The Highwood City Council on Nov. 4, 2025, approved a package of routine administrative items, including an audit engagement, an update to the cityfee schedule, an appointment to the fire pension board and the warrant list for Nov. 4.

The council authorized the city manager to engage McConnell Jones to conduct the fiscal year 2025 audit in an amount not to exceed $62,400. Council discussion and staff remarks indicated the total would be allocated across the citygeneral portion (about $40,000), a TIF portion (about $2,500) and a library portion described in the meeting as roughly $19,900. The motion passed on a roll-call vote.

Councilmembers also approved amendments to the Highwood City Code to update fees and charges and amend the comprehensive fee schedule. Staff said the changes are small, targeted increases recommended by Recreation Director Ivan Tosi to reflect strong demand at the recreation center and to help cover facility servicing costs. Council voted to approve the ordinance on a roll call.

The council approved an appointment of John Fallduto to the fire pension fund. Fallduto was described in the meeting as having served on the fire pension board for a couple of years and as "a leader for that board." The appointment passed after a motion and second.

Council approved the warrant list dated Nov. 4, 2025. Staff noted a TIF reimbursement to the school district that had not been cashed and therefore was being reissued. The warrant list also included an insurance payment of about $174,000; staff said the city received a 1% discount for paying the annual premium in a single, early lump sum.

Clerk notes listed six public-input items on the agenda, but no speakers appeared during public comment. The meeting closed after a brief acknowledgment that there would be no executive session.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve council minutes dated Oct. 21, 2025: approved.
- Motion to approve committee of the whole minutes dated Oct. 21, 2025: approved.
- Appointment of John Fallduto to the fire pension fund: approved.
- Warrant list dated Nov. 4, 2025 (includes TIF reimbursement reissue; insurance payment ~ $174,000): approved.
- Authorization to engage McConnell Jones for FY2025 audit (not to exceed $62,400): approved.
- Ordinance amending fees and charges / comprehensive fee schedule (rec center fee increases recommended by Recreation Director Ivan Tosi): approved.

What happened next: Council adjourned the meeting. No follow-up actions or deadlines for the approved items were specified on the record during the meeting.