HIGHWOOD CITY COUNCIL’S 1.2.24 MEETING IN A NUTSHELL
Finance
The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $466k.
The City Council voted to accept the City Treasurer’s financial reports covering the period of September 1, 2023 through November 30, 2023.
Infrastructure
The sanitary sewer system along Sheridan Rd. is outdated and insufficient for long-term use. The city hired Christopher B. Burke Engineering to investigate alternatives to the existing sewer system, which is approximately 100 years old, reaches depths of nearly 30 feet underground in some areas and runs under private property. The engineers and city staff recommended proceeding with an alternative sewer system that includes a lift station and a force main. Because the alternative system would require construction under Bank Ln. to connect to the sanitary district's system, city staff recommended combining this work with the reconstruction of Bank Ln., which is in poor condition. Last month, the city received multiple bids to complete the improvements. The City Council voted to accept a bid of $2.6M from Bolder Contractors to complete the improvements. Although the start date depends on various factors, the city aims to begin the work in March.
Licenses & Permits
Since August 2022, approximately 30,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago (most of which are asylum seekers that crossed the southern border into Texas and were bused to Chicago). Chicago has established a designated “landing zone” for buses carrying migrants, staffed with personnel to provide comprehensive support services such as food, shelter, medical care and case management. The state is also constructing an intake center co-located with the landing zone, which is expected to open soon. Recently, some bus companies have started dropping off migrants in various Chicago suburbs without prior coordination. These uncoordinated drop offs are often problematic as most municipalities do not have the requisite personnel, knowledge of support services or infrastructure (e.g., available shelters). In accordance with guidance from the state and Chicago, and to encourage bus companies to disembark at the landing zone, some municipalities have begun adopting new regulations. The City Council voted to adopt an ordinance that requires bus companies making irregular stops to obtain permits and imposes fines for noncompliance with the same (public transportation and ordinary private services are exempt).
Real Estate
The City Council voted to approve a contract to purchase 244 Waukegan Ave. for $700k, pending inspection of the property’s environmental and physical condition. The property is currently occupied by Grandi Brothers, a mechanical repair shop. Ultimately, the city intends to sell some or all of the property for redevelopment.
Other
The City Council voted to approve meeting minutes from December 5, 2023.
Celebrate Highwood presented a concept plan for a new festival that is centered around live mural painting by local and international artists. The City Council expressed support for the idea and directed city staff to work with Celebrate Highwood to determine the necessary support from the city.
Highwood Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner & Business Celebration will be held on January 10th from 6pm to 8pm at the Highwood Bocce Club (440 Bank Ln.); information re this event can be found here.
Highwood Library & Community Center’s January newsletter is here.
Lakeshore Recycling Systems will collect natural Christmas trees with regular curbside pickup through January 17th. Trees must be undecorated and unbagged, and trees over 6 feet must be cut in half.
Meeting Records