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Highland City Council approves special events, liquor-license action and development agreements
Summary
At its Jan. 21 meeting the Highland City Council approved three special-event permits, appointed two residents to advisory boards, adopted ordinances including a fiber video-rate update, authorized a liquor-license transfer and issuance, and approved two development/economic agreements; one councilmember abstained on two items.
Highland — The Highland City Council on Jan. 21, 2025 approved a package of routine and development items, including special-event permits for local festivals and fundraisers, an update to video service rates for the municipal fiber utility, a liquor-license transfer and issuance tied to a local bar sale, and two development-related agreements impacting the city’s TIF and economic development programs.
The council approved three special-event applications during the public-forum portion. Kurt Vonder Haar, representing the Madison County Fair Association, asked the council to approve the Highland Speedway’s 2025 schedule, saying, "I want to express my heartfelt 'thank you' to the council for your commitment and support of the community and the Highland Speedway. The Highland Speedway contributes to the economy, while providing entertainment and attracting visitors to the community." Councilwoman Bellm moved to approve the Madison County Fair Association request; Councilman Napper seconded and the vote was unanimous.
Zach Resmann, representing the Highland Jaycees, sought approval of the June 5–8 Schweizerfest application, describing it as "basically the same as previous years, with one additional road closure for the parade" and confirming the parade would run one night; Councilwoman Sloan moved approval and the motion carried. Brady Reichmann, with Traci Reichmann, described the Sept. 28–29 "24 Hour Laps for Leaps" fundraiser and said organizers are coordinating with local speedways; Councilwoman Bellm moved approval and the council approved the event.
On appointments, the council approved Mayor Kevin Hemann’s nomination of Jill Lawson to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (term through July 31, 2025), moved by Councilman Frey and seconded by Councilwoman Bellm, and approved Bob Luitjohan to the Cemetery Board of Managers (term through March 1, 2025), moved by Bellm and seconded by Napper.
The council adopted Bill #25-07/Ordinance #3374 to amend Chapter 78 (Utilities) to include rate increases for certain video services under Highland Communication Services. City Manager Conrad said the change simply passes along cost increases from providers and noted that "under state law, when we operate these services they are to be self-funded." Mayor Hemann said he compared competitive rates and that "it appears we are still just under their rates." Councilman Frey moved approval; the motion passed unanimously.
Council considered two liquor-license items tied to Broadway Bar & Grill. Bill #25-08/Ordinance #3375 increases the number of "D2" liquor licenses to 13 to prevent a gap when ownership changes; Deputy City Clerk Lana Hediger clarified, "we do actually have thirteen licenses," explaining the action enables continuity at the time of sale. The ordinance passed unanimously. The council then approved Bill #25-09/Resolution #25-01-3158 issuing a D2 license to Cable & Meyer, LLC, d/b/a Broadway Bar & Grill; the roll-call vote recorded Councilmembers Sloan, Frey and Bellm as aye and Councilman Napper as abstain.
The council also approved development- and economic-development agreements: Bill #25-10/Ordinance #3376 authorizes a development agreement for a project in TIF Number Three with Veera 3, LLC, and Bill #25-11/Ordinance #3377 authorizes an economic development agreement under 65 ILCS 5/8-1-2.5 with F & J Core Properties, LLC. Both ordinances were moved and approved by roll call.
Councilwoman Bellm moved to accept Expenditures Report #1282 for Jan. 4–17, 2025; Councilman Frey seconded. The council approved the report with Councilmembers Sloan, Frey and Bellm voting aye and Councilman Napper abstaining. The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
Votes at a glance: approve minutes (unanimous); Madison County Fair Association Speedway events (unanimous); Schweizerfest (unanimous); 24 Hour Laps for Leaps (unanimous); appointment of Jill Lawson (unanimous); appointment of Bob Luitjohan (unanimous); Bill #25-07/Ordinance #3374 (unanimous); Bill #25-08/Ordinance #3375 (unanimous); Bill #25-09/Resolution #25-01-3158 (Sloan/Frey/Bellm aye; Napper abstain); Bill #25-10/Ordinance #3376 (unanimous); Bill #25-11/Ordinance #3377 (unanimous); Expenditures Report #1282 (Sloan/Frey/Bellm aye; Napper abstain).
