The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Highwood, Illinois

Highwood public meetings in 2025

31 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 2, 2025

Committee of the Whole

City Council to discuss strategic planning and project prioritization

The Committee of the Whole will hold a discussion on the city’s strategic planning and project prioritization. Staff will present updates on the five primary initiatives identified in the 2024 plan, including the Pagliai site redevelopment, succession planning for two departments, and ongoing capital projects such as the Bank Lane sanitary lift station and Javier’s Garage site. Council will consider revisions to the project list, potential water system upgrades, and the use of the Highwood train station as a police post. The discussion will inform changes to the FY27 budget that will be presented later.

strategic-planningredevelopmentcapital-projectswater-infrastructurebudgetingpublic-safety
Tue Nov 18, 2025

City Council

City Council to consider tax abatements for $12.4M in bonds and 2025 tax levy

The Highwood City Council will vote on several ordinances, including tax abatements to fund two General Obligation Bonds totaling $12,355,000, a new 2025 tax levy, zoning changes from R-3A to R-2, and a special use permit for a planned unit development at 118 South Central Avenue. These items address financing for city projects and land use planning. The meeting also includes routine reports and appointments.

taxesbondszoningdevelopmentfinance
✓ Decided: City Council approved tax abatement ordinances for $3.1M and $9.255M bonds

The council approved several ordinances, including tax abatements to fund two General Obligation Bonds of $3,100,000 and $9,255,000, a 2025 tax levy, a zoning amendment changing R-3A to R-2 districts, and a special use permit for a planned unit development at 118 South Central Avenue. All motions were carried by roll‑call vote.

Tue Nov 18, 2025

Committee of the Whole

Highwood Committee of the Whole to consider 2025 tax levy and zoning changes

The Committee of the Whole will discuss the 2025 property tax levy and ordinances to abate taxes for 2020 and 2021 General Obligation Bonds. The body will also consider rezoning properties to single-family residential and a special use permit for a development at 118 South Central Avenue.

taxeszoningbondshousingproperty-development
✓ Decided: Public hearing on lead service line loans closed by voice vote

The Committee of the Whole voted to close the public hearing on the city’s application for low‑interest loans to replace lead service lines and water mains. The motion was made by Alderman Markoutsas, seconded by Alderman Bauer, and carried by voice vote. The council also adjourned the meeting by voice vote after Alderman Fiore moved and Alderman Bauer seconded the motion. All other ordinance and tax items were noted for approval at the regular City Council meeting and no decisions were made on them.

Wed Nov 5, 2025

Planning & Zoning Commission

Commission to consider rezoning and a 7-home development project

The Planning and Zoning Commission will review a city-led request to rezone four properties from multi-family to single-family residential. Additionally, the body will hold a public hearing on a petition by Berger Investment Group to build seven single-family homes on a vacant lot.

zoninghousingresidential-developmentpublic-hearingland-use
Tue Nov 4, 2025

City Council

City Council to approve up to $62,400 audit contract with McConnell Jones

The Highwood City Council will consider a motion authorizing the City Manager to engage McConnell Jones to conduct the fiscal year ending 2025 audit for an amount not to exceed $62,400. The council will also consider an ordinance that amends the Highwood City Code related to fees and updates the comprehensive fee schedule. Both items are listed under New Business for the November 4, 2025 meeting.

auditfinancebudgetcity-codefeescontracts
✓ Decided: City Council approved amendments to the Highwood City Code fee schedule

The council approved the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meetings and appointed John Falduto to the Fire Pension Fund. It also approved the November 4, 2025 AP warrant list. In new business, the council authorized the City Manager to hire McConnell Jones for the FY2025 audit up to $62,400 and adopted an ordinance amending fee provisions in the city code.

Tue Nov 4, 2025

Committee of the Whole

City to approve up to $62,400 audit contract with McConnell Jones

The Committee of the Whole will consider a motion authorizing the City Manager to engage McConnell Jones to conduct the fiscal year‑ending 2025 audit for no more than $62,400. It will also consider an ordinance that amends the Highwood City Code fee schedule and related fee provisions. A discussion will be held on lighting improvements at the Western Avenue Ballpark.

auditfinancefeeslightingparks
✓ Decided: No action taken on lighting at Western Avenue Ballpark

The Committee of the Whole discussed lighting at the Western Avenue Ballpark and decided no action will be taken on that topic. The meeting was adjourned after a motion carried by voice vote of all present. All other items were deferred to the City Council meeting.

Tue Oct 21, 2025

City Council

City Council sets 2025 tax levy at $1,893,573

The council will vote on a resolution establishing the 2025 property tax levy at $1,893,573. A separate motion will direct the City Manager to pay $20,000 from the FY 2026 budget to the Highwood Chamber of Commerce for its programming. No other new business items are listed for action.

tax-levybudgetfinancechamber-of-commercelocal-government
✓ Decided: Council approved tax‑levy resolution and $20,000 Chamber contribution

The City Council adopted a resolution of corporate authorities to set the 2025 tax levy amount. It also directed the City Manager to pay $20,000 from the FY 2026 budget to the Chamber of Commerce for programming. Both actions passed by roll‑call vote of all members present.

Tue Oct 21, 2025

Committee of the Whole

City Council to set 2025 tax levy at $1.89 million

The Committee of the Whole will consider a resolution that sets the 2025 aggregate tax levy at $1,893,573. Council members will also discuss the placement of a Chris RWK statue and a proposal to license art studio space in the train station. A motion will direct the City Manager to pay $20,000 from the FY 2026 budget to the Chamber of Commerce, and staff will present a street‑sign replacement plan.

tax-levyfinancepublic-artchamber-of-commercestreets
✓ Decided: Committee of the Whole adjourned; no action taken on statue, art studio, or street signs

The Committee of the Whole voted to adjourn the meeting by voice vote. No action was taken on the discussion about placing the Chris RWK statue, licensing train‑station spaces for an art studio, or replacing street signs. All other items were deferred for approval at a later City Council meeting.

Tue Oct 7, 2025

City Council

City Council considers new grocery occupation tax and commuter station agreement

The Highwood City Council will appoint Ron Gold to the Planning and Zoning Commission, discuss Lake County's possible dissolution of the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District, and vote on a First Amendment to the agreement for operation and maintenance of the Commuter Station Facility. The council will also consider an ordinance that creates a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax. A proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month will be presented.

zoningtaxpublic-healthtransportationdomestic-violencefinance
✓ Decided: City Council approved a municipal grocery occupation tax ordinance

The council approved the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meetings and appointed Ron Gold to the Planning and Zoning Commission. It also approved the August 2025 financial report, the AP warrant list, and a motion to sign a First Amendment for the Commuter Station Facility. An ordinance creating a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a grocery service occupation tax was approved, while no action was taken on the Lake County mosquito‑abatement district discussion.

Tue Oct 7, 2025

Committee of the Whole

Council to consider grocery tax, mosquito district plan, and Metra agreement

The Committee of the Whole will discuss three new business items: a possible dissolution or consolidation of the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District, a motion to sign a First Amendment to the Metra agreement for the Commuter Station Facility, and an ordinance to implement a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and grocery service occupation tax. The grocery tax ordinance is projected to generate about $66,000 per year for the city. Staff recommendations are to support consolidation of the mosquito district, approve the Metra amendment, and adopt the grocery tax ordinance.

grocery-taxmosquito-abatementtransportationzoningfinance
✓ Decided: Council adjourned the meeting by voice vote

The Committee of the Whole voted to adjourn the meeting by voice vote. No action was taken on the discussion about the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District. All other items were noted for approval at a later City Council meeting.

Tue Sep 16, 2025

City Council

Highwood City Council to consider $253,060 in water infrastructure engineering

The City Council will discuss several engineering proposals for watermain and service line replacements. The body will also consider an easement agreement for a parking lot adjacent to the train station.

water-infrastructureengineeringeasementspublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approved $117,370 watermain design contract for Prairie Avenue

The Highwood City Council approved an easement agreement for Nite n Gale One, LLC at the train‑station parking lot. It also authorized the City Manager to sign three engineering contracts: a $117,370 water‑main replacement design for Prairie Avenue, a $40,060 lead‑service‑line design for 60 properties, and a $95,630 water‑plant improvement design. All motions passed.

Tue Sep 16, 2025

Committee of the Whole

Highwood to discuss strategic planning and water infrastructure projects

The Committee of the Whole will discuss scheduling a strategic planning session to set city priorities. The body will also consider several engineering contracts for water system improvements and an easement agreement for a parking lot.

infrastructurewater-mainstrategic-planningcontractseasement
✓ Decided: Committee took no action, deferring all items to the City Council

The Committee of the Whole met on September 16, 2025. No motions were adopted; a discussion on a strategic planning session was declined, and five other motions were postponed for approval at the upcoming City Council meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 PM after a voice vote.

Tue Aug 19, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved ordinance changing Disotto's liquor license classification

The Highwood City Council approved an ordinance that eliminates a Class A liquor license and creates a new Class B license for Disotto, waiving the first reading. The council also approved the minutes from three prior meetings and the August 19 AP warrant list. The meeting was then adjourned.

Tue Aug 19, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Council voted no action on holiday decorations, ballpark lighting, and street signs

The Committee of the Whole adjourned by voice vote after all present approved the motion. The council decided not to act on holiday decorations, updating lighting at the Western Avenue Ballpark, or replacing all street signs. An ordinance to amend liquor license classifications will be approved at the City Council meeting. Several minutes and the AP warrant list are slated for approval at the City Council meeting.

Tue Aug 5, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved purchase of 412‑416 Sheridan Road property

The council approved the July 15 Committee of the Whole minutes, the August 5 warrant list, and the June 2025 financial report. It also passed an ordinance authorizing the mayor and clerk to execute a real‑estate contract for 412‑416 Sheridan Road (4‑1 vote). Finally, an ordinance prohibiting groundwater use as a potable supply near 108 Washington Ave was approved.

Tue Aug 5, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Committee entered executive session, reconvened, then adjourned

The Committee of the Whole voted to enter an executive session, later voted to reconvene the meeting, and finally adjourned. All three motions passed by voice vote of those present. No ordinances or policy items were decided; those will be addressed at a future City Council meeting.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved the FY 2025‑2026 budget appropriations

The council approved the ordinance providing appropriations for the fiscal year beginning May 1 2025 and ending April 30 2026. It also approved a special‑use permit, rezoning from R‑1 to a planned unit development, and the preliminary plat for the Midwest Young Artists property on North Sheridan Road (PIN 16‑10‑401‑014) by a 4‑2 vote. Earlier items included approval of the July 1, 2025 meeting minutes and the July 15, 2025 AP warrant list, each passed by voice or roll‑call vote.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Committee opened and then closed public hearing on FY 2025/26 appropriations

The Committee of the Whole voted to open a public hearing on the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for fiscal year 2025/26, and later voted to close that hearing. Both motions passed by voice vote. No members of the public offered comments during the hearing.

Tue Jul 1, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves $150,000 street resurfacing agreement with Highland Park

The council approved several items, including an awning for Pelago Café, a wall sign for Make Craft Camp, a salary and compensation ordinance for FY 2026, a waiver to spend up to $70,000 on asphalt patching, and an intergovernmental agreement authorizing up to $150,000 for Western Avenue resurfacing. All motions received unanimous approval from those present. No dissenting votes were recorded.

Tue Jul 1, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Committee of the Whole adjourned by voice vote

The Committee of the Whole held a meeting on July 1, 2025, but no substantive actions were taken; all agenda items were slated for approval at the regular City Council meeting. No action was taken on the Highwood Public Library presentation. The meeting was adjourned by a voice vote.

Tue Jun 17, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves FY 2025 budget and a Class D liquor license

The council approved the FY 2025 budget after a roll‑call vote. It also waived the first reading and approved a Class D liquor license for 532 Sheridan Road (Mean Weiner). Additional items approved included the May 20 meeting minutes, library board appointments, the bill warrant list, and the March 2025 financial report.

Tue Jun 17, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Committee of the Whole took no substantive actions, deferring all items to council

The Committee of the Whole met on June 17, 2025 and made no decisions on agenda items, directing approval to the regular City Council meeting. All appointments, the warrant list, the recycling service update, a Class D liquor‑license application, the April 2025 financial report, and the FY 2025 budget were postponed for council action. The only motions were to enter an executive session, to reconvene later, and to adjourn, with no vote results recorded.

Tue May 20, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council authorizes up to $130,000 purchase of traffic barriers

The council approved the March 2025 Financial Report and the minutes from the May 6 meeting. It also approved a special use permit for a vape shop at 417 Sheridan Road. The council authorized the City Manager to purchase Meridian traffic barriers for up to $130,000.

Tue May 20, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Committee of the Whole adjourned by voice vote

The Committee of the Whole met on May 20, 2025 and deferred all substantive items to the regular City Council meeting. No action was taken on the FY 2025 Budget, the street sign replacement plan, or the special‑use vape shop permit. The meeting was adjourned after a motion carried by voice vote.

Tue May 6, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Mayor authorized to sign agreement appointing Scott Core as City Manager

The council approved the minutes from the April 2, 2025 City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings. James Hospodarsky was approved as the city’s representative to the North Suburban Special Recreation Association. An engagement letter was approved for McConnell Jones to conduct the City’s FY‑2024 audit. The council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement appointing Scott Core as City Manager.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved $433,765 local match for Washington Ave resurfacing

The council approved an amendment to add a Class E liquor license to the city code. It also approved a $433,765 local match for federal funds to resurface Washington Avenue from Sheridan Road to Western Avenue. The council directed the City Manager and City Attorney to draft a redevelopment agreement for properties at 416‑424 and 430 Sheridan Road. Finally, it accepted a bid to purchase up to 1,000 tons of road‑salt at $88.82 per ton for the 2025‑2026 winter season.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Committee of the Whole deferred all items to City Council

The Committee of the Whole took no action on any agenda items. All items were noted to be approved at the upcoming City Council meeting.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

Special City Council

✓ Decided: City authorized $29,995 for landscaping services without competitive bidding

The council approved the March 18, 2025 council and committee minutes and the April 20, 2025 warrant list for payment. It also approved a sign variation for IC Signs & Graphics, authorized the City Manager to sign an engineering agreement, adopted a new legal fee structure, and waived competitive bidding to spend up to $29,995 on landscaping services. The meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

Special Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Council approves sign project, engineering contract, legal fees, landscaping budget

The council approved the ARC application and sign variations for IC Signs & Graphics, except the eagle wall sign. It authorized the City Manager to sign an agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd to continue as City Engineer. The council approved an amended fee structure for Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins legal fees and authorized up to $29,995 for landscaping services with Guy Scopelliti Landscaping. Executive Session was entered and the meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved $29,995 for landscaping services

The council approved the 04/20/2025 AP warrant list for payment. It also approved a resolution for signage variations at IC Signs & Graphics, an agreement with Christopher B Burke Engineering Ltd., an amended legal fee structure for Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, and $29,995 for landscaping services with Guy Scopelliti Landscaping. All motions were carried by voice or roll‑call vote.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

Committee of the Whole

✓ Decided: Council approved ARC sign plan for IC Signs & Graphics, except eagle wall sign

The Committee of the Whole approved the ARC application and sign variations for IC Signs & Graphics at 522 Sheridan Road, but rejected the eagle wall sign in the front window. The council also recommended continuing partnerships with Christopher B Burke Engineering Ltd, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, and Guy Scopelliti Landscaping. Motions to enter executive session, reconvene the meeting, and adjourn were all carried by voice vote.