City of Palos Hills City Council met May 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Bennett called the City Council Meeting to order at 6:57p.m.
2) PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mayor Bennett led everyone in the Pledge to the Flag.
3) ROLL CALL: Upon roll call the following Aldermen responded:
PRESENT: Price, Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak
ABSENT: Marrotta
4) QUORUM: Mayor Bennett declared a quorum was present.
5) READING OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES:
Ald. Kleefisch MOVED to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes dated, April 15, 2021 as presented. SECONDED by Ald. Nowak. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
6) CITIZENS PETITION: None this evening.
7) CITIZENS HEARING:
Mayor Bennett, the meeting is open to the public for any comments or questions.
There were no comments or questions from the public; the public portion of the meeting was closed.
8) REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND OTHER CITY OFFICIALS:
A. CITY CLERK: City Clerk Mulderink announced that there is a Resolution for the Canvass declaring results of the General Municipal Election held on April 6, 2021 and requested Ald. Abed to present the Resolution.
Upon request of Ald. Abed, City Clerk Mulderink assigned Resolution number 650 to A Canvass Resolution Declaring Results of General Municipal Election held on April 6, 2021.
Office Total Votes Cast
Mayor – 4 year
Gerald R. Bennett 1,749
Sandy Szczygiel 973
City Clerk - 4 year
Rudy A. Mulderink 2,225
Treasurer – 4 year
Kenneth J. Nolan 1,719
Damian Ciszek 887
Alderman 1st Ward – 4 year
Michael A. Price 385
Marzena Jurczyk-Konopczak Aka “Mj” 44
Alderman 2nd Ward – 4 year
Mark H. Brachman 344
Jack Dunajczan 46
Alderman 3rd Ward – 4 year
A.J. Pasek 527
Malgorzata Sztachelski 123
Natalia Slodyczka 3
Alderman 4th Ward – 4 year
Phillip S. Abed 257
Anna Biedrzycki 173
Alderman 5th Ward – 4 year
Donna M. O’Connell 500
After the reading of Resolution 650, Ald. Abed MOVED for ADOPTION of same. SECONDED by Ald. Pasek. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
At this time City Attorney Pappas administered the Oath of Office to the Office of City Clerk Rudy A. Mulderink, Office of Treasurer Kenneth J. Nolan, Office of 1st Ward Alderman Michael A. Price, Office of 2nd Ward Alderman Mark H. Brachman, Office of 3rd Ward Alderman A.J. Pasek, Office of 4th Ward Alderman Phillip S. Abed, and Office of 5th Ward Alderman Donna M. O’Connell.
City Attorney Pappas then administered the Oath of Office to Gerald R. Bennett to the Office of Mayor of the City of Palos Hills.
B. CITY ATTORNEY: City Attorney Pappas stated that there is a Resolution to be executed by the Mayor and City Clerk for an agreement with MWRD for the acquisition of three homes in the flood plain.
City Attorney Pappas stated that there is also an Ordinance for a three flat making it a Special Use which was approved by the Plan Commission.
Lastly, City Attorney Pappas indicated that the hearing on the racquet club had to be postponed until June 7th as the Judge wanted additional materials from the County Clerk.
C. MAYOR: Mayor Bennett congratulated all Aldermen on being reelected to the City Council and extended many thanks to the citizens of Palos Hills; Mayor Bennett stated that it is an honor and privilege to be reelected to the Office of Mayor of this great City.
Mayor Bennett announced forthcoming projects and those underway including the transformation taking place on Harlem Avenue as well as anticipation of beginning the Fourth Ward storm/sewer project next year in conjunction with MWRD. The final engineering for the improvements to the intersection of 111th and Roberts Road are projected to be completed next year.
Mayor Bennett pledged that he will remain committed to the infrastructure of this community, and will continue to move Palos Hills forward. We are proud of our progress. Mayor Bennett thanked the members of City Council, City Clerk, and City Treasurer for their help and cooperation throughout the years.
Ald. O’Connell, I want to thank everyone who was instrumental in my reelection especially the residents of the Fifth Ward who put their trust in me to be the voice for them, and to my fellow Aldermen who have mentored me in many ways along with the Department heads and office personnel; I would also like to thank Mayor Bennett for his mentoring, knowledge, and advice and for putting his trust in me as well as my family and friends who are always there for me, and above all I would like to thank God. It has been a great experience working for and with the City of Palos Hills and I will continue to serve you, the residents, first and foremost always.
Ald. Brachman offered his thanks.
Ald. Price is grateful to the residents of the First Ward for reelecting him and is dedicated to continue to respond to their needs, and represent the residents of the First Ward to the best of his ability.
Ald. Abed thanked all the residents, his family and everybody who helped him.
Ald. Pasek, I want to thank the residents of the Third Ward for reelecting me and the help I received from my partners, and thank you to my wife who was the most important person in this reelection for me.
Treasurer Nolan, I want to thank the people of Palos Hills for reelecting me and also thank you to City Council and everyone who participated in this election as it was one of the best organized elections I’ve seen as a group. Thank you to my wife who had her own election that she prevailed in, my son and daughter-in-law who did some work for us so I really appreciate it, thank you.
City Clerk Mulderink, I want to thank everybody for keeping together the greatest team that the City of Palos Hills has ever had, and we would’ve been lost had it gone in a different direction, so we are still 100% tight, together, and we’re moving forward. We’ve got the best Mayor that’s ever walked the face of the Earth.
Mayor Bennett, for all of us up here we know the highs and lows, the commitment and the hours that are put into this job and having the support of our families. I want to thank my wife, Chris, and my daughters for their strong support and understanding of what it is to serve in public office.
Mayor Bennett entertained a motion for the recommendation of Artur Krasowski to fill the vacancy on the Plan Commission. SO MOVED by Ald. Lebarre. SECONDED by Ald. O’Connell. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Bennett stated that it’s been indicated that we will enter Phase V of the restore Illinois plan as early as June 15th; therefore Friendship Fest will take place this year as well as an open house, on June 19th, at the Public Works facility and Bennett Park. Mayor Bennett thanked Public Works and Commissioner Violante for the accomplishments at Bennett Park.
9) PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN:
A. BUILDING & LICENSING:
Ald. Price read the April 2021 Building report and noted that 94 permits were issued for a total of $33,415.00 in permit fees.
Ald. Price included a message from Commissioner Hardison who thanked the Mayor and the members of City Council for five memorable years of cooperation towards making the City of Palos Hills a better, safer place to work, live and play.
Mayor Bennett thanked Commissioner Hardison for his services the last five years.
B. CITY ADMINISTRATION/GOLF:
In the absence of Ald. Marrotta there was no report this evening.
C. COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
Ald. Nowak reminded all to refrain from fishing this summer so that the new fish can acclimate to the lake at Bennett Park.
Ald. Nowak stated that there is a fundraiser in Hickory Hills for the Recreation department beginning May 14-16th; please contact Palos Hills Community Center about getting a form to participate in the fundraiser.
D. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Ald. O’Connell announced that Economic Development is continuing to work with Channel 4, it is going well, and they will be getting to all the businesses.
E. FINANCE:
Ald. Lebarre MOVED to accept An Ordinance Relating To Compensation For City Officers & Employees which was presented at the last City Council meeting.
City Clerk Mulderink assigned number 2021-3 to that proposed Ordinance.
Ald. Brachman MOVED to waive the reading of proposed Ordinance 2021-3. SECONDED by Ald. O’Connell. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
Ald. Lebarre MOVED for PASSAGE of Ordinance 2021-3, And Ordinance Relating To Compensation For City Officers & Employees. SECONDED by Ald. Brachman. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Kleefisch, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: Stratton MOTION CARRIED
Ald. Lebarre MOVED to authorize the expenditure of a Vendor Warrant dated, May 6, 2021 in the amount of $430,520.01. SECONDED by Ald. Brachman. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: Stratton MOTION CARRIED
Ald. Lebarre MOVED to approve the 2021/2022 Budget. SECONDED by Ald. Pasek. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
F. LEGISLATION & ORDINANCES:
Ald. Abed had no report this evening.
G. PARKS:
Ald. Stratton announced the Resource and Recreation department is currently accepting registrations for day camp. Camp will be offered in two week sessions and run Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm.
H. PLANNING & ZONING:
Ald. Nowak MOVED for consideration for An Ordinance Granting The Property At 10608 South 83rd Court, Palos Hills, Illinois, Special Use Status To Be Used As A Three Flat Apartment Building. SECONDED by Ald. O’Connell. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
City Clerk Mulderink assigned number 2021-4 to that proposed Ordinance.
Ald. Brachman MOVED to waive the reading of proposed Ordinance 2021-4. SECONDED by Ald. Lebarre. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
Ald. Nowak MOVED for PASSAGE of Ordinance 2021-4, An Ordinance Granting The Property At 10608 South 83rd Court, Palos Hills, Illinois, Special Use Status To Be Used As A Three Flat Apartment Building. SECONDED by Ald. O’Connell. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Price, Brachman, Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
I. PUBLIC SAFETY:
Ald. Kleefisch read the Palos Hills Police Department Activity Report for April 2021 and noted that we issued 162 traffic tickets, 173 parking tickets, there were 19 misdemeanor complaints and 1 felony complaint, no criminal homicides, 1 rape, no robberies, 1 aggravated assault and battery, 1 burglary, 2 thefts, and 3 motor vehicle thefts, and the CID division handled a total of 25 cases.
Ald. Kleefisch stated that two checks were received; one from Carfax in the amount of $115.00, and the other from Consolidated High School District 230 in the amount of $11,772.23.
J. PUBLIC WORKS/SEWER & WATER:
Ald. Brachman stated that there was a request submitted to the Driveway Committee; he and Ald. Lebarre went to the property at 8141 W. 98th Streeet and decided it is out of compliance and the Commissioner agrees. It is the Driveway Committee’s recommendation to deny the request.
Ald. Brachman MOVED to deny the driveway request at 8141 W. 98th Street. SECONDED by Ald. Lebarre. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Brachman, Lebarre, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: O’Connell MOTION CARRIED
Ald. Brachman provided an update on the Cook County Roberts Road project stating that a new concrete Contractor, Triggi Construction, has been hired by Cook County and is cutting concrete this week; we plan on having crews start breaking out and pouring concrete next week. As of this time, Cook County has not indicated what the completion date will be for the project.
Ald. Brachman announced that as part of the buyout process, MWRD requires the City to hire two independent appraisers to assess the value of the 3 buyout homes.
Ald. Brachman MOVED to accept the lowest qualified bids of $400 per property from Pat McGivern at Accurity Rick Hiton & Associates, and $450 per property from David Dubois at D.L. DuBois & Associates. SECONDED by Ald. Lebarre. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: Lebarre, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
Upon request of Ald. Brachman, City Clerk Mulderink assigned Resolution number 651 to A Resolution Authorizing The Mayor And City Clerk To Enter Into An Intergovernmental Agreement With The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Of Greater Chicago For The Acquisition Of Certain Flood Prone Parcels Of Real Estate Located In Palos Hills, Illinois.
Ald. Nowak MOVED to waive the reading of Resolution number 651. SECONDED by Ald. Lebarre. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
Ald. Brachman MOVED for ADOPTION of Resolution number 651. SECONDED by Ald. Nowak.
Ald. Kleefisch asked if the homeowner bears any cost at all in this process. Mayor Bennett stated no, that was the agreement from the beginning; the District is buying the property out and by doing so we will get the property when it’s done, but the cost incurred for appraisal and demolition is {inaudible} by the City. Ald. Kleefisch verified that the City will be reimbursed for the purchase price, but not for the additional costs. Mayor Bennett confirmed that is correct.
Ald. Kleefisch asked if perpetuity is a legally binding term as that phrase appears at least three times between the Resolution and the Agreement. City Attorney Pappas confirmed that it is as it’s already part of the deed.
Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:
AYE: O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman, Lebarre
ABSENT: Marrotta
NAY: None MOTION CARRIED
10) REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None this evening.
11) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None this evening.
12) MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Ald. Nowak requested that Commissioner Oeffling to contact Cook County regarding the drop off coming out of her subdivision onto Roberts Road as well as the turning lane on Roberts onto 107th as residents are complaining about them.
13) ADJORNMENT:
No further business, Mayor Bennett entertained a motion to adjourn. SO MOVED by Ald. Stratton SECONDED by Ald. Pasek. By voice vote, all voted AYE.
The Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
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