Appointments

The Planning and Zoning Commission is a nine-member advisory body that supports the City Council’s decision-making related to land use, zoning, and development, including proposing updates to the city’s comprehensive plan and holding public hearings and making recommendations for zoning relief requests. The Commission’s members are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. The City Council voted to approve the Mayor’s appointment of resident Ron Gold to the Commission.

Finance

The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $363k.
The City Council voted to accept the City Treasurer’s financial report covering the period of May 1, 2025 through August 31, 2025.
The State currently collects a 1% tax on grocery purchases statewide, applying to most food items intended for home consumption except those purchased with benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Revenue from this tax—approximately $325M annually—is distributed to municipalities. Last year, the state passed a law repealing this tax effective January 1, 2026. To mitigate the resulting impact on municipal budgets (an approximate $70k annual revenue reduction for the city), the law authorizes municipalities to collect a local grocery tax. Earlier this year, the City Council voted to adopt an ordinance to begin collecting a 1% local grocery tax effective January 1, 2026. The state subsequently changed the required ordinance language, and the City Council voted to adopt a new ordinance that includes those changes.

Proclamations

The Mayor read a proclamation that acknowledged the significant impacts of domestic violence, affirmed the city’s position that it is not tolerated in the community, and declared October 2025 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” Jacie Wolfe, a social worker in the Domestic Violence Law Practice at the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, was present for the reading and shared some information about domestic violence and her background.

Public Comment

The Chamber of Commerce Board President, George Zamarron, and Executive Director, Jennifur Condon, provided information about events the organization has recently held as well as those planned for the future and asked the City Council to consider a $20k investment to support the Chamber’s operations.

Celebrate Highwood Board President Jess Ortega expressed appreciation to the city’s elected officials and staff for their support of the organization’s events this year.
A resident asked about the status of 700 Sheridan Rd., the former Hotel Moraine site.

Public Health

The South Lake Mosquito Abatement District (SLMAD) is a local government unit that provides mosquito control services to Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, Riverwoods, and a small portion of unincorporated Lake County. SLMAD is governed by a five-member board appointed by the Lake County Board, and its operations are funded by property taxes from the municipalities it serves. The County Board has initiated a process to potentially dissolve SLMAD. After discussing the potential dissolution with the other affected municipalities, city staff recommended that the City Council authorize sending a letter to the County Board, in coordination with the other municipalities, requesting consolidation of SLMAD with the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD). NSMAD provides mosquito control services to 13 municipalities including Evanston, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka. The City Council directed city staff to proceed with sending the recommended letter.

Real Estate

The operation and maintenance of the train station at 317 Green Bay Rd. are governed by a written agreement between the city and Metra. The agreement allows the city to use the station for limited purposes (e.g., concessionaire services), provided that such uses do not interfere with commuter rail operations and receive Metra’s prior written approval. Earlier this year, 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. In order to consider approving that use, Metra requested that the city sign an amendment to the agreement that broadens the types of acceptable uses. The City Council discussed the proposed amendment and voted to authorize city staff to sign the amendment.

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 September 16, 2025.
The Library & Community Center’s October newsletter is here.
The Chamber of Commerce’s October newsletter is here.
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.

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.

September 16, 2025