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Minutes - City Council - 01/11/2021.. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK MEETING DATE: Monday, January 11, 2021 MEETING LOCATION: Virtual Meeting & City Hall – Council Chambers Optional 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 CALL TO ORDER At 6:47 PM, Mayor Rotering called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call: ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Neukirch, Fire Chief Amidei, Community Development Director Fontane, Police Chief Jogmen, Public Works Director Kanapareddy, Finance Director Logan, Assistant City Manager Sabo, Senior Planner Cross, Deputy City Clerk Palbitska ALSO PRESENT: Corporation Counsel Elrod, Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting Held on December 14, 2020 Councilwoman Stone moved to approve the minutes of the Special City Council meeting held on December 14, 2020. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman SECONDER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman APPROVAL OF WARRANT LIST 1. Warrant List and Wire Transfers from December 04, 2020 to December 31, 2020 Councilman Kaufman moved to approve the warrant list. Councilman Stolberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman SECONDER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman REPORT OF MAYOR Based on the incidents that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol Building, Mayor Rotering encouraged the community to join in continuing to work to build more bridges and move forward together as one community. She requested that everyone uphold the values and actions as outlined in the City of Highland Park's Statement Against Hate. She noted that these words, carefully crafted by elected and appointed officials and City staff, represent who we are as a community. She stated that the words are not an end, but a beginning and they will guide all of us individually and collectively as we move forward peacefully, passionately, and with purpose to heal and seek to make the community and the nation better. She explained that the City of Highland Park will not waiver in its commitment to equal rights and respect for all. A. Appointments 1. Class of 2022 Student Advisory Group, Board & Commission Representative Appointments Mayor Rotering explained that through the Student Representative Program, the City of Highland Park offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain hands-on government experience and to develop leadership skills while the community benefits from the unique perspective each student provides. She congratulated and welcomed the following high school students who will serve on the City's various advisory groups, boards and commissions. Business & Economic Development Advisory Group Rae Cohen Alex Goldin Nathan Woldenberg Cultural Arts Advisory Group Henry Charrlin Summer Rosenberg Aaron Starkman Historic Preservation Commission Yaneli Betancourt Xinyue Zhang Housing Commission Samantha Fishman Sophie Keyser Human Relations Advisory Group Adelle Drake Katelynn Manning Jessica Rolfe Ava Lynn Wagner Library Board of Trustees Jake Diamond Plan & Design Commission Ari Nathanson Sister Cities Foundation Eliana Daugherty Sara Steinmeyer Sustainability Advisory Group Levi Goldberg Ben Kessler Transportation Advisory Group Isabella Stolberg Jeremy Septon Zoning Board of Appeals Langston Knapp 2. 2021 Appointment to Business & Economic Development Advisory Group Mayor Rotering recommended Lee Rosenberg serve on the Business and Economic Development Advisory Group 3. 2021 Appointment to the Housing Commission Mayor Rotering recommended that Isis Fernandez-Sykes serve on the Housing Commission. 4. 2021 Reappointment to the Plan & Design Commission Mayor Rotering recommended that Adam Hecht be reappointed to the Plan and Design Commission. She recommended that Ernie Reinstein be reappointed to the Plan and Design Commission in relation to item 3 on the Omnibus Agenda. Mayor Rotering sought a motion to approve the recommended appointments. Councilman Blumberg moved to approve. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman SECONDER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman B. Proclamations 1. 12th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service in Highland Park Mayor Rotering proclaimed January 18, 2021 as the 12th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service in Highland Park. She provided information regarding the activities that will be available throughout the day and thanked all of the volunteers that have assisted in making this remarkable day possible. C. Other business There was none. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC (Citizens wishing to be heard regarding items not listed on this agenda) There was none. SCHEDULED BUSINESS ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION After discussion by the Council, Mayor Rotering removed item 4 from omnibus vote consideration. Councilwoman Stone recused herself from item 4 because it is the approval of minutes for the Electoral Board and is a candidate in the upcoming election for City Council. Councilman Blumberg noted that he would have to recuse himself from item 4 due to his assistance with Jami Bay's campaign, who participated in the Electoral Board public meeting. Councilman Knobel and Corporation Counsel Elrod discussed recommendations on how the other Council members should vote if they were not participants at the Electoral Board public meeting. Councilman Stolberg moved to approve items 1-3 and 5-12 by omnibus vote consideration. Councilman Blumberg seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman SECONDER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman Administration 1. Adoption of a Resolution (R1-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Rent Abatement for Morning Blend at the Highland Park Train Station for the Months of September through December 2020 and from January 2021 through the Duration of the City's Declaration of Emergency as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic”. 2. Adoption of an Ordinance (O01-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving Enforcement of Section 33.001(C) of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," As Amended, Concerning the Chair of the Plan & Design Commission”. 3. 2021 Reappointment to the Plan & Design Commission 5. Consideration of a Motion to Extend the Emergency Declaration for the City of Highland Park through the end of the next City Council meeting on January 25, 2021 Finance 6. Adoption of a Resolution (R2-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Designating a Public Depository and Authorizing Withdrawal of Municipal Public Money”. Public Works 7. Adoption of a Resolution (R3-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the 2021 Unit Price Water Treatment Chemicals Purchase Contract for Hydrofluosilicic Acid (HFS) to Alexander Chemical Corporation of Kingsbury, Indiana”. 8. Adoption of a Resolution (R4-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Bill of Sale between CSH Highland Park, LLC and the City of Highland Park for Acceptance of Right-of-Way Improvements”. 9. Adoption of a Resolution (R5-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Approving a Bill of Sale between Alabama Associates, LP and the City of Highland Park for Acceptance of the Parking Lot and Right-of-Way Improvements”. 10. Adoption of n Resolution (R6-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Award of the Fence Repair and Replacement Contract with Standard Fencing Company, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois”. 11. Adoption of a Resolution (R7-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of a Purchase of Services Agreement with Pace to Provide Local Bus and Ravinia Park and Ride Service for Calendar Year 2021”. 12. Adoption of an Ordinance (O02-2021) by omnibus vote consideration titled, “An Ordinance Waiving City’s Purchasing Policy, Due to Municipal Partnering Initiative Bidding to Authorize Award of the 2021 Generator Maintenance Services Contract to Midwest Power Industry, Inc., of Ringwood, Illinois”. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 4. Approval of the Minutes of the Electoral Board Public Meeting Held on December 18, 2020 Councilman Blumberg and Councilwoman Stone exited the virtual meeting at 7:03 PM. Councilman Stolberg moved to approve the Minutes of the Electoral Board Public Meeting Held on December 18, 2020. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed. RESULT: ADOPTED [4 TO 0] MOVER: Adam Stolberg, Councilman SECONDER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilmen Stolberg, Kaufman, Knobel PRESENT: Councilman Holleman RECUSED: Councilwoman Stone, Councilman Blumberg Councilman Blumberg and Councilwoman Stone entered the virtual meeting at 7:04 PM. OTHER BUSINESS (the City Council will consider and then either approve or disapprove the following items) Administration 13. Conduct a Public Hearing Related to the Consideration of Amendments to the City of Highland Park’s Plan of Operation and Governance for its Electricity Aggregation Program At 7:04 PM, Mayor Rotering called to order the Public Hearing related to the Consideration of Amendments to the City of Highland Park's Plan of Operation and Governance for its Electricity Aggregation Program and asked the Clerk to call the roll: PRESENT: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg Knobel, Holleman ABSENT: None Mayor Rotering declared a quorum was present. Assistant City Manager Sabo stated this was the second public hearing regarding the Consideration of Amendments to the City of Highland Park's Plan of Operation and Governance for its Electricity Aggregation Program. He noted that some amendments were made to the final document and that was posted to the City's website and presented to the Council before tonight's meeting. He explained that following the public hearing, the Council will consider approval a resolution regarding the proposed amendments. There were no questions from the public. Councilman Stolberg moved to close the public hearing. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. The public hearing was closed at 7:06 PM. Mayor Rotering noted that the public hearing information will be available for viewing on the City's website. 14. Adoption of a Resolution (R8-2021) titled, “A Resolution Approving an Amended Plan of Operation and Governance for the Electricity Aggregation Program”. Councilwoman Stone moved to approve a Resolution Approving an Amended Plan of Operation and Governance for the Electricity Aggregation Program, as revised. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kim Stone, Councilwoman SECONDER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman Community Development 15. Adoption of an Ordinance (O03-2021) titled, “An Ordinance Approving the Execution of a First Amendment to a Purchase and Sale Agreement (Albion at Renaissance Place Redevelopment)”. City Manager Neukirch noted that there was a revised First Amendment that was posted to the City's website this morning and a copy was provided to the City Council via email. Councilman Blumberg noted that he believes that the price the City has agreed to with the applicant is appropriate. He explained that he was in favor of the sale subject to a full hearing regarding the design issues and the additional land area that will be used. Councilman Blumberg moved to approve an Ordinance Approving the Execution of a First Amendment to a Purchase and Sale Agreement (Albion Renaissance Place Redevelopment). Councilman Knobel seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed unanimously. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman SECONDER: Alyssa Knobel, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel, Holleman 16. Consideration of an Appeal to a 365-Day Demolition Delay Related to the House Located at 276 Hazel Avenue The Council was in agreement that a presentation was not needed and they would entertain comments from the public. Nick Hyatt, Highland Park Resident, voiced his concern regarding the demolition of the house. Marla Marcus, real estate broker, provided some background information related to the house. She voiced her concern about the demolition of the house and how significant the house is to the area. Jean Sogin, Highland Park Resident and member of the Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC"), noted that the delay is not in place to stop the demolition and HPC cannot tell the owners they cannot demolish the house but the delay is in place to see if there are other options. She explained how the request for demolition was presented in September 2020 and the 365 day demolition delay is not a significant delay. Lisa DiChiera, Director for Advocacy Landmarks of Illinois, spoke about her presentation that was made at the HPC meeting and the services she offered and continues to offer to the homeowners to deter the demolition of the historic home. Lou Natenshon, Highland Park Resident, voiced his concern regarding the repeal of the demolition delay and how that could have a big impact on the property. Peter Orner, Highland Park Resident, discussed the experiences he has had in the house in the past and voiced his concern with repealing the demolition delay. Elliott Cohen, property owner at 276 Hazel Avenue, noted that no matter what happens with the property, whether it be demolition or restoration, it will be a two year project. He stated that he would guarantee that, as the current property owner, there would be no subdivision of the property. He outlined his reasons for the demolition of the home. Cal Bernstein, attorney with Samuels & Bernstein, discussed the appeal that was presented at the HPC meeting. He provided information on the house and how it is classified on the list of landmarks as not being in the "S" category; meaning it was not labeled as being significant. He gave details regarding the multiple renovations and additions that have taken place on the property. Mayor Rotering provided some background information as to what was presented in the meeting packet and stated that the City Council can make one of two determinations in accordance with Section 170.040(E)(2), being that the 365 day review period is appropriate or the 180 day review period is appropriate. Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that was correct and it is not a question of whether the structure can or cannot be demolished but a question of when it can be demolished if the property owner so desires. Councilwoman Stone noted that Mr. Cohen stated that criteria seven, he believed, did not apply because he thought it had something to do the construction and traffic from construction and she asked for clarification because standard seven asks whether the home is associated with a significant person, not the subdividing of the lot or the construction. She discussed how he noted that he did not have due process because he didn't know that standard seven was going to be discussed and her understanding is that the Commission reviews all of the historic standards. Corporation Counsel Elrod stated that whether or not the Commission discussed a particular standard, whether or not it was in a staff report, it is not relevant for the Council because this does not work like a court of law, the Council is the corporate authority of the City. He explained that the Council can make the ultimate decision based on the information that was received by the staff, from the HPC and information that has been presented tonight to determine if there should be a six month delay or 12 month delay. Michael Hershenson, Highland Park Resident, noted that the repairs that would need to be done to the house as a whole are more costly than some individuals think. Councilman Stolberg stated that he appreciates comments on both sides of the discussion. He noted that the homeowner will have the ultimate decision in which direction he would like to go but the purpose of the discussion for the Council is whether the demo delay is appropriate at either 180 days or 365 days in the hope that the homeowner has been given the best opportunity to do what is right for the home and the homeowner's future as well as the neighborhood. He explained that the City does not have the authority to stop the demolition, right now it is just a matter of when. He noted that as of right now, there has not been a demolition application or submittal of plans as to where things are going to go in the future. He stated that he appreciates all of the comments but circles back to the hard work and the expertise of the HPC and would not support the shortening of the demo delay because it might undermine a lot of the work that the HPC has completed. He commented on the opportunities that have been provided to the homeowner and if he accepts those offers, then great but if not, the City cannot stop the demolition in another six or seven months. Corporation Counsel Elrod noted that his analysis of the situation was correct. Councilman Holleman stated that she also appreciates the work of the HPC and these decisions are always hard. She opined on how the demo delay is a relic of the past when the City had involuntary landmarking and it serves very little purpose these days. She stated that the homeowner has gone through a process, decided that it makes the most sense to demo and they are going to move forward with that whether they do it now or later; they are being constrained by the one year delay. She stated that shortening it by six months, people in the community may not like it, but it would be a more welcoming and appreciated move for a family that is going to build their new home in Highland Park. She voiced her opinion on criteria seven and stated that it was a bit of a stretch. She noted that the owners have their property rights and it is their choice to demolish the home. Councilman Kaufman expressed his appreciation regarding all of the input that has been provided. He noted that Councilman Stolberg stated it well as to what the true focus is and some of those other issues are ancillary; it is whether or not the criteria has been met and it is the Council's job to apply the ordinance. He explained that in the meeting packet it is noted that criteria three is the standard that is associated with the famous individual that has contributed to the community but it has been referenced as criteria seven. He opined how the criteria has been met and the decision of the HPC is an appropriate application of the ordinance and should stand. Councilman Blumberg stated that the issue of the integrity of the house is not an issue before the Council but it would have been an issue to consider if this had been an application for an involuntary landmark designation. He noted that when the Council restructured, the statutory scheme that was presented is exactly what is taking place. He stated that he would defer to the factual determinations that have been made by the HPC and in this case, they have made careful considerations regarding the home. He noted that he agreed with the comments that have been made by Councilmen Stolberg and Kaufman. He stated that he was in favor of preserving the 365 day demo delay. Mayor Rotering noted that she agreed with the comments that have been made by the Council. Councilwoman Stone indicated that she agreed with the comments that have been made as well. Mayor Rotering sought a motion to reject the repeal to a 365 day demolition delay related to the house located at 276 Hazel Avenue. Corporation Counsel Elrod suggested the motion be to approve the recommendation of the HPC to have a 365 day demolition delay; the Council would be approving the recommendation. Councilman Blumberg move to approve the recommendation of the Historic Preservation to maintain the 365-day demolition delay related to the house located at 276 Hazel Avenue. Councilman Kaufman seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the Mayor declared the motion passed. RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 1] MOVER: Anthony Blumberg, Councilman SECONDER: Daniel Kaufman, Councilman AYES: Mayor Rotering, Councilman Stolberg, Councilwoman Stone, Councilmen Kaufman, Blumberg, Knobel NAYS: Councilman Holleman BUSINESS FROM THE COUNCIL There was none. BUSINESS FROM CITY STAFF City Manager Neukirch noted that the City's public buildings remain closed but staff is continuing to work to assist with City services. She encouraged the community to sign up for the City's eNews and follow social media because staff is continuing to disseminate information related to the pandemic. She provided information based on the programs and waivers the City has offered its business community. She noted that the Lake County Health Department has opened a portal related to the vaccine and individuals are encouraged to sign up for more information. She explained that there are some scammers out there requesting individual’s personal information and she stressed that the vaccine is free, individuals do not need to provide their personal information, like bank account numbers, social security, etc., in order to receive the vaccine. She closed with providing information related to the City's 2021 Major Projects. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Kaufman moved to adjourn. Councilwoman Stone seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, Mayor Rotering declared the motion passed unanimously. The City Council adjourned its meeting at 8:08 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Ashley Palbitska Deputy City Clerk