 1036 00:44:02,240 --> 00:44:04,960 the where where we've landed um 1037 00:44:04,960 --> 00:44:06,720 particularly and I'm going to reiterate 1038 00:44:06,720 --> 00:44:11,040 this in light of the the the notion that 1039 00:44:11,040 --> 00:44:15,280 council leads um uh this effort and 1040 00:44:15,280 --> 00:44:18,319 determination of uh what what the term 1041 00:44:18,319 --> 00:44:20,880 limits would be. I I think I as I said 1042 00:44:20,880 --> 00:44:22,880 in close uh not close committee of the 1043 00:44:22,880 --> 00:44:24,800 whole and I say it now that I I think 1044 00:44:24,800 --> 00:44:27,839 it's very important that we as a council 1045 00:44:27,839 --> 00:44:31,599 uh uh lead this effort and so I support 1046 00:44:31,599 --> 00:44:36,400 the uh two-term and two-term uh tenure 1047 00:44:36,400 --> 00:44:40,640 for uh uh city council and tenure for 1048 00:44:40,640 --> 00:44:43,920 for mayor with the two extra in any 1049 00:44:43,920 --> 00:44:45,680 event. Sorry, I'm I'm I'm rambling here. 1050 00:44:45,680 --> 00:44:46,550 >> Maximum of 10 years. 1051 00:44:46,550 --> 00:44:46,560 » Maximum of 10 years. 1052 00:44:46,560 --> 00:44:49,109 >> Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in 1053 00:44:49,109 --> 00:44:49,119 » Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in 1054 00:44:49,119 --> 00:44:53,359 either office. Um uh and I I I stand by 1055 00:44:53,359 --> 00:44:53,839 that. 1056 00:44:53,839 --> 00:44:55,190 >> Thank you. I think it's important to 1057 00:44:55,190 --> 00:44:55,200 » Thank you. I think it's important to 1058 00:44:55,200 --> 00:44:56,480 note that according to the National 1059 00:44:56,480 --> 00:44:59,680 League of Cities, only 9% of US 1060 00:44:59,680 --> 00:45:03,119 municipalities have term limits. Um and 1061 00:45:03,119 --> 00:45:04,800 I'll reiterate, I think the term limit 1062 00:45:04,800 --> 00:45:06,480 is at the ballot box, but all that 1063 00:45:06,480 --> 00:45:08,560 notwithstanding I believe in our voters. 1064 00:45:08,560 --> 00:45:10,319 And so with that, I'm seeking a motion 1065 00:45:10,319 --> 00:45:12,240 to approve item A. 1066 00:45:12,240 --> 00:45:13,990 >> So moved as amended. 1067 00:45:13,990 --> 00:45:14,000 » So moved as amended. 1068 00:45:14,000 --> 00:45:14,390 >> Yes. 1069 00:45:14,390 --> 00:45:14,400 » Yes. 1070 00:45:14,400 --> 00:45:14,790 >> Thank you. 1071 00:45:14,790 --> 00:45:14,800 » Thank you. 1072 00:45:14,800 --> 00:45:16,069 >> Second. 1073 00:45:16,069 --> 00:45:16,079 » Second. 1074 00:45:16,079 --> 00:45:20,240 Um will the code call the vote? 1075 00:45:20,240 --> 00:45:21,510 >> Council member center 1076 00:45:21,510 --> 00:45:21,520 » Council member center 1077 00:45:21,520 --> 00:45:22,150 >> I. 1078 00:45:22,150 --> 00:45:22,160 » I. 1079 00:45:22,160 --> 00:45:23,349 >> Council member Buckman 1080 00:45:23,349 --> 00:45:23,359 » Council member Buckman 1081 00:45:23,359 --> 00:45:23,750 >> I. 1082 00:45:23,750 --> 00:45:23,760 » I. 1083 00:45:23,760 --> 00:45:24,790 >> Council member Ross 1084 00:45:24,790 --> 00:45:24,800 » Council member Ross 1085 00:45:24,800 --> 00:45:25,109 >> I. 1086 00:45:25,109 --> 00:45:25,119 » I. 1087 00:45:25,119 --> 00:45:26,150 >> Council member Tapia 1088 00:45:26,150 --> 00:45:26,160 » Council member Tapia 1089 00:45:26,160 --> 00:45:26,470 >> I. 1090 00:45:26,470 --> 00:45:26,480 » I. 1091 00:45:26,480 --> 00:45:27,589 >> Council member Little 1092 00:45:27,589 --> 00:45:27,599 » Council member Little 1093 00:45:27,599 --> 00:45:27,990 >> I. 1094 00:45:27,990 --> 00:45:28,000 » I. 1095 00:45:28,000 --> 00:45:28,870 >> Mayor Roing 1096 00:45:28,870 --> 00:45:28,880 » Mayor Roing 1097 00:45:28,880 --> 00:45:31,510 >> I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as 1098 00:45:31,510 --> 00:45:31,520 » I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as 1099 00:45:31,520 --> 00:45:35,520 amended. Um has passed. Um item C is a 1100 00:45:35,520 --> 00:45:36,960 resolution approving a plat of 1101 00:45:36,960 --> 00:45:39,200 subdivision at zero meadow lane. I'm 1102 00:45:39,200 --> 00:45:40,960 going to assume that everybody has done 1103 00:45:40,960 --> 00:45:43,520 their homework and read the packet. Is 1104 00:45:43,520 --> 00:45:45,760 there any further discussion needed or 1105 00:45:45,760 --> 00:45:47,920 just a vote taken on item C? 1106 00:45:47,920 --> 00:45:48,790 >> Just a vote. 1107 00:45:48,790 --> 00:45:48,800 » Just a vote. 1108 00:45:48,800 --> 00:45:50,950 >> Is there a motion to approve item C? 1109 00:45:50,950 --> 00:45:50,960 » Is there a motion to approve item C? 1110 00:45:50,960 --> 00:45:52,230 >> Some move. 1111 00:45:52,230 --> 00:45:52,240 » Some move. 1112 00:45:52,240 --> 00:45:53,270 >> Is there a second? 1113 00:45:53,270 --> 00:45:53,280 » Is there a second? 1114 00:45:53,280 --> 00:45:54,550 >> A second. 1115 00:45:54,550 --> 00:45:54,560 » A second. 1116 00:45:54,560 --> 00:45:56,069 >> Will the clerk please call the vote? 1117 00:45:56,069 --> 00:45:56,079 » Will the clerk please call the vote? 1118 00:45:56,079 --> 00:45:56,950 >> Council member center. 1119 00:45:56,950 --> 00:45:56,960 » Council member center. 1120 00:45:56,960 --> 00:45:57,270 >> Hi. 1121 00:45:57,270 --> 00:45:57,280 » Hi. 1122 00:45:57,280 --> 00:45:58,309 >> Council member Buckman. 1123 00:45:58,309 --> 00:45:58,319 » Council member Buckman. 1124 00:45:58,319 --> 00:45:58,550 >> I. 1125 00:45:58,550 --> 00:45:58,560 » I. 1126 00:45:58,560 --> 00:45:59,750 >> Council member Ross. 1127 00:45:59,750 --> 00:45:59,760 » Council member Ross. 1128 00:45:59,760 --> 00:46:00,150 >> I. 1129 00:46:00,150 --> 00:46:00,160 » I. 1130 00:46:00,160 --> 00:46:01,430 >> Council member Tapia. 1131 00:46:01,430 --> 00:46:01,440 » Council member Tapia. 1132 00:46:01,440 --> 00:46:02,550 >> Hi. 1133 00:46:02,550 --> 00:46:02,560 » Hi. 1134 00:46:02,560 --> 00:46:04,230 >> Council member Little 1135 00:46:04,230 --> 00:46:04,240 » Council member Little 1136 00:46:04,240 --> 00:46:04,710 >> I. 1137 00:46:04,710 --> 00:46:04,720 » I. 1138 00:46:04,720 --> 00:46:05,910 >> Mayor Roing. 1139 00:46:05,910 --> 00:46:05,920 » Mayor Roing. 1140 00:46:05,920 --> 00:46:07,670 >> I. But there's a member of the audience 1141 00:46:07,670 --> 00:46:07,680 » I. But there's a member of the audience 1142 00:46:07,680 --> 00:46:10,079 who wished to comment. So corporation 1143 00:46:10,079 --> 00:46:12,800 council, what do we do? 1144 00:46:12,800 --> 00:46:14,000 allow the comment. 1145 00:46:14,000 --> 00:46:16,150 >> Okay. Please come forward and state your 1146 00:46:16,150 --> 00:46:16,160 » Okay. Please come forward and state your 1147 00:46:16,160 --> 00:46:17,760 name for the record. My apologies, Jack. 1148 00:46:17,760 --> 00:46:19,040 I didn't realize that's what you were 1149 00:46:19,040 --> 00:46:20,960 here for. 1150 00:46:20,960 --> 00:46:29,190 >> Didn't say hello. 1151 00:46:29,200 --> 00:46:32,160 » Hello, Mayor and members of the council. 1152 00:46:32,160 --> 00:46:36,960 My name is Jack Strom. I live at 1681 1153 00:46:36,960 --> 00:46:41,680 Thornwood Lane in Highland Park. Uh I am 1154 00:46:41,680 --> 00:46:44,160 one of the properties that is opposite 1155 00:46:44,160 --> 00:46:47,760 the metal lane development. My comment 1156 00:46:47,760 --> 00:46:52,079 tonight is in regards to which direction 1157 00:46:52,079 --> 00:46:57,200 the curb cuts and uh exit from the uh 1158 00:46:57,200 --> 00:47:02,720 two lots will be. I would uh hope that 1159 00:47:02,720 --> 00:47:08,640 uh you folks consider that having the uh 1160 00:47:08,640 --> 00:47:13,520 um cars exit onto the interior meadow 1161 00:47:13,520 --> 00:47:18,079 lane road instead of the Thornwood Lane 1162 00:47:18,079 --> 00:47:22,160 Road. Um right now there is the existent 1163 00:47:22,160 --> 00:47:24,400 meadow lane that runs on the border of 1164 00:47:24,400 --> 00:47:27,440 the two lots. Uh the reason I'm 1165 00:47:27,440 --> 00:47:30,960 requesting that is because uh we have a 1166 00:47:30,960 --> 00:47:34,400 number of uh homeowners that have 1167 00:47:34,400 --> 00:47:37,839 children uh young children and they uh 1168 00:47:37,839 --> 00:47:42,319 grandchildren visit and it is a um 1169 00:47:42,319 --> 00:47:44,079 culdeac. 1170 00:47:44,079 --> 00:47:47,280 So, increasing the traffic uh on 1171 00:47:47,280 --> 00:47:50,400 Thornwood Lane uh could present a 1172 00:47:50,400 --> 00:47:54,000 traffic hazard uh to families and the 1173 00:47:54,000 --> 00:47:57,520 children that play on that street. Uh 1174 00:47:57,520 --> 00:48:00,160 there is an existing interior road as I 1175 00:48:00,160 --> 00:48:02,960 mentioned, the metal lane and it does 1176 00:48:02,960 --> 00:48:07,520 border uh the uh two lots as well as the 1177 00:48:07,520 --> 00:48:11,520 existing uh uh mansion that is on that 1178 00:48:11,520 --> 00:48:14,640 property. And I hope consideration would 1179 00:48:14,640 --> 00:48:21,680 be made that uh the uh uh approval of uh 1180 00:48:21,680 --> 00:48:26,480 that development would be such that the 1181 00:48:26,480 --> 00:48:30,400 uh curb cuts and the and the uh road of 1182 00:48:30,400 --> 00:48:34,319 exit out out of that development would 1183 00:48:34,319 --> 00:48:37,839 be on the existing interior road instead 1184 00:48:37,839 --> 00:48:40,720 of having the properties uh exit on 1185 00:48:40,720 --> 00:48:43,440 Thornwood Lane. Thank you for your 1186 00:48:43,440 --> 00:48:46,559 consideration. Um I don't know how it 1187 00:48:46,559 --> 00:48:49,040 works with you already approving it, 1188 00:48:49,040 --> 00:48:49,750 >> right? 1189 00:48:49,750 --> 00:48:49,760 » right? 1190 00:48:49,760 --> 00:48:53,910 >> But uh if that is possible 1191 00:48:53,910 --> 00:48:53,920 » But uh if that is possible 1192 00:48:53,920 --> 00:48:57,520 uh I would uh appreciate that that would 1193 00:48:57,520 --> 00:49:00,480 uh uh that consideration would be taken 1194 00:49:00,480 --> 00:49:01,200 up. 1195 00:49:01,200 --> 00:49:02,470 >> Appreciate you coming tonight and 1196 00:49:02,470 --> 00:49:02,480 » Appreciate you coming tonight and 1197 00:49:02,480 --> 00:49:04,720 sharing that insight from the nuance of 1198 00:49:04,720 --> 00:49:06,240 the neighborhood. Um, community 1199 00:49:06,240 --> 00:49:09,520 development director, are you able to 1200 00:49:09,520 --> 00:49:11,839 address that point now or speak with Mr. 1201 00:49:11,839 --> 00:49:15,440 Stum afterwards in terms of trying to 1202 00:49:15,440 --> 00:49:16,800 accommodate his request? 1203 00:49:16,800 --> 00:49:18,710 >> Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get 1204 00:49:18,710 --> 00:49:18,720 » Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get 1205 00:49:18,720 --> 00:49:20,480 Mr. Strong's contact information and 1206 00:49:20,480 --> 00:49:22,640 then certainly um, Director Fontaine can 1207 00:49:22,640 --> 00:49:24,319 talk to him oneonone and then we'll 1208 00:49:24,319 --> 00:49:25,040 certainly follow. 1209 00:49:25,040 --> 00:49:26,870 >> Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for 1210 00:49:26,870 --> 00:49:26,880 » Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for 1211 00:49:26,880 --> 00:49:28,640 coming this evening. Thank you. Thank 1212 00:49:28,640 --> 00:49:28,880 you. 1213 00:49:28,880 --> 00:49:31,510 >> Thank you. Um and so with that we do 1214 00:49:31,510 --> 00:49:31,520 » Thank you. Um and so with that we do 1215 00:49:31,520 --> 00:49:34,000 have a vote of six to zero to approve 1216 00:49:34,000 --> 00:49:36,559 item C and um staff will certainly 1217 00:49:36,559 --> 00:49:38,480 follow up with you Mr. Strong. Thank 1218 00:49:38,480 --> 00:49:40,319 you. Thank you. 1219 00:49:40,319 --> 00:49:42,549 >> Um and with that I believe I am seeking 1220 00:49:42,549 --> 00:49:42,559 » Um and with that I believe I am seeking 1221 00:49:42,559 --> 00:49:44,480 a motion to adjurnn. 1222 00:49:44,480 --> 00:49:45,349 >> So moved. 1223 00:49:45,349 --> 00:49:45,359 » So moved. 1224 00:49:45,359 --> 00:49:45,910 >> Second. 1225 00:49:45,910 --> 00:49:45,920 » Second. 1226 00:49:45,920 --> 00:49:47,510 >> All in favor say I. 1227 00:49:47,510 --> 00:49:47,520 » All in favor say I. 1228 00:49:47,520 --> 00:49:48,390 >> I. 1229 00:49:48,390 --> 00:49:48,400 » I. 1230 00:49:48,400 --> 00:49:51,640 >> Thank you.