Palos Heights City Council met Aug. 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor called to order the regular meeting of the City of Palos Heights City Council at 7:00 p.m. in the City Administrative Center, 7607 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL
II. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Mayor led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Roll call indicated the following were present:
Mayor Robert Straz Ward 1 Donald Bylut & Jeffrey Key
Deputy City Clerk Margaret Carey Ward 2 Robert Basso & Jack Clifford
City Treasurer James Daemicke Ward 3 Dolores Kramarski & Brent Lewandowski
City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Michael McGrogan & Jerry McGovern
Absent: City Clerk Thomas Kantas
IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
None
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes July 16, 2019.
B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending August 2, 2019.
C. Approval of request for a Special Event Permit from the Palos Heights Library, Police Department, and Lake Katherine to hold a Paper Shredding and Pill Drop-Off day on Saturday, August 10, 2019 in accordance with the City’s Code.
D. Approval of Tag Day request from the Kiwanis Club of Palos Heights for the annual Peanut Day fundraiser on September 27, 2019.
E. Approval of a Tag Day request from the POW-R Sertoma Club for their Candy Days fundraiser on September 27-28, 2019 (not to conflict with approved times for Kiwanis on September 27).
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve the consent agenda seconded by Alderman Bylut.
On roll call, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda was:
Ayes: (8) Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Key, Kramarski, Lewandowski, McGrogan, McGovern.
Nays: (0) None
With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.
VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS
None
VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
A. Mayor: School will be opening soon. Please be careful around school buses and kids walking around.
B. Clerk: Announced Joint Review Board/TIF meetings to be held on Thursday, August 15, 2019.
C. Treasurer: No report
D. City Attorney: No report
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Key commented on last week’s concert in the park; The Chicago Experience. The attendance was double its usual turnout. The Public Arts Commission also unveiled their newest sculpture that evening at 76th Avenue and College Drive. It is beautiful. Thank you to the Arts Commission!
Alderman Key also announced a charity event; “Jim’s Bridge to a Bright Future” being held at Zachary’s this Sunday from 1-4pm.
Alderman McGovern announced Mama Vesuvio’s will be hosting a Bocce Ball tournament the 3rd week of September.
Alderman Clifford announced the Palos Lions Club is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with a “First Responders Appreciation Night” event on Oct. 16th at the Palos Country Club. There is also a “Meet the Lions” event scheduled for Aug. 22nd at 6pm at the Palos Park Recreation Center.
Alderman Basso announced that the Highlander House celebrated their 2nd anniversary with a free luncheon to the public. Alderman Basso wishes them the best of luck!
Alderman Lewandowski expressed his heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support for the recent death of his mother-in-law.
IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
None
X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: No report
B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman McGovern
Alderman McGovern announced the Police Department will start their “Lock it or Lose it” program again. Please remember to lock your car doors at night.
C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Basso
Alderman Basso moved to approve a proposal from Homer Tree Care Inc. for tree pruning and removal in the amount of $13,500.00, seconded by Alderman Clifford.
On roll call, the motion to approve the proposal was:
Ayes: (8) Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Key, Kramarski, Lewandowski, McGrogan, McGovern.
Nays: (0) None
With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman Clifford
Alderman Clifford moved to adopt an ordinance banning recreational marijuana growers, cultivation centers, processing organizations, dispensaries, and transportation organizations from locating or operating within the City of Palos Heights, seconded by Alderman Bylut.
Alderman Lewandowski asked if we decide to allow these types of businesses in the future, can we amend the ordinance? The Mayor answered, yes. Alderman Clifford added that the ordinance protects the City. Alderman Bylut added that some residents were concerned about this issue.
On roll call, the motion to approve the ordinance was:
Ayes: (7) Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Key, Kramarski, McGrogan, McGovern.
Nays: (1) Lewandowski
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key
Alderman Key reported that August 8th is our next Movie in the Park. Our next
Concert in the Park is August 15th with the band, Dancing Queen.
On August 24th from 10-12 the Rec Center will be hosting a Group Fitness demo. This is a great opportunity to come check out the Rec Center.
Public Works has been at Lake Katherine all week trimming trees and weeding. Lake Katherine needs a lot of volunteers. If you are interested, forms are available at Lake Katherine or on their website.
F. Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Kramarski
Alderman Kramarski reported that road construction is currently underway around the City. We are working diligently to complete the projects and to keep resident driveways cleared. Please use caution when driving through the City.
G. License, Permits & Franchises—Chairperson Alderman Lewandowski: No report
H. Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut
Alderman Bylut moved to approve an increase in water rates by 3%, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski.
Alderman McGrogan moved to Table this item
On roll call, the motion to Table this item was:
Ayes: (5) Basso, Clifford, Lewandowski, McGrogan, McGovern.
Nays: (3) Kramarski, Key, Bylut
With five (5) affirmative votes the motion carried.
Alderman Bylut moved to approve a quote from Metropolitan Industries Inc. to repair an existing sanitary pump at Oak Hills in the amount of $7,416.00, seconded by Alderman Kramarski.
On roll call, the motion to approve the expenditure was:
Ayes: (8) Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Key, Kramarski, Lewandowski, McGrogan, McGovern.
Nays: (0) None
With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.
Alderman Bylut moved to approve payment of an invoice to RJN Group for professional engineering services rendered in the month of June totaling $5,397.50, seconded by Alderman Kramarski.
On roll call, the motion to approve the payment of the invoice was:
Ayes: (8) Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Key, Kramarski, Lewandowski, McGrogan, McGovern.
Nays: (0) None
With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.
XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A. Business/Economic Development: Alderman Key reported that every Wednesday the Farmer’s Market is open from 7am-1pm. This week is National Farmer’s Market Week and there will be special events happening at our own market, including Library activities and a balloon artist.
The “Welcome Back” event for Trinity College will be held on August 23rd. This is move-in day. The Business/Economic Development Committee, with help from our Trinity interns, was able to gather coupons and donations from local businesses. There are also 75+ businesses who have signed up to offer student discounts.
B. Ad Hoc Cable TV: Alderman McGovern reported that Channel 4 will be hosting a 3-part series with United Insurance Services regarding financial planning and other related topics. This is good information for people approaching retirement age.
XII. OLD BUSINESS
Alderman McGrogan reported that the Planning & Zoning Committee will be meeting on August 27th to review the updated City Comprehensive Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Depending on the outcome of this meeting, adoption of these plans may be up for vote at the September 3rd City Council meeting.
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
Alderman McGrogan reminded residents to be aware of ComEd telephone scams.
Alderman McGovern reminded residents to use a light on your bicycle when riding after dark.
XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS
Resident Steve Stefan asked why Alderman Lewandowski has not returned his emails.
He said that he has been trying to contact him, but the emails were unanswered.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:33 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.
https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08062019-237
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