Finance

The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $138k.
The city’s General Fund accounts for its primary operating activities, except those required to be accounted for in another fund. About 25% of the General Fund’s revenue comes from property taxes. In order for the city to levy property taxes each year, it must (1) first estimate the aggregate amount of taxes to be levied and (2) finalize that amount not less than 20 days later. The City Council discussed the 2025 property tax levy and voted to approve an estimated aggregate amount of $1.9M (a 4.9% increase, or about $88.5k, from 2024). The final levy will be considered at a future meeting. Click here to see a chart comparing the actual 2024 levy with the estimated 2025 levy and here to see a chart comparing the last 5 years of actual levies.
- Highwood Library and Community Center Board of Trustees President, Lucy Hospodarsky, and Executive Director, Laura Ramirez, provided information about the organization’s budget and the rationale for their 2025 property tax levy request to the city.
At the City Council’s October 7th meeting, Chamber of Commerce Board President, George Zamarron, and Executive Director, Jennifur Condon, asked the City Council to consider a $20k contribution to support the Chamber’s operations. The Council voted to authorize city staff to make the requested contribution.

Parks & Public Spaces

Following a recommendation from the City Council’s since-dissolved Beautification Committee, the Council previously directed city staff to obtain a cost estimate for replacing existing street name signs and posts with decorative alternatives. Staff later reported a cost estimate of approximately $315k for labor and materials from a company the city regularly uses to purchase traffic control devices. The Council subsequently directed staff to explore alternative sources for labor and materials and to obtain material samples. Staff in turn procured and displayed a sample sign assembly at City Hall. In the interest of reducing the estimated cost, the Council further directed staff to evaluate purchasing materials directly from the original equipment manufacturer and contracting installation labor through the city’s primary Public Works contractor, and report back with their findings at a future meeting.
As part of its investment in public art last year, the City Council commissioned a sculpture based on a design from artist Chris RWK, who painted the robots mural visible in Everts Park. Fabrication of the sculpture was delayed by Hurricane Helene’s destruction of the Florida-based fabricator’s studio, but the city has recently taken delivery of the completed piece. The Council directed city staff to prepare for the sculpture to be installed next spring in Everts Park, at a location recommended by the artist, and report back with their plan at a future meeting.

Real Estate

The operation and maintenance of the train station at 317 Green Bay Rd. are governed by an agreement between the city and Metra. The agreement allows the city to use the station for limited purposes, provided that such uses (1) do not interfere with commuter rail operations and (2) receive Metra’s prior written approval. Chris “Koz” Kozloff and Laura “Lulu” Reich, the curators of Celebrate Highwood’s 2024 International Mural Festival—who are now residents of the city—expressed interest in opening an art gallery and studio within an enclosed space in the northern part of the station. The City Council reviewed key lease terms for the space and directed city staff to prepare a draft lease agreement for consideration at a future meeting.

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 October 7, 2025.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Trick or Treat Trek will be held on October 23rd from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at various locations around downtown Highwood (starting point is Bank of Highwood - Fort Sheridan at 507 Sheridan Rd.); additional information here.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Holiday Reuse & Recycling Event will be held on November 8th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Adler Park at the Lodge (1640 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048); additional information here.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Bingo at Buffo’s will be held on November 9th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Buffo’s (431 Sheridan Rd.); additional information here.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast before Business will be held on November 12th from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at City Hall (17 Highwood Ave.); additional information here.
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County’s Shoes, Shred & Seeds will be held on November 15th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Wauconda Public Works (302 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 60084); 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.

October 7, 2025