City Council Meeting 06/29/2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrbmHlXQdZ4 Automatic captions; not audio-verified. [8:51] Good evening. I'd like to call to order the city council meeting for the city of Highland Park, Illinois, June 29th, 2026. Will the clerk please call the role? [9:00] Council member Center, present. [9:01] Council member Buckman here. [9:02] Council member Ross here. [9:04] Council member Tapia, present. [9:05] Council member Little here. [9:06] Council member Bloomberg. Mayor Roing here. We have a quorum. Everyone, please rise for the pledge of allegiance. [9:13] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation [9:22] under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [9:30] We have a motion to approve the minutes of the regular rescheduled meeting of the city council held May 27th, 2026 and the minutes of the closed session of the [9:38] regular rescheduled meeting of the city council held on May 27th, 2026. So moved. Second. All in favor say I. [9:45] I. Thank you. Those minutes are approved. May I have a motion to approve the warrant list? So moved. Any seconds for the warrant list? Second. [9:53] Will the clerk please call the vote? Council member center. [9:56] I. Council member Buckman. Hi. Council member Ross. Hi. Council member Tapia. Hi. Council member Little. I. Mayor Roing. [10:02] I. Six eyes, no nazs. The warrant list is approved. Uh we will continue now to the report of the mayor. [10:08] I have no appointments this evening. I have no proclamations this evening. [10:12] I do want to share that earlier this evening at the start of the committee of the whole meeting. We dedicated the beautiful mosaic that is out there [10:21] behind where you all came in, displayed at the top of the stairs just outside these chambers. Designed by artist Eddie [10:28] Hassik from the Chicago Mosaic School and created in part by community members at last year's remembrance, the piece [10:35] honors the memory of those whose lives were taken and is a beautiful tribute to everyone who was impacted by the Highland Park shooting, especially those [10:44] who were injured. It's also a testament to the resilience of our community. And so before we continue with our business this evening, I'm going to share my [10:52] remarks from the dedication and I urge each one of you to take a close look at it on your way out this evening. My remarks are as follows. Thank you for [11:01] joining us tonight as we dedicate this beautiful new work of art with such deep meaning and connection to our community. [11:07] This mosaic was created with love and care, grief and remembrance by many hands working together to make something [11:14] beautiful. At the conclusion of the 2025 remembrance, attendees were invited to join us in creating this mosaic. Artist [11:22] and educator Eddie Hassik conceptualized the piece and together with students from the Chicago Mosaic School, she patiently taught us about the beauty of [11:30] mosaic art. How individual pieces of glass of all different shapes and sizes blend into one unified image that reflects each component's uniqueness. [11:40] What a perfect metaphor for our community and the way we continue to support each other. When our team first met with Eddie, we shared stories that [11:48] defined that time. the resilience and courage of those who were injured, the life-saving actions of those who [11:54] responded to the tragedy, our pride in the way our communities showed up for each other, and most importantly, the memories of those whose lives were [12:03] taken, carefully entrusted to us by their family members. I ask that we pause right now and remember them with a [12:11] moment of silence. Katie Goldstein, Arena McCarthy, Kevin Michael McCarthy, Steven Strauss, Jackie Loie Sunheim, Nicholas Toedo, and Eduardo Yuvaldo. [12:35] Thank you. [clears throat] Eddie's design, Tree of Life, is a moving illustration of all that we shared. I'd like to highlight two aspects in [12:43] particular tonight, although again I encourage everyone to take a moment to explore the layers of meaning within the piece. First, the title tree of life. [12:51] The central form around which all other elements are aligned. In the Jewish tradition, the tree of life is an enduring symbol of faith and wisdom. [13:00] Each of the large heartshaped leaves was created by a member of our community at the remembrance and placed into the final mosaic by one of the talented artists in Eddie's studio. [13:11] Second, the monarch butterfly is a beloved symbol of sacred connection with those who have passed on in Mexican [13:18] tradition. Other touches from the vibrant blue of Lake Michigan to the shaded border that recalls native limestone make this piece truly [13:26] meaningful to our community and we're so honored to display this piece in city hall. I'd like to recognize the staff team who supported this project, [13:34] including our city manager Gita Newkerk, assistant city manager Emily Tub, communications manager Amanda Bennett, [13:41] resiliency specialist Jasmine Alejandro, LSW, and past resiliency manager Maddie Katy, LCSW, for their thoughtfulness and their care. Thank you to each of you. [13:52] Just as the roots, leaves, grass, monarchs, and sky are all connected to each other, so are we all part of one [14:00] shared story. On behalf of the city of Highland Park, it is an honor for the council to dedicate this mosaic to the memories of those whose lives were [14:08] taken, the courage of all who were injured, and the resilience of our community. [14:14] Every family whose lives were changed by that one minute of gun violence is in our hearts this week. While there will [14:22] not be a formal remembrance this year based on feedback from victim's families and victim services experts, if you'd like to pause and reflection on [14:30] Saturday, we invite you to visit the temporary memorial where the city will have flowers available to be placed nearby. We also encourage everyone to [14:39] reach out if you or your family would benefit from the support of the city's resiliency division. Resiliency specialist Jasmine Alejandro can provide [14:48] short-term counseling and also connect you with other resources or providers who might be helpful. Please connect [14:54] with Jasmine by emailing resiliency at cityhpil.com. [15:00] [clears throat] [15:01] A little more than a week ago, the city hosted the Taste of Highland Park. I hope you all went. our signature food and music festival with a really special [15:09] performance celebrating Junth which coincided with the first day of the taste of Highland Park. Our newest federal holiday, Junth, is a celebration [15:17] of black resilience, excellence, and culture that marks the end of slavery in our country two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It was so [15:25] important for our community, which holds our values of diversity and inclusion dearly, to celebrate this important holiday at Highland Park's biggest night [15:33] out. Our Junth celebration at the taste was entwined with the city's broader America 250 events because as we know [15:40] black history is American history. We'd like to give special recognition to Highland Park High School alumnist Reverend Corey Ratliff whose all dance [15:48] company teamed up with MC4 a talented vocal quartet and to Keys for an incredible performance at the Taste of Highland Park. It was amazing and it was [15:57] so exhilarating to experience these artists amazing talent as they blended dance with spirituals, gospel music and contemporary beats. So I hope everybody had a great junth. [16:08] Um I want to also announce that for the 32nd consecutive year the government finance officers association GFOA has [16:16] recognized the city of Highland Park with the distinguished budget presentation award. This award reflects the city's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governmental [16:24] budgeting. The GFOA holistically assesses an entity's annual budget document, evaluating how well it serves the community as a policy document, a [16:33] financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. GFOA recognizes [clears throat] the city's commitment to [16:40] providing its residents with clear and transparent policy planning and budgeting through this comprehensive and, I'm serious, engaging document. It [16:48] is a great read. Don't pause. Go to hpil.com. [16:53] Look up the budget. you will have a great read. We're also especially delighted to share that the city's budget earns special recognition for [17:01] strategic goals and strategies and budget process which are both new this year. This distinction is only awarded when all three reviewers provide the [17:09] highest possible score in a category. In particular, I'd like to recognize city manager Gita Newkerk, finance director [17:16] Christy Macallu, the finance department staff, and all of the department directors for this outstanding achievement. again. Cityhpil.com/budget. [17:25] You'll thank me. Um, next up is business from the council. Is there any business from the council? Nope. Okay. City [17:33] Manager Newkerk, will you please provide the staff report? [17:38] Mayor, thank you. Um, at the committee the whole meeting earlier this evening, there were two reports on the agenda. [17:43] One related to term limits. And so on the agenda is a resolution based on the policy discussion. So that item is on [17:51] the agenda for discussion and consideration this evening. Um and then the second item pertained to our license plate recognition system. So just [18:00] special thanks to Chief Jogman, Deputy Chief Olsen, and Commander Curran for that presentation. We have a detailed staff report at the committee, the whole [18:07] agenda um providing information about the license plate reader program. And then on our website is a wealth of [18:15] information including the city's policy protocols um some privacy considerations as well as um the important technology [18:23] and how it's used for public safety purposes. Um on the omnibus agenda there are 15 items for consideration. All are [18:30] recommended for approval. I just want to highlight two of them. Um mayor I love your enthusiasm with the budget. Um we [18:37] also share that enthusiasm for our annual comprehensive financial report which is the audit. So the budget tells the great story in terms of what our [18:45] priorities, vision, plans are for the upcoming year. The audit tells us how did we actually do, right? [18:51] Um and so the audit is included in the packet for fiscal year 25. The audit was prepared by Baker Tilly and uh with us [18:58] this evening is Cindy Park, our senior audit supervisor with Baker Tilly in case there are any questions. And then special thanks also to our finance staff [19:07] um director Christine McCau, who you recognized earlier as well. The audit reflects the city's priorities and commitment um which includes one of our [19:15] top priorities is fiscal stability. And we did [clears throat] receive an unmodified opinion which means that the auditors opine that the financial statements are consistent with generally [19:24] accepted accounting principles. Um which is the most favorable audit opinion that a municipality can receive. And then the next item just want to highlight is [19:32] number 11 which is a settlement agreement and covenant not to sue relating to 1850 Green Bay Road. Um, part of this settlement includes the [19:41] construction of a 12- foot wall sound barrier wall on the north side of the Albian property, which is at that subject address. Um, want to really [19:50] thank Andrew Ule with Albon as well as their team um, for working with us very closely for several years as you know [19:58] because we did hear from Peter and Jody Mini on a number of occasions at city council meetings. Um, so thanks to the Albian team um, for their work on the [20:06] settlement agreement. Um the agreement has been shared with the Morinis and um and we believe that it is fair and [20:14] represents um you know the best interests of everyone involved. Um so as noted in the staff report there are code variations that are going to be required [20:22] as part of the construction. Um so we're recommending approval of the settlement agreement this evening and then at the next city council meeting would be the [20:29] public hearing and the zoning considerations. Great. That's it for our report. [20:33] Thank you. City manager Newkerk assistant to the city manager Palitzka. [20:37] if you could please introduce the next item on our agenda, which is business from the public. [20:41] 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 city council on a [20:49] 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 [20:58] 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 [21:06] 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. [21:14] 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 [21:22] intended as an opportunity to make comments to the city council. Please do not expect a response from anyone tonight. If appropriate, we may direct [21:30] the city manager or other city staff to respond to questions or issues raised at a later date. All comments should be [21:37] directed to the city council. All speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. [21:41] We request that the public not applaud or make other comments after any speaker. We ask that everyone be respectful, civil, and non-repetitive. [21:49] Great. Thank you so much. Um, are there any members of the public who wish to be heard on an item not on tonight's agenda? [21:57] come to the podium, please, and state your name for the record. And you have three minutes to share your big news. [22:03] Great. Um, thank you, Mayor, um, city manager Steve Alrod, and all of [22:11] the, uh, people who have helped us. My name is David Rosenstein, and we're in the final steps tomorrow of purchasing [22:19] Nortons from the current owners. And um I want to introduce myself and my team, Simon Lieboich and and Jeff Pollsome um [22:28] before we actually take the keys tomorrow. Uh for me uh my parents moved to Highland Park in the summer of 1967 [22:36] and we grew up on Marian Avenue and um it's been a home for us since we moved back here some um 35 years ago. And so [22:46] we're really looking forward to um uh being part of this community um and giving back to this community in [22:54] partnership with this community. Um so this just isn't a business for us but more of a stewardship of a Highland Park [23:03] institution that's been in business for 27 years. um um we don't really consider [23:10] Norton's as mine or but rather as ours as part of the community, part of the employees, part of um uh our patrons as [23:19] well. So, we're really excited about um this and we're lucky to have the opportunity to steward this for whatever [23:25] period to make it better and improve on it. Um Norton's has been here a long time. Uh Richie and Jeff have built this [23:34] business into a great business. They're legends. the last few nights they've been the the patrons have been coming in saying goodbye to them and it's been [23:42] really heartwarming to see and we're able to retain all of the staff which we're really excited about and um just [23:50] kind of keep things the way they are while improving things behind the scene to make us more efficient going forward. [23:56] Uh the licensing and onboarding process with your team has been great. they've been very collaborative and uh very [24:03] professional, open, helpful um in answering questions and and directing us. So, we appreciate that. We want you [24:11] to know that they've been very easy to work with. And again, we're not coming in here to make major changes or to change things around. Uh we want to [24:20] watch and learn and listen and um and Norton's belongs to Highland Park uh [24:28] more than it belongs to us. And so we want to make sure that we steward this institution um in a in the correct way [24:35] in an honest way and we want to be really good partners with the city of Pho Park. So thank you. [24:40] Wonderful. We wish you all the best and good luck and thank you so much for coming to share your big news. Hope your closing goes smoothly. And to those who are saying what did they say? Nortons. [24:51] They are the new owners of Norton's restaurant. So people weren't quite sure what you were saying. So, thank you so much and appreciate you coming here and we're here to support you. So, thank [25:00] you. Thank you. Any other [clears throat] members of the public who wish to be heard on an item not on tonight's agenda? [25:07] Seeing none, we'll continue with our omnibus um agenda, which includes items 1 through 15. I know uh have a request for [25:16] a comment by Council Member Litter. But first, I'm asking for a motion to approve items 1 through 15. So moved. Is there a second? Second. [25:24] Thank you. Um, and then I will share my other piece after you make your comment and we'll take that vote. [25:30] Thank you. I I just want to uh call attention to the resolution for the execution of additional services agreement uh for phase two of the place of remembrance. I'm in support of this. [25:41] The presentation by SWA was wonderful. I think we have a lot of options. There is a slight um error and I just want to [25:51] make sure that it's understood that the council did not actually um adopt an updated budget. We were just in the [26:00] process of reviewing various items and we're looking for more um specificity as to where how we proceed with um the [26:08] second portion in phase two of that program. and at in the near term we will have more firm numbers and be better [26:17] able to exact come up with that conclusion. So I just want to make sure that we were clear that there was no updated actual budget [26:25] uh for the construction budget you're talking about. [26:27] Yes. Yes. Yes. We included and and thank you for that clarification. So um instead of supported an updated budget [26:34] that's let's just say it's an estimated budget but certainly it'll come before you for formal consideration. Absolutely. Fine. [26:40] Thank you. So, we're sorry. What other item quick top comment number seven my favorite part of the packet was certainly reading about the audit. [26:51] Yeah. No, I just wanted to acknowledge I know how difficult it is to get through an audit. Christie and team and and Gita. Um so, congratulations and great job. [27:00] Thank you. Thanks. They are amazing. Absolutely. Thank you. [27:03] Uh with that, we have a motion and a second. Will the clerk call the vote, please? Council member center. Hi. Council member Breman. Hi. [27:08] Council member Ross. Hi. Council member Tapia. Hi. Council member Little. I. Mayor Roing. [27:13] I. Six eyes, no nazs. Items 1 through 15 have been approved. I just want to um ask the council. Um there's been a [27:20] request by the applicant on item B um which is consideration of a special use permit in the nature of a preliminary [27:28] and final plan development with modifications from city code and a plat of re subdivision with variances from city code related to 147 central avenue to be continued to a meeting in August. [27:40] Um, Steve, was it August? August 17th. [27:43] August 17th. And so with that, I am seeking a motion from the council to continue that item. So moved. Second. [27:51] Uh, do we need to have discussion or No, you can um make a voice vote. Okay. All in favor say I. I. I. [27:59] Thank you. We wanted to share that at the beginning of the meeting because that conversation will now be had August 17th. [28:06] So, thank you for [clears throat] coming out if you came out for that item. Very good. [28:11] Um but feel free to stick around. We've got other interesting things on the agenda. Yeah. [28:16] Um FYI, it's very difficult to hear. [28:25] Okay. So, I will sit closer to the microphone. How's that? Can you hear me now? [28:29] I think microphones do not they do um but maybe not for all. So, we'll be we'll be louder. I appreciate [28:38] you raising that point. Uh so what we just did was continue the item related to 147 central to the August 17th meeting at request of the applicant. [28:49] Great. [28:49] So we are not talking about 147 central tonight, but like I said, you're welcome to stick around. We have other interesting things on the agenda. [28:58] Thank you. Um, continuing on with um those items, item A under other business is a res resolution initiating the [29:07] submission of a public question to establish term limits for elected offices of mayor and council member. And [29:15] I just want to say this was a a conversation that was had earlier this evening during the committee of the whole. um we are going to be discussing [29:24] it uh to the same extent and um I don't know if we we don't have a presentation [29:31] we're more just talking about what we are agreeing to put on the ballot so that the community can take action via [29:39] referendum on the November 3rd ballot right that is correct um so mayor we [29:46] populated the resolution um with the policy feedback that we received from the city council the committee the whole meeting. So those changes are reflected in yellow. [29:55] Okay. Um and then subject to council approval. [29:59] Um we would record the resolution with the Lake County Clerk's Office. Uh also in include speak into the microphone. [30:08] Also include information um for the public just about the fact that there is a referendum and here's what the [30:16] referendum question is. So that'll be in the Highlander and the E-News and all of our communication modalities. [30:22] And one other just procedural point um because the res resolution has uh been amended from the version that appeared [30:31] in the agenda package based on the comments of the committee of the whole meeting. When you do seek a motion, um [30:38] you should seek it uh to be to approve the resolution as amended. [30:43] As amended. Gotcha. Okay. Um, so for those who are not familiar with what's [clears throat] being discussed this [30:50] evening, I'll just share with you that uh the majority of the council has asked the city council to place a resolution [30:57] on the November 3rd ballot asking a question concerning the um establishment [31:04] of term limits for city council members and for the mayor. Um, just want to be clear, this is not applied [31:12] retroactively. it is only applied proactively based on the election that will happen in April of 2027. [31:21] Um the majority asked for we discussed different elements and that's where you're hearing about this repopulated [31:30] ordinance that's now been uploaded to the city agenda specifically stating um how many terms should be limited and [31:39] that was agreed to by the majority at two terms plus under 25 months. So, up [31:46] to 10 years taking into account appointments both for city council and for the mayor. Um, I'm just going to [31:55] state as I have throughout this conversation, I find term limits uh to not be in support of the democratic [32:02] process. I feel strongly that uh the voters should be establishing term limits. Um, but by supporting the [32:09] resolution this evening, I'm indicating my interest in hearing from our citizen voters. So, I personally don't support [32:17] the uh the request and I obviously will be voting in that direction, but I certainly want to hear from our community and get a better understanding [32:25] of where they are in terms of the establishment of term limits. Um, I don't know. Do we have more comments that people need to make or should we [32:33] just take the vote? We uh I have a statement I wanted to read. You have a statement you want to read? [32:37] Okay. Go ahead and uh council member liter read your statement. So, Highland Park thrives when its leadership reflects both experience and renewal. [32:46] The question before us is not about any one individual, nor is it a judgment on past service. It is about whether our [32:53] system consistently creates space for new voices, new energy, and broader participation in public life. Highland [33:02] Park voters should have the opportunity to decide how long elected officials may serve. The principle alone is worth [33:10] affirming. Turn limits are not a rejection of leadership. They're a way of strengthening it. They encourage a [33:18] healthy cycle where leaders step forward, contribute meaningfully, and then make room for others to do the [33:24] same. Good governance does not depend on any one person. It depends on a structure that invites continued [33:31] engagement and access from the community. Over time, long tenurs can unintentionally narrow the field. [33:40] Potential candidates, particularly particularly younger residents or those with different perspectives, may decide [33:47] not to step forward, assuming the opportunity is not realistic. The cost is too great, the name recognition of [33:54] the incumbent too high. The result is not stability, but stagnation. Fewer contested elections, fewer ideas tested, [34:03] and fewer residents seeing a path into civic life. Term limits help reset that dynamic. [34:10] They create a predictable rhythm in which leadership evolves and participation expands. They signal that public office is not a permanent [34:19] position, but a period of service. For candidates with a clear vision, eight years, two full terms is a meaningful [34:28] window. [cough and clears throat] long enough to learn, set direction, implement priorities, and be held accountable for results. I'm not [34:36] advocating to discard experience. Those who have served can continue to contribute in other roles. It's entirely possible for individuals to move between [34:45] positions, bringing continuity where it is valued in a sister government position, on a commission, advisory group, or board while still allowing leadership to rotate. [34:56] The community would not lose its institutional knowledge. It redistributes it. This is not about limiting people. It is about expanding opportunity. [35:07] A system that regularly invites new candidates fosters stronger engagement, deeper debate, and ultimately better [35:15] outcomes. It encourages more residents to see themselves as participants rather than as observers. and it ensures that [35:23] Highland Park's government remains responsive not just to the present but to the future. [35:31] It is for these reasons that I advocate for two full terms plus under 25 months or the two plus two term limit. This [35:39] ensures that for both the offices of mayor and council member two full terms may be served and if someone fills in [35:47] through appointment or election for a partial term they will still be eligible to run for the two full terms. This is [35:54] also the time frame which many of our northshore and lakefront neighbors have adopted. The main issue is that the voters should decide as to whether they [36:03] want to put term limits in place and it is our obligation to put the question on the ballot so they can decide. Thank you. [36:11] Thank you, Council Member Brooklyn. [36:13] Thank you. Um I want to share some reservations before I get to where I land and I know I mentioned this in committee of the whole but I want to [36:20] share my perspective again. Um, at the most basic level, I keep coming back to something we discussed in May that elections themselves are the most direct [36:28] form of term limits and voter choice is the foundation of how we structure representation here. Also, to me, the timing of this conversation was [36:36] surprising to me because our last municipal election in 2025, which I was a part of, I was unopposed. And so, the [36:44] practical problem in Highland Park right now isn't too many incumbents. It's recruiting willing and cap capable residents to run at all. And then in the [36:52] same cycle in the special election to fill the unexpired council term, a firsttime candidate defeated a 12-year incumbent, which to me is a pretty [37:01] strong real world data point that incumbency in Highland Park does not necessarily uh have an edge, especially in this past [37:09] election. I do worry about the trade-offs the sta that the staff had mentioned from and we discussed in our May conversation. the loss of [37:17] institutional knowledge, the value of a deep bench, effective transition planning, and the lame duck dynamic for officials nearing the end of a cap term. [37:27] I'd also like to flag that several residents have reached out asking us to also explore a ward system to ensure [37:34] equal geographic representation. And given that we've gone several cycles without candidates from certain parts of the city, a term limit structure layered [37:42] on top could make that geographic representation conversation harder. not easier. [37:48] That said, I also do not believe that we strengthen democracy by narrowing the field before voters ever get to cast a [37:55] ballot and should and we should be very careful not to import the politics of distrust into Highland Park by treating [38:02] institutional knowledge as a dirty word when in reality it helps responsible local government serve residents well. [38:09] With all that said about my with my own concerns about whether term limits are the right tool for Highland Park, I am [snorts] not going to stand in the way [38:16] of residents having their voices heard on this question directly. So with that, I will support placing the referendum on the November 3rd ballot, which I [38:25] understand we'll have to adopt now so that by August 16th so that we make that deadline. Thank you. [38:31] Thank you, Council Member Topio. Yeah, without uh uh questioning the intention of my colleagues, um I would argue the [38:39] opposite that um not having turn limits limits uh the inclusionary democracy. Um [38:46] and uh I know that none of us would want to, you know, support that exclusion. [38:51] But in practice uh the power of incumbency means a person has name recognition has more money more support [38:59] making the threshold for newcomers younger candidates people who usually would not run because it's kind of formidable to to put their hat in the [39:07] ring uh to to run and and offer their voice. So I believe the term limits gives a a good um cap on the number of [39:15] years of service uh that is long you know eight years for city council. So if that person wants to run for mayor, they would have another eight years. Um and [39:24] so that seems like, you know, if they run the full the full run, that would be 12 years um actually 16 years of of serving the city, which seems to be [39:32] plenty to have quite an impact on on our wonderful city, plus making room for new blood, new ideas, new energy on an [39:39] ongoing systematic basis. I I think that many times there's inadvertent systematic uh barriers of entry and and [39:48] I think having term limits is one of the ways to soften those barriers and create a more inclusionary government. So uh [39:56] with that I believe that um we should have them and uh we'll be supporting um us having putting a referendum and have the people decide. Thank you council member center. [40:05] Thank you. Yeah, I I I very much agree with the sentiments that council member Topia just shared. I think the logic that we don't have enough viable [40:13] candidates is completely flawed. The barriers to run for office are significant and the lack of term limits [40:20] creates unintended consequences in this form of exclusionary leadership. I shared this with the committee the whole but you know I come from a commercial [40:28] background and I've stated you know both earlier tonight and and in the May discussion that I believe all good organizations have leadership change. [40:37] Uh, I've al I've served on nonfor-profit boards that have term limits for the very reasons that we're talking about [40:44] tonight for fresh fresh input, different perspectives, new regime change. I think the steep learning curve is is part of [40:54] any type of organization and requires good planning and change management. Uh, but should not be a barrier to allowing [41:01] for new members to to join and to bring fresh perspectives. I I also shared earlier that you know I started a new a [41:09] new role recently where multiple members of the executive team left and we have a brand new leadership team and it has [41:16] created an opportunity for tremendous insight, fresh perspective and new value to the organization and I think [41:27] roles such as sitting on council or the mayor should be no different. Um, so I'm really looking forward to having this on [41:34] the ballot and to uh allowing the community to uh provide their opinion. [41:40] Uh, and I will certainly be supporting this uh when it's uh during the November election. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Ross. [41:49] Um, thank you. uh as I said in committee of the whole um I believe in uh term limits and I believed in that uh prior [41:58] to uh joining council um a just as a general concept and um I did share in in [42:07] committee of the whole that I originally thought to have a potentially a flexible system of three terms on council, two as [42:15] mayor and a choice of how to serve you know which three terms on council two as mayor, three, you know, three whether [42:23] you do uh it' be 20 years, not to exceed 20 years where whether you spent, you [42:29] know, the three terms or two terms that that you get to choose that, but you you that isn't legal and doable. It's um you can't intermingle the the two offices. [42:40] And again, I I really do believe in term limits. Um I I you know it in in committee of the whole there and and [42:49] here there have been um dis uh comments about uh the concept of elections as a [42:56] natural form of term limits. Um I I think you know that that is uh [43:04] great and ideal in in theory but the reality is that there's the power of the incumbency there's also lack of voter turnout. there are all sorts of forces [43:12] that um inter interfere with that and and uh I I think that um the there's also the reality that the highest office [43:21] in the land um the the president has only you know two terms um is limited uh to two terms uh and I think there is uh [43:31] based on what I'm reading um uh or my own person research online that there's a growing uh growing support for term [43:40] limits um in in the country. Uh and I I um I I certainly understand that sentiment [43:49] because it as I've said multiple times tonight um I' I've thought about the issue of term limits um many times. So, [43:56] uh the uh that is why I um am supporting the where where we've landed um [44:04] particularly and I'm going to reiterate this in light of the the the notion that [44:11] council leads um uh this effort and determination of uh what what the term [44:18] limits would be. I I think I as I said in close uh not close committee of the whole and I say it now that I I think [44:24] it's very important that we as a council uh uh lead this effort and so I support [44:31] the uh two-term and two-term uh tenure for uh uh city council and tenure for [44:40] for mayor with the two extra in any event. Sorry, I'm I'm I'm rambling here. Maximum of 10 years. [44:46] Maximum of 10 years. Thank you. on in in either office. Um uh and I I I stand by that. [44:53] Thank you. I think it's important to note that according to the National League of Cities, only 9% of US municipalities have term limits. Um and [45:03] I'll reiterate, I think the term limit is at the ballot box, but all that notwithstanding I believe in our voters. [45:08] And so with that, I'm seeking a motion to approve item A. So moved as amended. Yes. Thank you. Second. [45:16] Um will the code call the vote? [45:20] Council member center I. [45:22] Council member Buckman I. [45:23] Council member Ross I. [45:25] Council member Tapia I. [45:26] Council member Little I. [45:28] Mayor Roing I. Six eyes's no nays. Item eight as amended. Um has passed. Um item C is a [45:35] resolution approving a plat of subdivision at zero meadow lane. I'm going to assume that everybody has done their homework and read the packet. Is [45:43] there any further discussion needed or just a vote taken on item C? Just a vote. Is there a motion to approve item C? [45:50] Some move. Is there a second? A second. Will the clerk please call the vote? Council member center. Hi. Council member Buckman. I. [45:58] Council member Ross. I. Council member Tapia. Hi. [46:02] Council member Little I. Mayor Roing. [46:05] I. But there's a member of the audience who wished to comment. So corporation council, what do we do? allow the comment. [46:14] Okay. Please come forward and state your name for the record. My apologies, Jack. [46:17] I didn't realize that's what you were here for. Didn't say hello. [46:29] Hello, Mayor and members of the council. [46:32] My name is Jack Strom. I live at 1681 Thornwood Lane in Highland Park. Uh I am [46:41] one of the properties that is opposite the metal lane development. My comment [46:47] tonight is in regards to which direction the curb cuts and uh exit from the uh [46:57] two lots will be. I would uh hope that [47:02] uh you folks consider that having the uh [47:08] um cars exit onto the interior meadow lane road instead of the Thornwood Lane [47:18] Road. Um right now there is the existent meadow lane that runs on the border of the two lots. Uh the reason I'm [47:27] requesting that is because uh we have a number of uh homeowners that have [47:34] children uh young children and they uh grandchildren visit and it is a um culdeac. [47:44] So, increasing the traffic uh on Thornwood Lane uh could present a [47:50] traffic hazard uh to families and the children that play on that street. Uh [47:57] there is an existing interior road as I mentioned, the metal lane and it does border uh the uh two lots as well as the [48:07] existing uh uh mansion that is on that property. And I hope consideration would [48:14] be made that uh the uh uh approval of uh [48:21] that development would be such that the uh curb cuts and the and the uh road of [48:30] exit out out of that development would be on the existing interior road instead [48:37] of having the properties uh exit on Thornwood Lane. Thank you for your consideration. Um I don't know how it [48:46] works with you already approving it, right? [48:49] But uh if that is possible uh I would uh appreciate that that would [48:57] uh uh that consideration would be taken up. [49:01] Appreciate you coming tonight and sharing that insight from the nuance of the neighborhood. Um, community development director, are you able to address that point now or speak with Mr. [49:11] Stum afterwards in terms of trying to accommodate his request? [49:16] Well, mayor, if I may make sure to get Mr. Strong's contact information and then certainly um, Director Fontaine can talk to him oneonone and then we'll certainly follow. [49:25] Perfect. Awesome. Thank you so much for coming this evening. Thank you. Thank you. [49:28] Thank you. Um and so with that we do have a vote of six to zero to approve item C and um staff will certainly [49:36] follow up with you Mr. Strong. Thank you. Thank you. [49:40] Um and with that I believe I am seeking a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. All in favor say I. I. [49:48] Thank you.