South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Municipal Grounds and Property Committee Met June 22.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Begley called the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. In attendance were Chairman Begley, Alderman Lewandowski, Alderman Basso, and Public Works Director Adam Jasinski. Absent was Alderman Bylut. Also in attendance were Aldermen Clifford and McGovern, and resident Gary Young.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Alderman Begley moved to approve the minutes of the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting held on May 25, 2021 seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

Gary Young was present to answer any questions about Navajo Hills HOA.

4. DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Public Works Director Adam Jasinski presented the following reports/considerations:

∙ AC Replacement at Lake Katherine Club House. Made a quick decision because the first floor unit died and there were events planned there. This unit was 10 years old.

∙ Oak Park Avenue median maintenance. We installed fresh mulch around every tree and trimmed them up. We also requested an additional application of fertilizer and weed control.

∙ Motor Vehicle Update. The 2 mechanics are mostly working on routine maintenance of PD vehicles. Also doing preventative maintenance on lawn equipment.

∙ Request approval to proceed with 18 hanging flower baskets on Harlem Ave with Country Landscape and Supply in the amount of $6,746.20.

Alderman Begley motioned to approve proceeding with the purchase of 18 hanging flower baskets for Harlem Avenue from Country Landscape and Supply in the amount of $6,746.20, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA

∙ Request approval to proceed with asphalt patching and sealcoating at the north parking lot of the Recreation Center with Seal-Rite in the amount $8,616.00.

Alderman Begley motioned to approve proceeding with asphalt patching and sealcoating at the north parking lot of the Recreation Center with Seal-Rite in the amount $8,616.00, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA

∙ Request approval for Mayor to execute a license agreement between Metra and the City of Palos Heights for a potential sign installation at the Metra Bridge and Route 83. Welcome to Palos Heights sign. We are currently in the process of gathering quotes. Cost will be approximately $40,000.

Alderman Begley motioned to approve the Mayor to execute a license agreement between Metra and the City of Palos Heights for a potential sign installation at the Metra Bridge and Route 83, seconded by Alderman Basso. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA

5. INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL BIKE RACKS.

Director Jasinski was requested to investigate areas to install additional bike racks on Harlem Avenue along with improving the bike racks on the municipal lot. Residents also expressed interest in additional bike racks at the west end of Lake Katherine.

Alderman Begley motioned to approve installing bike racks at the west end of Lake Katherine, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

6. POTENTIAL REMOVAL OF THE BIKE PATH VEHICULAR STOP BLOCKS.

The vehicular stop blocks are located on most bike paths in the City to stop vehicles from entering the bike path. We would like to ask Morris Engineering to complete a brief evaluation of the number of stop blocks in town and to look to see if they can be removed and do they need to be replaced with something else. Something will need to be put up, notifying drivers to stay off the bike path.

Alderman Begley motioned to direct Morris Engineering to perform an assessment of the number and condition of stop blocks around the city, and to offer alternative solutions to keep drivers from driving on the bike paths, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously.

7. PROPOSED SOLUTIONS TO NAVAJO DRIVE MEDIAN MAINTENANCE.

Navajo Hills HOA has some landscape maintenance issues at the entrances to the subdivision. It is our proposal to seed and blanket the median off 127th street and Navajo Drive. The Triangle area will be handled by the HOA. The City cannot maintain flowers, mulch, MISC plantings or landscape features but the City can maintain trees and grass. Dead trees will be removed and stumps will ground up. In late August, early September timeframe the City can install seed and erosion blanket in the median. The cost of the lowest proposal is from C&C Lawncare for $3,250.00.

Alderman Begley motioned to approve the hire of C&C Lawncare to reseed the grass area at a cost of $3,250.00, seconded by Alderman Basso. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously. - AGENDA

The Committee also discussed the danger of the entrance being too dark. Drivers mistakenly drive on the wrong side of the median; however, this happens during the day as well. Public Works will install a “Do Not Enter” sign on the one way street. Director Jasinski said the HOA is currently investigating the possibility of illuminating the Navajo Hills sign itself. The HOA already received approval from the City.

8. CITY SIDEWALK PROGRAM / MULTI-USE PATH.

Chairman Begley said we have approximately 9.5 miles of sidewalks in town and residents generally don’t want additional sidewalks. in the Old Palos area, however, on 76th Avenue near Memorial Park, residents would like sidewalks installed on 76th Avenue from 119th to 127th Street. This is something that we could receive federal funding for. We would start near 119th, so we could get a crossing at 120th Street, across 76th Avenue.

Jasinski said when the City started to develop the Sidewalk Program and the Multi-Use Path, we typically stayed away from residential areas. We were mostly concentrated in the business district. With the exception of Harlem Avenue to Palmer Park. In regards to 76th Avenue, there was discussion to connect sidewalk 119th to 127th. Morris Engineering came up with estimates and the cost was quite high and the idea dissolved. We would now like to take another look and see what types of government funding we could get. Do we want to add sidewalk on 76th Avenue? Discussion ensued. The project would not be done all at once. We would develop a plan, that would complete a segment at a time. And then potentially bring it to a public discussion.

Alderman Begley made a motion to ask Morris Engineering to update the current map with a proposed plan with potentially 5 segments on 76th Avenue from 119th to 127th, 123rd, and to connect Palmer Park all the way down to 76th Avenue and seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously.

9. COMMUNITY PARK 76TH AVE ACCESSIBILITY.

Tabled.

10. OLD BUSINESS

Alderman Basso asked if someone can look at the black street poles. A lot of them need paint touch-up. Director Jasinski said he will take care of it.

11. NEW BUSINESS

None.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Alderman Begley moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. All in favor. Meeting adjourned 8:14pm.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06222021-518