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