Grundy Reporter

City of Highland City Council met Feb. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 6:30pm at the Highland Area Senior Center. Council members Sloan, Bellm, and Napper were present. Councilman Frey was absent. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney John Hackett, Directors Cook, Gillespie, Heimburger, Presson, and Rosen, Managers Laura Wilken and Brad Koehnemann, Coordinator Hubbard, Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy City Clerk Hediger, City Clerk Bellm, and 14 citizens.

MINUTES

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 16, 2024 Regular Session as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

PUBLIC FORUM

Citizens’ Requests and Comments:

Leaps of Love - 24 Hour Laps for Leaps - Special Event Application –Traci Reichmann, Representative, stated this will be our third year for the event. There were some issues that Chief Presson and I needed to work out as I went through the application; however, I believe we have most of those issues were taken care of. Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve the Special Event Application for Leaps of Love to host 24 Hour Laps of Leaps, 9/27/2024 4:00pm to 9/28/2024 10:00pm. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Mayor Hemann stated he received no phone calls, last year. Mrs. Reichmann reported we are looking at doing a postcard mailing to the area to let them know about it, a few weeks before. It was great, this past year, to have the social media notification sent out by the City. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Highland Jaycees – Schweizerfest – Special Event Application – Tricia Buehne and John Meadows, Representatives, were present to request permission to hold the annual Schweizerfest on the Square, June 7, 8 & 9, 2024. We are looking at closing down the streets as always and starting on Friday night, with a 5K Saturday at 8am. The parade will be one night only, on Saturday, and we will close earlier on Sunday. The emergency vehicles will be located on Broadway. Chief Presson noted the Command Post will be on Broadway to allow for more rides. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the Highland Jaycees request to hold Schweizerfest June 7, 8 & 9, 2024 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Business After Hours Street Closure Request – Special Event Application – Chris Ebl, Digital Artz explained Digital Artz, located at 305 Forrest Drive, and Clarity, located at 188 Woodcrest Drive, are planning to host the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Thursday, March 21, 2024. We want to make sure that people are safe crossing that road between the two locations. There will be no activities held in the street. If needed, we may allow some parking along the streets within that area. We are requesting a street closure of Woodcrest Drive from 4pm to 8pm on the evening of the event. Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve the Business After Hour Street Closure request of Woodcrest Drive, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Madison County Fair Association – Special Event Application -2024 Speedway Events – Sue Zobrist, Track Manager, was present to ask for permission for our speedway events. We have 15 events. We have added the World of Outlaws Race, on August 14, which will be as big as the Summer Nationals. We have a new director of race competition this year. We are hoping to encourage people to come to Highland to spend money before the racing at night. I was going to ask for having our curfew extended a few nights, especially for the larger races. We have cut some of our classes to the two classes that people primarily come out to see. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the 2024 race schedule as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Requests of Council:

Mayor Hemann thanked Lana and those that helped organize and host the City Banquet, this past Saturday night. It was very nice.

Staff Reports:

City Manager Chris Conrad reported that, starting next week, subcontractors for Republic will start switching out the commercial dumpsters. Commercial cans will be delivered as well. This will only affect commercial customers at this time. Councilwoman Bellm suggested posting this on Highland Happenings app. City Manager Conrad agreed, adding they should also receive a postcard from Republic this week.

NEW BUSINESS

Bill #24-09/RESOLUTION Requesting Road Closure for Schweizerfest Event – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-09/Resolution #24-02-3079 requesting road closure for Schweizerfest Event as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-10/RESOLUTION Requesting Road Closure for Schweizerfest Parade – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-10/Resolution #24-02-3080 requesting road closure for Schweizerfest Parade as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-11/RESOLUTION Approving a Construction Funding Agreement for the 6th Street Reconstruction Project – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-11/Resolution #24-02- 3081 approving a construction funding agreement for the 6th Street Reconstruction Project as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-12/RESOLUTION Authorizing Approval of Expenditure of Economic Development Funds, Rebuild Illinois Funds, and Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Construction of Matter Drive, PW-05-21 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-12/Resolution #24-02-3082 authorizing approval of expenditure of economic development funds, Rebuild Illinois Funds, and Motor Fuel Tax Funds for construction of Matter Drive, PW-05-21, in the amount of $711,936.09 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Mayor Hemann asked is Matter Drive complete now. Director Gillespie replied yes, it is, and it is much better now. Mayor Hemann quipped it has to be better than it was. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-13/RESOLUTION Appropriating Funds for Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Materials (MFT Section 25-00000-00-GM) – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-13/ Resolution #24-02-3083 appropriating funds for Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Materials (MFT Section 25-00000-00-GM) as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Mayor Hemann noted this is something we do annually this time of the year. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-14/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property of the City Surplus and Authorizing Its Sale and/or Disposal, Specifically One Salt Spreader – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-14/Ordinance #3316 declaring personal property of the City surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, specifically one salt spreader as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. City Manager Conrad stated we are not tempting fate, by selling our equipment in February. This is actually a spare spreader. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-15/RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sole Source Purchase of One Used 2021 Chevy ¾ Ton Truck From Steve Schmitt, Inc. for $40,192 and Waiving Customary Bidding Procedures – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-15/Resolution #24-02-3084 authorizing the sole source purchase of one used 2021 Chevy ¾-Ton Truck from Steve Schmitt, Inc. for $40,192 and waiving customary bidding procedures as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. City Manager Conrad reported this truck is for Parks & Rec and for use at the cemetery as well. We have been searching for one for over a year to replace one that was been deemed not roadworthy. Mayor Hemann noted it has hole in the floorboard along with significant body rust. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Mayor Hemann voted aye, since bidding procedures were waived. Motion carried.

Bill #24-16/ORDINANCE Amending City Code, Chapter 46 – Parks and Recreation, Article IV – Swimming Pool, Section 46-51, Increasing Select Rates for Day and Season Passes – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-16/Ordinance #3317 amending City Code, Chapter 46 – Parks and Recreation, Article IV – Swimming Pool, Section 46-51, increasing select rates for Day and Season Passes as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Councilwoman Bellm pointed out these are not drastic increases. Councilwoman Sloan added most was a $1 increase. City Manager Conrad explained this increase is to offset the required minimum wage increase and other cost of operation increases. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-17/RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor and/or City Manager to Apply for Park Commission Funds from Madison County, Through the Park Enhancement Program – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-17/Resolution #24-02-3085 authorizing the Mayor and/or City Manager to apply for Park Commission Funds from Madison County, through the Park Enhancement Program as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Mayor Hemann noted it is common that we do these type of applications. Director Mark Rosen reported this is about the twenty-first year that we have applied for these funds. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-18/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property of the City Surplus and Authorizing Its Sale and/or Disposal, Specifically Personal Property From City Hall – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-18/Ordinance #3318 declaring personal property of the City surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, specifically personal property from City Hall as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Councilwoman Bellm asked how we make this stuff available. Director Jackie Heimburger responded we publicize it using online auction. Councilwoman Bellm stated I need a file cabinet. City Manager Conrad stated there is a selection. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-19/RESOLUTION Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Indoff, on Behalf of TecCrete, for Purchase of Products, Materials, and all Labor for a Raised Floor Solution System in the City Council Chambers – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-19/Resolution #24-02-3086 waiving competitive bidding requirement and approving and authorizing the execution of an agreement with Indoff, on behalf of TecCrete, in the amount of $33,050.00, for purchase of products, materials, and all labor for a raised floor solution system in the City Council Chamber as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Mayor Hemann noted this was pretty thoroughly explained as to how it works with the information provided in the packet. City Manager Conrad reported the bottom of the bowl of the Chamber Council will be raised to the third level down. This came vary highly recommended by multiple sources. We hope to have the flooring crew in next week. Once we have that done, we can move stuff out of the chamber into those areas. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Mayor Hemann voted aye. Motion carried.

Bill #24-20/RESOLUTION Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Purchase Agreement to Purchase a Palo Alto Security Device Through the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program as a Sole Source Purchase – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-20/Resolution #24-02-3087 waiving competitive bidding requirement and approving and authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement to purchase a Palo Alto Security Device through the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing Program as a sole source purchase as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. City Manager Conrad explained this is an annual purchase that we do for security throughout the city. It is has been negotiated through the state’s bid listing. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Mayor Hemann voted aye, as this is waiving bidding procedure and is sole source purchase. Motion carried.

Bill #24-21/ORDINANCE Amending Ch. 6 of the Code of Ordinances, Alcoholic Liquor, to Increase the Number of D1 Liquor Licenses to Eight, and to Increase the Number of D2 Liquor Licenses to Twelve – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-21/Ordinance #3319 amending Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances, Alcoholic Liquor, to increase the number of D1 Liquor Licenses to eight, and to increase the number of D2 Liquor Licenses to twelve as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-22/RESOLUTION Issuing a “D1” Liquor License to Gauchos Argentinian Pursuant to Chapter 6, of the Code Entitled Alcoholic Liquor – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-22/Resolution #24-02-3088 issuing a “D1” Liquor License to Gauchos Argentinian pursuant to Chapter 6, of the code entitled Alcoholic Liquor as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-23/RESOLUTION Issuing a “D2” Liquor License to Eddies Rise N Dine Pursuant to Chapter 6, of the Code Entitled Alcoholic Liquor – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #24-23/Resolution #24-02-3089 issuing a “D2” Liquor License to Eddies Rise-N-Dine pursuant to Chapter 6, of the code entitled Alcoholic Liquor as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #24-24/RESOLUTION Issuing a “D2” Liquor License to Korte Meats Pursuant to Chapter 6, of the Code Entitled Alcoholic Liquor – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #24-24/ Resolution #24-02-3090 issuing a “D2” Liquor License to Korte Meats pursuant to Chapter 6, of the code entitled Alcoholic Liquor as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Councilwoman Sloan stated I did not realize they were going to do all that. City Manager Conrad they are expanding their operations and greatly expand their retail offerings with a full-service restaurant. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

REPORTS

Accepting Expenditures Reports #1259 for Jan. 13, 2024 through Feb. 2, 2024 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to accept Expenditures Reports #1259 for January 13, 2024 through February 2, 2024 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. All aye, none nay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:05pm.

https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2024/02-05-2024.pdf