[8:51] Good evening. I'd like to call to order
[8:53] the city council meeting for the city of
[8:54] Highland Park, Illinois, June 29th,
[8:57] 2026. Will the clerk please call the
[8:59] role?
[9:00] >> Council member Center,
[9:00] » Council member Center,
[9:00] >> present.
[9:01] » present.
[9:01] >> Council member Buckman
[9:02] » Council member Buckman
[9:02] >> here.
[9:02] » here.
[9:02] >> Council member Ross
[9:03] » Council member Ross
[9:03] >> here.
[9:04] » here.
[9:04] >> Council member Tapia,
[9:05] » Council member Tapia,
[9:05] >> present.
[9:05] » present.
[9:05] >> Council member Little
[9:06] » Council member Little
[9:06] >> here.
[9:06] » here.
[9:06] >> Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing
[9:09] » Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing
[9:09] >> here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please
[9:10] » here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please
[9:10] rise for the pledge of allegiance.
[9:13] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[9:16] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[9:16] United States of America and to the
[9:18] republic for which it stands, one nation
[9:22] under God, indivisible, with liberty and
[9:25] justice for all.
[9:30] We have a motion to approve the minutes
[9:31] of the regular rescheduled meeting of
[9:33] the city council held May 27th, 2026 and
[9:36] the minutes of the closed session of the
[9:38] regular rescheduled meeting of the city
[9:39] council held on May 27th, 2026. So
[9:42] moved.
[9:43] >> Second.
[9:43] » Second.
[9:43] >> All in favor say I.
[9:45] » All in favor say I.
[9:45] >> I. Thank you. Those minutes are
[9:47] » I. Thank you. Those minutes are
[9:47] approved. May I have a motion to approve
[9:48] the warrant list?
[9:49] >> So moved.
[9:50] » So moved.
[9:50] >> Any seconds for the warrant list?
[9:52] » Any seconds for the warrant list?
[9:52] >> Second.
[9:53] » Second.
[9:53] >> Will the clerk please call the vote?
[9:55] » Will the clerk please call the vote?
[9:55] >> Council member center.
[9:56] » Council member center.
[9:56] >> I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council
[9:57] » I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council
[9:57] member Ross.
[9:58] >> Hi.
[9:58] » Hi.
[9:58] >> Council member Tapia.
[9:59] » Council member Tapia.
[9:59] >> Hi.
[9:59] » Hi.
[9:59] >> Council member Little.
[10:01] » Council member Little.
[10:01] >> I.
[10:01] » I.
[10:01] >> Mayor Roing.
[10:02] » Mayor Roing.
[10:02] >> I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list
[10:04] » I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list
[10:04] is approved. Uh we will continue now to
[10:06] the report of the mayor.
[10:08] >> I have no appointments this evening. I
[10:10] » I have no appointments this evening. I
[10:10] have no proclamations this evening.
[10:12] >> I do want to share that earlier this
[10:14] » I do want to share that earlier this
[10:14] evening at the start of the committee of
[10:16] the whole meeting. We dedicated the
[10:18] beautiful mosaic that is out there
[10:21] behind where you all came in, displayed
[10:24] at the top of the stairs just outside
[10:25] these chambers. Designed by artist Eddie
[10:28] Hassik from the Chicago Mosaic School
[10:31] and created in part by community members
[10:33] at last year's remembrance, the piece
[10:35] honors the memory of those whose lives
[10:38] were taken and is a beautiful tribute to
[10:41] everyone who was impacted by the
[10:42] Highland Park shooting, especially those
[10:44] who were injured. It's also a testament
[10:47] to the resilience of our community. And
[10:49] so before we continue with our business
[10:51] this evening, I'm going to share my
[10:52] remarks from the dedication and I urge
[10:55] each one of you to take a close look at
[10:57] it on your way out this evening. My
[10:59] remarks are as follows. Thank you for
[11:01] joining us tonight as we dedicate this
[11:03] beautiful new work of art with such deep
[11:05] meaning and connection to our community.
[11:07] This mosaic was created with love and
[11:10] care, grief and remembrance by many
[11:12] hands working together to make something
[11:14] beautiful. At the conclusion of the 2025
[11:17] remembrance, attendees were invited to
[11:20] join us in creating this mosaic. Artist
[11:22] and educator Eddie Hassik conceptualized
[11:24] the piece and together with students
[11:26] from the Chicago Mosaic School, she
[11:28] patiently taught us about the beauty of
[11:30] mosaic art. How individual pieces of
[11:33] glass of all different shapes and sizes
[11:35] blend into one unified image that
[11:38] reflects each component's uniqueness.
[11:40] What a perfect metaphor for our
[11:42] community and the way we continue to
[11:43] support each other. When our team first
[11:46] met with Eddie, we shared stories that
[11:48] defined that time. the resilience and
[11:50] courage of those who were injured, the
[11:53] life-saving actions of those who
[11:54] responded to the tragedy, our pride in
[11:57] the way our communities showed up for
[11:59] each other, and most importantly, the
[12:01] memories of those whose lives were
[12:03] taken, carefully entrusted to us by
[12:06] their family members. I ask that we
[12:09] pause right now and remember them with a
[12:11] moment of silence. Katie Goldstein,
[12:13] Arena McCarthy, Kevin Michael McCarthy,
[12:16] Steven Strauss, Jackie Loie Sunheim,
[12:19] Nicholas Toedo, and Eduardo Yuvaldo.
[12:35] Thank you. [clears throat] Eddie's
[12:37] design, Tree of Life, is a moving
[12:39] illustration of all that we shared. I'd
[12:42] like to highlight two aspects in
[12:43] particular tonight, although again I
[12:45] encourage everyone to take a moment to
[12:47] explore the layers of meaning within the
[12:49] piece. First, the title tree of life.
[12:51] The central form around which all other
[12:54] elements are aligned. In the Jewish
[12:56] tradition, the tree of life is an
[12:58] enduring symbol of faith and wisdom.
[13:00] Each of the large heartshaped leaves was
[13:03] created by a member of our community at
[13:05] the remembrance and placed into the
[13:07] final mosaic by one of the talented
[13:09] artists in Eddie's studio.
[13:11] Second, the monarch butterfly is a
[13:14] beloved symbol of sacred connection with
[13:16] those who have passed on in Mexican
[13:18] tradition. Other touches from the
[13:20] vibrant blue of Lake Michigan to the
[13:22] shaded border that recalls native
[13:24] limestone make this piece truly
[13:26] meaningful to our community and we're so
[13:28] honored to display this piece in city
[13:30] hall. I'd like to recognize the staff
[13:32] team who supported this project,
[13:34] including our city manager Gita Newkerk,
[13:37] assistant city manager Emily Tub,
[13:39] communications manager Amanda Bennett,
[13:41] resiliency specialist Jasmine Alejandro,
[13:44] LSW, and past resiliency manager Maddie
[13:47] Katy, LCSW, for their thoughtfulness and
[13:50] their care. Thank you to each of you.
[13:52] Just as the roots, leaves, grass,
[13:55] monarchs, and sky are all connected to
[13:57] each other, so are we all part of one
[14:00] shared story. On behalf of the city of
[14:02] Highland Park, it is an honor for the
[14:04] council to dedicate this mosaic to the
[14:06] memories of those whose lives were
[14:08] taken, the courage of all who were
[14:10] injured, and the resilience of our
[14:12] community.
[14:14] Every family whose lives were changed by
[14:17] that one minute of gun violence is in
[14:19] our hearts this week. While there will
[14:22] not be a formal remembrance this year
[14:24] based on feedback from victim's families
[14:26] and victim services experts, if you'd
[14:29] like to pause and reflection on
[14:30] Saturday, we invite you to visit the
[14:32] temporary memorial where the city will
[14:34] have flowers available to be placed
[14:36] nearby. We also encourage everyone to
[14:39] reach out if you or your family would
[14:40] benefit from the support of the city's
[14:42] resiliency division. Resiliency
[14:45] specialist Jasmine Alejandro can provide
[14:48] short-term counseling and also connect
[14:50] you with other resources or providers
[14:52] who might be helpful. Please connect
[14:54] with Jasmine by emailing resiliency at
[14:57] cityhpil.com.
[15:00] [clears throat]
[15:01] A little more than a week ago, the city
[15:03] hosted the Taste of Highland Park. I
[15:05] hope you all went. our signature food
[15:07] and music festival with a really special
[15:09] performance celebrating Junth which
[15:11] coincided with the first day of the
[15:12] taste of Highland Park. Our newest
[15:15] federal holiday, Junth, is a celebration
[15:17] of black resilience, excellence, and
[15:18] culture that marks the end of slavery in
[15:21] our country two years after the
[15:23] Emancipation Proclamation. It was so
[15:25] important for our community, which holds
[15:27] our values of diversity and inclusion
[15:28] dearly, to celebrate this important
[15:30] holiday at Highland Park's biggest night
[15:33] out. Our Junth celebration at the taste
[15:35] was entwined with the city's broader
[15:37] America 250 events because as we know
[15:40] black history is American history. We'd
[15:42] like to give special recognition to
[15:44] Highland Park High School alumnist
[15:46] Reverend Corey Ratliff whose all dance
[15:48] company teamed up with MC4 a talented
[15:51] vocal quartet and to Keys for an
[15:54] incredible performance at the Taste of
[15:55] Highland Park. It was amazing and it was
[15:57] so exhilarating to experience these
[15:59] artists amazing talent as they blended
[16:01] dance with spirituals, gospel music and
[16:04] contemporary beats. So I hope everybody
[16:06] had a great junth.
[16:08] Um I want to also announce that for the
[16:10] 32nd consecutive year the government
[16:13] finance officers association GFOA has
[16:16] recognized the city of Highland Park
[16:17] with the distinguished budget
[16:18] presentation award. This award reflects
[16:21] the city's commitment to maintaining the
[16:22] highest standards of governmental
[16:24] budgeting. The GFOA holistically
[16:26] assesses an entity's annual budget
[16:28] document, evaluating how well it serves
[16:30] the community as a policy document, a
[16:33] financial plan, an operations guide, and
[16:35] a communications device. GFOA recognizes
[16:38] [clears throat] the city's commitment to
[16:40] providing its residents with clear and
[16:42] transparent policy planning and
[16:43] budgeting through this comprehensive
[16:45] and, I'm serious, engaging document. It
[16:48] is a great read. Don't pause. Go to
[16:51] hpil.com.
[16:53] Look up the budget. you will have a
[16:55] great read. We're also especially
[16:57] delighted to share that the city's
[16:59] budget earns special recognition for
[17:01] strategic goals and strategies and
[17:04] budget process which are both new this
[17:05] year. This distinction is only awarded
[17:07] when all three reviewers provide the
[17:09] highest possible score in a category. In
[17:12] particular, I'd like to recognize city
[17:14] manager Gita Newkerk, finance director
[17:16] Christy Macallu, the finance department
[17:18] staff, and all of the department
[17:20] directors for this outstanding
[17:21] achievement. again. Cityhpil.com/budget.
[17:25] You'll thank me. Um, next up is business
[17:29] from the council. Is there any business
[17:30] from the council? Nope. Okay. City
[17:33] Manager Newkerk, will you please provide
[17:35] the staff report?
[17:38] >> Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee
[17:40] » Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee
[17:40] the whole meeting earlier this evening,
[17:42] there were two reports on the agenda.
[17:43] One related to term limits. And so on
[17:46] the agenda is a resolution based on the
[17:49] policy discussion. So that item is on
[17:51] the agenda for discussion and
[17:53] consideration this evening. Um and then
[17:55] the second item pertained to our license
[17:57] plate recognition system. So just
[18:00] special thanks to Chief Jogman, Deputy
[18:01] Chief Olsen, and Commander Curran for
[18:03] that presentation. We have a detailed
[18:05] staff report at the committee, the whole
[18:07] agenda um providing information about
[18:10] the license plate reader program. And
[18:13] then on our website is a wealth of
[18:15] information including the city's policy
[18:17] protocols um some privacy considerations
[18:20] as well as um the important technology
[18:23] and how it's used for public safety
[18:24] purposes. Um on the omnibus agenda there
[18:27] are 15 items for consideration. All are
[18:30] recommended for approval. I just want to
[18:32] highlight two of them. Um mayor I love
[18:35] your enthusiasm with the budget. Um we
[18:37] also share that enthusiasm for our
[18:39] annual comprehensive financial report
[18:41] which is the audit. So the budget tells
[18:43] the great story in terms of what our
[18:45] priorities, vision, plans are for the
[18:48] upcoming year. The audit tells us how
[18:50] did we actually do, right?
[18:51] >> Um and so the audit is included in the
[18:53] » Um and so the audit is included in the
[18:53] packet for fiscal year 25. The audit was
[18:56] prepared by Baker Tilly and uh with us
[18:58] this evening is Cindy Park, our senior
[19:01] audit supervisor with Baker Tilly in
[19:02] case there are any questions. And then
[19:04] special thanks also to our finance staff
[19:07] um director Christine McCau, who you
[19:09] recognized earlier as well. The audit
[19:11] reflects the city's priorities and
[19:13] commitment um which includes one of our
[19:15] top priorities is fiscal stability. And
[19:17] we did [clears throat] receive an
[19:18] unmodified opinion which means that the
[19:20] auditors opine that the financial
[19:22] statements are consistent with generally
[19:24] accepted accounting principles. Um which
[19:26] is the most favorable audit opinion that
[19:28] a municipality can receive. And then the
[19:31] next item just want to highlight is
[19:32] number 11 which is a settlement
[19:34] agreement and covenant not to sue
[19:36] relating to 1850 Green Bay Road. Um,
[19:39] part of this settlement includes the
[19:41] construction of a 12- foot wall sound
[19:43] barrier wall on the north side of the
[19:46] Albian property, which is at that
[19:48] subject address. Um, want to really
[19:50] thank Andrew Ule with Albon as well as
[19:52] their team um, for working with us very
[19:56] closely for several years as you know
[19:58] because we did hear from Peter and Jody
[20:00] Mini on a number of occasions at city
[20:01] council meetings. Um, so thanks to the
[20:04] Albian team um, for their work on the
[20:06] settlement agreement. Um the agreement
[20:09] has been shared with the Morinis and um
[20:12] and we believe that it is fair and
[20:14] represents um you know the best
[20:16] interests of everyone involved. Um so as
[20:18] noted in the staff report there are code
[20:20] variations that are going to be required
[20:22] as part of the construction. Um so we're
[20:24] recommending approval of the settlement
[20:26] agreement this evening and then at the
[20:28] next city council meeting would be the
[20:29] public hearing and the zoning
[20:31] considerations.
[20:32] >> Great.
[20:33] » Great.
[20:33] >> That's it for our report.
[20:33] » That's it for our report.
[20:33] >> Thank you. City manager Newkerk
[20:35] » Thank you. City manager Newkerk
[20:35] assistant to the city manager Palitzka.
[20:37] if you could please introduce the next
[20:38] item on our agenda, which is business
[20:40] from the public.
[20:41] >> Thank you, mayor. The next item on the
[20:43] » Thank you, mayor. The next item on the
[20:43] agenda is business from the public. This
[20:45] is an opportunity for members of the
[20:47] public to address city council on a
[20:49] topic that is within the city council's
[20:51] purview and jurisdiction, but is not
[20:54] listed in another location on the
[20:56] agenda. If you would like to speak about
[20:58] a matter that is listed on the agenda,
[21:00] we ask that you wait until that agenda
[21:01] item is called, and we will give you an
[21:04] opportunity to speak. Then if your
[21:06] matter is on the omnibus consent agenda,
[21:08] please let us know if you'd like us to
[21:10] remove that matter from the consolidated
[21:12] list so that you can speak about it.
[21:14] Please be aware that business from the
[21:15] public is not intended to be a forum for
[21:18] open dialogue or engagement with members
[21:20] of the city council. Rather, it is
[21:22] intended as an opportunity to make
[21:23] comments to the city council. Please do
[21:26] not expect a response from anyone
[21:27] tonight. If appropriate, we may direct
[21:30] the city manager or other city staff to
[21:32] respond to questions or issues raised at
[21:34] a later date. All comments should be
[21:37] directed to the city council. All
[21:39] speakers will be limited to 3 minutes.
[21:41] We request that the public not applaud
[21:43] or make other comments after any
[21:45] speaker. We ask that everyone be
[21:47] respectful, civil, and non-repetitive.
[21:49] >> Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there
[21:51] » Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there
[21:51] any members of the public who wish to be
[21:53] heard on an item not on tonight's
[21:55] agenda?
[21:57] come to the podium, please, and state
[21:59] your name for the record. And you have
[22:00] three minutes to share your big news.
[22:03] Great. Um, thank you, Mayor, um,
[22:08] city manager Steve Alrod, and all of
[22:11] the, uh, people who have helped us. My
[22:13] name is David Rosenstein, and we're in
[22:16] the final steps tomorrow of purchasing
[22:19] Nortons from the current owners. And um
[22:22] I want to introduce myself and my team,
[22:25] Simon Lieboich and and Jeff Pollsome um
[22:28] before we actually take the keys
[22:30] tomorrow. Uh for me uh my parents moved
[22:34] to Highland Park in the summer of 1967
[22:36] and we grew up on Marian Avenue and um
[22:40] it's been a home for us since we moved
[22:41] back here some um 35 years ago. And so
[22:46] we're really looking forward to um uh
[22:49] being part of this community um and
[22:52] giving back to this community in
[22:54] partnership with this community. Um so
[22:57] this just isn't a business for us but
[22:59] more of a stewardship of a Highland Park
[23:03] institution that's been in business for
[23:05] 27 years. um um we don't really consider
[23:10] Norton's as mine or but rather as ours
[23:14] as part of the community, part of the
[23:15] employees, part of um uh our patrons as
[23:19] well. So, we're really excited about um
[23:21] this and we're lucky to have the
[23:23] opportunity to steward this for whatever
[23:25] period to make it better and improve on
[23:28] it. Um Norton's has been here a long
[23:31] time. Uh Richie and Jeff have built this
[23:34] business into a great business. They're
[23:36] legends. the last few nights they've
[23:37] been the the patrons have been coming in
[23:40] saying goodbye to them and it's been
[23:42] really heartwarming to see and we're
[23:44] able to retain all of the staff which
[23:46] we're really excited about and um just
[23:50] kind of keep things the way they are
[23:51] while improving things behind the scene
[23:54] to make us more efficient going forward.
[23:56] Uh the licensing and onboarding process
[23:59] with your team has been great. they've
[24:00] been very collaborative and uh very
[24:03] professional, open, helpful um in
[24:06] answering questions and and directing
[24:08] us. So, we appreciate that. We want you
[24:11] to know that they've been very easy to
[24:12] work with. And again, we're not coming
[24:15] in here to make major changes or to
[24:17] change things around. Uh we want to
[24:20] watch and learn and listen and um and
[24:25] Norton's belongs to Highland Park uh
[24:28] more than it belongs to us. And so we
[24:30] want to make sure that we steward this
[24:32] institution um in a in the correct way
[24:35] in an honest way and we want to be
[24:37] really good partners with the city of
[24:39] Pho Park. So thank you.
[24:40] >> Wonderful. We wish you all the best and
[24:42] » Wonderful. We wish you all the best and
[24:42] good luck and thank you so much for
[24:45] coming to share your big news. Hope your
[24:47] closing goes smoothly. And to those who
[24:49] are saying what did they say? Nortons.
[24:51] They are the new owners of Norton's
[24:53] restaurant. So people weren't quite sure
[24:55] what you were saying. So, thank you so
[24:56] much and appreciate you coming here and
[24:58] we're here to support you. So, thank
[25:00] you. Thank you. Any other
[25:02] [clears throat] members of the public
[25:03] who wish to be heard on an item not on
[25:05] tonight's agenda?
[25:07] Seeing none, we'll continue with our
[25:09] omnibus
[25:10] um agenda, which includes items 1
[25:13] through 15. I know uh have a request for
[25:16] a comment by Council Member Litter. But
[25:18] first, I'm asking for a motion to
[25:20] approve items 1 through 15.
[25:21] >> So moved.
[25:22] » So moved.
[25:22] >> Is there a second?
[25:23] » Is there a second?
[25:23] >> Second.
[25:24] » Second.
[25:24] >> Thank you. Um, and then I will share my
[25:27] » Thank you. Um, and then I will share my
[25:27] other piece after you make your comment
[25:29] and we'll take that vote.
[25:30] >> Thank you. I I just want to uh call
[25:32] » Thank you. I I just want to uh call
[25:32] attention to the resolution for the
[25:34] execution of additional services
[25:36] agreement uh for phase two of the place
[25:39] of remembrance. I'm in support of this.
[25:41] The presentation by SWA was wonderful. I
[25:45] think we have a lot of options. There is
[25:48] a slight um error and I just want to
[25:51] make sure that it's understood that the
[25:53] council did not actually um adopt an
[25:57] updated budget. We were just in the
[26:00] process of reviewing various items and
[26:02] we're looking for more um specificity as
[26:06] to where how we proceed with um the
[26:08] second portion in phase two of that
[26:12] program. and at in the near term we will
[26:15] have more firm numbers and be better
[26:17] able to exact
[26:18] >> come up with that conclusion. So
[26:19] » come up with that conclusion. So
[26:19] >> I just want to make sure that we were
[26:20] » I just want to make sure that we were
[26:20] clear that there was no updated actual
[26:22] budget
[26:25] >> uh for the construction budget you're
[26:27] » uh for the construction budget you're
[26:27] talking about.
[26:27] >> Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank
[26:30] » Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank
[26:30] you for that clarification. So um
[26:32] instead of supported an updated budget
[26:34] that's let's just say it's an estimated
[26:36] budget but certainly it'll come before
[26:38] you for formal consideration.
[26:39] >> Absolutely. Fine.
[26:40] » Absolutely. Fine.
[26:40] >> Thank you. So,
[26:42] » Thank you. So,
[26:42] >> we're sorry. What
[26:43] » we're sorry. What
[26:43] >> other item quick top comment number
[26:46] » other item quick top comment number
[26:46] seven
[26:47] >> my favorite part of the packet was
[26:49] » my favorite part of the packet was
[26:49] certainly reading about the audit.
[26:51] >> Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I
[26:53] » Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I
[26:53] know how difficult it is to get through
[26:54] an audit. Christie and team and and
[26:57] Gita. Um so, congratulations and great
[26:59] job.
[27:00] >> Thank you. Thanks.
[27:01] » Thank you. Thanks.
[27:01] >> They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you.
[27:03] » They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you.
[27:03] Uh with that, we have a motion and a
[27:04] second. Will the clerk call the vote,
[27:06] please?
[27:06] >> Council member center. Hi.
[27:07] » Council member center. Hi.
[27:07] >> Council member Breman.
[27:08] » Council member Breman.
[27:08] >> Hi.
[27:08] » Hi.
[27:08] >> Council member Ross. Hi. Council member
[27:10] » Council member Ross. Hi. Council member
[27:10] Tapia.
[27:10] >> Hi.
[27:11] » Hi.
[27:11] >> Council member Little.
[27:12] » Council member Little.
[27:12] >> I.
[27:12] » I.
[27:12] >> Mayor Roing.
[27:13] » Mayor Roing.
[27:13] >> I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15
[27:15] » I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15
[27:15] have been approved. I just want to um
[27:17] ask the council. Um there's been a
[27:20] request by the applicant on item B um
[27:24] which is consideration of a special use
[27:27] permit in the nature of a preliminary
[27:28] and final plan development with
[27:29] modifications from city code and a plat
[27:31] of re subdivision with variances from
[27:33] city code related to 147 central avenue
[27:36] to be continued to a meeting in August.
[27:40] Um, Steve, was it August?
[27:42] >> August 17th.
[27:43] » August 17th.
[27:43] >> August 17th. And so with that, I am
[27:46] » August 17th. And so with that, I am
[27:46] seeking a motion from the council to
[27:48] continue that item.
[27:49] >> So moved.
[27:50] » So moved.
[27:50] >> Second.
[27:51] » Second.
[27:51] >> Uh, do we need to have discussion or
[27:54] » Uh, do we need to have discussion or
[27:54] >> No, you can um make a voice vote.
[27:56] » No, you can um make a voice vote.
[27:56] >> Okay. All in favor say I.
[27:58] » Okay. All in favor say I.
[27:58] >> I. I.
[27:59] » I. I.
[27:59] >> Thank you. We wanted to share that at
[28:01] » Thank you. We wanted to share that at
[28:01] the beginning of the meeting because
[28:03] that conversation will now be had August
[28:05] 17th.
[28:06] >> So, thank you for [clears throat] coming
[28:07] » So, thank you for [clears throat] coming
[28:07] out if you came out for that item. Very
[28:11] good.
[28:11] >> Um but feel free to stick around. We've
[28:13] » Um but feel free to stick around. We've
[28:13] got other interesting things on the
[28:15] agenda.
[28:15] >> Yeah.
[28:16] » Yeah.
[28:16] >> Um
[28:21] » FYI, it's very difficult to hear.
[28:25] >> Okay. So, I will sit closer to the
[28:27] » Okay. So, I will sit closer to the
[28:27] microphone. How's that? Can you hear me
[28:29] now?
[28:29] >> I think microphones do not
[28:32] » I think microphones do not
[28:32] >> they do um but maybe not for all. So,
[28:36] » they do um but maybe not for all. So,
[28:36] we'll be we'll be louder. I appreciate
[28:38] you raising that point. Uh so what we
[28:41] just did was continue the item related
[28:43] to 147 central to the August 17th
[28:46] meeting at request of the applicant.
[28:49] Great.
[28:49] >> So we are not talking about 147 central
[28:52] » So we are not talking about 147 central
[28:52] tonight, but like I said, you're welcome
[28:54] to stick around. We have other
[28:55] interesting things on the agenda.
[28:58] >> Thank you. Um, continuing on with um
[29:01] » Thank you. Um, continuing on with um
[29:01] those items, item A under other business
[29:05] is a res resolution initiating the
[29:07] submission of a public question to
[29:09] establish term limits for elected
[29:12] offices of mayor and council member. And
[29:15] I just want to say this was a a
[29:17] conversation that was had earlier this
[29:19] evening during the committee of the
[29:21] whole. um we are going to be discussing
[29:24] it uh to the same extent and um I don't
[29:29] know if we we don't have a presentation
[29:31] we're more just talking about what we
[29:34] are agreeing to put on the ballot so
[29:36] that the community can take action via
[29:39] referendum on the November 3rd ballot
[29:44] >> right that is correct um so mayor we
[29:46] » right that is correct um so mayor we
[29:46] populated the resolution um with the
[29:50] policy feedback that we received from
[29:51] the city council the committee the whole
[29:53] meeting. So those changes are reflected
[29:54] in yellow.
[29:55] >> Okay.
[29:56] » Okay.
[29:56] >> Um and then subject to council approval.
[29:59] » Um and then subject to council approval.
[29:59] Um we would record the resolution with
[30:01] the Lake County Clerk's Office. Uh also
[30:04] in include
[30:05] >> speak into the microphone.
[30:08] » speak into the microphone.
[30:08] >> Also include information um for the
[30:12] » Also include information um for the
[30:12] public just about the fact that there is
[30:14] a referendum and here's what the
[30:16] referendum question is. So that'll be in
[30:18] the Highlander and the E-News and all of
[30:20] our communication modalities.
[30:22] >> And one other just procedural point um
[30:26] » And one other just procedural point um
[30:26] because the res resolution has uh been
[30:29] amended from the version that appeared
[30:31] in the agenda package based on the
[30:34] comments of the committee of the whole
[30:36] meeting. When you do seek a motion, um
[30:38] you should seek it uh to be to approve
[30:41] the resolution as amended.
[30:43] >> As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for
[30:46] » As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for
[30:46] those who are not familiar with what's
[30:49] [clears throat] being discussed this
[30:50] evening, I'll just share with you that
[30:52] uh the majority of the council has asked
[30:55] the city council to place a resolution
[30:57] on the November 3rd ballot asking a
[31:01] question concerning the um establishment
[31:04] of term limits for city council members
[31:07] and for the mayor. Um, just want to be
[31:10] clear, this is not applied
[31:12] retroactively. it is only applied
[31:15] proactively based on the election that
[31:18] will happen in April of 2027.
[31:21] Um the majority asked for we discussed
[31:26] different elements and that's where
[31:27] you're hearing about this repopulated
[31:30] ordinance that's now been uploaded to
[31:32] the city agenda specifically stating um
[31:36] how many terms should be limited and
[31:39] that was agreed to by the majority at
[31:41] two terms plus under 25 months. So, up
[31:46] to 10 years taking into account
[31:49] appointments both for city council and
[31:52] for the mayor. Um, I'm just going to
[31:55] state as I have throughout this
[31:57] conversation, I find term limits uh to
[32:00] not be in support of the democratic
[32:02] process. I feel strongly that uh the
[32:05] voters should be establishing term
[32:07] limits. Um, but by supporting the
[32:09] resolution this evening, I'm indicating
[32:11] my interest in hearing from our citizen
[32:14] voters. So, I personally don't support
[32:17] the uh the request and I obviously will
[32:20] be voting in that direction, but I
[32:22] certainly want to hear from our
[32:23] community and get a better understanding
[32:25] of where they are in terms of the
[32:27] establishment of term limits. Um, I
[32:30] don't know. Do we have more comments
[32:32] that people need to make or should we
[32:33] just take the vote? We uh
[32:35] >> I have a statement I wanted to read.
[32:36] » I have a statement I wanted to read.
[32:36] >> You have a statement you want to read?
[32:37] » You have a statement you want to read?
[32:37] Okay. Go ahead and uh council member
[32:39] liter read your statement. So, Highland
[32:41] Park thrives when its leadership
[32:43] reflects both experience and renewal.
[32:46] The question before us is not about any
[32:48] one individual, nor is it a judgment on
[32:50] past service. It is about whether our
[32:53] system consistently creates space for
[32:56] new voices, new energy, and broader
[32:59] participation in public life. Highland
[33:02] Park voters should have the opportunity
[33:04] to decide how long elected officials may
[33:07] serve. The principle alone is worth
[33:10] affirming. Turn limits are not a
[33:13] rejection of leadership. They're a way
[33:15] of strengthening it. They encourage a
[33:18] healthy cycle where leaders step
[33:20] forward, contribute meaningfully, and
[33:22] then make room for others to do the
[33:24] same. Good governance does not depend on
[33:27] any one person. It depends on a
[33:29] structure that invites continued
[33:31] engagement and access from the
[33:34] community. Over time, long tenurs can
[33:37] unintentionally narrow the field.
[33:40] Potential candidates, particularly
[33:42] particularly younger residents or those
[33:45] with different perspectives, may decide
[33:47] not to step forward, assuming the
[33:50] opportunity is not realistic. The cost
[33:52] is too great, the name recognition of
[33:54] the incumbent too high. The result is
[33:57] not stability, but stagnation. Fewer
[34:00] contested elections, fewer ideas tested,
[34:03] and fewer residents seeing a path into
[34:05] civic life. Term limits help reset that
[34:09] dynamic.
[34:10] They create a predictable rhythm in
[34:12] which leadership evolves and
[34:14] participation expands. They signal that
[34:17] public office is not a permanent
[34:19] position, but a period of service. For
[34:23] candidates with a clear vision, eight
[34:25] years, two full terms is a meaningful
[34:28] window. [cough and clears throat] long
[34:29] enough to learn, set direction,
[34:31] implement priorities, and be held
[34:33] accountable for results. I'm not
[34:36] advocating to discard experience. Those
[34:38] who have served can continue to
[34:40] contribute in other roles. It's entirely
[34:42] possible for individuals to move between
[34:45] positions, bringing continuity where it
[34:47] is valued in a sister government
[34:49] position, on a commission, advisory
[34:51] group, or board while still allowing
[34:54] leadership to rotate.
[34:56] The community would not lose its
[34:58] institutional knowledge. It
[35:00] redistributes it. This is not about
[35:02] limiting people. It is about expanding
[35:05] opportunity.
[35:07] A system that regularly invites new
[35:10] candidates fosters stronger engagement,
[35:12] deeper debate, and ultimately better
[35:15] outcomes. It encourages more residents
[35:18] to see themselves as participants rather
[35:20] than as observers. and it ensures that
[35:23] Highland Park's government remains
[35:25] responsive not just to the present but
[35:28] to the future.
[35:31] It is for these reasons that I advocate
[35:32] for two full terms plus under 25 months
[35:36] or the two plus two term limit. This
[35:39] ensures that for both the offices of
[35:42] mayor and council member two full terms
[35:45] may be served and if someone fills in
[35:47] through appointment or election for a
[35:48] partial term they will still be eligible
[35:51] to run for the two full terms. This is
[35:54] also the time frame which many of our
[35:56] northshore and lakefront neighbors have
[35:58] adopted. The main issue is that the
[36:01] voters should decide as to whether they
[36:03] want to put term limits in place and it
[36:05] is our obligation to put the question on
[36:08] the ballot so they can decide. Thank
[36:10] you.
[36:11] >> Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn.
[36:13] » Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn.
[36:13] >> Thank you. Um I want to share some
[36:15] » Thank you. Um I want to share some
[36:15] reservations before I get to where I
[36:17] land and I know I mentioned this in
[36:18] committee of the whole but I want to
[36:20] share my perspective again. Um, at the
[36:22] most basic level, I keep coming back to
[36:24] something we discussed in May that
[36:26] elections themselves are the most direct
[36:28] form of term limits and voter choice is
[36:30] the foundation of how we structure
[36:32] representation here. Also, to me, the
[36:34] timing of this conversation was
[36:36] surprising to me because our last
[36:38] municipal election in 2025, which I was
[36:40] a part of, I was unopposed. And so, the
[36:44] practical problem in Highland Park right
[36:45] now isn't too many incumbents. It's
[36:47] recruiting willing and cap capable
[36:49] residents to run at all. And then in the
[36:52] same cycle in the special election to
[36:54] fill the unexpired council term, a
[36:56] firsttime candidate defeated a 12-year
[36:59] incumbent, which to me is a pretty
[37:01] strong real world data point that
[37:03] incumbency in Highland Park does not
[37:05] necessarily
[37:07] uh have an edge, especially in this past
[37:09] election. I do worry about the
[37:11] trade-offs the sta that the staff had
[37:14] mentioned from and we discussed in our
[37:16] May conversation. the loss of
[37:17] institutional knowledge, the value of a
[37:20] deep bench, effective transition
[37:21] planning, and the lame duck dynamic for
[37:24] officials nearing the end of a cap term.
[37:27] I'd also like to flag that several
[37:29] residents have reached out asking us to
[37:31] also explore a ward system to ensure
[37:34] equal geographic representation. And
[37:36] given that we've gone several cycles
[37:38] without candidates from certain parts of
[37:40] the city, a term limit structure layered
[37:42] on top could make that geographic
[37:44] representation conversation harder. not
[37:47] easier.
[37:48] That said, I also do not believe that we
[37:51] strengthen democracy by narrowing the
[37:53] field before voters ever get to cast a
[37:55] ballot and should and we should be very
[37:58] careful not to import the politics of
[38:00] distrust into Highland Park by treating
[38:02] institutional knowledge as a dirty word
[38:04] when in reality it helps responsible
[38:07] local government serve residents well.
[38:09] With all that said about my with my own
[38:12] concerns about whether term limits are
[38:13] the right tool for Highland Park, I am
[38:15] [snorts] not going to stand in the way
[38:16] of residents having their voices heard
[38:18] on this question directly. So with that,
[38:21] I will support placing the referendum on
[38:23] the November 3rd ballot, which I
[38:25] understand we'll have to adopt now so
[38:27] that by August 16th so that we make that
[38:30] deadline. Thank you.
[38:31] >> Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah,
[38:34] » Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah,
[38:34] without uh uh questioning the intention
[38:37] of my colleagues, um I would argue the
[38:39] opposite that um not having turn limits
[38:42] limits uh the inclusionary democracy. Um
[38:46] and uh I know that none of us would want
[38:49] to, you know, support that exclusion.
[38:51] But in practice uh the power of
[38:54] incumbency means a person has name
[38:57] recognition has more money more support
[38:59] making the threshold for newcomers
[39:01] younger candidates people who usually
[39:03] would not run because it's kind of
[39:05] formidable to to put their hat in the
[39:07] ring uh to to run and and offer their
[39:10] voice. So I believe the term limits
[39:11] gives a a good um cap on the number of
[39:15] years of service uh that is long you
[39:18] know eight years for city council. So if
[39:20] that person wants to run for mayor, they
[39:21] would have another eight years. Um and
[39:24] so that seems like, you know, if they
[39:25] run the full the full run, that would be
[39:27] 12 years um actually 16 years of of
[39:31] serving the city, which seems to be
[39:32] plenty to have quite an impact on on our
[39:35] wonderful city, plus making room for new
[39:37] blood, new ideas, new energy on an
[39:39] ongoing systematic basis. I I think that
[39:42] many times there's inadvertent
[39:44] systematic uh barriers of entry and and
[39:48] I think having term limits is one of the
[39:50] ways to soften those barriers and create
[39:53] a more inclusionary government. So uh
[39:56] with that I believe that um we should
[39:58] have them and uh we'll be supporting um
[40:00] us having putting a referendum and have
[40:02] the people decide.
[40:03] >> Thank you council member center.
[40:05] » Thank you council member center.
[40:05] >> Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree
[40:08] » Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree
[40:08] with the sentiments that council member
[40:10] Topia just shared. I think the logic
[40:12] that we don't have enough viable
[40:13] candidates is completely flawed. The
[40:16] barriers to run for office are
[40:18] significant and the lack of term limits
[40:20] creates unintended consequences in this
[40:22] form of exclusionary leadership. I
[40:25] shared this with the committee the whole
[40:26] but you know I come from a commercial
[40:28] background and I've stated you know both
[40:30] earlier tonight and and in the May
[40:32] discussion that I believe all good
[40:34] organizations have leadership change.
[40:37] Uh, I've al I've served on nonfor-profit
[40:40] boards that have term limits for the
[40:43] very reasons that we're talking about
[40:44] tonight for fresh fresh input, different
[40:46] perspectives, new regime change. I think
[40:50] the steep learning curve is is part of
[40:54] any type of organization and requires
[40:56] good planning and change management. Uh,
[40:58] but should not be a barrier to allowing
[41:01] for new members to to join and to bring
[41:04] fresh perspectives. I I also shared
[41:07] earlier that you know I started a new a
[41:09] new role recently where multiple members
[41:11] of the executive team left and we have a
[41:14] brand new leadership team and it has
[41:16] created an opportunity for tremendous
[41:19] insight, fresh perspective and new value
[41:22] to the organization and I think
[41:27] roles such as sitting on council or the
[41:30] mayor should be no different. Um, so I'm
[41:32] really looking forward to having this on
[41:34] the ballot and to uh allowing the
[41:37] community to uh provide their opinion.
[41:40] Uh, and I will certainly be supporting
[41:41] this uh when it's uh during the November
[41:45] election.
[41:46] >> Thank you.
[41:47] » Thank you.
[41:47] >> Thank you, Council Member Ross.
[41:49] » Thank you, Council Member Ross.
[41:49] >> Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee
[41:51] » Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee
[41:52] of the whole um I believe in uh term
[41:55] limits and I believed in that uh prior
[41:58] to uh joining council um a just as a
[42:03] general concept and um I did share in in
[42:07] committee of the whole that I originally
[42:09] thought to have a potentially a flexible
[42:12] system of three terms on council, two as
[42:15] mayor and a choice of how to serve you
[42:17] know which three terms on council two as
[42:20] mayor, three, you know, three whether
[42:23] you do uh it' be 20 years, not to exceed
[42:27] 20 years where whether you spent, you
[42:29] know, the three terms or two terms that
[42:33] that you get to choose that, but you you
[42:35] that isn't legal and doable. It's um you
[42:37] can't intermingle the the two offices.
[42:40] And again, I I really do believe in term
[42:43] limits. Um I I you know it in in
[42:47] committee of the whole there and and
[42:49] here there have been um dis uh comments
[42:53] about uh the concept of elections as a
[42:56] natural form of term limits. Um I I
[42:59] think you know that that is uh
[43:04] great and ideal in in theory but the
[43:06] reality is that there's the power of the
[43:07] incumbency there's also lack of voter
[43:10] turnout. there are all sorts of forces
[43:12] that um inter interfere with that and
[43:14] and uh I I think that um the there's
[43:18] also the reality that the highest office
[43:21] in the land um the the president has
[43:24] only you know two terms um is limited uh
[43:27] to two terms uh and I think there is uh
[43:31] based on what I'm reading um uh or my
[43:35] own person research online that there's
[43:37] a growing uh growing support for term
[43:40] limits
[43:41] um in in the country. Uh and I I um I I
[43:46] certainly understand that sentiment
[43:49] because it as I've said multiple times
[43:51] tonight um I' I've thought about the
[43:53] issue of term limits um many times. So,
[43:56] uh the uh that is why I um am supporting
[44:02] the where where we've landed um
[44:04] particularly and I'm going to reiterate
[44:06] this in light of the the the notion that
[44:11] council leads um uh this effort and
[44:15] determination of uh what what the term
[44:18] limits would be. I I think I as I said
[44:20] in close uh not close committee of the
[44:22] whole and I say it now that I I think
[44:24] it's very important that we as a council
[44:27] uh uh lead this effort and so I support
[44:31] the uh two-term and two-term uh tenure
[44:36] for uh uh city council and tenure for
[44:40] for mayor with the two extra in any
[44:43] event. Sorry, I'm I'm I'm rambling here.
[44:45] >> Maximum of 10 years.
[44:46] » Maximum of 10 years.
[44:46] >> Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in
[44:49] » Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in
[44:49] either office. Um uh and I I I stand by
[44:53] that.
[44:53] >> Thank you. I think it's important to
[44:55] » Thank you. I think it's important to
[44:55] note that according to the National
[44:56] League of Cities, only 9% of US
[44:59] municipalities have term limits. Um and
[45:03] I'll reiterate, I think the term limit
[45:04] is at the ballot box, but all that
[45:06] notwithstanding I believe in our voters.
[45:08] And so with that, I'm seeking a motion
[45:10] to approve item A.
[45:12] >> So moved as amended.
[45:13] » So moved as amended.
[45:14] >> Yes.
[45:14] » Yes.
[45:14] >> Thank you.
[45:14] » Thank you.
[45:14] >> Second.
[45:16] » Second.
[45:16] Um will the code call the vote?
[45:20] >> Council member center
[45:21] » Council member center
[45:21] >> I.
[45:22] » I.
[45:22] >> Council member Buckman
[45:23] » Council member Buckman
[45:23] >> I.
[45:23] » I.
[45:23] >> Council member Ross
[45:24] » Council member Ross
[45:24] >> I.
[45:25] » I.
[45:25] >> Council member Tapia
[45:26] » Council member Tapia
[45:26] >> I.
[45:26] » I.
[45:26] >> Council member Little
[45:27] » Council member Little
[45:27] >> I.
[45:27] » I.
[45:28] >> Mayor Roing
[45:28] » Mayor Roing
[45:28] >> I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as
[45:31] » I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as
[45:31] amended. Um has passed. Um item C is a
[45:35] resolution approving a plat of
[45:36] subdivision at zero meadow lane. I'm
[45:39] going to assume that everybody has done
[45:40] their homework and read the packet. Is
[45:43] there any further discussion needed or
[45:45] just a vote taken on item C?
[45:47] >> Just a vote.
[45:48] » Just a vote.
[45:48] >> Is there a motion to approve item C?
[45:50] » Is there a motion to approve item C?
[45:50] >> Some move.
[45:52] » Some move.
[45:52] >> Is there a second?
[45:53] » Is there a second?
[45:53] >> A second.
[45:54] » A second.
[45:54] >> Will the clerk please call the vote?
[45:56] » Will the clerk please call the vote?
[45:56] >> Council member center.
[45:56] » Council member center.
[45:56] >> Hi.
[45:57] » Hi.
[45:57] >> Council member Buckman.
[45:58] » Council member Buckman.
[45:58] >> I.
[45:58] » I.
[45:58] >> Council member Ross.
[45:59] » Council member Ross.
[45:59] >> I.
[46:00] » I.
[46:00] >> Council member Tapia.
[46:01] » Council member Tapia.
[46:01] >> Hi.
[46:02] » Hi.
[46:02] >> Council member Little
[46:04] » Council member Little
[46:04] >> I.
[46:04] » I.
[46:04] >> Mayor Roing.
[46:05] » Mayor Roing.
[46:05] >> I. But there's a member of the audience
[46:07] » I. But there's a member of the audience
[46:07] who wished to comment. So corporation
[46:10] council, what do we do?
[46:12] allow the comment.
[46:14] >> Okay. Please come forward and state your
[46:16] » Okay. Please come forward and state your
[46:16] name for the record. My apologies, Jack.
[46:17] I didn't realize that's what you were
[46:19] here for.
[46:20] >> Didn't say hello.
[46:29] » Hello, Mayor and members of the council.
[46:32] My name is Jack Strom. I live at 1681
[46:36] Thornwood Lane in Highland Park. Uh I am
[46:41] one of the properties that is opposite
[46:44] the metal lane development. My comment
[46:47] tonight is in regards to which direction
[46:52] the curb cuts and uh exit from the uh
[46:57] two lots will be. I would uh hope that
[47:02] uh you folks consider that having the uh
[47:08] um cars exit onto the interior meadow
[47:13] lane road instead of the Thornwood Lane
[47:18] Road. Um right now there is the existent
[47:22] meadow lane that runs on the border of
[47:24] the two lots. Uh the reason I'm
[47:27] requesting that is because uh we have a
[47:30] number of uh homeowners that have
[47:34] children uh young children and they uh
[47:37] grandchildren visit and it is a um
[47:42] culdeac.
[47:44] So, increasing the traffic uh on
[47:47] Thornwood Lane uh could present a
[47:50] traffic hazard uh to families and the
[47:54] children that play on that street. Uh
[47:57] there is an existing interior road as I
[48:00] mentioned, the metal lane and it does
[48:02] border uh the uh two lots as well as the
[48:07] existing uh uh mansion that is on that
[48:11] property. And I hope consideration would
[48:14] be made that uh the uh uh approval of uh
[48:21] that development would be such that the
[48:26] uh curb cuts and the and the uh road of
[48:30] exit out out of that development would
[48:34] be on the existing interior road instead
[48:37] of having the properties uh exit on
[48:40] Thornwood Lane. Thank you for your
[48:43] consideration. Um I don't know how it
[48:46] works with you already approving it,
[48:49] >> right?
[48:49] » right?
[48:49] >> But uh if that is possible
[48:53] » But uh if that is possible
[48:53] uh I would uh appreciate that that would
[48:57] uh uh that consideration would be taken
[49:00] up.
[49:01] >> Appreciate you coming tonight and
[49:02] » Appreciate you coming tonight and
[49:02] sharing that insight from the nuance of
[49:04] the neighborhood. Um, community
[49:06] development director, are you able to
[49:09] address that point now or speak with Mr.
[49:11] Stum afterwards in terms of trying to
[49:15] accommodate his request?
[49:16] >> Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get
[49:18] » Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get
[49:18] Mr. Strong's contact information and
[49:20] then certainly um, Director Fontaine can
[49:22] talk to him oneonone and then we'll
[49:24] certainly follow.
[49:25] >> Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for
[49:26] » Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for
[49:26] coming this evening. Thank you. Thank
[49:28] you.
[49:28] >> Thank you. Um and so with that we do
[49:31] » Thank you. Um and so with that we do
[49:31] have a vote of six to zero to approve
[49:34] item C and um staff will certainly
[49:36] follow up with you Mr. Strong. Thank
[49:38] you. Thank you.
[49:40] >> Um and with that I believe I am seeking
[49:42] » Um and with that I believe I am seeking
[49:42] a motion to adjurnn.
[49:44] >> So moved.
[49:45] » So moved.
[49:45] >> Second.
[49:45] » Second.
[49:45] >> All in favor say I.
[49:47] » All in favor say I.
[49:47] >> I.
[49:48] » I.
[49:48] >> Thank you.