City of Palos Heights Municipal Grounds and Property Committee met Feb. 24
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Begley called the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Chairman Begley, Alderman Brennan, Alderman Basso, Alderman Clifford, City Administrator Adam Jasinski, Public Works Director Joe Smith and recording secretary Jan Tomaszewski.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Begley moved to approve the minutes of the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting held on January 27, 2026, seconded by Alderman Clifford. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Smith presented the following report:
• Motor Vehicle Maintenance.
â—‹ Dump truck with a leaking hydraulic cylinder was repaired with an identical cylinder left over from a sister truck. We sent out the cylinder for rebuild and then sent the dump truck out for repair.
â—‹ Kubota that had a leaky crankshaft seal was sent out for repair.
â—‹ Received chipper that was sent out for repair. We brought out second chipper to get serviced before season starts on April 1st.
â—‹ New water van has been outfitted and power inverter is being installed.
• Cal-Sag Trail at Lake Katherine Improvements. The City owes 20% of the cost of this improvement. IDOT is now requesting repayment of that 20%.
➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve payment to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the construction of the concrete paver parking lot, retention basin, drainage improvements, and other required work on the Cal-Sag Trail at Lake Katherine Nature Center in the amount of $154,106.14, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
• 2026 Tree Removal, Trimming & Stump Removal Bid.
➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve to award the 2026 Tree Removal, Trimming, & Stump Grinding bid with Homer Tree Care in the amount of $83,700.00 seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
• Fiber Optic Agreement. Clearwave Fiber will be coming into the City to install fiber optic and offer residents an option. The City has an agreement in place with Clearwave that hopefully covers all resident concerns that may arise during this project.
➢ Chairman Begley motioned to adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Master License Agreement between Delta Communications LLC, doing business as Clearwave Fiber, and the City of Palos Heights for the use of City rights-of-way, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
• Memorial Park Gazebo. Structure will remain the same. Decking will be replaced with treks similar to the pool and Lake Katherine. The funds will come from the Casino.
Members of the Beautification Committee were contacted and they selected the material, color, etc. for this project.
➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve authorization to go out to bid the Memorial Park Gazebo Reconstruction, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
➢ Alderman Clifford motioned to request payment for professional engineering services to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. for the Cal-Sag Trail at Lake Katherine, Phase III project rendering through January 31, 2026 in the amount of $3,163.44, seconded by Chairman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Alderman Clifford led a discussion on what the City’s plans are for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. He has spoken to the City Administrator, Denise Hyker and Lynda Schiappa to review possibilities. Alderman Clifford has spoken with the Fire Department and Police Department regarding potential fund raising.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Basso inquired as to how much have we invested in Christmas decorations. City Administrator Jasinski responded $45,000 initially, a few thousand dollars more for the orbs which are at the end of their life cycle and the angel that came in last year at approximately $10,000. No vandalism or damage except for that caused by squirrels. The City was paying approximately $5,000 per year for an outside company to set-up, take down and store decorations. We are now storing the decorations and setting up/taking down ourselves.
Alderman Basso also inquired as to the cost of the splash park. Director Smith responded $750,000. The City has experienced no vandalism and has cameras triggered by motion censors directed towards the splash park.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Begley moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Basso. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-1346
