City Council Meeting 12-15-2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvUyjKaOOk
Automatic captions; not audio-verified.

[0:16] I'd like to call to order the city council meeting for the city of Highland Park, Illinois, December 15, 2025. Will the clerk please call the role?

[0:24] Council member Center, present.

[0:25] Council member Buckman here. Council member Ross here. Council member Tapia, present.

[0:30] Council member Little here. Council member Bloomberg here.

[0:33] Mayor Roing here. Um, Council Member Tapia, it's hard to hear you, so if you could speak a little more loudly and um, I will ask

[0:41] you the question that I asked previously concerning your identity. What is the best sport known to man?

[0:47] Yeah, the sport is coming to the World Cup here in the USA and then summer of 2026, football. I think we can conclude that that is.

[0:55] Council member Tapia, are everybody is everyone okay with him joining us electronically? Yes. Yes. Is there any way to turn up the volume? We can find out.

[1:02] I appreciate it.

[1:04] Thank you. And [clears throat] with that, please rise for the pledge of allegiance.

[1:08] I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

[1:18] under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[1:25] May have a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the city council held November 4th, 2025 and the minutes of the closed session of the regular meeting of the city council held November 24th, 2025.

[1:35] So moved. Second. All in favor say I.

[1:38] I. Those minutes are approved. May I have a motion to approve the warrant list? So moved. Second.

[1:43] Any comments or questions on the warrant list? Hearing none, will the clerk please call the vote? Council member Center. Hi. Council member Buckman. I.

[1:50] Council member Ross. I. Council member Tapia. Hi.

[1:54] Council member Little I. Council member Bloomberg. Hi. Mayor Roing.

[1:58] I. Seven eyes, no nays. The warrant list is approved. We now continue to the report of the mayor. Uh before we

[2:06] continue our business this evening, I want to pause and acknowledge the profound grief following the tragic

[2:13] shootings this weekend at Brown University in Rhode Island and at Bondi Beach in Australia. On behalf of the

[2:20] city of Highland Park, we extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and to everyone whose sense of safety has been shaken. Here in

[2:29] Highland Park, this is especially close to home for very many reasons. And we know that there are students from our community at Brown University, many of

[2:37] whom were finishing finals or preparing to return home for winter break. And we're grateful that they're safe. To the families of Brown students, to students

[2:45] across the country, to young people everywhere who are carrying the weight of moments like these, please know that you are not alone. Communities far

[2:53] beyond campus walls are holding you, your families, faculty, and staff, and our thoughts and standing with you as you navigate fear, uncertainty, and

[3:01] grief. You deserve to learn, to grow, to celebrate life's milestones without the shadow of violence. At this time, the

[3:10] motive behind the shooting at Brown is not yet known, and it's important to be thoughtful and responsible as facts emerge. What is clear is that violence,

[3:18] whether here in the United States or across the world, leaves lasting harm far beyond the immediate moment. This moment of shared grief is also deeply

[3:27] personal for a Jewish community here in Highland Park and around the world, especially for members of North Suburban Lubovich Kabad Central Avenue Synagogue.

[3:36] as Rabbi Eli Schlanganger, head of the Kabad Mission in Bandai, was among those who were killed. To Jewish families in

[3:43] Australia and to our Jewish neighbors here at home, we see you. We stand with you and we grieve with you. This week,

[3:50] as Hanukkah is observed, a time rooted in resilience and the enduring power of light, that message feels especially

[3:58] meaningful. The symbolism resonates. In moments of fear and darkness, light must shine brighter than hate or despair. As

[4:07] a city, we remain firm in our commitment to condemning anti-semitism and all forms of hate and to standing against

[4:13] violence in any form. We're also mindful of the sobering reality that many young people today know exactly what to do

[4:21] when violence occurs. That reality should give us pause and it should remind us as our responsibility as

[4:29] leaders and as a community to continue to work towards a safer and more compassionate world. I ask [clears throat] that you join me now in

[4:36] a moment of silence in memory of the victims.

[4:52] Thank you. May we continue to support those who are grieving and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, dignity, and care for one another.

[5:03] The next item under report of the mayor is appointments. The city of Highland Park has 17 commissions, boards, and advisory groups with resident volunteers

[5:11] who are appointed by the mayor with the city council's consent. [clears throat] These organizations were formed to provide guidance to the city council and to adhere to existing municipal

[5:20] regulations. We appreciate each person's commitment to our community and willingness to share their time, talent, and expertise with us. Tonight's slate

[5:29] of adviserss is presented as part of tonight's omnibus agenda, items eight and nine. And I just want to say in advance, thank you to all who have

[5:36] volunteered to serve. We have no proclamations this evening. I do have one other piece of other business. On

[5:44] December 3rd, I traveled to New Orleans to accept an award on behalf of the city of Highland Park at the North American Mayor Summit against anti-semitism.

[5:53] [clears throat] This was a collaborative forum for nearly 200 mayors from the United States and Canada to learn from one another, share best practices, and

[6:01] develop real practical strategies to confront anti-semitism and to protect our residents. It was truly an honor to represent Highland Park in that setting.

[6:10] This recognition belongs to our entire community and it reflects appreciation for Highland Park's long-standing unwavering stance against anti-semitism.

[6:19] Before I share the remarks I delivered, I want to take a moment to recognize the people who made this honor possible. I want to offer a special thank you to

[6:27] Council Member Annette Litter, whose thoughtful leadership and advocacy were essential in bringing the IH definition

[6:35] of anti-semitism forward. Her dedication helped ensure that our city sent a clear, principled message at a moment

[6:43] when moral clarity mattered. This work has always been a team effort grounded in collaboration, care, and a united

[6:51] commitment to the safety and dignity of all residents. I'm equally grateful to our current and former city councils whose steady support and shared

[6:59] commitment to our values made this possible, and to the volunteers and staff who helped draft our statement against hate and our value statement.

[7:06] Together, these two documents powerfully articulate our community's priorities and commitments. I urge you to take a look at the city's website where they're

[7:15] available. They say who we are. They say what we believe in. They say what we stand for. They say what we condemn.

[7:21] It's important for all of us to be on the same page. And I'm confident you will agree with us.

[7:28] Excuse [clears throat] me. As a city, we're also grateful for the continued partnership of neighboring communities throughout the North Shore and across the Northwest suburbs who have joined us

[7:36] in standing firmly against anti-semitism, especially those who co-signed our letter recognizing that anti-semitism is a public safety concern

[7:43] that requires a unified and regional response. And finally, I want to acknowledge the many community members, far too many to name, who lent their

[7:52] voices, their experience, and their encouragement through our darkest days.

[7:55] [clears throat] Your engagement shaped our path. Your courage continues to guide us. So with that, I'm going to share the remarks I delivered in New

[8:02] Orleans that I offered on behalf of all of Highland Park [clears throat] and they come as follows. Thank you for this extraordinary honor. I'm humbled to stand here tonight among leaders,

[8:11] advocates, and partners who share a commitment to confronting anti-semitism and building stronger, safer, more compassionate communities across North

[8:19] America. To give you some background, my hometown, Highland Park, Illinois, is a small city north of Chicago with a long and proud history where Jewish families,

[8:27] including my own, have been an essential part of that story for generations. They helped build our institutions, shaped our civic life, and wo their traditions

[8:36] and values into the cultural fab fabric of our community. Their contributions have enriched us all. Their values of learning, community, and resilience run

[8:44] deep in the soil of Highland Park. When our city endured mass gun violence on July 4th, 2022, it was not an act of

[8:52] anti-semitism, but it left us shaken and vulnerable. We were suffering with an open wound, still healing. And just as we began to regain our footing, the

[9:00] horror of October 7th, 2023 struck the Jewish world with the trauma reverberating directly into Highland Park. It was not something that happened

[9:08] far away. It reached directly into our families, into our friendships, and into our hearts. Two years later, that grief is still raw. We continue hopeo to hold

[9:17] close the memories of those who were taken including Hirs Goldberg Poland whose parents were raised in the Chicago area before moving to Israel and whose

[9:24] cousins live in our community and of it who spent time in Highland Park through our sister city's youth delegation. As a

[9:32] teenager he stayed in our homes, shared meals with our families and built friendships that lasted for years. Their stories are part of our story. Their

[9:40] loss is part of our loss. Highland Park responded in the only way we know how, by coming together. We prayed together.

[9:48] We mourned together. We wrapped our arms around families navigating unthinkable uncertainty. As a city, we recognized the pain and horror of the hostages and

[9:56] their families before every city council meeting. And we formally designated October 7th as a day of remembrance and solidarity with our Jewish community. A

[10:06] promise that the victims, the hostages, and their families are never forgotten.

[10:11] Even as we cared for one another though, we could not ignore a larger truth. The rise of anti-semitism, not only abroad, but here in the United States. It

[10:19] appeared subtly and overtly in our schools, in our public spaces, on our streets, and online. For a community still recovering from mass violence,

[10:27] this rise has felt particularly distressing. Highland Park has always been a city built on principles of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect.

[10:35] Anti-semitism or any form of discrimination goes against everything we believe in and everything our residents deserve. As we have done every

[10:43] time, it raises its ugly head. We take action in our own town and regionally, cognizant that our communities are stronger when we stand together to

[10:51] defend our shared values. We strengthen securities around the houses of worship and we deepen communication with our clergy. We sought expert guidance and

[11:00] became one of the first communities in the country to receive training specifically developed by the Department of Justice to enhance trust and support

[11:09] [cough and clears throat]

[11:10] of Jewish communities and law enforcement. Regionally, we implemented proactive measures to promote vigilance and public safety by partnering with

[11:18] neighboring communities who join Highland Park in condemning anti-semitism and all acts of hate through information sharing, joint training, and shared public safety

[11:27] dispatch. And we became the first city in Illinois to formally adopt the IHRA, working definition of anti-semitism by

[11:35] ordinance. We did this not to silence debate, but to draw a clear moral line and to affirm to every Jewish resident,

[11:42] "We see you. We stand with you, and we will do whatever we can to protect you." My own understanding of this responsibility was shaped profoundly by

[11:51] some many of you may have known, the late Rabbi Peter Noble. He was a dear friend and a mentor and his wisdom remains with me every day. He often

[11:59] spoke of what he called activist Judaism, a Judaism that does not stay inside the sanctuary but steps into the public square. He believed faith should

[12:08] ruffle us from our complacency, pushing us towards justice, compassion, and courage. He reminded us that religious

[12:15] and civic leaders alike must speak truth to power, insisting that those in authority, including ourselves, do what's right. His teachings were not

[12:23] theoretical. They were a blueprint to act with moral clarity, to reject silence in the face of hatred, and to lead with compassion strong enough to

[12:31] cross every divide. I carry that with me, and I carry him with me. Combating anti-semitism cannot rest on

[12:38] proclamations alone. Education, advocacy, and action are essential to building the kind of society our children deserve. Teaching empathy,

[12:47] respect, and understanding from an early age stops hatred before it takes root.

[12:52] Community programs that promote dialogue and intercultural exchange help bridge divides and build social cohesion.

[12:58] Empowering young people to be informed, compassionate citizens is one of the most meaningful investments any community can make. So I said in New

[13:06] Orleans tonight as I accept this [clears throat] recognition, I do so on behalf of the people of Highland Park, the parents and the grandparents, the

[13:15] students and the teachers, the faith leaders, the first responders, the volunteers, and so many others who have shown up time and time again. That

[13:23] community is strongest when we show up for one another. They are the reason that I was in New Orleans. Maybe I'm preaching to the choir as we are in this

[13:32] room among friends and allies, but I offered a call to action. Let our cities not only condemn anti-semitism, but actively cultivate understanding. Let us

[13:41] lead with clarity and courage, and let us build partnerships that extend beyond our borders. We all share a responsibility to safeguard our

[13:49] residents. Let us create communities where the dignity of every person is protected, not just in principle, but in practice. May we move forward with

[13:57] conviction. May we support one another in this work and we may we build a future where every person Jewish or not can live with safety, belonging and

[14:05] peace. I thank them for this honor. I thank them for the work that they were doing each and every day to confront hate hate and to strengthen our

[14:12] communities. And I want to thank each and every one of you, especially my council colleagues for the immeasurable work that's been done on behalf of this

[14:20] community and the fight against anti-semitism. So I just want to share that with all of you. Thank you. If you thought you were done listening to me talk, I still have a few more things to

[14:28] share with you. I'm going to get to it and then we will get down to business.

[14:32] As we enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we can't forget that many members of our community are facing many challenges this year. If you're

[14:40] able, please consider supporting the Marine Township and Westerfield Township food pantries. The city is hosting collection boxes at city hall and the

[14:48] public service center, which is at 1150 Half-day Road. Donations of unopened and unexpired food and household essential items can be dropped off during regular

[14:57] walk-in business hours, Tuesdays through Fridays, 8il 5 here at city hall, 7:30 till 4:30 at the public service center.

[15:05] Monetary and gift card donations are also appreciated. These can be donated directly to the townships. I'm going to give you a phone number that you won't

[15:13] remember, but it's also listed on Google, 847-432-3240, or visit marinetownship.org. or to

[15:21] donate to Marine Township. And then there's a phone number for West Deerfield Township or you can visit westerfieldtownship.org to donate to West Deerfield Township.

[15:30] Also, the fire department bill in the back. Thank you. Fire department's coats for kids drive continues through February 1st. Your donations of new or

[15:39] gently used coats, boots, hats, gloves, and other winter items are deeply appreciated by families in need in our community. Last year, the fire

[15:47] department was able to donate over 400 articles of winter clothing. Thank you to the fire department for helping with

[15:54] that endeavor. We're also grateful to every person who helped support this year's shop with a cop drive. Thanks to

[16:01] your generosity, a family of five was able to enjoy a very special shopping spree with Detective Bonov, PBC officer

[16:08] Stokes, and administrative services officer Monttoayor. Many thanks as well to the Highland Park Benevolent Association for coordinating the fundraising for this and several other

[16:17] initiatives throughout the year. That is it for the report from the mayor. Thanks for listening. Um is there any business from the council?

[16:26] Yes, council member center.

[16:28] Yeah, I just wanted to acknowledge uh the director of public works, Ron Bannon, and his entire staff. I know I think there were some emails going

[16:35] around around the council as well, but an incredible job with the snow that we've received so far and the streets look amazing and you guys are on top of it. So, thank you so much for for overseeing that phen phenomenal work.

[16:46] Absolutely. That's [applause] Thank you to the plow crew. City Manager

[16:55] Newkerk, will you please provide the staff report?

[16:58] Yes, thank you, Mayor. Just a few reports on behalf of staff. Um, first is included in the packet is the yearend

[17:05] report for our 2025 major projects. Just for background purposes, uh, each year we put together a list of major projects

[17:12] which are initiatives outside of our day-to-day operation or just significant public facing initiatives. Um, these um,

[17:22] uh, these reports uh, or these projects are based on the city's core priorities and you can see the priorities that are

[17:28] listed there. In 2026, we added a new priority of vibrancy. Um, and so the major projects reflect our priorities,

[17:36] our vision, as well as our values. And major projects are derived from a couple of different ways. Um, so based on staff recommendations, council

[17:44] recommendations, public feedback, we put together that list and then each quarter we provide an update um to the mayor and city council and post updates on our

[17:53] website. So we are concluding 2025 with 140 major projects and I don't say that

[18:00] lightly because these are significant endeavors. Um and so individuals can review the list of projects, identify uh

[18:09] the work that was conducted, the approximate time frame that it was conducted, who the staff lead is for each initiative, and then an update on

[18:17] each one. Um [clears throat] most of the projects are completed. some are like are outside of our control. So for

[18:24] example, we talked at the committee the whole about the place of remembrance. So that project is not complete of course but it is ongoing and will continue in

[18:32] 2026. Um and so uh invite the public to review the major projects and if anyone has questions they can certainly let us

[18:39] know. And then we will present in January the proposed 2026 [clears throat] work plan um which will include some carryover projects as well

[18:48] as new endeavors for the new year. Um and then second wanted to provide an update on our snow and ice control plan.

[18:56] And so thank you council member center for leading that off with us. So we have had the quickest start to the snow

[19:03] season since 1978. We have had I remember that. [laughter] We were jumping off roofs back then.

[19:11] Yes, I do. So, we had about 20 inches of snow in Highland Park and the Chicagoland area so far, which um is

[19:19] more snow than we experienced all of last winter. And so, again, just huge thanks to Director Bannon, our entire

[19:26] public works crew. They start working before the snow even falls. Um really just to prepare equipment. um we start

[19:33] brining and um and then we continue with snow and ice control operations consistent with our snow and ice control

[19:40] plan which is on our website um working [clears throat] around the clock. So really in excess of 12 16 hour shifts

[19:48] they go our our staff goes to bed for a couple of hours and then comes back um just to make sure that um that the

[19:55] streets are safe and our plan is carried out effectively and efficiently. So included on the slide is the city's website back um space snow takes you

[20:04] directly to our snow and ice control plan and important information for the public. We list the two phone numbers there. So during business hours if someone has a question they can contact

[20:13] our public works department. After hours um dispatch is available to um take any questions or concerns and if warranted

[20:21] then they will call out public works um accordingly. Um so the first 6 to 8 hours all streets are plowed. So in

[20:29] excess of 130 miles and then again our snow removal operations take place until all streets are passable. We have 39

[20:37] parking lots and other areas. Um we used 975 tons of salt just in these snow events that we've had already so far. Um

[20:46] so thanks to the support of the city council we invested in a expanded dome and so um we have capacity for an entire

[20:55] snow season now in our dome which which works out well and provides us good comfort for quick access to to uh to

[21:02] salt when we need it. And then um and then just a couple of other details on our snow and ice control plan. So, as

[21:08] part of street operations where we do um streets based on priority areas, we also clear 32 miles of sidewalk with every

[21:17] snow event. Those are sidewalks, for example, that in the downtown district by the metro station. So, really high

[21:25] priority hightra areas. [clears throat] And then after a 4-in snowfall, um consistent with our policy, we clear all

[21:32] the sidewalks in the community. And so, um, very important to the public. Um, we don't necessarily get down straight to

[21:40] pavement. We're not handshoveing 132 miles of sidewalk. Um, but we do clear them so it's passible. We also ask

[21:48] the public to help as well. And so, you know, people are walking dogs or going on walks. And so, um, you know, individuals are asked to make sure that

[21:56] there's a safe passageway for their family members and others um, using those public thorough affairs as well.

[22:02] And then in terms of our sidewalk program, um we estimate again based on normal snowfall conditions, it takes us 24 to 48 hours to complete all the

[22:11] sidewalks. We did get some questions. So as the snow is still falling, people are saying, you know, why aren't the streets clear? And so again, as the snow is

[22:20] falling, I mean, we are definitely plowing and addressing all areas. And we will continue working until all the um

[22:28] till all the areas are are addressed accordingly. Um we do ask the public to make sure that fire hydrants are clear and so that's part of our regular

[22:36] communication reminders to the public and then we'll go through and check as well um as appropriate. Um we also communicate that we have a snow

[22:45] shoveling program that is available to individuals um to seniors that need assistance um and uh people with

[22:54] disabilities. And so if people need assistance in that category, they're encouraged to contact us and we'll add

[23:01] them to the list. We're also looking for volunteers to help as part of that program. And so if people are interested in volunteering, please let us know. And

[23:09] then um just a reminder as well, and this is included as part of our operate, as part of our regular communication, is that on street parking is prohibited

[23:17] from 2 to 6:00 a.m. from December until the end of March. And this is part of our snow and ice control operations just to make sure the streets are able to be

[23:26] cleared from curb to curb. So we ask that cars um are not parked on the street. And then um depending on the

[23:34] amount of snow event that we have, we will clear the downtown district area or uptown depending on when you move to

[23:42] Island Park. Um as well as the Ravenia business district. Um and we do that over the basically overnight um for

[23:52] maximum efficiency and also for public safety purposes. And so that snow is cleared um out of the way and making

[23:59] sure that there's safe vehicular as well as pedestrian access to all the businesses and in and around those two districts. And so the next time that we

[24:07] are clearing the districts is actually starting tomorrow morning. So, our crew is starting at 3:00 a.m. and then they're going to work um through the morning just to make sure that the snow

[24:15] is cleared again from the central business district as well as the riveting business [clears throat] district.

[24:20] And then again, just a reminder everyone that is our website there for further information about our snow and ice control plan. Great.

[24:27] And then um we have 28 items on the omnibus agenda for consideration. All have staff reports. All are recommended

[24:35] for approval. I understand a couple want to be pulled, so we'll just address that. Um, whenever you say so.

[24:41] Sounds good. Great. Thank you. City Manager Newkerk, assistant to the city manager, Pelitzka, if you could introduce the next item, business from the public. [clears throat]

[24:49] Thank you, mayor. The next item on the agenda is business from the public. This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the city council on a

[24:57] topic that is within the city council's purview and jurisdiction, but is not listed in another location on the agenda. If you would like to speak about

[25:05] a matter that is listed on the agenda, we ask that you wait until that agenda item is called and we will give you an opportunity to speak then. If your

[25:12] matter is on the omnibus consent agenda, please let us know if you'd like us to remove that matter from the consolidated list so that you can speak about it.

[25:20] Please be aware that business from the public is not intended to be a forum for open dialogue or engagement with members of the city council. Rather, it is

[25:28] intended as an opportunity to make comments to the city council. Please do not expect a response from anyone tonight. If appropriate, questions may

[25:36] be directed to the city manager or other city staff. All comment should be directed to the city council. All speakers will be limited to three

[25:43] minutes. We request that speakers refrain from throwing objects or using noise makers and that the public not applaud or make other comments after any

[25:51] speaker. We ask that everyone be respectful, civil, and non-repetitive.

[25:55] Thank you. Good evening. Please state your name for the record.

[25:58] [clears throat]

[25:59] My name is Carl Lambert. This is the second day of Hanukkah. I want to make

[26:05] my Jewish friends happy and golucky and etc. And then Hanukkah ends I believe on the 22nd of December.

[26:16] That's my birthday. It'll be the 93rd.

[26:20] Then on the 24th of December is the 93rd anniversary of my mother's death.

[26:28] And I want to wish the other people merry Christmas. Thank you for your time.

[26:35] Bye-bye. Thank you so much. Lots of time left open.

[26:39] Absolutely. Wishing you a happy birthday.

[26:43] Any other members of the public wishing to be heard this evening? If not, we'll continue with our scheduled business.

[26:50] Items 1 through 28 have been grouped together for omnibus consideration. Um I know you wanted to pull item nine. I want to pull

[26:59] um four oops 4 six 8 3 4 6 8 9

[27:08] 3 4 6 8 and 9. So I'm seeking any others to be pulled. No, it's four and six.

[27:14] Okay. So seeking a motion to approve items one and two, five, [clears throat] 7, 10 through 28. So moved.

[27:23] Is there a second?

[27:24] Second. Any comments or questions on those items? [clears throat and cough] Any from the public? Hearing none, will the clerk please call the vote?

[27:31] Council member center. Excuse me. I.

[27:33] Council member Buckman I. Council member Ross. I. Council member Tapia. I. Council member Little. I. Council member Bloomberg. Hi.

[27:41] Mayor Roering.

[27:42] I. Seven eyes, no nays. Items 1 2 57 10 through 28 have been approved. Item three is a resolution entering into an

[27:51] exterior improvement grant for Matchmaker Bookshop LLC at 1891 Second Street.

[27:57] I I just wanted to make a comment on this. I'm fully supportive of our exterior of our exterior grants and I

[28:04] think they're crucial to the improvement of our businesses. I'm thrilled we offer them. I'm actually thrilled about this

[28:12] one, but we also have guidelines and in this particular case for this particular grant. There was no competitive bidding.

[28:21] And I understand there was a timeliness issue and that's a problem. But I don't think we should be encouraging businesses to go after grants when in

[28:29] fact they don't follow the process. And I would say to staff also who I know I assume also warn them of the proper

[28:37] processes that what's important is we have these grants this these are taxpayer dollars that we're using to

[28:44] improve our communities and if there's a guideline such as competitive bidding that needs to be followed and I would

[28:52] contrast it directly with something else that's on this agenda tonight because item number five which I did not pull

[29:00] did have competitive bidding and there were different reasons why they ended up with the one particular grant and whether it's the lowest bidder um and

[29:08] then we matched that money. So I I while I would say I really want matchmaker bookstore to have [snorts] the money to

[29:16] help them improve, I I'm a little disappointed that in fact they didn't get the competitive bids and I don't know whether staff would recommend that

[29:26] in fact we see and double check that they would go out and get a bid now. So, we know that the amount that the 50%

[29:33] that we are going to kick [snorts] in is the correct amount. Without a competitive bidding process, we don't know if that's the right amount. [cough]

[29:40] And I understand they've been using a contractor and that's great. But for us to turn over taxpayer dollars to improve

[29:47] a business, we have a process and they should follow it. City manager.

[29:52] Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Um, thank you, Council Member Litter Works. We certainly raised that concern as well.

[29:57] So, our requirements um do specify that applicants should get a minimum of two

[30:05] competitive bids um just to make sure that they're getting the lowest and pursuing the most responsible contractor. As it pertains to this

[30:13] specific application, the business owner is doing in excess of a half million dollars of improvements and started that

[30:20] work before this grant application. And so that contract was kind of part of the overall improvements. And so although we

[30:28] talked to her about the importance of getting two bids to make sure you've got the most competitive rate, she felt that at that po point in time, it almost would have been just disingenuous

[30:37] because the contractors doing the balance of the work. And so it just didn't make sense at the time. So wholeheartedly 100% agree with you that

[30:44] and even for the own city's purchasing, competitive pricing is extremely critical for a number of reasons. Um but from our perspective it made sense why

[30:53] she didn't and then at this point it just doesn't make sense because the work is done that it almost doesn't seem appropriate to get another estimate now

[31:01] for that work but we're giving clear direction to people and this was a missed window so to speak um store is amazing so okay any other

[31:10] comments on three nope I'm seeking a motion to approve item three so moved second

[31:18] thank you any comments from the public hearing none Will the clerk please call the vote? Council member center. Hi. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council member Ross.

[31:26] Hi. Council member Tapia. I. Council member Little. I. Council member Bloomberg. I. Mayor Roing.

[31:33] I. Seven eyes. No. Item three is approved. [clears throat] Item four is a resolution entering into an exterior improvement grant for CRG Ravenia LLC at 565. Roger Williams.

[31:45] Did you want to go first or do you want me to?

[31:47] I [snorts] go first. Sure. Uh, thank you. Uh, so I wanted to [clears throat] see if there was an update with the CRG uh restaurant

[31:54] group. Is there someone here or could you answer that, city manager? Um, I don't think that they're present.

[32:00] Um, no. So, um, as the council knows, um, the CRG group, we did present this

[32:09] uh, recommendation at a committee of the whole meeting and sought your policy feedback before placing this item on the agenda. Um, at this time they are still

[32:18] interested in moving forward with that location that's reflected at 565 Roger Williams in the Ravenia District.

[32:25] [clears throat] Um, they are they want to make sure that all their financing is in place. And so that's why they're looking for really confirmation that they have these grant funds because of

[32:34] the significant investment that's needed at this specific location. Um, and so the grant funds as part of this program

[32:42] would not be issued to them until they actually were doing the work and requested a reimbursement of expenses.

[32:50] So if for example they did not move forward with this location, um, we definitely want them in Highland Park and so you know um, then they could

[32:58] pursue another location but these grant funds would not be transferable to a new location and they wouldn't be issued at the onset of signing a lease. Again,

[33:06] it's based on actual work completed with receipts and then requesting reimbursement.

[33:11] And would you say those comments apply to six as well or is that Yes, that's why. Yes.

[33:16] Right. So, I just want to make sure we're being [clears throat] efficient with our time. Did you want to say anything?

[33:21] Yeah, I just had Sorry, one more followup. So, is this money though that we're um approving tonight? Is that

[33:28] airmark though? Is it for 2026? So, is this money that we can't offer as part of the program? B

[33:35] it would be yes. I mean it would be issued in 2026 under that budget. Okay.

[33:40] Um just because I I mean I have just some reservations since I haven't seen any work or anything done on this property

[33:48] yet and I've also had heard that it was um I like businesses [snorts] in that in that area have said they've seen it um

[33:55] advertised as someone leasing this property. So I was just had some concerns. That's yeah, again, they they haven't started. They haven't moved

[34:03] forward because again, they're just trying to make sure all their financing is in place before actually moving forward.

[34:09] But it sounds like these grants would not be provided until we had plans and bids and all of the Yes.

[34:16] So, you're not contributing money to what used to be a dry cleaner on Roger Williams. Correct. Okay. Thank you.

[34:23] So, any other question? So it was just to my point though taking that money away technically we're earmarking it for

[34:30] 2026. So if like another business had applied in 26 we're technically saying well this money is going to CRG

[34:38] therefore this other business in Highland Park can't apply and get this potentially but we have not depleted

[34:46] funds for these grants in the past. Um so and we would certainly you know as our commitment to the council because we

[34:53] know this is a priority of yours if for example we did deplete funds we would certainly let you know and then we could

[35:02] look at um alternate funding or alternate budget allocations and then move them over to this area if it was deemed appropriate.

[35:12] So I have two points.

[35:13] Actually hang on one second. And I just want to remind this group that we have a very clear set of parameters for which these grants can be used. It's not just

[35:21] anybody first in who tosses an application over the threshold. We have a requirement of so many different other

[35:28] businesses, so many other years in business, so many other, you know, dollars of profit. So it's not just a fly by night showing up going hand over

[35:37] your money. So I just want to be sure people who are watching understand [clears throat] what these grants are.

[35:42] Now I will call in. That's accurate with regard to the food and beverage. You're absolutely right. But for the exterior

[35:49] grants, the reason they were capped at the 20,000 per year and we were making an exception for this group and doing

[35:57] all five years so they would not be able to come back to us for five years. To council member Buckman's point, um we

[36:05] we're lumping $100,000 into this that they're counting on. So, one of my concerns is I don't want to

[36:12] end up in another situation. Well, we have a GC and we're doing all of our work, including our exterior, and so we aren't getting multiple bids. So, number

[36:21] one, I want to make sure that that work is contracted for separately and that there are competitive bids for that. So,

[36:28] that goes to our earlier thing with matchmaker. Secondarily to the council member's point, we usually only budgeted

[36:36] for exterior, if I'm not wrong, $100,000 per year. If we are earmarking the full

[36:42] hundred to them and we have heard throughout the community that they may be looking elsewhere or this project's

[36:49] not going up, I don't really want to block those funds for the year. Now, we may find out in

[36:57] March that in fact they're going elsewhere. Okay? and then that would free up the funds. But I I think we're putting the cart before the horse and

[37:05] that's a little bit it's not the right order. It's again not doing it the way we set up this grant program.

[37:11] So we don't necessarily although we have line items, we've got the business development division which is part of

[37:19] the department of the city manager's office which has a larger budget. Um and then this is all in the general fund which is our largest operating fund. Um,

[37:28] so although yes, we budget a certain allocation for food and beverage grants, the boutique incentive grant, and so

[37:35] forth, um, it's not necessarily I don't I mean, we do have a line item that says $100,000 and it's first come,

[37:44] first serve. So, five businesses come to us and they want an exterior grant. And in theory, we are holding up the entire

[37:52] budget for every other business if we do this right now. And frankly, because it is so um

[38:00] amorphous at this point, I I would be much more comfortable with not giving the hundred,000 at this juncture. And I

[38:07] know we're not giving it, but not even um putting it aside, appropriating it.

[38:12] And I would be much more comfortable with 40 so that I know that other businesses can come to us in the near future and our money is not all tied up

[38:21] in a commitment that we don't even know if it's going forward. And I know we won't lose the money if they don't go forward, but but I think it's important to note

[38:29] this is fungeible. Like if and we saw this because we had money that was appropriated for the exterior grant that

[38:36] I believe several people on this council moved to support Oktoberfest in Ravenia.

[38:42] So it's green and it's cash and I think we can stay flexible. And I think for a group that is very very determined to

[38:50] bring more restaurants into Highland Park. You don't want to start playing fast and loose with you can count on this. No, you can't count on this. I just think this is we can vote for it

[39:00] and if you decide down the road that these guys aren't making movements fast enough, we can let them know. But I think it's it's a ma it's a it's a

[39:08] matching grant. It's not going to be in concrete without anybody else having the ability to access it. Council member center.

[39:16] I agree. mayor. Um I think and we're also speculating on their ability to move forward or not and or speculating

[39:23] on other potential applicants that may or may not come forward. So I think it's a dangerous game to start playing.

[39:28] Um also uh council litter just uh to to comment on your multiple bid concern

[39:36] totally agreed I think it's a critical for us to do that. However, I could see the counterpoint to that, particularly in a large buildout where there's going

[39:44] to be economies of scale for a GC to do XYZ and it probably will be cheaper for them to get bake that into part of a

[39:53] larger project and versus going out to a sole subcontractor.

[39:58] And so, do we want to set a precedent for providing, you know, we want to get the best ROI on those dollars, right?

[40:07] Right. So, I think we just be a little bit careful to make sure that we're not mandating something that is counterproductive to what the the goal of the of the of the process is.

[40:16] Completely right. But we are requiring them before they get a grant to do some homework. And so, if in fact the GC can

[40:24] do it much cheaper, y God bless.

[40:26] But if they can't take the time to get another competitive bid, you know, I have a problem, then I don't see why we should turn over money to them.

[40:34] Y Okay. Thank you, Council Member Bloomberg.

[40:37] So, I I'm going to reiterate something that I brought up uh regarding uh these grants to CRG when we discussed this in

[40:47] the committee of the whole and I wanted to be a part of the record. I'm going to vote against this. Before I explain why, even though CRG isn't here, I do want to

[40:55] say I hope they come to Ravena. I hope they open. I It's a very exciting project. I think it will [snorts]

[41:03] contribute directly to the vibrancy of both the Ravenia business district and the city of Highland Park in general.

[41:09] Um, the people who are involved in this project have uh a great deal of uh institutional knowledge within their own

[41:18] areas of expertise and it it's a very promising project. But I'm opposed to this for the same reason that I've been

[41:24] opposed to the entire boutique incentive program.

[41:29] But that's particularly true with respect to this program with this application which applied and moved forward with a

[41:37] business plan desirous of opening in Highland Park when they didn't know that we had this program.

[41:45] So they were already determined to open in Highland Park because they felt it was economically advantageous to to run

[41:54] this business in Highland Park. And what I've been saying about our boutique incentive program is that it has a potential to encourage somebody to open

[42:02] a business in Highland Park without adequate economic grounds to do so just because the city is going to pay them to

[42:11] come to Highland Park. And while I understand the purpose behind this is to improve vibrancy and to try to attract

[42:18] some businesses to contribute to the mix, we now know there are businesses

[42:26] based on decent business acumen and business models that want to open here without the city of Highland Park

[42:34] investing. And uh council member center, you talked about getting our best ROI,

[42:40] return on investment. I don't believe a municipality should be investing directly in private enterprises. And

[42:48] that's really [clears throat] what this is. That's why I'm opposed to it. This grant is being given because we ran out

[42:57] of money in the incentive program. So we're we're by a majority of the council. We're shoehorning this in and

[43:05] now making them satisfy certain elements of a different kind of grant program. I am not in favor of asking them to uh get

[43:14] competitive bids where they're already working with major contractors. They're doing a preliminary startup.

[43:22] They have their own economic incentive to get the best possible bid from the best possible contractor. This is very

[43:28] different than an existing business that comes in and says, "We need a little help improving our exterior or expanding

[43:36] our interior a little bit." This is not a business that has an established business background. We shouldn't be

[43:44] granting them this much money in this manner.

[43:49] You've seen the exterior of that building though.

[43:51] I have and but they agreed to do that on their own without our help already. Okay.

[43:58] Okay. Um council Ros.

[44:01] Thank you, mayor. Uh I am voting for this. I'm supporting it. Uh I it This is incredibly hard to open restaurants and stay open. I would like to see CRG open.

[44:12] I was extremely excited by the concept when I first heard about it. Uh I hope that they do open on uh Roger Williams.

[44:21] I think uh it'll be a larger restaurant and a boon to the um Rivia Business District um and to to Highland Park as a

[44:29] whole. I'm willing to be flexible on this even as I respect all the points that my my uh colleagues um have raised.

[44:36] Uh I I'm simply as one city council person aiming for Highland Park to look as bit business friendly as possible. Um

[44:44] I've had issues with um you know building out um with all due respect to our [clears throat] property owners um their their spaces too and putting money

[44:53] toward you know those buildouts. But I've supported those grants. Um and including one that got you know

[44:59] unanimous support uh and uh you know so it things aren't always perfect but I I support this.

[45:08] Great. Thank you. Appreciate your comments. Any from the public?

[45:12] Nope. Is there a motion to approve? I'm going to do items four and six together. Yes. So move.

[45:20] Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

[45:21] Thank you. Will the clerk please call the vote? Council member Center, hi.

[45:25] Council member Buckman, no.

[45:27] Council member Ross, I.

[45:29] Council member Tapia, I.

[45:32] Council member Little, no.

[45:34] Council member Bloomberg, no.

[45:36] Mayor Roing, I. With four eyes to three nays, items four and six are approved. Item eight is an ordinance waving enforcement of

[45:43] sections 33.001 and 33.005 of the Highland Park Code of 1968 as amended concerning appointments to

[45:51] various boards, commissions, and advisory groups. Council member Midor.

[45:55] Uh, first of all, I I really want to thank all the people who serve on our commissions and our advisory groups and our boards. They are wonderful. I also

[46:03] want to thank this council, but especially the mayor, city manager, and um, a staffer for all the work they put in to try and make the appointments on

[46:12] an annual basis. We have parameters in terms of how long someone can serve. And we also have parameters on a lot of

[46:20] people who want to serve on these different commissions. And because of that, I feel they should be adhered to very very strictly. And I don't want to

[46:28] make any exceptions. And so for that reason, I um will not support this board even though I know how much accommodation has been made both for

[46:36] transitional purposes, educating new board members, but I think it's time to always bring new and younger and and

[46:46] wonderful residents onto these commissions, especially since so many people want to serve. So, I will not support this slate.

[46:54] Okay. Thank you. I think I need to respond to that given that um this is my group of appointments and I'll just say

[47:02] that for the vast majority of these appointments we are sticking with the parameters in one or two instances we

[47:09] are continuing with a chair or a vice chair because members of that commission or that advisory group did not want to be the chair or the vice chair. So, in

[47:18] an effort to have some sort of continuity in leadership, we've extended people's terms for a year. Um, and

[47:25] that's what council member liter was talking about. I think it's important also to recognize that several of our commissions were turned into advisory

[47:32] groups and the exact purpose of that was to make it so that more people could participate, that we did have fewer constraints in terms of terms and term

[47:41] limits and so forth. So, I appreciate your comments. And by the way, it's the overwhelming majority [clears throat] that are absolutely within

[47:48] within that parameter. I think I really want to be clear about that.

[47:51] Two exceptions. Um, but that notwithstanding, I respect and hear you.

[47:55] And with that, I'm seeking a motion to approve item eight. Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

[48:00] Thank you. Will the clerk please call the vote? Council member center.

[48:04] I. Council member Buckman I. Council member Ross. I. Council member Tapio. Hi.

[48:11] Council member Little present.

[48:14] Council member Bloomberg I.

[48:16] Mayor Roing I. Six eyes's, one present. Item eight is approved. Item nine is a city advisory group board and commission appointment reappointment for scheduled

[48:24] vacancies and appointments to chair and vice chair with terms beginning in 2026.

[48:30] I am seeking [clears throat] a motion to approve this, but council member Lenmore has a comment to make first. It's the same comment.

[48:36] Same comment. All right. Do I have a motion to approve item nine?

[48:39] Yes, same motion. So, well, same motion, but I move to approve. [laughter] Do I have a second for item nine? Second.

[48:47] Thank you. Uh, we will call the vote. Council member center. Hi. Council member Buckman. I. Council member Ross. I.

[48:55] Council member Tapia. Hi.

[48:57] Council member Little present. Council member Bloomberg. Hi. Mayor Roing.

[49:02] I. Six eyes, one present. Uh, item nine is approved. And I again just want to thank our community volunteers for your service on behalf of the community. They

[49:10] get no compensation, but they do get the joy of sitting through a lot of meetings. So, we appreciate them tremendously. Thank you. Um, we've had

[49:19] All right, we've gone through the items removed from omnimous vote consideration. Other business this evening, I suspect the reason why you're

[49:26] here. Um, items A, B, and C are all concerning 1632, 1640, and 1646 2nd

[49:33] Street. Item A is a resolution approving a plat of re subdivision for those addresses. [clears throat] Item B is an ordinance granting a special use permit for a plan

[49:42] development and improving an inclusionary housing plan. Item C is a resolution approving development the development agreement related there too.

[49:51] Um we have talked about this previously but we will have a presentation from community development director Joel Fontaine and we will have ample

[50:00] opportunity for public comment if you so desire. Director Fontaine. Okay.

[50:05] Thank you, Madam Mayor. As you mentioned, this is um this item before you is for final action. Um it was

[50:13] directed by council that staff draft approval documents with appropriate provisions. There are a few changes

[50:20] though that I'd like to go through this evening. Um, we recommend adoption of approval documents for preliminary and final plan development, final plattery

[50:29] subdivision, and design review with modifications from city code for a fivestory 19 unit multif family development on Second Street.

[50:37] [clears throat]

[50:38] Um, the council's considering um four matters u that are in the packet as previously presented um at your October

[50:47] 6 meeting. At that meeting, um, council directed staff to draft approval documents by a vote of seven to zero.

[50:55] Um, and council requested that the applicants considered public the public benefit offered and the project's green

[51:02] space overall. [clears throat] Um, in terms of public benefit, uh, we have two elements of relief that require

[51:10] public benefit. As we, uh, as we know and have talked about previously, not all elements of relief trigger public

[51:17] benefit. So the two that do for this project are height and lot coverage.

[51:23] Height 13 ft of relief to allow a 64 foot building with five stories. Uh the requirements 51 ft and four stories. Lot

[51:31] coverage 1.48 times the lot coverage at 49% zoning district requirement max of 33.

[51:41] [clears throat]

[51:42] other relief uh non-public benefit related had to deal with the uh had to do with the pedestrian entrance, lighting at the property line and foundation landscaping.

[51:52] Um, in terms of public benefits, uh, the standard for for approval, um, is that

[52:00] all proposed public benefits shall be commensurate with the zoning relief requested by the applicant and proportional to the anticipated impact

[52:09] of the proposed plan development on adjacent properties and land uses and on the community at large.

[52:16] Public benefit itself means that it's an amenity provided in a form of an improvement, donation or dedication that is not otherwise required as part of the

[52:24] development process and that serves the residents of the plan development in the community at large.

[52:31] [clears throat]

[52:32] Okay. So, the applicant proposed initially um with their initial application that went through the board uh the plan commission uh and housing

[52:41] commission and came to you in form of recommendation. Um a donation of $100,000 to the housing trust fund.

[52:49] [snorts] Two additional public benefits um were put forth in an applicant letter that offered as an eitheror choice, but

[52:58] has since been further res revised to offer both. and I defer to the applicant to um state as such here for the record.

[53:06] Um those were a donation of $25,000 to the city's place of remembrance and

[53:13] parkway landscaping improvements along a portion of Second Street in front of the building.

[53:19] That parkway improvement in front of the building would be maintained by the property owners um and subject to a

[53:27] non-exclusive uh license agreement. It's [clears throat] all part of the permit process.

[53:33] Note the sidewalk replacement shown on the final engineering is not considered a public benefit. Rather is considered a requirement by staff for this

[53:41] development due to the nature of the construction that would be uh undertaken to do this development. The sidewalk will need to be replaced in the standard.

[53:51] Okay. The public benefit um newly proposed uh is this parkway

[53:59] landscaping public benefit. As you could see here, there would be a drop off area along Second Street, front of the

[54:06] building and the uh parkway area that is not utilized for the actual vehicle drop

[54:13] off will be greatly enhanced in terms of its its landscaping.

[54:21] We do have additional information um regarding traffic study and I just want to review um for council that the

[54:29] conclusions of the traffic study uh found that the traffic generated can be accommodated by the area roadway system.

[54:38] parking space is adequate in accommodating the estimated peak parking demand and the total estimated traffic

[54:45] volume will be limited and further reduced due to the proximity to the metro commuter rail station. Um revised

[54:53] traffic study uh found that the impact uh the impact study adequately represents the traffic anticipated to be

[55:00] generated by the proposed development under [clears throat] construction. uh the and the proposed development itself,

[55:08] the Walton, and by the under construction Walbrite project at 650 Walnut Street, just a couple of blocks

[55:14] down the the road on Walnut, as well as the general area growth over the next five years. So the uh our traffic

[55:24] engineering uh third party reviewed that additional addendum if you will to this uh traffic study.

[55:34] Crash data was also included. Um 2023 to 2025 there were 34 crashes in the area

[55:41] over this three-year period. um two involving pedestrians at the Laurel and Second Street intersection as depicted here by the blue circle.

[55:53] Um there were six accidents, two involved pedestrians. That's what that means there. Um the site for reference is is outlined in

[56:02] yellow below. So Walnut Street you have the nine, the two, the two Laurel, you have 14 and six shown here. There are

[56:10] also two at um the uh building there that is Walnut Place formally at the affordable housing project at Walnut Place.

[56:23] Um staff recommends adoption of the approval documents granting uh the relief uh proposed in the preliminary

[56:30] and final plan development flat of re subdivision and design review with modifications for this development.

[56:36] Madam Mayor, thank you Mr. Director. Any questions from the council or comments?

[56:45] No. Um, we have received one one item. Madam Mayor, if I may interject, the applicant did provide in the packet

[56:54] an either or option with regard to the public benefit had changed it verbally in a conversation with him. I would recommend that the council inquire

[57:02] whether or not both will be offered or either or is still on the table. Thank you, madam.

[57:07] That's a question that everybody had. So I guess I'm sorry. Yeah.

[57:11] Um if you could please approach I think there's just a question about whether the public benefit that was offered was

[57:18] either or or was an and good evening. Presentation.

[57:31] It's right here. Good evening, mayor and council members.

[57:39] the uh at the at the last meeting it was discussed that our understanding was that uh most of some of the members felt

[57:49] that the public benefit wasn't enough and that it was proposed that we do some enhancements to the green space surrounding the building.

[58:00] Uh since we felt that the most of the actual side was very heavily landscaping, we felt that the front of

[58:07] the building along Second Street was an area that we could enhance uh with more green space.

[58:14] And we also felt that there's a connection between the uh this is a connection between the building and downtown. And there's many areas within

[58:24] the downtown on Central Avenue that there parkway is landscape. There's planters. There's different sorts of

[58:31] landscaping. Felt it was a nice connection since this is the main connection between our building and and the downtown.

[58:42] Um so this is the uh look overall concept that we had in mind for that

[58:49] parkway along second street. And initially we felt that we were going to propose that as an option and then we felt that we're going to offer the

[58:58] $25,000 for the place of remembrance as another option and let the council decide. And we had a conversation with staff and

[59:07] they felt that it was going to be hard to pick just one of those options. And we understood that concern and we are uh

[59:15] confident and comfortable offering both the landscaping in front of the building and the 25,000 to the place of

[59:24] remembrance in addition to the 100,000 to the housing trust. Great. Thank you. Much appreciated.

[59:32] Thank you very much. Okay. Thanks for the clarification. Yeah. Thank you for the clarification.

[59:41] At this time, um, we just want to welcome our neighbors and if you have any comments or questions you'd like to share, you're welcome to come forward.

[59:54] [clears throat]

[59:59] Please state your name for the record. Jana Hill. Welcome. I think I've been sworn in in the past.

[1:00:07] There's no swearing in. We're delighted to have you. It's okay. Welcome, Jana Hill.

[1:00:12] All right. Um, we'll start the clock at 3 again. Sorry. Thank you.

[1:00:19] 37 37% is the median lot coverage for similar

[1:00:25] neighboring properties. Many are nearer to the 33% code maximum.

[1:00:33] 49 49% is the principal building block coverage for the Walton. This is nearly

[1:00:41] 50% over the code maximum. [snorts] 30 30% is the additional property coverage

[1:00:50] from large porches, decks, and roof overhangs. I know you just saw the picture, but you will note that even

[1:00:59] with the setback, there is a large overhang over the top of the building.

[1:01:04] These things contribute to 30% additional block coverage um reducing

[1:01:11] over uh open space. 79 79% of open sky and unobstructed views that we have today are blotted out by the Walton.

[1:01:24] Fountain grass and boxwoods in an already existing parkway does nothing to alleviate the real loss of open space, light, and appearance.

[1:01:36] Only a real reduction in the footprint and a redesign of the accompanying extensions will correct the bulk and

[1:01:44] intensity that's been placed on our narrow street.

[1:01:48] We moved to this neighborhood because it evoked home alone and not a new version of Chicago hinge.

[1:01:57] Projects built reasonably to code could still provide the benefits that council is seeking, such as supporting the tax

[1:02:05] base, jobs, and attracting people to the community, and a developer would still profit.

[1:02:12] Today is about choices. Mr. Mueller chose to submit a project intentionally exceeding building codes, the most to date of the other properties nearby.

[1:02:25] City council can choose to vote no on a project that greatly exceeds bulk and intensity codes.

[1:02:33] Lastly, we the people choose elected officials we trust to protect our interest and we will choose again those who do. It is not too late. Thank you.

[1:02:46] Thank you, Miss Hill. Any other members of the public who want to be heard?

[1:02:53] Dale. Dale [clears throat] Cahotus. I've been sworn in before and uh I'm going to speak mostly uh for the trees.

[1:03:03] Uh while I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the council as I have each time the Walton has been on the agenda and

[1:03:11] and I believe you have heard me and my neighbors, I don't think you have listened.

[1:03:18] Aside from the housing commission, which listened and did not approve this project until Fulton developers made changes to the affordable units, our concerns have been ignored.

[1:03:30] Fulton has received variances which will decra degrade our quality of life. We will be looking at a large unattractive

[1:03:39] building that does not fit the character of our neighborhood. We have seen that Fulton can build attractive condominiums. we just aren't getting one.

[1:03:51] As I said, I do want to speak on behalf of the trees on the property, which I look at every day. A tree preservation plan is required.

[1:04:01] However, there is already concern about that given the language in uh the in the

[1:04:07] SE staff report in section B from the city forester

[1:04:14] and this is a quote. A comprehensive tree preservation plan will be required as part of the permitting for any

[1:04:22] development of this nature. If this plan is adhered to by the applicant and we do not have any compliance issues

[1:04:30] throughout the construction process, the Parkway Lynree has a good chance of surviving.

[1:04:36] I hear a lot of skepticism in that.

[1:04:40] Fulton Developers does not have a good track record on preserving trees.

[1:04:46] Uh we've lost two heritage trees in the neighborhood because of Fulton development.

[1:04:53] And also uh I've said before I'm concerned about how this is going to be staged and I was uh told that we

[1:05:01] wouldn't know about the staging until after the development was um approved if it was. But I am concerned again about the trees and the traffic. Thank you.

[1:05:14] Thank you. Good evening.

[1:05:22] Good evening. Um, I'm Dennis Seagull.

[1:05:25] I uh live on the fourth floor at the Arbor.

[1:05:31] My apartment would be directly facing the Walton. Can you put up a photo of the Walton?

[1:05:39] It's one of the pictures that you had when Mr. Mueller was here.

[1:05:48] That's it. That's fine.

[1:05:52] Fulton Development has done an admirable job of previous buildings they've constructed.

[1:05:59] The Laurel residences are quite attractive.

[1:06:04] The Park Sheran is relatively attractive.

[1:06:08] the um building on Oakwood that he chose to call one Highland Park. Don't know

[1:06:17] why he's allowed to grab that title, but he did. That also is an attractive building. The Walton

[1:06:25] will be directly across from the Walbrite. Joel, you said that it would be two or three blocks apart. They are

[1:06:33] directly across from each other and they are very very similar in design.

[1:06:42] Supposedly, the idea uh of the black horizontal sighting is supposed to be a

[1:06:50] a visual setback of some sort in order to fool the people who walk by or drive

[1:06:58] by so that they won't realize that the building is as tall as it is, 64 feet instead of 51 feet.

[1:07:07] Also, uh it's supposed to um give them the impression that it is not taking up

[1:07:15] 80% of the lot. One of the reasons it's taking up 80% and is drastically

[1:07:24] overbuilt is because of the uh large exterior terraces.

[1:07:31] Those terraces are room size. Those are not what you would call balconies.

[1:07:39] Mr. Mueller is asking for that additional space in order to increase

[1:07:46] the size of the units and the profits that he's about to make at the detriment

[1:07:53] of at least eight apartments that face that that horrendous looking black horizontal siding.

[1:08:04] If instead the council strips away

[1:08:09] these rooms size uh open terraces, remember they have roofs on them and

[1:08:17] that's why you're at the 80% factor. It would drastically bring the building back into what your uh zoning regulations state.

[1:08:31] The Wallbrite across the street proves my point. It's drastically overbuilt and overshadows what's there.

[1:08:40] Thank you, Mr. Seagull. Thank you. Any other members of the public wishing to be heard?

[1:08:46] Hi, I'm Kathy Thisten. I live at um 1633, unit 103, the Arbor. Um I've spoken before about the traffic concerns. I have just a couple updates.

[1:08:57] Um, thank you for mentioning that this idea that the buildings are a couple blocks away is u untrue. Um, it

[1:09:06] literally when you come up from the wall brights under underground garage, you come right up and face uh this new

[1:09:15] proposed Walton building and could just drive right into it. So, they are right there. Um, it is I had uh, you know, I

[1:09:25] had to walk this weekend. Um, I decided with my partner, two neighbors, he and I, um, who live in off the alley that

[1:09:34] faces Green Bay, their apartments. And, um, just looking at what's going to happen because of the narrow Walnut

[1:09:42] Street traffic we already have with double parking in front of Walnut Place, which is not just affordable housing.

[1:09:49] Let's be real, it's senior citizen affordable housing. And it is um they have their caretakers and buses and

[1:09:57] things constantly congesting a halfsize um street compared to the street one

[1:10:03] block to the north which um in uh there is a sheet that was sent to Jana that

[1:10:11] I'm sure the committee has. There is a um this it is 35

[1:10:18] uh 35 crashes not 34 crashes and two um pedestrians and uh just as a reminder

[1:10:26] you know uh to selfless selfishly here within my first month of buying my unit

[1:10:34] here in the arbors I was um I was slammed in the arterial um intersection

[1:10:42] by a car that did not stop at a stop sign, which we are missing stop signs off of um off of Walnut and um $16,000

[1:10:53] and hospital visits and all kinds of stuff happened. Um and then just a year and a half ago walking as a pedestrian,

[1:11:00] I was hit by a car and my dog and my dog fell. So, I am I know what this is like.

[1:11:07] There is a Lake County 5-year transportation that you might be aware of that just came out in July 8th of

[1:11:14] this year. Um 865 million for the division of transportation to enhance.

[1:11:21] They have five major goals, but the second one um if you pull it up is all about um safety pedestrians. I'm

[1:11:30] wondering if Highland Park enhance safety and mobility for all users including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. And I'm wondering if we have

[1:11:38] any say in this or could uh carve out some um a traffic study to look at

[1:11:46] realistically the metro is not saving things. Um I live there. I my partner is there every day on it. Um but um I would

[1:11:56] love to see if we could piggy back on the Lake County um uh see if they could

[1:12:02] really do a traffic study on Walnut because it's dangerous every time I go.

[1:12:09] They speed and there are no stop signs going from the Thank you. east and west.

[1:12:15] Thank you so much. Any other members of the public wishing to be heard this evening?

[1:12:22] Okay. Any comments or questions from the council members? Council member center.

[1:12:28] Yeah. Um Mr. Mueller, can you just respond um to the comments around some of your

[1:12:36] previous developments and impact of heritage trees?

[1:12:40] The some of the some of the potential impact of heritage trees as a result of your ongoing projects.

[1:12:48] Uh we had a project on our first project in Highland Park was on Higra Street and

[1:12:56] Laurel called Laurel Court and there was a heritage tree there and that herit

[1:13:03] that that project was built in 200 uh seven and the heritage tree is still thriving and doing very well in Laurel.

[1:13:14] There was a heritage tree in front of uh one Highland Park and we set the

[1:13:21] building away 25 feet away from the building from the tree. You can you can see the setback of

[1:13:28] One Highland Park is much further than what's uh uh required because there's a big backyard in the back of the building

[1:13:37] and maybe two years after the building was built, the tree didn't survive. And sometimes these trees are 200 years old

[1:13:46] and they are very old trees and they they even though we did everything possible to maintain uh that tree didn't make it. In the case

[1:13:55] of the Walbride, there is a heritage tree that we uh decided to maintain.

[1:14:01] We've been uh we had discussions when this project was approved to locate the driveway of walnut instead of nasal to

[1:14:10] protect this tree. We've been doing everything we could. We working with an armorist for the last three years doing

[1:14:19] hormone treatments doing pruning of the tree doing all sorts of treatments uh which are required are required to do

[1:14:26] and we're hoping that that tree is going to survive. We've made a an effort to protect it.

[1:14:31] Uh the tree had a a nastel driveway abandoned the tree. It had a garage a house just a few feet away from the tree. I think that right now it's in

[1:14:40] much better shape than what it was before we started construction. and we're hoping the tree will survive and we'll find out three years from now. And

[1:14:48] those are the only three instances that we were dealing with heritage trees in our seven projects.

[1:14:54] Thank you for that, Council Member Bulber.

[1:14:57] I just want to follow up on that. Um I I recall that there was uh damage to a heritage tree or or some tree that was

[1:15:05] supposed to be preserved with a recent development. Um I know that you had an interaction with the city uh about that.

[1:15:13] um there was some sort of problem. I I don't know if you know the details of that, if you can address that and if you

[1:15:22] can provide some sort of assurance that you'll avoid that in the construction of of what's proposed this evening.

[1:15:28] Yes. So we uh we had an an incident where we were um we had to build the

[1:15:37] scaffolds to do the masonry work and there were some branches uh that were interfering with the scaffolds. So we

[1:15:44] started building the the masonry up to the second floor and we consulted with the arborist from uh Patrick Harrington

[1:15:53] from Davy to let us know how to cut those uh We had to cut two branches because we couldn't build the scaffolds.

[1:16:02] We couldn't do the masonry work and we f we hired a professional company to cut

[1:16:09] those two branches and um there's still some it seems like the forester wasn't happy about the way those branches were

[1:16:16] cut. We we felt we follow the steps and this is an issue that we're still trying to work out with the forester. Um the

[1:16:24] there's even further enhancements that we have done to the tree and we're we're going to follow the recommendations. We didn't try to do anything that we were

[1:16:32] not allowed to do. We were not trying to uh we've done everything possible for threes to protect that tree and we're going to continue doing so.

[1:16:39] Okay. I I appreciate you being uh forthcoming about that and describing the process that occurred um as we go

[1:16:46] forward with this process. Although with this project, although you clearly followed uh the steps that you were

[1:16:54] required to and still wound up uh uh with some issues with the forester,

[1:17:01] I I'd like to suggest if it is uh if you have the capacity to do it, if you run into an issue like that where your

[1:17:08] construction requires uh some sort of impact with one of the trees that you consult with the forester before you consult consult with Davey.

[1:17:19] They're a reputable tree company. I use them for my my own backyard, but um and

[1:17:26] they're certainly an excellent consultant to use, but start with the forester first to let them know in advance. Um that I think would make me a little more comfortable.

[1:17:36] That's that's pretty clear. That's going to be our direction moving forward.

[1:17:39] Um the other thing I Go ahead. If I may, mayor. Sure.

[1:17:43] We drafted into this [clears throat] development agreement a requirement just like that. You'll see it in the tree preservation section.

[1:17:49] Great. So, you've already agreed to that. Thank you. Uh and they've agreed to I appreciate that.

[1:17:55] The other thing [clears throat] I wanted to address was the inclusionary uh housing plan which you have met and has been approved by the uh housing

[1:18:03] commission and I appreciate that you you've had a great uh uh run in terms of your development in terms of meeting the

[1:18:11] inclusionary zoning requirements of the city of Highland Park and I want to recognize that. Um the one downside that you've made up for to some degree and

[1:18:19] that uh sits well with me because the units that you develop tend to be larger

[1:18:26] and you wind up with fewer square units per acre than the zoning permits. We wind up with fewer inclusionary units

[1:18:34] because the requirement is based on the units you actually are going to build.

[1:18:40] So we wind up with fewer units. But having made a contribution to the inclusionary zoning uh trust the housing

[1:18:48] trust um [clears throat] that's been a nice solution to that although I think the council is going to discuss how to

[1:18:57] address that in the future with other developments. I appreciate your your willingness to do that. Thank you.

[1:19:04] Thank you. Um there was a question that came up from the public about how construction would be staged. Do you have any kind of back of the envelope

[1:19:12] explanation of how it would be staged given that the Wallbrite is still also under construction at this point?

[1:19:19] Yes. What we've done on at the Walbride and on prior projects is as soon as uh the first trade to go into the building

[1:19:27] is the excavator and there's pretty much one excavator and one excavator machine working at the side. One person and one

[1:19:34] vehicle. Uh once we start as soon as we're done with the underground garage and that's also one one trade which is

[1:19:42] the concrete company we put the pre-cast over the garage and as soon as we're able to use the garage for parking

[1:19:49] that's where we try to take advantage of the actual parking on site to try to keep most of the traffic off the

[1:19:57] streets. There's no parking on Second Street. So that's what we've done. and otherwise the workers try to carpool and

[1:20:05] try to use public parking that's nearby but we haven't had any issues where

[1:20:12] that's the way that we try to control parking as best as we can parking on site mayor thank you yes

[1:20:20] if I can also point to a provision in our agreement that we've uh beefed up in light of comments there's a section on

[1:20:27] uh construction and traffic management plan it requires the owner to prepare and submit for review and approval by the city's director of public works a a

[1:20:36] a plan for the construction of the property. No building permit can be issued by the city until this plan is approved. Uh no construction can take

[1:20:45] place until the plan is approved. And it talks and and it has to uh deal with subjects like the schedule and traffic

[1:20:52] routes for construction traffic machinery screening of areas hours of operation location of parking of construction vehicles of and and so on.

[1:21:03] Great. Thank you. So it's it's section um shoot 5F.

[1:21:08] Thank you. Yeah, we typically have a meeting before we get the building permit with uh city staff, our

[1:21:15] superintendent and building engineers to go through those logistics, sidewalk closures, all sorts of things that we need to address before we get the permit.

[1:21:25] Great. Thank you, Council.

[1:21:27] Thank you. Um, you know, there's been a lot of thought that went into uh the green and the landscape, and I I really

[1:21:35] appreciate what you're doing up front um to make it feel more green because this is covering so much. But there's

[1:21:42] something that was said tonight that I really hadn't considered before and I just wanted to ask you. Are the porches

[1:21:51] on or the patios terraces terraces? Thank you. On the first floor, how many of them are there?

[1:21:59] In other words, around the perimeter where how many terraces on the first floor? There's uh two units that have patios.

[1:22:07] Only two. Three units.

[1:22:09] Okay. And I mean Are they really are they at all structural? Are they built in alignment with an overhang? Is there

[1:22:18] [clears throat] reason that they have to be so deep and take up so much green?

[1:22:23] Um because this is the first I'm hearing of that even though I did see all the pictures and I'm just wondering if that isn't a way to

[1:22:31] So those those patios have landscaping above them and those patios are not covered and there's some information

[1:22:38] that will say that is not accurate. The building doesn't have 80% dog coverage is 49. We showed the slides at prior

[1:22:45] meetings which was consistent with the we had a list of 20 or 25 projects that were approved within the last 10 or 15

[1:22:54] years and that was the lot coverage consistent with everything else.

[1:22:59] So the 49% includes the terraces. Is that No, that's a footprint of the building. A footprint.

[1:23:04] Uh the terraces is part of the landscaping. It's part of the outdoor space.

[1:23:10] of the project and those are not covered.

[1:23:15] But that's why I'm saying but there's still like a surface instead of green and because they reach out so far they do have green space above them. If

[1:23:23] we look at the landscape plan um let's see if I can if we could see that I think that would be good for everyone to see.

[1:23:42] Or maybe it is all three.

[1:23:44] So it's hard to point but all these are all landscaping. Everything you see green is landscaping.

[1:23:51] It's part of the terrace. So it just happens to be um we've done that at uh Park Sherry and has a terrace as well in

[1:23:58] the in the in the back of the building over the garage which is landscaped. We have that at uh

[1:24:05] Laura Court which was done in 2007. The whole courtyard is a landscape courtyard. So they become uh like rooftop areas which are landscaped.

[1:24:15] We've done that at uh one Highland Park has one in the back as well. So most of our buildings have landscaped patios and

[1:24:22] terraces and and they are part of the beautiful landscaping of the building and we have

[1:24:30] those walls. I think we explained last time to to give privacy to those first four units privacy and a sense of security as well.

[1:24:42] Yeah, I guess I'll say uh that you know I PDC has

[1:24:49] you've been before PDC a number of times and um they um did did support this um

[1:24:57] uh and I I guess I would comment that um I mean at this point you

[1:25:04] you you've got a building um clad in stone and and there's been sort of a a I've mentioned this before, similar look

[1:25:13] to your buildings that that I'm hoping uh and maybe this is not the place to say it, but I'm hoping you'll consider,

[1:25:21] you know, brick uh or just because you're building a lot in in Highland Park and I think uh you know, the council is uh you you've successfully

[1:25:30] built in Highland Park and I think that's encouraged more um development in in Highland Park. Um, but I it it is I

[1:25:39] I'm concerned just that the buildings there that there's a similarity to to the buildings in terms of the appearance

[1:25:46] and and and I hope for, you know, more variation in in the future. um uh you know I I I realize that brick is

[1:25:55] probably more uh expensive to build with, but um uh more labor intensive,

[1:26:01] but I as I said I I I just hope for uh to the extent that you are building a lot in Highland Park that there be more variation in in the projects. Thank you.

[1:26:12] Thank you. With that, I'm seeking a motion to approve items A, B, and C taken in omnibus together as they're related to the same subject matter.

[1:26:21] So moved. Second. Any further comments or questions?

[1:26:26] Hearing none, will the clerk please call the vote? Council member center. I. Council member Buckman. I. Council member Ross. I. Council member Tapia.

[1:26:34] Hi.

[1:26:35] Council member Little I. Council member Bloomberg. Hi. Mayor Roering.

[1:26:39] I. Seven eyes, no nays. Items A, B, and C are approved. And I just want to thank the neighbors for your time, for your

[1:26:46] emails, and for your comments both this evening and in prior weeks. Thank you very much. Um, item D is a resolution

[1:26:54] ratifying a minor amendment to plan development for 1950 and 1964 Sheridan Road. I'm presuming people have read the packet

[1:27:02] and um curious to know if there are any comments or questions on item D. Any from the public? Right.

[1:27:10] I'm seeking a motion to approve item D. So move.

[1:27:14] Second. [clears throat] Will the clerk please call the vote? Council member. Hi. Council member.

[1:27:22] Hi. Council member Ross. Hi. Council member Tapia. Hi. Council member Little. Hi. Council member Bloomberg. Hi. Mayor Roering.

[1:27:30] I. That's seven eyes, no nays. Item D is approved. I am seeking a motion to go into close session. uh for purposes of

[1:27:39] purchase or lease of properties and litigation and personel.

[1:27:44] Yes, I I have that as well and personnel.

[1:27:45] So, I'm gonna [laughter] move to go into close session for purposes of discussing the purchase or lease of property and uh to discuss

[1:27:55] pending litigation pursuant to five ILCS120C 5 and 11 and and personnel one.

[1:28:02] Oh, and P which is 5C1. What's the location? Is there a second? Second. Will the clerk please call the vote?

[1:28:12] Council member center. Hi. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council member Ross. Hi. Council member Tapia. Hi. Council member Little. Hi.

[1:28:19] Council member Bloomberg. Hi. Mayor Roing.

[1:28:21] I. Seven eyes. No. We will go into close session. Thank you.