HIGHWOOD CITY COUNCIL’S 8.1.23 MEETING IN A NUTSHELL

Finance

  • The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $168k.

  • State law requires the City to submit an annual audit of its financial statements; the City’s audit for fiscal year 2022 (May 1, 2021 - April 30, 2022) is here.  The City’s audit for fiscal year 2023 (May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023) is due by October 1, 2023.  The City Council voted to accept a proposal from Forvis to complete the City’s audit for fiscal year 2023 a cost of $59k.    

Infrastructure

  • According to population, Illinois municipalities receive a portion of the revenue collected from the State’s Motor Fuel Tax.  Authorized uses for this revenue include the construction and maintenance of municipal streets.  For the past decade, the City has used Motor Fuel Tax revenue to purchase deicing salt by way of a joint purchase with many other government agencies.  The City Council voted to authorize City staff to satisfy a State recordkeeping requirement related to the City’s use of Motor Fuel Tax revenue from 2014 - 2023.  

  • With powers granted by State law, in 1982 Lake County adopted a watershed development ordinance.  County municipalities are required to comply with the ordinance. The goal of the ordinance is to prevent new development from increasing existing stormwater problems or creating new problems.  The City has been designated by the County as a Certified Community which allows the City to enforce the ordinance’s standards within its boundaries. To enforce the ordinance’s standards, the City contracts with a consulting engineer. The County recently adopted a modified version of the ordinance.  The City Council voted to adopt the modified version of the ordinance.

  • Since 2016 the City has provided snow and ice removal services via a contractor.  The City's most recent contract with Sciaretta Enterprises expired earlier this year.  The City Council discussed service delivery options for the upcoming winter season and continued further discussion to a future meeting.   

Public Comment

  • A group of residents that live near Everts Park expressed concerns related to the impacts of special events on the surrounding residential neighborhood and residents (e.g., litter, noise, parking, property damage, traffic speed etc.).   

Other

  • The City Council voted to approve meeting minutes from July 18, 2023.

  • The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District notified the City that mosquitos recently sampled in Fort Sheridan tested positive for West Nile virus; The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center provides related prevention tips and other information via this website.

  • Highwood Library’s August newsletter is here.

  • Celebrate Highwood's Bloody Mary Fest event will be held on Sunday, August 13th at Everts Park; information re this event as well as other Celebrate Highwood events can be found here

  • Highwood Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast Before Business event will be held on Tuesday, August 8th at La Casa De Isaac; information re this event as well as other Chamber of Commerce events can be found here

  • Highwood American Legion’s Cigar Social event will be held on Monday, August 7th at Santi’s; information re this event as well as other American Legion events can be found here.

  • Volunteers recently repainted the storage garage and bathrooms building at Memorial Park (i.e., the Western Ave. “ballpark”).

  • The Highwood Historical Society authored the first two chapters of a recently published book, US 14th Cavalry at Highwood and Fort Sheridan (Duresa).  The book can be purchased for $20 (cash or check) at the Historical Society museum (122 North Ave.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm; for alternative pick up days/times or shipments, please contact the Historical Society by phone at (847) 682-9039 or email at highwoodhistory@gmail.com

  • 107 years ago this month, voters approved the purchase of land for a new school site as well as the construction of the school that was later named Oak Terrace (article here; article name = HIGHWOOD TO HAVE NEW SCHOOL).

Meeting Records

  • A video recording of the Regular Meeting is here.  

  • Minutes from the Committee of the Whole Meeting are here and minutes from the Regular Meeting are here.

    These write-ups are purposefully brief. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if you would like additional details or have questions.

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July 18, 2023