Grundy Reporter

City of Highland City Council met July 7.

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 Kathryn Warren, Directors Cook, Gillespie, Hubbard, Koehnemann, Widman, and Wilken, Fire Chief Straub, Treasurer Nicolaides, Deputy City Clerk Flake, City Clerk Bellm, and 11 citizens.

MINUTES

Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2025 Regular Session as attached; seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

PUBLIC FORUM

Citizens’ Requests and Comments:

Treats on the Streets – Special Event Application – Marshall Rinderer requested permission to host Treats on the Streets, on Thursday, October 30, 2025. School is out of session on that Thursday and Friday. We are requesting the same street closures as last year. Typically, we have about 1,000 kids participate. Councilman Napper made a motion to approve Treats on the Streets, Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, with street closures around the Square 12:00pm – 5:00pm, as requested per the application. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

2025 Street Art Festival and Annual Lighted Christmas Parade – Special Event Applications – Taylor Sheeley, Highland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director was present to request permission for both the Street Art Festival and the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade per the applications submitted. The Street Art Festival will be held Saturday, September 20, with a rain date of Sunday, September 21. The Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled for 6:00pm on Friday, November 28, 2025. Everything will be the same as last year. Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve the Highland Chamber of Commerce’s requests to hold the Street Art Festival and Annual Lighted Christmas Parade as per the Special Event Applications as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Kurt Vonderhaar, representing Highland Speedway, stated he is proud to be here to talk about The World of Outlaws Racing Event that will be at the World Famous Highland Speedway on Wednesday, August 13. This event brings in attendees from 25+ states and drivers from around the country, and puts us in front of a national audience. This year’s event will offer a total of $75,000 in winnings. It is an opportunity to show case Highland and our community pride. We are putting Highland on the map. We look forward to seeing you at The World of Outlaws Racing on August 13. Mayor Hemann stated I heard the last big event was a huge success. We hope this one will be as well.

Ashley Eck stated I live on Dolphin Drive West and I have a concern about a lot of speeding through our neighborhood. People use Helvetia to Main Street as a cut-through. I got 144 signatures from residents of the Lakeland Terrace area over to Helvetia Drive expressing concern with the traffic speed. The speed limit is not posted on Helvetia Drive. I live on Dolphin. There is a big curve, yet cars are going around buses and speeding. There are no sidewalks and people walk along the street and the parked cars. We are asking to have other speed controls such as speed bumps and signs put into place. Councilwoman Sloan stated she is very familiar with that area and the traffic issues. City Manager Conrad asked Ms. Eck to give Deputy City Clerk Chris Flake her contact information. We can look into the issues. The problem with enforcement is being at the right place at the right time. We can do some traffic studies, which will show a specific time of the day that enforcement is most needed.

Requests of Council:

No comments or requests presented.

Staff Reports:

Recognition of Chief Widman Becoming a Certified ILACP Chief of Police – City Manager Chris Conrad announced tonight we recognize Chief Widman, as she has become a Certified ILACP Chief of Police. O’Fallon, Illinois Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman, representing Illinois Association of Chief of Police, stated I am excited about being here in Highland tonight, because you have the only Mazzio’s in Illinois. He explained that becoming certified provides continual professional growth and gives them the opportunity to develop in their profession. Tonight, we present Chief Carole Widman with her certification. What does it mean? To become certified, it involves looking at the officer’s activities, ability to pass a rigorous written test, and a review of their law enforcement experience. Chief Widman is a veteran in various areas. We looked at her education. She has obtained a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and a PhD; and, is a member of several professional organizations. She serves her community and Madison County through various organizations. Her reputation and experience speaks volumes. You would be hard-pressed to find someone that does not know her or does not speak highly of her. I hope that you, the council and the citizens of Highland, are proud of Chief Carole Widman. Mayor Hemann expressed we thank you and we feel very fortunate to have Carole as our Chief of Police. Those in attendance recognized Chief Widman for her accomplishment.

City Manager Conrad stated, a month ago, we were notified that Highland received an enhancement program to extend the Sursee Trail, from by the racetrack over to the new primary school property. The grant is worth $2.5M. This is one of two grants we applied for, to make improvements by the new school. We are hoping to hear back on the roadway improvement grant yet this summer.

City Manager Conrad reported on code enforcement cases. This is the time of the year when we get a lot of calls regarding code enforcement issues. We had 48 open cases. As of today, 29 are in progress yet or escalated to City Attorney’s Katie or Trent. Nineteen cases have been resolved. With that, this same department handles inspections and issuing of permits. Just in June alone, 100 permits were issued and 252 inspections performed. In the first five days of July, 50 inspections and 20 permits issued. That department is very busy.

It is no secret that June was a very warm month with high humidity and little cooling off at night. This created a lot of demand for electricity. City Manager Conrad warned we can expect June’s utility bills will be higher than normal, as we have seen higher demand for utilities due to the weather. Councilwoman Sloan asked City Manager Conrad to go over the water situation. City Manager Conrad explained that goes along with June being a warmer than normal month. The water has a more earthy smell and taste due to an increase in algae in the water due to the warmer weather. We treat the water, but there is a limit to what we can add. It is unusual to see it this early in the year. It takes about 1-2 weeks for the natural process to play out. We did send out our annual notice, but is earlier than normal this year.

NEW BUSINESS

Approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PR-09-25, for Glik Park Parking Lot – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PR-09-25, for Glik Park Parking Lot as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Mayor Hemann pointed to a copy of the plans provided, hot off the press. Director Brad Koehnemann explained it was requested that we redo the parking lot, which is original to the park in 1995. The plan is to have the parking lot paved, like the Korte Rec Center parking lot, and to have it striped for parking and traffic control. We are going to pave it, add 35-40 additional parking spaces, and create a drop-off zone. In the southeast corner, there will be ADA parking by the Rotary Soccer Fields. Mayor Hemann expressed this has certainly been well thought out. The additional parking spots are well needed. City Manager Conrad put a copy of the updated drawings on the podium if any of the public would like to view them. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-03-25, for CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation 2025 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-03-25, for CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation 2025 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Councilwoman Bellm expressed this is a good idea. Let’s do this again. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-07-25, for Street Resurfacing 2025 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-07-25, for Street Resurfacing 2025 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-10-25, for Spillway Improvement 2025 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Notice of Municipal Letting, Bid # PW-10-25, for Spillway Improvement 2025 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Award Bid # PW-05-24, for Sealing Asphalt Shared Use Paths 2024 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to Award Bid # PW-05-24, for Sealing Asphalt Shared Use Paths 2024 to McConnell’s of St. Louis, Inc., in the amount of $31,792.00 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-78/RESOLUTION Approving Intergovernmental Agreement Between City and State of Illinois Department of Transportation, Regarding Municipal Maintenance of State Highways – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-78/Resolution #25-07-3205 approving Intergovernmental Agreement between City and State of Illinois Department of Transportation, regarding Municipal Maintenance of State Highways as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-79/RESOLUTION Authorizing Sole Source Purchase of Services from Tantalus Systems, Inc. for Annual Maintenance and Technical Support – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-79/Resolution #25-07-3206 authorizing sole source purchase of services from Tantalus Systems, Inc. for annual maintenance and technical support, in the amount of $55,376.60 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-80/RESOLUTION Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Emergency Purchase for Three Rooftop Heating and Cooling Units From Langhauser Sheet Metal Company for $28,500.00 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-80/Resolution #25-07-3207 waiving competitive bidding requirement and approving and authorizing the execution of an emergency purchase for three rooftop heating and cooling units from Langhauser Sheet Metal Company for $28,500.00 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. City Manager Conrad reported these are for some of the units damaged in the March 2025 storm, which are not working. Councilman Napper inquired is there an insurance claim. Director Dan Cook reported the insurance company was out and assessed the damages. In addition to the HVAC units, there was damage to the siding. We are not replacing the siding at this time. The insurance will cover most of these costs. We will be installing hail guards on the units to protect them. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-81/RESOLUTION Approving Application and Awarding Certain Financial Incentives Under the City of Highland Façade Improvement Program to Steve Heimsath For 2365 Plaza Dr. Highland, IL 62249 – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-81/Resolution #25-07-3208 approving application and awarding certain financial incentives under the City of Highland Façade Improvement Program to Steve Heimsath for 2365 Plaza Dr. Highland, IL 62249 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Napper. Councilwoman Sloan expressed this looks really good. It looks like a really good addition. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-82/ORDINANCE Amending City Code, Adding Chapter 42 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article II. – Offenses Affecting Governmental Functions, Section 42.31 – Police and Fire Officers; Interfering and Obeying – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-82/Ordinance #3397 amending City Code, adding Chapter 42 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article II. – Offenses Affecting Governmental Functions, Section 42.31 – Police and Fire Officers; Interfering and Obeying as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bellm. Councilman Napper asked have we had any issues. What is the difference between interfering and obeying as opposed to resisting or obstruction? Chief Widman explained there is a negative connotation with seeing a charge of resisting or obstruction. I did not like the way it sounds. Councilman Napper inquired is disobeying a more offensive charge. Chief Widman explained it can be when they just don’t do what we told them to do. Councilman Napper asked is it easier to charge for disobeying. Chief Widman responded it is the same in totality. It looks different when someone is charged with it though versus charges of resisting or obstruction. Councilwoman Bellm stated it sounds worse to say they were resisting or obstructing. Chief Widman agreed. Councilman Napper inquired is it easier if you charge me with not obeying than obstruction. Chief Widman explained if I ask you to get out of the car or move out of the roadway and you chose not to do it, I have something to charge you with. City Manager Conrad pointed out that this also gives the ability for fire safety. If someone is in the way of the fire crews and they are asked to move, then if they refuse, the fire chief has the ability to have them charged. Councilman Napper expressed it could be a slippery slope. I do not want to see the city negate the rights of individuals. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-83/RESOLUTION Designating Freedom of Information Officers Pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Freedom of Information Act – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-83/ Resolution #25-07-3209 designating Freedom of Information Officers pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Freedom of Information Act as attached. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sloan. Mayor Hemann noted we typically do this every year. City Manager Conrad replied yes. We have added some names to it, due to changes in the staff and to cover for when people are out of office. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-84/ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 6, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Highland, Alcoholic Liquor, to Decrease the Number of “A2” Liquor Licenses to 4 and to Increase the Number of “D2” Liquor Licenses to 12 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to approve Bill #25-84/Ordinance #3398 amending Chapter 6, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Highland, Alcoholic Liquor, to decrease the number of “A2” Liquor Licenses to 4 and to increase the number of “D2” Liquor Licenses to 12 as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. City Manager Conrad pointed out this item and the next one go hand in hand. This is part of the relocation of Chipper’s with the city’s purchase of that property for Weinheimer Parking Lot expansion. He has decided to relocate to a building on to the Square. We cannot transfer by address; however, once he has relocated we will change the location on the license. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

Bill #25-85/RESOLUTION Issuing an “D2” Liquor License to DJR Properties, LLC On Behalf of Chippers, Pursuant to Chapter 6, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Highland, Entitled Alcoholic Liquor – Councilwoman Bellm made a motion to approve Bill #25-85/Resolution #25-07-3210 issuing an “D2” Liquor License to DJR Properties, LLC on behalf of Chippers, pursuant to Chapter 6, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Highland, entitled Alcoholic Liquor as attached. Motion seconded by Councilman Klaus. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried.

REPORTS

Accepting Expenditures Report #1293 for June 14, 2025 through July 4, 2025 – Councilwoman Sloan made a motion to accept Expenditures Report #1293 for June 14, 2025 through July 4, 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 Napper. Roll Call Vote: Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm, and Napper voted aye, none nay. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:17pm.

https://www.highlandil.gov/City%20Council/Minutes/2025/7-07-2025.pdf