City Council

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK MEETING DATE: November 24, 2025 MEETING LOCATION: City Hall 1707 St Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 I. Call to Order At 7:31 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call: II. Roll Call Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg Absent: None Staff Present: City Manager Neukirch, Director of Public Works Bannon, Community Development Director Fontane, Assistant City Manager Jason, Finance Director McCaulou, Fire Chief Schrage, Assistant City Manager Taub, Commander Curran, Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska Also Present: Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Council Held on October 30, 2025 B. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Held on November 10, 2025 Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Council Held on October 30, 2025. Councilmember Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (7 - 0). MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer SECONDER: Councilmember Meckler Bruckman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None  C. Approval of the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the City Council on November 10, 2025 Councilmember Blumberg moved to approve the Minutes of the Closed Session of the Regular Meeting of the City Council on November 10, 2025. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (7 - 0). MOVER: Councilmember Blumberg SECONDER: Councilmember Lidawer AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None V. Approval of Warrant List A. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from October 31, 2025 to November 13, 2025. Councilmember Tapia moved to approve the Warrant List. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion (7 - 0). MOVER: Councilmember Tapia SECONDER: Councilmember Lidawer AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None VI. Report of Mayor A. Proclamations Mayor Rotering proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month. Ashbey Beasley provided comments on Native American heritage and culture. B. Other Business Mayor Rotering requested a moment of Silence for Dr. Gerald M. Eisenberg. She recognized Dr. Eisenberg for his volunteer work with the City and the Cultural Arts Advisory Group. Mayor Rotering acknowledged the grand reopening of the Highland Park Senior Center and highlighted information from the day's events. VII. Business from the Council There was none VIII. Business from City Staff  City Manager Neukirch provided information on the December meeting schedule. She highlighted items on the omnibus agenda. IX. Business from the Public (Individuals wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda) Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska provided opening comments. X. Omnibus Mayor Rotering noted that items 4 and 6 would be removed from omnibus vote consideration. Mayor Rotering thanked staff for their work on the budget. Councilmember Tapia moved to approve items 1-3, 5, and 7-19 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. MOVER: Councilmember Tapia SECONDER: Councilmember Lidawer AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None Administration 1. Adoption of a Resolution (R137-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving an Agreement with Miand, Inc d/b/a Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions, of Kingsbury, Indiana, for Independence Day Fireworks Services”. 2. Adoption of a Resolution (R138-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements of the City's Purchasing Manual and Approving an Agreement with Arms Security Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, for the Continued Provision of Professional Security Services”. 3. Adoption of an Ordinance (O58-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving a Three-Year Extension of the Time Period of City of Highland Park Special Service Area Number 17, Ravinia Business District”. Finance 5. Adoption of an Ordinance (O60-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving the Annual Budget of the City of Highland Park, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2026”. 7. Adoption of an Ordinance (O61-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Approving the Compensation Plan and Policy for City Employees Effective January 1, 2026”. 8. Adoption of a Resolution (R140-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving the Purchase of New Microsoft Windows Licenses from  CDW Government LLC, of Vernon Hills, Illinois”. Public Works 9. Adoption of a Resolution (R141-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “Resolution Approving the GIS Consortium Service Provider Contract between the City of Highland Park and Municipal GIS Partners, Inc., for the Period of January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028”. 10. Adoption of a Resolution (R142-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving Agreements with the Illinois Department of Transportation for Sidewalk and Bridge Projects”. 11. Adoption of a Resolution (R143-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving Award of the 2026 Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) Maintenance Services Agreement to Facility Gateway Corporation of Madison, Wisconsin”. 12. Adoption of a Resolution (R144-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving Award of the 2026 Generator Maintenance Services Agreement to Midwest Power Industry of McHenry, Illinois”. Community Development 13. Adoption of a Resolution (R145-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Ratifying a Minor Amendment for a Planned Development (1651 Richfield Ave.)”. 14. Adoption of an Ordinance (O62-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving Enforcement of Chapter 160 of "the Highland Park City Code of 1968," as Amended (1651 Richfield Ave.)”. 15. Adoption of a Resolution (R146-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a First Amendment to a Development Agreement (1651 Richfield)”. 16. Adoption of an Ordinance (O63-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Granting Variances from Article XX of the Zoning Code (259 Waukegan Avenue)”. 17. Adoption of a Resolution (R147-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal No. 3 of Professional Services Agreement with B&F Construction Code Services, Inc.”. 18. Adoption of a Resolution (R148-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal No. 3 of Professional Services Agreement with Fire Safety Consultants, Inc.”. Public Safety 19. Adoption of a Resolution (R149-2025) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A  Resolution Authorizing Changes to the Parking Restrictions in the Ravinia North Parking Lot”. XI. Items Removed From Omnibus Vote Consideration 4. Adoption of an Ordinance (O59-2025) titled “An Ordinance Amending Section 71.360 of “The Highland Park Code of 1968,” as amended, Regarding Motor Driven Vehicles”. Councilmember Lidawer thanked staff for the clarification. She asked if the penalties had been increased based on the past conversations had by the Council. City Manager Neukirch noted that the penalty information had been updated in the annual fee resolution, which is item 6 on the agenda. Councilmember Lidawer voiced her appreciation but noted that she still has concerns in relation to access by these devices on the trails The Council, Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman and City Manager Neukirch discussed certain phrases that remained in the amendment and definition of bicycles. They discussed how certain sections that coincide with this amendment will be updated accordingly to reflect the changes. The Council voiced their appreciation for all the work that has been conducted on this topic. They voiced concerns about allowing access of these devices on the Green Bay Trail. They discussed the need for continued monitoring of this subject matter as it continues to be an ever changing environment. They noted the importance of continuing to educate the community and continued work with sister governments. Mayor Rotering and City Manager Neukirch noted that there is a regional working group that is meeting to discuss this topic and policy considerations. They explained that the working group will be developing policy to propose to the State. City Manager Neukirch noted that the City will review and update communication and then provide that updated information to the school districts, Park District, library and other sister government agencies. Councilmember Tapia moved to approve an Ordinance Amending Section 71.360 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968", as Amended, Regarding Motor Driven Vehicles, as amended. Councilmember Center seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed (6 - 1). MOVER: Councilmember Tapia SECONDER: Councilmember Center AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Blumberg NAYS: Councilmember Lidawer A. Adoption of a Resolution (R139-2025) titled, “A Resolution Establishing Certain Annual Fees to be Charged by the City of Highland Park for the Period of January 1,  2026 through December 31, 2026”. Councilmember Center voiced his appreciation for the fee review and increase based on previous conversations. He requested more information regarding multiple offenses. City Manager Neukirch noted that the fine is not less than $1,000. She provided information on the Administrative Hearing process. Councilmember Center moved to approve a Resolution Establishing Certain Annual Fees to be Charged by the City of Highland Park for the Period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (7 - 0). MOVER: Councilmember Center SECONDER: Councilmember Blumberg AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None XII. Other Business A. A Public Hearing Related to Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois, for Tax Year 2025 and Collected in Fiscal Year 2026 At 8:10 PM, Mayor Rotering called to order the Public Hearing Related to Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois and asked the Clerk to call the roll: PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg ABSENT: None Mayor Rotering declared a quorum was present. Finance Director McCaulou presented information as it relates to Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the City of Highland Park, a Home Rule Municipality, County of Lake, State of Illinois. Councilmember Blumberg moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Tapia seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously. The public hearing closed at 8:14 PM. XIII. Closed Session  Councilmember Blumberg moved the Council to close its meeting to the public, pursuant to the following cited section of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)), for the purposes of, (i) personnel (5 ILCS 120/2(C)(1)). Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. At 8:15 PM, the Council recessed the public portion of the meeting to meet in Closed Session. At 10:25 PM, Mayor Rotering reconvened the open session of the City Council meeting. PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center, Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Neukirch XIV. Adjournment Councilmember Blumberg moved to adjourn the City Council meeting. Councilmember Lidawer seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously. The City Council adjourned its meeting at 10:25 PM Respectfully Submitted, Ashley Palbitska Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk