City of Highland City Council met March 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 6:30pm at Highland City Hall. Council members Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney Kathryn Warren, Directors Cook, Gillespie, Koehnemann, Widman and Wilken, City Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy Clerk Chris Flake, City Clerk Bellm, and 6 citizens.
MINUTES
Councilman Klaus made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2026 Regular Session as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2026 Executive Session as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
PUBLIC FORUM
Citizens’ Requests and Comments:
Highland Fire Department – Firefighters Picnic – Chris Straub, Fire Chief, stated we are planning our fifth year, already. We are changing the band this year. Otherwise, the rest will be the same. We are doing it in conjunction with Rusty Rodz’ monthly car show, on Saturday, September 26. We will need the three streets around the Square that they normally use for the car shows. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the Highland Fire Department’s Firefighters’ Picnic on September 26, 2028 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Mayor Hemann expressed that was a nice evening at the Firemen’s Recognition Dinner last weekend.
Requests of Council:
No comments or requests presented.
Staff Reports:
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Bill #26-27/ORDINANCE Amending the Official Zoning Map for City of Highland for 2026 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #26-27/ORDINANCE #3432 amending the official zoning map for City of Highland for 2026 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. City
Manager Conrad explained this is just correcting some areas that the zoning did not make sense anymore. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #26-28/ORDINANCE Amending City Code, Chapter 22 – Cemeteries, Article 1. – In General, Section 22-1. – Fees and Assessments – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #26-28/ORDINANCE #3433 amending City Code, Chapter 22 – Cemeteries, Article 1. – In General, Section 22-1. – Fees and Assessments as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Mayor Hemann noted this will be a new addition to the cemetery. Director Brad Koehnemann reported we are seeing more cremations than in past years. The past two years, we had seventy burials, with thirty-two of those being cremations. One, 3’x8’ columbarium holds twelve niches. Fees would be $1,000 for single urn and $2500 for a couple. Over years, this saves space for the cemetery. This is similar to what is at St. Paul’s cemetery. Mayor Hemann pointed out the fee structure is setup so that around 10-12, we can purchase the next one. Director Koehnemann reported O’Fallon is purchasing their third one, and they have only had them for four years. A black granite double headstone costs $4,000-$6,000. This offers a cost option. Often, people, such as my parents will go out and place flowers or decorations on or by the headstones. The younger generation often will visit, listen to music, have a drink while there, and then leave. Councilwoman Bellm stated she was recently at a funeral with a columbarium; it was very nice. Mayor Hemann stated this was a recommendation of the cemetery board. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Bill #26-29/RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor and/or City Manager to Apply for Park Commission Funds from Madison County, Illinois – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #26-29/RESOLUTION #26-03-3261 authorizing the Mayor and/or City Manager to apply for Park Commission Funds from Madison County, Illinois as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
REPORTS
Accepting Expenditures Report #1309 for February 14, 2026 through February 27, 2026 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1309 for February 14, 2026 through February 27, 2026 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:42pm.
https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2026/03-02-2026.pdf?t=202603171012350
