HIGHWOOD CITY COUNCIL’S 2.20.24 MEETING IN A NUTSHELL 

Finance

  • The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $109k.

Infrastructure

  • The city operates a water treatment facility and periodically conducts assessments to evaluate its condition and ensure optimal performance. City staff solicited a proposal from Jacobs, a professional services firm with relevant technical expertise, to provide a comprehensive facility condition report and make related recommendations. The City Council reviewed and approved the proposal at a cost of $58k.

  • In recent years, the city has outsourced street sweeping services to contractors. City staff solicited a proposal from Lakeshore Recycling Systems to provide street sweeping services through February 2025. The City Council reviewed and approved the proposal at a cost not to exceed $25k.

Land Use & Zoning

  • City staff is reviewing two zoning relief applications, which are expected to be referred to the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission this year. One application seeks to develop residential townhomes on vacant land west of Patten Rd., requiring relief as the proposed use is not allowed in any existing zoning district. The other application seeks to develop a theater on vacant land north of Westover Rd., requiring relief as the proposed use is not allowed in the subject zoning district. The Commission will hold public hearings (on dates to be determined), make findings of fact, and provide recommendations to the City Council, who will ultimately make the final decision on approval or denial.

Parks & Public Spaces

  • Celebrate Highwood previously presented a concept plan for a new festival focused on live mural painting by local, national, and international artists. The City Council continued discussing redirecting funds set aside for a public art installation in Everts Park to instead create several public art installations across the city. The City Council also continued reviewing a draft memorandum of understanding between the city and Celebrate Highwood, which outlines proposed cost and revenue shares for creating several murals across the city. Under the terms of the agreement, the city's maximum contribution is $211k, but its actual contribution could be reduced based on the amount of sponsorship funds raised and in-kind donations received. The City Council voted to approve the agreement.

Other

  • The City Council voted to approve meeting minutes from February 6, 2024.

  • The Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast before Business event will be held on March 7th from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at Giggles (328 Green Bay Rd.); additional information for this event can be found here.

  • I had reprints made of the rare book, 28 Miles North: A Story of Highwood (Wittelle, 1953); if you would like a free copy, please reply to this email with your address and I will drop one off at your home before long.

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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February 6, 2024