Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole Meeting City Hall 1707 St Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 June 29, 2026 5:30 PM Agenda Individuals with questions or feedback about an agenda item can address the City in the following ways: 1. Emails with Unlimited Information. Individuals may email the City an unlimited number of words at cityhp@cityhpil.com. Emails will be forwarded to the City Council if requested. All emails received will be acknowledged. 2. Telephone. Individuals with no access to email may leave a message with the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000. 3. Live Comments. Individuals are able to address the Council during the City Council meeting. Questions/comments should be limited to three minutes or less. Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings are broadcast live on the City’s Facebook page and on the City’s website. Meetings can be watched after the meeting from a video link on the City’s website. The City encourages individuals to sign-up for its enews for important information from the City. To sign-up for the enews, visit www.cityhpil.com. I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Rescheduled Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on May 27, 2026 B. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on June 8, 2026 IV. Scheduled Business A. Policy Discussion Regarding the Possible Advancement of Term Limits B. Automated License Plate Reader Report V. Other Matters VI. Closed Session Page 1 of 34 VII. Adjournment Page 2 of 34 Staff Report Meeting Date: June 29, 2026 Staff Contact: Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Department: City Manager's Office Title: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Rescheduled Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on May 27, 2026 Recommendation: For the City Council’s approval are the minutes of the Regular Rescheduled Meeting of the Committee of the Whole held on May 27, 2026. Attachments: 1. MIN COTW 5-27-2026 Page 3 of 34 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR RESCHEDULED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK MEETING DATE: May 27, 2026 MEETING LOCATION: City Hall, 1707 St Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 I. Call to Order At 5:30 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call: II. Roll Call Present: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Center (arrived at 5:37PM) 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, Police Chief Jogmen, Finance Director McCaulou, Fire Chief Schrage, Assistant City Manager Taub, Commander Curran, Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska, Business Development Manager Elder Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod, Assistant Corporation Counsel Martinez, Williams Architects (Andy Dogan, Marc Rohde) III. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Rescheduled Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on May 11, 2026 B. Approval of the Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on May 18, 2026 Councilmember Lidawer moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Rescheduled Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on May 11, 2026 and the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on May 18, 2026. Councilmember Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Mayor declared the motion Passed (6 - 0). MOVER: Councilmember Lidawer SECONDER: Councilmember Bruckman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmembers Bruckman, Ross, Tapia, Lidawer, Blumberg NAYS: None ABSENT: Councilmember Center Page 4 of 34 IV. Scheduled Business A. Planning and Options for Redevelopment and Renovation of the City’s Public Services Center and Fire Station #34 (PSC/FS) City Manager Neukirch introduced the presentation. Andy Dogan, Williams Architects, presented information regarding the planning and options for redevelopment and renovation of the City's Public Services Center and Fire Station #34 (PSC/FS). City Manager Neukirch outlined staff's recommendations as it relates to next steps, including the importance of allocating funds for the pedestrian bridge as a separate project discussed previously. The Council, Mr. Dogan and staff discussed the necessity of an enclosed garage large enough to accommodate the fleet and the amount of square footage that would require, the impact of relocating the Fire Station with regard to the traffic signal at Summit Avenue, phasing the construction for both the PSC and FS, timelines, how the budgeted numbers presented include an escalation into the next year, and the number of bays that are necessary for the Fire Station. After the robust conversation, the Council was in favor of moving forward with budgeting for the construction of the Fire Station, along with dollars being allocated to the pedestrian bridge. It was noted that while construction of a new Public Services building is paused at this time, staff will come back before the Council to discuss next steps to plan and phase out the construction of the PSC as part of CIP planning. B. Discussion of Highland Park Property Owner Association Housing Policy Position Paper City Manager Neukirch introduced the presentation. She noted that staff would be providing recommendations and seeking feedback from the Council. Community Development Director Fontane presented information regarding the Highland Park Property Owner Association Housing Policy Position Paper and the information relating to the City’s experiences and policies. Mayor Rotering voiced appreciation for the work completed by the Property Owners Association and Community Partners for Affordable Housing. She referenced the proposed Build Act and current changes being discussed by the Senate that may be forthcoming. She stated that there is a lot that needs to be discussed as it relates to this topic and the Council would like to be able to give it the time it needs. She explained that this topic will be discussed further at the next Committee of the Whole Meeting. Page 5 of 34 V. Adjournment Councilmember Blumberg moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilmember Meckler Bruckman seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously. The Committee of the Whole adjourned its meeting at 6:54 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Ashley Palbitska Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Page 6 of 34 Staff Report Meeting Date: June 29, 2026 Staff Contact: Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Department: City Manager's Office Title: Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Held on June 8, 2026 Recommendation: For the City Council’s approval are the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Committee of the Whole held on June 8, 2026. Attachments: 1. MIN COTW 6-8-2026 - Special Meeting Page 7 of 34  MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK MEETING DATE: June 8, 2026 MEETING LOCATION: City Hall - 1707 St Johns Avenue I. Call to Order At 4:33 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, Police Chief Jogmen, Assistant City Manager Taub, Communications Manager Bennett, Assistant to the City Manager Palbitska Also Present: Corporation Counsel Elrod, All Together (Kristian Gist), SWA (Ben Waldo) III. Scheduled Business A. Place of Remembrance Engagement Report and Unified Design Concept Mayor Rotering provided opening remarks for the discussion. She requested a moment of silence to remember those victims that were lost. Assistant City Manager Taub began the presentation. She requested All Together and SWA to provide their presentation. Kristian Gist with All Together and Ben Waldo with SWA presented information regarding the Engagement Report and Unified Design Concept. City Manager Neukirch provided information on immediate next steps and outlined the feedback that is being requested. The Council, Ms. Gist, Mr. Waldo, and staff discussed appreciation for the integration into the proposed design as it relates to some of the Rose Garden elements, importance of a water feature, lighting elements, inclusion and recognition for those involved, assurance of the representation of all cultures, footprint of the area, the presentation that will be provided at the Historic Preservation Commission, and possible options for Port Clinton. Mr. Waldo noted that tonight's discussion was very informative and provided guiding information for their team to move forward with the next phase of designing the Rose Garden space. Page 8 of 34  City Manager Neukirch noted that discussions regarding planning for Port Clinton renovations will be part of budget discussions with the Council. She confirmed that based on Council feedback, the staff will move forward with a sculpture for Port Clinton. The process will be similar to the process that was undertaken for the sesquicentennial sculpture. IV. Adjournment Councilmember Lidawer moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilmember Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously. The Committee of the Whole adjourned its meeting at 6:21 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Ashley Palbitska Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Page 9 of 34 Staff Report Meeting Date: June 29, 2026 Staff Contact: Megan Cherry, Management Analyst Ghida Neukirch, City Manager Department: City Manager's Office Title: Policy Discussion Regarding the Possible Advancement of Term Limits Recommendation: At the May 11, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting, the majority of elected officials supported including a referendum on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot regarding term limits. This staff report includes a summary of the May 11, 2026 regarding this topic, along with additional information to aid in this follow-up discussion pertaining to term limits. Policy Consideration: Policy feedback is requested regarding the following matters. A Resolution has been drafted for formal consideration on the June 29, 2026 agenda. The Resolution will be updated in advance of the City Council meeting, following the policy feedback at the Committee of the Whole meeting which begins at 5:00 PM. If Council desires additional time to discuss the policy matter, the Resolution can be postponed to the following City Council meeting on July 13, 2026. The last day for the City to adopt a resolution or ordinance to allow a referendum to appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot is August 16, 2026. Policy Questions: • What should be the length of the term? • How many terms may an individual serve? • Should the term limits be consecutive or cumulative? o Consecutive term limits would apply only to terms to which an individual is elected or appointed back-to-back. But, if the individual takes a break between terms, the limitation restarts. As an example, if the term limit is set at two consecutve terms, an individual can serve for two terms, take a break and then serve for two more terms (and on and on). o Cumulative term limits would limit individuals to a fixed number of terms (or Page 10 of 34  years) in their lifetime, regardless of whether those terms (or years) are served consecutively or one term at a time. • Should the term limits be the same for the office of Mayor and for the office of Councilmember? • When should the term limits begin? (Note that under Illinois law, term limits can only be imposed prospectively.) • Note that Illinois law requires that term limits can only apply to terms for the same office. Therefore, the office of Mayor and the office of Councilmember must be considered separately when calculating term limits. Role of Elected Officials/City Pertaining to a Referendum Once a referendum is scheduled to appear on a ballot, City officials and staff may only provide neutral, factual information about the referendum. They cannot use public resources to campaign, take official actions that advocate before or against, or pressure the public pertaining to the referendum. Elected officials may discuss the referendum in their personal capacity, expressing support or opposition; however, they must make clear they are speaking as individuals and not on behalf of, or as representatives of, the City. Elected officials and staff may answer questions with factual, neutral information. No City resources may be used to advocate for a position on the referendum. Campaigning during official City meetings is prohibited. If the public has questions regarding the referendum, they are encouraged to contact the City Manager's Office. Responses to public questions are provided with objective, non-persuasive answers. Background City staff presented information regarding term limits to the City Council at the May 11, 2026 meeting of the Committee of the Whole. Staff noted that term limits, if approved, cannot be retroactive per Illinois law; they can only be prospective. Additionally, term limits would only apply to elected officials of the City of Highland Park, not other offices in other governmental bodies, such as the Park District or School Districts. At the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 11, 2026, the Councilmembers expressed a variety of views and opinions concerning term limits, including: • The importance of voter choice, and that elections are the most direct form of term limits • How term limits allow for new, fresh voices that can improve governance • That voters will determine whether or not they want term limits by voting on the referendum • The imposition of term limits on members of the City's various advisory groups, boards Page 11 of 34  and commissions • Whether the term limits should be cumulative or consecutive • The preference of having the referendum on the November 2026 ballot • The value of having a deep bench • The potential for officials to become "lame ducks" as they reach the end of their term limit • The loss of institutional knowledge if term limits are implemented • How Highland Park is being proactive by implementing term limits • The importance of effective transition planning • The growing support of term limits by the public • How running against an incumbent can feel insurmountable • How term limits help with inclusion, allowing for a more diverse body • How officials that are nearing the end of their term can focus on mentoring and supporting the next generation of leaders • The ways that staff carry institutional knowledge forward City staff conducted a municipal survey to inform the Council's discussion of term limits. Of the fifteen communities that responded to the survey, four have term limits. They are as follows: Skokie Skokie recently enacted term limits. The Skokie Village Board voted to place a referendum on the ballot asking residents if they wanted term limits for the Mayor, Trustee and Clerk positions. Voters approved the term limits during the November 5, 2024 General Election. The term limits are as follows: • Mayor o Four-year term o Beginning with the 2025 consolidated election, the Mayor may not hold office for more than three (3) terms total. • Village Clerk o Four-year term o Beginning with the 2025 consolidated election, the Clerk may not hold office for more than three (3) terms total. • At-Large Trustees o Four-year term o Beginning with the 2025 consolidated election, at-Large Trustees may not hold office for more than three (3) years total. • District Trustees o Two-year term for the first term in 2025, then a four-year term starting in 2027. o Term limits begin with the first four-year term. o District Trustees are limited to three (3) terms. o Term limits for District Trustees start later because Skokie changed its election schedule so that not all positions are up for election at the same time. As required by Illinois law, Skokie's term limits apply separately to each office. For example, Page 12 of 34 someone who served three terms as a Trustee could still run for Clerk or Mayor. Des Plaines The number of terms of office of each elected city official is limited to no more than two (2) four-year terms of office, whether consecutive or not. Term limits were first implemented in 2003, and most recently amended by Council-initiated referendum in 2023. Lake Forest The Mayor may serve two (2) two-year terms, and alderman may serve three (3) two-year terms. Wilmette The term limits are as follows: • Village President o Four-year term o No person shall be elected to the office of President for more than two full four- year terms. o A person can be elected to a third full four-year term if that person was previously elected and served less than 25 months for at least one of that person's previously elected full four-year terms. o No person who has been elected and served more than 25 months of an unexpired term shall be elected to the office of President for more than one full four-year term. o Any person who has been appointed to or acted as President for less than 25 months may be elected to two full four-year terms. • Trustee o Four-year term o No more than three shall be elected to full terms at any one election. o No person shall be elected to the office of Trustee for more than two full four- year terms. o A person can be elected to a third full four-year term if that person was previously elected and served less than 25 months for at least one of the person's previously elected full four-year terms. o No person who has been elected and served for more than 25 months of an unexpired term shall be elected to the office of Trustee for more than one full four-year term. o Any person who has been appointed to or acted as Trustee for less than 25 months may be elected to two full four-year terms. Core Priorities: Attachments: Page 13 of 34 1. HP - Resolution Initiating Term Limit Referendum 2. 05.11.2026 COTW Term Limits Staff Report 3. Exhibit A - HP - Memo re Deadlines for Term Limit Referendum 4. Exhibit B - Term Limit Municipal Survey 5. Exhibit C - NWMC Elected Officials Term Limits Survey Page 14 of 34  City of Highland Park Resolution No. ____________ A Resolution Initiating the Submission of a Public Question to Establish Term Limits for the Elected Offices of Mayor and Councilmember WHEREAS, the elected offices of Mayor and Councilmember are not currently subject to term limits; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Article VII, Section 6(f) of the Illinois Constitution and Section 3.1- 10-17 of the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-17, the City is authorized to establish term limits for any elected office as approved by referendum, provided that such term limits apply prospectively and only to terms for the same office; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it will serve and be in the best interest of the City and its residents to submit a binding public question to the City electorate concerning whether the City should establish term limits for the elected offices of Mayor and Councilmember for no more than [NUMBER OF TOTAL TERMS] [CUMULATIVE OR CONSECUTIVE] [LENGTH OF TERM]-year terms, for each elected office respectively; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows: SECTION ONE: RECITALS. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into, and made a part of, this Resolution as findings of the City Council. SECTION TWO: PUBLIC QUESTION ON ESTABLISHING TERM LIMITS FOR MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS. The following public question shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Highland Park at the general election to be held on November 3, 2026: Shall the City of Highland Park, beginning with the terms of office that commence at the April [2027] consolidated election and for each YES NO election thereafter, limit the terms of the office of Mayor and of the office ____ ____ of Councilmember so that no person shall be eligible to hold that respective office if that person has been previously elected to [MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TERMS] full four-year terms for that office, whether or not those terms were served consecutively, or if holding that office would cause that person to serve in that office for more than a combined total of ten years? SECTION THREE: FILING. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify and file this Resolution and other related matters with the appropriate election officials in accordance with applicable law. SECTION FOUR: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution will be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication in the manner provided by law. [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS] Page 15 of 34 AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: PASSED: APPROVED: RESOLUTION NO. ___________________________________ Nancy R. Rotering, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ Ghida Neukirch, City Clerk 2 4923-0627-9090, v. 3 Page 16 of 34 Staff Report Meeting Date: May 11, 2026 Staff Contact: Megan Cherry, Management Analyst Ghida Neukirch, City Manager Department: City Manager's Office Title: Policy Discussion Regarding the Possible Advancement of Term Limits Recommendation: The majority of elected officials requested a policy discussion pertaining to the possible advancement of term limits. This report contains research that staff has compiled and information prepared by Corporation Counsel outlining the legal obligations for enacting term limits. Staff will give an overview presentation to the Committee of the Whole. Policy Consideration: Highland Park's Mayor and Councilmembers are elected to staggered four-year terms. Currently, there is no limit to the number of terms a Mayor or Councilmember may serve. Legal Obligations City staff directed Corporation Counsel to author a memorandum outlining the legal obligations and pertinent deadlines as it pertains to term limits. Please see Exhibit A to read the memorandum in its entirety. Any changes to a home rule municipality's terms of office for elected officials must be approved by referendum. Either the City Council or the voters may place referenda on the ballot. The City Council may initiate a referendum by the adoption of a resolution or ordinance. Alternatively, the voters may initiate a referendum by filing a written petition signed by registered voters of the City with the City Clerk. There are various deadlines that must be met in order to place a referendum on the ballot. These deadlines depend on who itiaites the referenedum. Please see Exhibit A for a detailed breakdown of how these deadlines are calculated. Below is a summary of key dates for the referendum, for both the November 3, 2026 General Election and the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election. Page 17 of 34 Community Survey Staff surveyed 17 neighboring communities regarding term limits. Please see Exhibit B for survey questions and responses. Of the 17 communities surveyed, fifteen responded. Of those fifteen, four have formal term limits, and four have informal term limits. The remaining seven do not have term limits. Following is a brief summary of communities. The Northwest Municipal Conference also conducted a survey regarding term limits in 2024; the survey results are attached as Exhibit C. Page 18 of 34  No Term Limits Informal Term Limits Term Limits Arl. Hts. Glencoe Des Plaines Buffalo Grove Glenview Lake Forest Deerfield Kenilworth Skokie Highland Park Lake Bluff Wilmette Highwood Winnetka Libertyville Lincolnshire Skokie is the most recent community surveyed to enact term limits. The Skokie Village Board voted to place a referendum on the ballot asking residents if they wanted term limits for the Mayor, Trustee and Clerk positions. Voters approved the term limits during the November 5, 2024 General Election. The Mayor, Trustees and Clerk can serve no more than three (3) four- year terms in the same elected position. Des Plaines also has term limits for their elected officials. The number of terms of office of each elected city official is limited to no more than two (2) four-year terms of office, whether consecutive or not. Term limits were first implemented in 2003, and amended in 2023. However, there have been a number of referenda regarding this topic over the past several years. In 1998, voters initiated the referendum, but the referendum in 2023 was initiated by elected officials to gauge whether residents wanted an alternative way to limit the number of terms that can be served. This referendum resulted in the aforementioned current terms of office. Lake Forest also has term limits. The Mayor may serve two (2) two-year terms, and aldermen may serve three (3) two-year terms. These term limits were implemented in 1861. Additionally, Wilmette has term limits. For a Trustee, the limit is two (2) four-year terms, and two (2) four-year terms as Village President/Mayor. These term limits were implemented in 1979, though it is not clear why they were initially enacted. Wilmette staff shared that they were not enacted via a referendum. However, Wilmette recently reviewed their policy on term limits, specifically regarding individuals who had been previously elected but not served a full term. The Board of Trustees approved an ordinance that allows individuals to be elected to a third term if that individual was previously elected and served less than 25 months for at least one of that person's previously elected full four-year terms. Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth and Winnetka all have informal term limits. In Glencoe, the caucus sets the informal term limits. The caucus prefers two terms for a Board member and two terms for the head of the body. The term of office for both Board members and the head of the Page 19 of 34 body is four years. A member of the body may serve two terms and then another subsequent two terms as head of the body. It should be noted that exceptions to these informal term limits have been made periodically. Glenview's informal term limits are established by their caucus, which states that the Village President may serve no more than two terms. Kenilworth and Lake Bluff also have informal term limits; the term limit for both communities is eight years for Village President and eight years for Trustee. In Winnetka, the caucus determines the informal term limit. The Village President and Trustees are elected to two-year terms. The caucus imposes eight-year term limits for both President and Trustee. For example, an individual can serve eight years as a Trustee, and an additional eight years as President. Additional Information City staff also contacted the League of Women Voters of Highland Park-Highwood ("LWV HP- HWD") to identify if they have opined or considered term limits. The LWV HP-HWD does not have a position on term limits at the local level. The League of Women Voters of Illinois opposes constitutional or statutory term limits for members of the General Assembly. More broadly, the League of Women Voters of the United States opposes term limits, and authorizes state and local Leagues to use national positions to take action on term limits for state and local offices. Policy Discussion To guide the Council's discussion on the topic of term limits, Council may consider the following: • Should the Council initiate the referendum, or should it wait until a resident group petitions for a referendum? • If the Council initiates the referendum, should it be on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot or the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election ballot? • What term limits should be considered? • Should the term limit policy account for non-consecutive terms? Core Priorities: Attachments: 1. Exhibit A - HP - Memo re Deadlines for Term Limit Referendum 2. Exhibit B - Term Limit Municipal Survey Page 20 of 34 3. Exhibit C - NWMC Elected Officials Term Limits Survey Page 21 of 34  Steven M. Elrod 350 North Clark Street Second Floor Chicago, Illinois 60654 312-528-5200 www.elrodfriedman.com Memorandum Date: April 17, 2026 To: City Manager From: Corporation Counsel Re: City of Highland Park Deadlines for a Referendum Changing Term Limits At your request, we have summarized the deadlines for a referendum imposing term limits for elected officials. 1. Referendum Required Pursuant to Article VII, Section 6(f) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, any changes to a home rule municipality’s “terms of office” for its officers must be approved by referendum. Specifically, the Illinois Constitution states that “[a] home rule municipality shall have the power to provide for its officers, their manner of selection and terms of office only as approved by referendum or as otherwise authorized by law.” Because the imposition of term limits would be a change to the “terms of office” of an “officer,” it can be done “only as approved by referendum” according to the Illinois Constitution. 2. Referendum Process A. Initiation Referenda can be placed on the ballot by either the City Council or the voters. The City Council may initiate a referendum by the adoption of a resolution or ordinance. The voters may initiate a referendum by filing a written petition signed by registered voters of the City with the City Clerk (the local election official for the City). The number of required signatures is equal to at least 8% of the total votes cast within the City for candidates for Governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. B. Deadlines The deadline to ensure a referendum is included on the ballot depends on who initiates the referendum. Page 22 of 34  i. Initiated by the City Council If the referendum is initiated by the City Council, an authorizing ordinance or resolution must be adopted not less than 79 days before a regularly scheduled election to be eligible for submission on the ballot at such election. To include a referendum on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, the City Council must adopt an ordinance or resolution no later than August 16, 2026. Under Illinois law, if the statutory deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the deadline becomes the next business day. Because August 16, 2026, is a Sunday, and given the backward-counting calculation of the deadline and the concern with strictly complying with all state election requirements, we recommend that any ordinance or resolution be adopted by Friday, August 14, 2026. To include a referendum on the April 6, 2027 consolidated election ballot, the City Council must adopt an ordinance or resolution no later than January 17, 2027. This deadline also falls on a Sunday, and Monday, January 18, 2027 is a federal holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), so we similarly recommend that any ordinance or resolution be adopted by Friday, January 15, 2027. ii. Initiated by Resident Petition If the referendum is initiated by a resident petition, the petition must be filed with the appropriate officer or board not less than 92 days prior to a regularly scheduled election to be eligible for submission on the ballot at such election. Thus, to be included on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, the petition must be filed on or before August 3, 2026. To be included on the April 6, 2027 consolidated election ballot, the petition must be filed on or before January 4, 2027. All objections to a petition for a referendum must be submitted within five days after the last day for filing the petition. iii. Certification of the Referendum In either case, the City Clerk must certify the question not less than 68 days before the election. The certification must include the form of the question, the date the referendum was initiated by either filing the petition or adopting the resolution or ordinance, and a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution requiring the submission of the public question, if applicable. 4901-8854-6466, v. 2 Page 23 of 34  SUMMARY OF KEY DATES FOR REFERENDUM (For Inclusion on the November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot and the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election Ballot) Milestone Deadline November 3, 2026 General Election Last day to file a citizen-initiated petition with the City Clerk (at least 92 days August 3, 2026 before the regular election). Last day to file objections to any citizen-initiated petitions (five days after filing August 8, 2026* deadline). Last day for the City to adopt a resolution or ordinance to allow a referendum to August 16, 2026* appear on the ballot (at least 79 days before the regular election). Last day to certify all public questions with the City Clerk (at least 68 days before August 27, 2026 the regular election). April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election Last day to file a citizen-initiated petition with the City Clerk (at least 92 days January 4, 2027 before the regular election). Last day to file objections to any citizen-initiated petitions (five days after filing January 9, 2027* deadline). Last day for the City to adopt a resolution or ordinance to allow a referendum to January 17, 2027* appear on the ballot (at least 79 days before the regular election). Last day to certify all public questions with the City Clerk (at least 68 days before January 28, 2027 the regular election). * Denotes a deadline that falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. 4901-8854-6466, v. 2 Page 24 of 34 Municipal Survey - Term Limits April 2026 Municipality Do you have term limits? If yes, when were they What are the term limits? Do you recall why they were Were they approved by Have you experienced any Please send policy Do you If yes, what are they? Do you have a Have you reviewed a implemented? implemented? referendum or resident initiated challenges as a result of term have caucus or term limit policy in the petition? limits? informal comparable last five years? term political party limits? system? Arlington No No No No Heights Buffalo No No No No Grove Deerfield No No Caucus No Des Plaines Term limits were first The current term limits are “the The initial change in 1998 was All changes were by No No Yes implemented in 2003 and number of terms of office of each initiated by resident petition, the referendum, 1998, 2022, and amended in 2023 elected city official is limited to amendments in 2023 were 2023 no more than two four-year initiated by elected officials to terms of office, whether gauge whether residents wanted consecutive or not.” an alternative way to limit the number of terms that can be served. Glencoe Not formally Yes My understanding is that the Yes No. The caucus is caucus prefers 2 terms for a responsible for these Board member and 2 terms for items. the head of the body. A member of the body may serve two terms and then another subsequent 2 terms as head of the body. This is an unwritten rule of the caucus and exceptions have been made periodically. Glenview No Yes My understanding is that there Yes No has been an informal preference established by one caucus-type group that the Village President serve no more than 2 terms. Highwood No No No No Kenilworth No, they are informal. Yes 8 years for Village President, and Caucus system No 8 years for Trustee Lake Bluff No NA NA NA NA NA NA Yes 8 years for Village President, and No No 8 years for Trustee Lake Forest Yes 1861 Current are Mayor 2- 2-year No We had a change to the Office No It is listed in the City of Lake No Caucus No terms. Alderman 3-2-year terms of Mayor from 2- 1 year term Forest Charter to 2- 2-year terms Libertyville No No No Lincolnshire No No No No Skokie Yes Voters approved term limits The Mayor, Trustees and Clerk The Skokie Village Board voted to Referendum No. https://library.municode.com/il/s No Not currently Yes during the November 5, 2024 can serve no more than three, place a referendum on the ballot kokie/codes/code_of_ordinances General Election. four year terms in the same asking residents if they wanted ?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTIIBO elected position. term limits. TR_S2-31COELFUTELI Wilmette Yes 1979 Two (2) four year terms as No We are not aware of any I have attached a copy of our last trustee and two (2) four year significant issues due to the term board action item along with the terms as Village limits other than what we ordinance amendment for your President/Mayor. recently did an amendment for in reference. 2024, which addressed individuals who had previously been elected but not served a full-term. Winnetka The Village President and No term limits N/A N/A N/A https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/ The Winnetka Caucus has 8-year Winnetka has a The Village Council Council are elected to codes/winnetka/latest/winnetka term limits for both President Caucus system had a discussion in two year terms; there _il/0-0-0-17483 and Trustees (To provide an https://www.wi July 2024 regarding are no term limits example, you can serve 8 years nnetkacaucus.or term limits. No as a Trustee then 8 years as g/ further action was President) taken. https://www.youtube .com/watch?v=vOEKi dhBZ4k Page 25 of 34 Elected Officials Term Limits Survey July 2024 3. Does your 1. What is the length 2. What is the length community have term of the term of office of the term of office limits for elected Municipality for Village Trustee? for Village President? officials? 4. If so, what are the limits? Antioch 4 years. 4 years. No. Barrington 4 years. 4 years. No. Deerfield 4 years. 4 years. No. Elk Grove Village 4 years. 4 years. No. There are no formal limits, however it has been historic practice that elected officials do not serve more than two terms in any Board position. It is possible to serve two terms as a Trustee and two Glencoe 4 years. 4 years. No. terms as President. Grayslake 4 years. 4 years. No. Hanover Park 4 years. 4 years. No. We have Councilmembers and We have a Mayor and the term is four years, the term is four years, Highland Park no term limits. no term limits. No. Mayor- two terms Alderman- Lake Forest 2 years. 2 years. Yes. three terms. Lake Zurich 4 year term. 4 year term. No. Village trustees are Mayor is elected to elected to office for four office for a four year Lincolnshire year terms. term. No. Morton Grove 4 years. 4 years. No. Mount Prospect 4 years. 4 years. No. 2 four-year terms for Mayor and 3 four-year terms for Niles 4 years. 4 years. Yes. Trustees. Northbrook 4 years. 4 years. No. Palatine 4 years. 4 years. No. 7 Alderpersons, they serve 4-year terms. Aldermanic terms are The Mayor serves a 4- Park Ridge staggered. year term. No. Prospect Heights 4 years. 4 years. No. Cannot serve more than 2 Rolling Meadows 4 years. 4 years. Yes. consecutive 4-year terms. Skokie 4 years. 4 years. No. Streamwood 4 years. 4 years. No. Wheeling 4 years. 4 years. No. N/A The Village Code (2.04.010) is silent on term limits. However, the Winnetka Caucus (a non-partisan) citizen group nominates candidates for Trustee and Village President, who generally run unopposed. The Caucus has a rule with a term limit of 4 consecutive terms (8 years served) for both Trustee and Village Winnetka 2 years. 2 years. Yes. President. Page 26 of 34 Staff Report Meeting Date: June 29, 2026 Staff Contact: Jennifer Olson, Deputy Police Chief Department: Police Department Title: Automated License Plate Reader Report Recommendation: In response to inquiries about license plate recognition programs nationwide, the following report was prepared to provide information about the City's use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) which enhance the City’s public safety efforts and criminal investigative abilities. The City‘s ALPR policy sets forth the purpose, administration, practices, accountability/safeguards, and protocol for release of ALPR data. The purpose of the ALPR technology is to capture and store digital license plate data and images while also recognizing the established privacy rights of the public. All data and images are for the official use of the Police Department. In an effort to maintain continued transparency, City staff prepared this report to provide information on usage, public safety successes, internal audits, system leasing expenses, privacy and data sharing. The City also maintains a comprehensive Q&A on its website at cityhpil.com/police, addressing a number of common questions regarding the City’s ALPR policy, protocols, privacy considerations, and public safety applications. Policy Consideration: Background Information ALPR technology uses a camera system, managed under an agreement with the software provider, Flock Systems, and City policy, to capture and store digital license plate data and images. The City of Highland Park currently has approval for 22 ALPR cameras operating on the right- of-ways within the City for use in law enforcement criminal investigations and missing person investigations. The list of City-owned ALPR cameras positioned at high-traffic main roads is attached to this report. In addition, there are 3 locations within the City that have private ALPR systems that have granted access to the Police Department for the purpose of criminal and missing/endangered person investigations. Page 27 of 34 Law Enforcement Usage The Police Department uses the ALPR system for official law enforcement purposes, including identifying stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates and missing/endangered people. It is also used for the investigations of other criminal activities, such as violent crimes, burglaries, thefts, frauds and threats to public safety. ALPRs scan license plates as they travel through Highland Park, and send alerts to officers if a scanned license plate matches a plate in a database of license plates linked to criminal activity. Officers can also initiate searches of ALPR data as part of an investigation, following strict protocol. ALPRs are not capable of connecting license plates with individuals’ names, residences, or other personally identifiable information. Those connections are made by trained officers checking the license plate number against an entirely separate database that the ALPR software does not access. The City takes its responsibility to safeguard personal data very seriously, and there are numerous checks in place to ensure that data is obtained, accessed, stored, and deleted consistent with local policy and State law. All members of the Police Department must undergo training prior to operating or accessing ALPR data. Alerts through the ALPR system are first verified by the officer and confirmed via the IL Law Enforcement Agency Data System (LEADS) prior to taking enforcement action or effecting a stop on any individual. LEADS is the State of Illinois’s statewide database of criminal history and related records (such as warrants, missing people, or stolen vehicles.) LEADS is managed by the Illinois State Police in accordance with Illinois state law. In accordance with the State law (625 ILCS 5/2-130) and Illinois Trust Act, the City of Highland Park and its Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement nor does it use ALPR for targeting individuals based on immigration status or investigating or enforcing laws that deny, restrict or interfere with a person’s right to choose or obtain reproductive health care services. The City will only share ALPR data with out-of-state law enforcement or federal law enforcement when the request is compliant with State law and the requesting agency has made a formal written request stating the nature of their investigation and need for the data. Public Safety Successes Since 2023, data obtained and responsibly accessed through the ALPR system has proven to be critical in a wide variety of criminal investigations, including time-sensitive and violent crimes that pose a threat to individual and public safety. While ALPR technology is typically associated with solving crimes such as stolen vehicles, it has proven to be incredibly valuable to the Police Department, facilitating a variety of investigations, including commercial and residential burglaries, felony thefts, missing and endangered person searches, and violent crime. Attached is a sampling of the successful use of ALPR by the Police Department. ALPR technology is also a helpful tool in supporting the Police Department’s commitment to Page 28 of 34 promoting public and officer safety through approaches that minimize the opportunity for high- pressure, immediate interactions. This technology allows officers to carefully review evidence and plan arrests, if needed, minimizing the opportunity for encounters that can become dangerous for officers and members of the public alike. Internal Audits The City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Police Department have established policy to conduct ALPR system audits to ensure proper usage and adherence to state law and City policy. The Police Department’s system coordinator conducts monthly audits and reports to the Chief’s Office and the City Manager. There have been no discrepancies or violations to date. System Leasing Expenses A 5-year agreement with Flock Safety was approved by Council in 2024. The agreement requires payment of annual maintenance and service costs of $57,500 annually through 2028. Privacy and Data Sharing Individual privacy protection and data security is a priority of the City, especially as it relates to ALPR data. From the earliest discussions about ALPR, utilization of the technology responsibly and ethically was of the utmost importance. Based on Council’s recommendations and since the implementation of the system, system administrators in Highland Park have ensured that system settings share ALPR data locally for law enforcement purposes and restricts the national sharing feature, which is now a recommended practice by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP). In June 2023, City Council approved a resolution ratifying the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois State Police for access to information by the ALPR leased by the City from Flock Safety for access to the list of license plates associated with serious crimes and missing/endangered persons. In January 2024, City Council approved an agreement with Flock Safety for the installation and maintenance of ALPR within the City. All ALPR data may be stored for up to 30 days, unless it becomes evidence in a criminal or civil action or is subject to a lawful action to produce records. Data is not open to public review, and may be shared with other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies for official law enforcement purposes, only as permitted by Illinois law. Pursuant to State law, Illinois law enforcement officers shall not use ALPR for the purpose of investigation or enforcing a law that denies, restricts, or interferes with a person’s right to choose or obtain reproductive health care services or targets an individual’s immigration status (625 ILCS 5/2-130). The Police Department shall not release ALPR date to federal or out-of-state law enforcement agencies without first obtaining a written declaration that the ALPR information will not be used for this purpose and release must be approved by the Chief’s Office and retained on file. Currently, the City has not received a request of this nature. All Highland Park officers with access to the system understand the importance of maintaining data security safeguards. The City’s policy provides for specific protections related to use of the data, including: Page 29 of 34  • Assignment of designated managers • Training requirements for all department members with access to ALPR equipment or data • Specific procedures to use the software as part of an investigation • Specific procedures to ensure that any action taken in response to an ALPR alert is only initiated after corroborating or confirming that the information in the alert exactly matches the flagged license plate • Proper retention and destruction of ALPR data, in accordance with the City’s records retention policy (a maximum of 30 days unless the data is or may reasonably become evidence in a criminal or civil action) • Standard procedures to access or review ALPR data • Standard procedures to respond to requests for ALPR data from in-state law enforcement agencies, such as other municipalities investigating a stolen vehicle, as permitted by law • System audits conducted on a regular basis to avoid and identify any potential issues or irregularities Violations of these procedures, like any others, may lead to employee discipline. The Police Department’s command team underscores the importance of following protocol, and regular audits are conducted to ensure that personal information is not compromised, whether that information is part of police reports, evidence, body camera video, or ALPR data. Core Priorities: Fiscal Stability The 5-year agreement requires payment of annual maintenance and service costs of $57,500 annually through 2028. Public Safety The Police Department uses the ALPR system for official law enforcement purposes, including identifying stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates and missing/endangered people. It is also used for the investigations of other criminal activities, such as violent crimes, burglaries, thefts, frauds and threats to public safety. Attachments: 1. List of City ALPR Cameras in Highland Park 2. Sampling of Successful Law Enforcement Use of ALPR Page 30 of 34 List of City ALRP Cameras in Highland Park: • W/B Deerfield Rd from US-41 • St. Johns Ave @ Central Ave • N/B US-41 @ Clavey Rd • S/B US-41 @Old Mill Rd • N/B Sheridan Rd @ Deere Park • N/B Green Bay Rd @ Lake Cook • E/B Clavey Rd @ US-41 • E/B Lake Cook Rd @ US-41 • E/B Deerfield Rd @ Skokie River • N/B US-41 Exit Ramp @ Half Day Rd • W/B Half Day Rd @ US-41 • Berkeley Rd @ Deerfield Rd. exit • E/B Deerfield Rd @ Carlisle • E/B Old Elm Rd @ US-41 • S/B Green Bay Rd @ Prairie • N/B US-41 @ Lake Cook Rd. • E/B Park Ave @ US-41 • E/B Clavey @ Green Bay Rd. • W/B Clavey @ US-41 • S/B US-41 Exit @ Skokie Valley • W/B Park Ave @ US-41 • E/B Half Day Rd @ Landon (pending) Page 31 of 34  City of Highland Park Police Department ALPR Public Safety Use Success Stories Firearm or Other Violent Offenses 2024 -ALPR used to locate and arrest a sexual predator with an active warrant. 2025 - ALPR images were gathered of vehicles involved on Rt. 41, where reports of shots fired at a vehicle. 2024 - Received and ALPR notification for felony vehicle wanted by another IL police department regarding a shooting. A high-risk traffic stop conducted, the vehicle was impounded for evidence processing. 2026 - Assist other Agency Robbery Investigation – Detectives assisted local IL police departments with a robbery that had just occurred in their towns. The ALPRs were checked and the stolen vehicle used in the robbery traveled through Highland Park after the robbery. The vehicle was located in another jurisdiction, and a subject was taken into custody wearing clothing similar to that of the robbery suspect. Felony Theft/Theft Investigations 2026 - Multiple incidents of catalytic converter thefts. ALPR was used to identify the suspects' vehicles. The ALPR Hot List tool was used to alert HPPD when the suspects' vehicles returned to Highland Park. 2023 Felony Theft - ALPR images were gathered to detect the movement of the victim's stolen vehicle across multiple counties. A felony arrest warrant was obtained and served. 2025 Retail Theft – ALPR utilized in identifying the vehicle used in a retail theft. After further investigation, an arrest was made and the stolen items were recovered. 2023 Retail Theft – ALPR utilized to identify the suspect vehicle used during the liquor theft at Target. 2023 Theft – ALPR used to identify the suspect vehicle, where $20k in USC was stolen. 2026 Ruse Jewelry Theft - The elderly victim was followed from Chicago to Highland Park, where her $2,800 bracelet was stolen. The suspect vehicle was located on ALPR which identified the suspect vehicle following her throughout multiple jurisdictions before the crime occurred. 2026 Theft – A suspect vehicle in an investigation of a theft of large refrigerator compressor was identified using ALPR after the suspect license plate could not be read from CCTV video. 2026 Ulta Retail Theft – ALPR "Multi Geo" feature and searching helped identify a suspect vehicle and crew targeting Ulta Stores across Illinois. Through further investigation, it was learned that this crew was responsible for approximately $ 50,000 in losses at Ulta across 9 Page 32 of 34 Midwest states. 3 suspects were ultimately arrested in Kansas City, MO, after multiple Ulta thefts as part of this investigation. Domestic Violence 2026 – ALPR used to identify a vehicle who left the area with a victim of domestic battery and was located in a nearby jurisdiction. The suspect was taken into custody for domestic battery and unlawful restraint. Burglary Investigations 2026 Residential Burglary – ALPR used to assist locate the suspect vehicle from multiple burglaries in the area, including Highland Park.. 2024 Burglary Commercial - ALPR images were gathered to locate the suspect vehicle and the victim's vehicle, which was stolen from Gregory Hyundai. The vehicle was later located and recovered from a transport truck traveling across the country. 2025 - ALPR used to identify suspect vehicle, which led to the apprehension of serial Burglary to Motor Vehicle suspects throughout Lake County. 2025 Residential Burglary – ALPR utilized to identify multiple vehicles used in a residential burglary in Highland Park. After further investigation, arrest warrants were obtained and the suspects were taken into custody. Death Investigation 2024 Death Investigation - ALPR images were gathered and used to establish timelines in a death investigation. 2025 Double Homicide - ALPR images were gathered and used to establish timelines and suspect vehicle information. Stolen Vehicles/License Plates 2025 Stolen Vehicle – ALPR used to identify a stolen vehicle, which detectives followed, resulting in three subjects being taken into custody. It was later learned that the vehicle was obtained via a carjacking in Chicago and used in a burglary. 2025 Stolen License Plate – ALPR used to identify a stolen plate affixed to a car that did not belong to it, resulting in the arrest of a wanted suspect, the recovery of drugs, and the identification of other stolen plates located within the vehicle. 2025 Stolen Vehicle Recovery – ALPR notification resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle, which was entered into LEADS the day before the recovery. 2024 Stolen Vehicle/Retail Theft – ALPR notification for Stolen Vehicle was received by Highland Park officers and the vehicle was located. The vehicle fled, but one suspect was left behind inside a business committing retail theft and taken into custody. Page 33 of 34 2025 Stolen Vehicle - ALPR notification for a stolen vehicle was received and the vehicle was found crashed and disabled the vehicle on the road. The suspect stole another vehicle from a Highland Park resident's driveway. Detectives used ALPR to locate and apprehend the suspect. Other Suspicious Circumstances Investigations 2025 Suspicious Person 4th of July - ALPR was used to help identify a vehicle associated with a suspicious person who was taking photos of rooftops days before the 4th of July parade. 2025 Suspicious Incident – After investigating a possible child luring call, the ALPR camera was used to obtain license plate information, based on the caller's vehicle description. An interior video of the vehicle showed that the driver did not commit any crime, and the case was closed. Fraud 2025 Fraud- ALPR used to locate over $ 1 million in purchases made with fraudulent/stolen Identities. ALPR located most of the vehicles and their last known locations. 2025 Fraud – ALPR utilized in identifying the vehicle and confirming the vehicle that was utilized during a fraud/deceptive practice scheme. Other Investigations 2025 Hit and Run – ALPR utilized to identify and confirm the suspect vehicle that fled the scene of an accident. ALPR assisted in determining the route of travel, which led to positioning patrol units in other cities along the route to intercept the vehicle and identify the driver. An arrest was made in this case. Missing Person/Kidnapping/Child Abduction Investigations 2024 Possible Kidnapping/Missing Person – ALPR utilized in an attempt to identify a potential suspect vehicle. 2024 Child Abduction – ALPR used to identify the suspect vehicle, and additional ALPRs used to track the vehicle to Georgia. Local authorities were contacted, and the children were returned home. 2024 Missing Person –A LPR was used to safely locate a subject who was experiencing a mental health crisis. Vehicle tracked all the way to California, victim was located and services provided and was removed from the system’s missing/endangered list. 2025 Missing/Endangered Person – ALPR was utilized to locate a missing person who had mental difficulties and was not taking their medications. Police from another jurisdiction located the vehicle after it was detected on their ALPR, and the vehicle was stopped, and resources were provided to the person. Her family was notified, and she was removed from the system's missing/endangered list. Page 34 of 34