Finance

The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $503k.
The City Council voted to accept the City Treasurer’s financial report covering the period of May 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025.

Infrastructure

Roadway resurfacing projects on Western Ave. (south of Prairie Ave.) and Walker Ave. are expected to be completed this summer.
A dry cleaning business previously operated at 108 Washington Ave. To address potential subsurface contamination related to dry cleaning activities, the property owner previously enrolled the site in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) Site Remediation Program and the IEPA ultimately issued a No Further Remediation letter. The property owner requested the City Council’s consideration of an ordinance that specifically prohibits the use of groundwater as a potable water supply (i.e., water used for drinking, bathing, washing dishes, preparing food etc.) on the subject property and a portion of an adjacent property to its north. Although the city already prohibits the use of groundwater as a potable water supply city-wide, the IEPA is requiring a location-specific prohibition due to estimated groundwater flow from the site and potential related contamination, to comply with revised regulations. The City Council voted to adopt the ordinance.

Parks & Public Spaces

City staff reported that the field lighting system at Memorial Park (the “ballpark” on Western Ave.) has reached the end of its useful life. Staff noted that a replacement system could reduce energy use and operating and maintenance costs, improve the streetscape (e.g., reducing the number of poles from 10 to 4), minimize light spill and glare, and allow for wireless control (which the current system lacks). The City Council directed staff to evaluate replacement options and return with findings and recommendations (including available rebates and grants).

Public Comment

Multiple residents expressed disappointment with the City Council’s recent approval of a zoning relief request from the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, as well as concerns about the related impacts.
A resident expressed confidence in the city’s consulting engineer, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, to mitigate environmental impacts (e.g., stormwater management) related to the City Council’s recent approval of a zoning relief request from the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory.

Real Estate

The city purchased 420, 424, and 430 Sheridan Rd. to revitalize the area through redevelopment. The blighted buildings on these properties were subsequently demolished, and the sites are currently used for public parking. Last year, the city requested redevelopment proposals and received submissions from Continuum Capital and Zeller & Harlem Irving Companies. The proposals contemplated a project area that includes the three city-owned parcels and two adjacent privately-owned parcels (412 and 416 Sheridan Rd.) currently used for business parking (map of the project area here). Earlier this year, the City Council voted (4-1) to authorize city staff to negotiate a redevelopment agreement with Zeller & Harlem Irving Companies. While subject to change during the course of redevelopment agreement negotiations, Zeller & Harlem Irving Companies’ original proposal is for a six-story mixed-use building with commercial space on the ground floor and 89 residential apartments on the upper floors. The City Council voted (4-1) to authorize the city’s purchase of 412 and 416 Sheridan Rd. at a price of $900k. Following the closing, the city intends to use the newly acquired parcels for public parking at least until a redevelopment agreement is approved or another long-term use is determined.

Waste & Recycling

In 2017, the city became one of the first municipalities in the state to offer curbside organics recycling (i.e., composting). The goal of this service is to divert food waste from landfills, where it accounts for about 20% of the state’s waste—the largest single waste stream in the state. Residents can place food scraps and food-soiled paper or cardboard directly in their organics carts (i.e., the smallest of the three issued carts) or use BPI compostable liners or paper bags (additional guidelines here). The organics carts are collected curbside weekly, alongside trash and recycling carts. The city is offering free in-home compost bins at City Hall (17 Highwood Ave.) on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Other

The City Council voted to approve meeting minutes from July 15, 2025 (Committee of the Whole Meeting only).
The Library & Community Center’s August newsletter is here.
The Chamber of Commerce’s August newsletter is here.
Celebrate Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market will be held on Wednesdays through August 27th from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Everts Park (111 North Ave.); additional information here.
Celebrate Highwood’s Highwood Historical Cocktail Tour will be held on Wednesdays through August 27th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at various locations (departure point is the Celebrate Highwood booth at Everts Park/111 North Ave.); additional information here.
Celebrate Highwood’s Bloody Mary Fest will be held on August 17th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Everts Park (111 North Ave.); additional information here.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County and partners’ Reuse & Recycle Rally will be held on August 24th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at North Shore Unitarian Church (2100 Half Day Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015). Various household items will be collected and reused, recycled, or donated; additional information here.

Meeting Records

A video recording of the Regular Meeting is here.
Once approved, minutes from the Committee of the Whole Meeting and Regular Meeting will be linked here.
These write-ups are purposefully brief. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if you would like additional details or have questions.

*unless otherwise noted, City Council directives and votes were unanimous.

July 15, 2025