City of Palos Heights City Council met Feb. 21
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 7:00 p.m. the Mayor called the City Council to order.
2. INVOCATION
The Mayor led the invocation
3 ROLL CALL
Indicated the following were present:
Mayor Robert Straz
Clerk Thomas Kantas
Treasurer James Daemicke
Attorney Tom Brown
Alderman Robert Basso
Alderman Jack Clifford
Alderman Heather Begley
Alderman Donald Bylut
Alderman Jerry McGovern
Alderman Michael McGrogan
Alderman Brent Lewandowski
Alderman Jeffrey Key
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Lake Katherine Presentation
Provided an overview on the history of Lake Katherine including its origins in Palos Heights to its current configuration. Also included were volunteer efforts from the community who initiated progress at Lake Katherine and oversaw its current state. Lake Katherine hosts events along with the learning center and the auditorium. The City of Palos Heights and Lake Katherine have a long history of collaboration and partnership. From 2005 to the present Lake Katherine has overseen a number of improvements including the Anniversary Garden with help from the Palos Heights Women’s Club. Also at Lake Katherine is a project with the University of Illinois extension school which cultivates vegetables distributed to needy members of the community. The Children's Forest is the site of children's camps during the year. Lake Katherine has received grants from Nicor which allowed for the construction of any entry way kiosk. In 2022 Lake Katherine had a successful year which oversaw $85,000 in donations. Lake Katherine is planning for the future with plans to grow its volunteer base, increased school programs, and senior programs. Other programs included planting of new trees and plants, a successful canoe and kayak rental program and cultivating other community partnerships in a productive way. For the future, Lake Katherine is planning on a renovated parking area, a Boat House, enhanced festival grounds, and ADA accessibility. The Mayor Straz Boat House is intended to provide an upgrade to the boat launch area. Lake Katherine is planning a fundraiser on April 14th. Lake Katherine endeavors to expands its educational programs to serve the underrepresented communities. Lake Katherine is sponsoring sustainability outreach programs which will involve members of the community along with ecological restoration projects that increase biodiversity and controlling the growth of invasive species. Recreational programs include boating, the bike trail, night hikes, fishing programs, and nature walks. The Lake Katherine Board is committed to fundraising efforts to fund specific projects.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting – February 7, 2023.
b. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending February 17, 2023.
c. Approval of a Special Event Permit request from the Parks & Recreation Department to conduct their annual Chocolate Chase 5K on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the designated race route.
Alderman McGovern moved to approve the consent agenda seconded by Alderman Clifford. On roll call, the motion to approve the consent agenda was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
6. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS
7. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
Mayor:
6. General Remarks and Updates.
City Clerk:
Treasurer:
The Treasurer delivered the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending January 31, 2023 as follows:
General Fund
Beginning Cash $3,364,1811
Revenues $1,117,568
Expenses $932,634
Other $409,646
Ending Cash $4,015,761
All Funds
Beginning Cash $23,221,188
Revenues $1,845,574
Expenses $1,283,901
Other $977,559
Ending Cash $24,760,421
Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending January 31, 2023 seconded by Alderman Key.
The motion carried by unanimous voice vote
8. COMMUNICATIONS
None
9. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
Harlan Weivoda 7640 West 135th Street discussed his ongoing issue of water collecting in his year and resulting dead trees. He is requesting that he be reimbursed for property damage.
10. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
a. Finance: Chairperson Alderman McGrogan - No Report
b. Public Safety: Chairperson Alderman Basso - No Report
c. Municipal Grounds and Property: Chairperson Alderman Begley - No Report
d. Planning and Zoning: Chairperson Alderman McGovern - No Report
e. Recreation: Chairperson Alderman Key
• Alderman Key moved to approve purchase of materials for pool deck repairs expending up to $17,500.00 with labor to be completed by Public Works Department seconded by Alderman Bylut.
On roll call, the motion to approve the purchase was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
• Alderman Key moved to approve payment for the second installment for 2022-23 membership contribution to the South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) in the amount of $47,230.50 seconded by Alderman Bylut.
On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
• Alderman Key moved to approve Zenere Landscape proposal in the amount of $7,840.00 for spring and fall clean up at parks, the swimming pool, and recreation center. This includes monthly maintenance visits to the Recreation Center, Walsh Westgate Park and Veterans playlot, and mid-summer pruning at the pool seconded by Alderman Bylut.
On roll call, the motion to approve the proposal was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
• Alderman Key moved to approve The Sound of Music & Video Systems for the installation programming and purchase of a new projector for the Orchard Room in the amount of $5,639.79 seconded by Alderman Clifford.
On roll call, the motion to approve the purchase was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
• Alderman Key moved to adopt an Ordinance amending the City Code, section 34.58 pertaining to the hours of operation for Lake Katherine and Recreation Department parks and facilities seconded by Alderman Bylut.
On roll call, the motion to adopt the ordinance was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
f. Roads and Construction: Chairperson Alderman Clifford
• Alderman Cliffford moved to Bid the 2023 MFT Road Program seconded by Alderman Basso. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
• Alderman Clifford moved to Bid the 123rd and Natchez Culvert Reconstruction Project seconded by Alderman Begley. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
• Alderman Clifford moved to adopt a Resolution for the 2023 MFT Program seconded by Alderman Basso.
On roll call, the motion to adopt the resolution was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
• Alderman Clifford moved to adopt a Resolution to close Harlem Avenue for the 4th of July Parade on July 4th, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. seconded by Alderman Begley. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
• Alderman Clifford moved to approve payment to Morris Engineering for engineering services for various projects in the amount of $19,540.34 seconded by Alderman Begley.
On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
• Work on Oak Park Avenue south of Route 83 is scheduled in the near future. Residents will be notified accordingly.
g. License, Permits & Franchises: Chairperson Alderman Lewandowski - No report
h. Water and Sewer: Chairperson Alderman Bylut - No report
11. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Business/Economic Development: Chairperson Alderman Key Reported on new businesses in town. Shawarma Brothers, Meeks Pizza and Bobalicious Cafe.
Cable TV: Chairperson Alderman McGovern - Reported on the new Channel 4 Studio and a recent visit from AT&T personnel. Channel 4 continues to produce quality programming and was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune. There are currently 10 volunteers.
12. OLD BUSINESS
Alderman Key discussed the usage of the bike path at Lake Katherine. The increased parking will be a welcome development at Lake Katherine. Alderman Key noted that at the last Rec Department meeting there were increased programming participants with a revitalized use of the facilities.
13. CITIZENS WISHING TO ASK QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS EVENING’S BUSINESS*
14. NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Clifford noted that resident Bob Mazalin who is a member of The Mad Poets band plays locally.
15. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Alderman Clifford moved to recess to Executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters seconded by Alderman McGovern. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
16. RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
Alderman Bylut moved to reconvene into open session seconded by Alderman McGovern. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Alderman Bylut moved to approve employment separation agreement for Police Chief Larry Yott seconded by Alderman McGovern. This agreement is entered into due to the retirement of Chief Yott effective March 4, 2023.
On roll call, the motion to approve the employment agreement was:
Ayes (8) Basso, Bylut, Begley, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan,
Nays (0) None
With eight affirmative votes the motion carried.
The Mayor introduced his appointment of William Czajkowski as the next Palos Heights Police Chief effective March 5, 2023.
Alderman Key moved to appoint William Czajkowski Chief of Police seconded by Alderman McGovern. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Chief Czajkowski will become the next Palos Heights Police Chief on March 5, 2023.
17. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:07 p.m. a motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02212023-801
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