South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Roads & Construction Committee met Aug. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Clifford called the Roads & Construction Committee to order at 6:35 p.m. In attendance were Alderman Basso, Alderman Begley, and Alderman Lewandowski. Also in attendance were: Public Works Director Adam Jasinski, Aurimas Spucys from Morris Engineering and Recording Secretary Margaret Carey. Also in attendance were approximately 11 residents (list attached).

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Clifford moved to approve the minutes of the Roads & Construction Committee meeting held on June 8, 2021, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

DIRECTORS REPORT

123rd STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE

Director Jasinski reported that everything is on schedule for a November 30 completion. Work has started on culverts and storm sewers. Landscape restoration is scheduled for October – November.

MFT Road Program

Director Jasinski requested approval for partial payment to M&J Asphalt Paving Company.

Alderman Clifford moved to approve partial payment to M&J Asphalt Paving Company in the amount of $371,509.96, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA

DRAINAGE & ROADWORK PROJECTS UPDATE

Director Jasinski reported that Public Works employees are currently working on the west side of Harlem Avenue, doing minor patching ourselves.

INVEST IN COOK COUNTY GRANT AWARD

Director Jasinski reported that we received $60,000 to connect the multi-use path on the east side of Ridgeland at Cal Sag (Route 83 to Cal Sag Trail). We are currently reviewing the agreement.

REQUEST APPROVAL TO PAY MORRIS ENGINEERING INVOICES

Director Jasinski presented Morris Engineering invoices totaling $78,668.34.

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the Morris Engineering invoices in the amount of $78,668.34, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA

MORRIS ENGINEERING

UPDATES BY CITY ENGINEER

Aurimas Spucys provided the following updates:

2021 Paving Program – The project has been significantly completed and pay estimate 1 has been submitted.

123rd Street Road Reconstruction – The project has started with an estimated completion date of November 30, 2021.

Ridgeland Avenue Corridor Improvements – Final audit completed with IDOT auditor. IDOT is to provide material deficiencies list based on final quantities.

Ridgeland Avenue Median Improvements – Comments received and addressed from Cook County Highway Department. Plans resubmitted to IDOT Local Roads for review and concurrence.

76th Avenue 131st to 135th LAFO Resurfacing – Approved by Southwest Conference of Mayors. Kickoff meeting held with IDOT on 3-26-21. Phase 1 approval received from IDOT. Phase 2 agreements are at IDOT for review.

PUBLIC COMMENT / 123rd STREET SIDEWALK – 76TH AVENUE TO PALMER PARK

Alderman Clifford addressed the audience. He read a memo submitted by Mayor Straz to the Committee. The Mayor wrote that he supports the proposed sidewalks along 123rd Street. He mentioned that financially, this is a great time to complete the project since the street is already under construction. He also said the sidewalks would establish connectivity throughout the city. Eventually the sidewalks could tie into Lake Katherine/Community Park to Harlem Avenue and beyond. Alderman Clifford also read comments that were submitted by a resident who was not in support of the sidewalks. Alderman Lewandowski also read an email that he received from resident, Pamela Joy who also did not support the proposed sidewalks.

Public Works Director Jasinski commented on the cost savings of doing the project at this time and reminded that the proposed sidewalks would only be on 1 side of the street – on the south side.

Alderman Clifford then invited the audience to speak one at a time. Most residents took the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Alderman Clifford thanked them for their input.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Basso asked if the city has a program to ensure that all stop signs are visible – and not being blocked by tree branches, etc. Director Jasinski said we do not have an official program, but he will check on the particular stop sign mentioned. He will also keep an eye on any other stop signs that may be blocked.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Alderman Clifford moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Basso. All in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08102021-541