Highland City Council selects bond underwriter, sets budget hearing and approves equipment, annexation and land purchase

The Highland City Council met April 6, 2026, and on unanimous votes approved selecting an underwriter for the city’s proposed General Obligation Bonds (Series 2026), scheduled a public hearing on the tentative FY2026‑27 budget for 6:30 p.m. April 20, and authorized a slate of purchases, annexations and zoning changes.

City Manager Conrad told the council the city partnered with Joy Howard during the process and that UMB was the lowest bidder to underwrite the bonds, which he said will fund parts of two planned tax‑increment financing projects. Councilwoman Barbara Bellm moved approval of Bill #26‑43 and the roll call vote was 4–0 in favor.

The council made the tentative budget available for public review and set an April 20 hearing after Councilman Klaus asked whether a 3% tax levy would be imposed. ‘‘The levy passed in December will be for the next budget year,’’ City Manager Conrad said, adding that levy revenue would be used for pension, IMRF and insurance and noting that final pension figures are often delayed by year‑end audits.

Several procurement and capital items were approved. The council authorized Bill #26‑46 to waive bidding and purchase a Teupen tracked aerial device and trailer from Altec Industries under Sourcewell pricing for $252,848.00. Director of Light & Power Dan Cook described the machine as “a small unit that is remote controlled. It can get into relatively small areas and extend to high areas to trim trees,” and said the device will help maintain the 138kV line and reach fenced or restricted locations; the purchase was described as included in the budget and subject to reimbursement over time.

The council also approved waivers and purchases for IT and equipment: a server, power vault and expansion card from CDW for $108,394.80 (Bill #26‑47), and 141 Microsoft Office licenses for $49,173.30 (Bill #26‑48). In addition, two surplus‑property ordinances (Bills #26‑49 and #26‑53) declared assorted city property, including IT and KRC equipment, surplus for sale or disposal.

On land use and development items, the council approved annexing property owned by Kevin Wich and Kaitlyn Feldmann (PPN# 01‑2‑24‑04‑07‑201‑010) under Bill #26‑44, and approved Bill #26‑51 to execute a real estate sales contract with Keeven Family, LLC to acquire roughly 1.7 acres for right‑of‑way and trail access toward Silver Lake Park. City Manager Conrad said the acquisition will enable trail extensions and that staff will work with IDOT on a Route 143 crossing.

Planning changes included Bill #26‑52, which amended the city zoning code to add pet care retail to the C‑2 district; Director Carole Widman clarified that pet care and boarding were already allowed and the amendment adds retail specifically.

During public forum, John Keeven, 2026 Kirchenfest general chairman, asked permission to host the 54th Kirchenfest on Aug. 21–23 and requested a May 21 road closure for St. Paul’s School Student Appreciation Day; both requests were approved. Keeven said the festival “is a wonderful family event.” The Parks Department also received council approval to host a free Tour Co Shakespeare in the Park performance on Aug. 18, 2026.

Other routine actions included accepting Expenditures Report #1311 and approving a local distribution agreement with MLB Media, LLC to carry Cardinals baseball on channel 78 on VTV; Jordan Bauer said talks with the Blues will follow.

The meeting closed after a unanimous motion to adjourn; the session began at 6:30 p.m. and ended at 7:10 p.m. The next procedural step noted on the record is the public hearing on the tentative budget scheduled for April 20, 2026.