Grundy Reporter

City of Highland City Council met June 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Kevin Hemann called the Regular Session to order at 6:30pm. Council members Klaus, Sloan, Bellm and Napper were present. Others in attendance were City Manager Conrad, City Attorney Carriger, Directors Cook and Gillespie, Lt. Feeney, Deputy City Clerk Flake, City Clerk Bellm, and 6 citizens.

MINUTES

Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2025 Regular Session as attached; seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

PUBLIC FORUM

Citizens’ Requests and Comments:

John Kapp commented that the car show, yesterday, was fabulous. The car shows really bring people into town, including the monthly one on the Square. What can I say about the Schweizerfest? Well, we got parade in and was a good time. Mayor Hemann, you gave a good speech at the Memorial Day ceremony.

Yvonne Kaeser asked what is the city going to do about all the traffic on Poplar Street, come September. If you want to get out on Poplar Street, you cannot, with all the school traffic. That gentleman (City Clerk Flake) suggested going south. I will have to have my appointments after 9am or before 3pm. City Manager Chris Conrad stated, in talking with School Superintendent Mike Sutton, there is always going to be a lot of volume for 20-25 minutes in the morning and afternoon. The city has put in for a grant to allow improvements to Poplar Street, with adding curb and gutter to the street and the addition of a center turn lane to improve traffic flow. We cannot do anything about volume. Ms. Kaeser asked when. City Manager Conrad stated we hope to know something later this year. We will then begin construction as soon as we can. As a father, when I was teaching my kids to drive, I taught them to just turn right when in heavy traffic and turn around at some point. Ms. Kaeser added that on 27th Street the dip is becoming more like a ditch because of all the drainage. City Manager Conrad asked Director Gillespie to look into that. Ms. Kaeser stated she will pack a lunch and go south on Poplar.

Requests of Council:

No comments or requests presented.

Staff Reports:

City Manager Conrad reported EMS Chief Brian Wilson announced, at the staff meeting, he will be retiring effective July 3. This will be his second retirement from this field. We wish him well.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Mayor’s Reappointments of William Wagner, Justin McLaughlin and Susan Martz To The Library Board of Trustees – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the mayor’s reappointments of William Wagner, Justin McLaughlin and Susan Martz to the Library Board of Trustees, for three-year terms, to expire June 2028, as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Approve Mayor’s Reappointments of Kathryn Comish, Thomas Friedrich and Mindy Stoff to the Tree Commission – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve the mayor’s reappointments of Kathryn Comish, Thomas Friedrich and Mindy Stoff to the Tree Commission, to serve three-year terms, to expire June 2028, as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-77/ORDINANCE Declaring Personal Property of the City of Highland Surplus and Authorizing its Sale and/or Disposal, Specifically Two Lime Feeder Systems From the Water Treatment Plant – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-77/Ordinance #3396 declaring personal property of the City of Highland surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, specifically two lime feeder systems from the Water Treatment Plant 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 #1292 for May 31, 2025 through June 13, 2025 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1292 for May 31, 2025 through June 13, 2025 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 Klaus. All aye, none nay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:00pm.

https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2025/6-16-2025.pdf