Olian Pleads for Late Nite Highland Park

came close to becoming a budget cutting casualty before former Councilwoman made a plea to the during it's last meeting. 

Funds for Late Nite Highland Park, a program that provides entertainment at many local establishments throughout the city, were originally going to come from the allocation to the . 

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Olian, who started the program six years ago as a way to showcase the city's young talent, told the Council that without a $12,000 allotment in the city budget the program could not continue.

“Funding should not come out of the Alliance budget,” Olian said. “I request the $12,000 from 2011 be put in the 2012 budget. Without that I will be unable to continue and that will be the end of Late Nite Highland park.” 

After Olian spoke, expressed support for the proposal. After the regularly scheduled meeting, the Council considered the subject at its budget workshop. 

At that session asked Olian to prepare a budget, which she promised to do for the Council’s consideration at its next budget workshop Monday. Olian also stressed Late Nite Highland Park is a city-wide project and not limited to the central business district. 

“I needed to hear from them it was a city initiative and it is worthwhile,” Olian said. “It is not just downtown entertainment. When you promote Highland Park, you promote all of Highland Park.” 

The next day met with city Economic Development Assistant Carolyn Hersh to help find ways to meet Late Nite Highland Park’s needs. “We worked on a multi-pronged approach to accomplish what is desired,” Rotering said. 

Budget matters continue 

With the Council tentatively scheduled to vote on a final 2012 budget at its Nov. 28 meeting, it held a public hearing on the proposal. Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb made a formal . 

Holleb gave details of proposed revenue sources and expenditures which are available in complete detail on Highland Park’s website. 

Commission slots filled 

Rotering also appointed more than 30 people to Highland Park’s boards and commissions. Alyssa Knobel was named chair of the Business and Economic Development Commission with Robert Goldstein serving as vice chair. Two new members are Brent Weiss and Robert Mintz. 

Bruce Farrell Dorn was reappointed chair of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners. Mimi Brin and Robert Baizer were renamed members. 

was reappointed to the Cultural Arts Commission and named chair. Mary Jo Papich, Catherine Ricciardelli and Abby Neumann will also serve. Nancy Hannick will be vice chair of the Design Review Commission. 

The Healthy Highland Park Task Force will be chaired by Edye Wagner and Roni Weiss. Dr. Gerald Burke, Mary Jo Lndl, Dr. Albert Miller, Hania Fuschette and Corrinne Bronson-Adatto will also serve. 

Jean Sogin will become chair of the Historic Preservation Commission and Gerald Fradin will be vice chair. Also serving are Judy Bramson and Mary Curran. Jakee Miller, James Irwin and Janet Bernstein will be part of the Human Relations Commission. 

David Putlak and Jeanni McCormick are now on the Joint Plan Commission while Donald Matthews will serve on the Natural Resources Commission. Debra Rubin is the new chair the Plan Commission with Bill Dytrych as vice chair and Adam Stolberg as a member. 

The Ravinia Festival Community Relations Commission will have Barbara Borden as its vice chair. New members are Ramona Choos and David Newman. 

Dr. Stephen Rheinstrom will continue as chair of the Transportation Commission with Richard Hocking acting as vice chair. New members are Phil Glick, Kim Stone, Sally Higginson and Peg Laaemle. 

Bennett Klasky was reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals and named its new chairman. John Doherty will be vice chair while David Fettner and Mark Muller will also serve.

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