South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Business & Economic Advisory Committee met July 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Grossart called the meeting of the Business/Economic Development Advisory Committee to order at 12:08 PM at the Recreation Center in Palos Heights. Present were: Chairman Bob Grossart, committee members Dr. Chuck Polcaster, Judi Weber, Barbara Bergamo, Veronica Studnicka, Carri Sirigas and Alderman Jeff Key, as well as City Administrator David Strohl, City liaison Stacy Schuble and Economic Development Coordinator Ken Busse, and Recording Secretary Tayler Swiedals.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grossart made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 21, 2021 meeting, seconded by Barbara Bergamo. On a unanimous voice vote, the motion carried.

Lunch and Learn

A luncheon will be held in the Orchard Room on July 29 with a total of 23 people expected to attend. It is an opportunity for those in attendance to learn more about Fusion59.

Fusion59

Fusion59 offers local small businesses a chance to work with a group of students who help create improved social media presence for the business. Each business is charged a fee for a 3 month contract. The Beautification Committee has offered a reimbursement of $600 to local businesses who are part of the Chamber of Commerce in Palos Heights, and $400 to businesses that are not chamber members. This fall 2021, Fusion59 has signed up the following two participants: Manhattan Firehouse Grill and the Palos Heights Public Library.

Holiday in the Heights

The committee is looking to have a successful Holiday in the Heights this year. The main concerns are a lack of participation and donations that have helped the event run in previous years. A date of September 30th has been established by the committee as a Go/No-Go decision date, which will be dependent on a tally of contributions to date from sponsors, donations, and vendors.

Welcome Back 2021

This Trinity event is held to welcome incoming freshman, and new and returning upper-class students. City departments are invited to promote programs are offered throughout the year. Also, Palos Heights’ food vendors donate food on move-in day for students and parents. Finally, it is a chance for Palos Heights’ businesses to promote themselves to a large customer base of students in the community.

Splash Pad/ Pavilion

The Recreation department is applying for an OSLAD grant to install a splash pad on a piece of property next to the pool or recreation center. The hope is for the final location to feature additional parking, a walking path, and eventually a pavilion.

Newsletter

The City is in the process of creating a document that establishes guidelines for how outside businesses and organizations can share information through City emails and social media. This document will state what information businesses and organizations can submit and timelines to submit that information. The committee would like to see a way for businesses to have more opportunities to market their businesses through the City, either through emails, social media or on the website.

Harlem Avenue Corridor

The City has engaged a consultant to examine existing building and site conditions along Harlem Avenue. The consultant will examine eligibility criteria for establishing a Business District that can be used to improve facades, site conditions, possible added parking, as well as vehicular and pedestrian circulation improvements. The area would extend from the canal to Ishnala Drive.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:03 pm.