South Cook News

City of Palos Heights License, Permits & Franchises Committee Met Jan. 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Alderman Kramarski chaired the meeting in Alderman Lewandowski’s absence and called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. In attendance were Alderman Kramarski, Alderman Basso, Alderman McGrogan, Building Commissioner Chris Kransberger (electronic), and Recording Secretary Margaret Carey. Also in attendance was Charlie Hankus (I.T.) and a representative from “Steve’s Bite” restaurant.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Alderman Kramarski made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2020 meeting, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PERMIT & CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT

Commissioner Kransberger referred to the permit report in the agenda packet. For the permit period from Jan. 1 – Jan. 8, 2021, the City has collected $1,977.25, with 7 permits issued. There were 2 code enforcement cases and 2 inspections for that same period. For the 2020 year-end report, there were 1,772 permit inspections with 950 permits issued and $275,568.49 in permit fees collected. This includes a construction value of $22,610,908.73 and 12 commercial projects under construction. Commissioner Kransberger noted that in spite of the challenges of COVID-19, 2020 was a very good year and quite busy for the Building Department. Alderman Kramarski and the committee members commended Kransberger and his very small team for a great year.

BUSINESS LICENSE REPORT

For the 2021 business licenses, $65,478.25 was invoiced and $34,718.00 has been collected thus far.

VEHICLE STICKER REPORT

For vehicle sticker sales from May 21, 2020 – January 4, 2021 there were 7,480 stickers sold. Total money collected was $97,450.00.

PERMANENT SIGN REQUEST – 11906 S. Harlem Avenue (Steve’s Bite)

Commissioner Kransberger explained the request from Steve’s Bite. The sign request includes a portion of the sign (hamburger image) that is approximately 11” over size and another part of the sign (letters) that is only a couple of inches more than code permits. The Committee reviewed the information and discussed.

Alderman McGrogan made a motion to approve the Permanent Sign request from Steve’s Bite, seconded by Alderman Kramarski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA

CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE CHANGES TO THE CITY CODE SECTION 96.01(C) – Specific Nuisances Enumerated

Commissioner Kransberger explained the ordinance refers to the restriction on placement of residential garbage containers and would be further enhanced by adding the text “or in open view.”

Alderman Kramarski made a motion to approve the changes to the City Code Section 96.01(C) – Specific Nuisances Enumerate, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA

NEW BUSINESS

None.

OLD BUSINESS

Alderman Basso discussed the process of approving sign variances. He believes that businesses who do not request a variance and follow the Code instead are at a disadvantage. For the same reason people argue they are at a disadvantage without the variance. Perhaps we should update the ordinance and hold people to it. A discussion ensued. Alderman McGrogan added that it is hard to predict future requests, with changing technology, so it is good to have flexibility to adapt to business needs.

PUBLIC COMMENT – none.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Alderman Kramarski made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. All in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01122021-445