Appearance

The owner of Be Well Studios (2nd floor of 448 Sheridan Rd.) applied for approval of new business signage. The City Council voted to approve resolutions that authorize the proposed signage.

Finance

The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $97k.
The City Council voted to accept the City Treasurer’s financial report covering the period of May 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025.
In 2025, the city created a Water Infrastructure Fund to separate revenues earmarked to fund mandated replacements of lead water service lines (i.e., the underground pipes that bring water from the city’s main directly into homes and businesses) and related water system improvements. City staff presented an overview of the fund’s current fund balance and projected fund balance through fiscal year 2029.

Parks & Public Spaces

Amdur Productions requested the city’s consideration of a permit to host an art festival on September 26th and 27th, including temporary street closures within the downtown area. The City Council discussed the request and directed city staff to notify Amdur Productions that the event would not be permitted due to construction activities anticipated during that timeframe and the proximity of other planned special events.

Waste & Recycling

The city is now providing a new optional curbside recycling service. The goal of the service is to divert hard-to-recycle plastics from landfills. Importantly, this new service supplements conventional recycling, it does not replace it. Click here to find a video that animates how the service works and here for additional informational (e.g., where to buy the bags, accepted items). The city is currently offering free starter kits 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 November 18, 2025.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Eat. Drink. Highwood. will be held from February 3rd through February 7th at various times and locations around Highwood; additional information here.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Spill Sessions (Stories We Carry in Books and in our Pockets) will be held on February 18th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Beermiscuous (552 Sheridan Rd.); additional information here.

Meeting Records

A video recording of the Regular Meeting is here.
Minutes from the Committee of the Whole Meeting are here and minutes from the Regular Meeting are 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.

January 20, 2026