South Cook News

City of Palos Heights License, Permits & Franchise Committee met Jan. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Lewandowski called the License, Permits, and Franchises Committee meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. In attendance were Alderman McGovern, Alderman McGrogan, Alderman Basso (via phone), City Administrator David Strohl, Building Commissioner Frank Giordano, Dean Murrar from Opinize Design, Liz Ryan and Carolyn Johnson from Pass Health Foods, and recording secretary Tayler Swiedals.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Alderman Lewandowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2021 meeting, seconded by Alderman Basso. On a voice note, the motion passed unanimously.

PERMIT & CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT

Chairman Lewandowski referred to the permit report in the agenda packet. There were 982 permits issued from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 totaling $260,005.93. For the permit period from January 1, 2022 to January 5, 2022, the city has collected $973.00 with 3 permit issued. There were 156 code enforcement cases and 301 code enforcement inspections from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. From January 1, 2022 to January 5, 2022, there have been 3 code enforcement cases and 2 inspections.

BUSINESS LICENSE REPORT

For the 2021 business licenses, $73,396.00 was invoiced of which $49,979.50 has been paid. The amount owed for the year 2021 is $29,416.50.

VEHICLE STICKER REPORT

For the period from May 17,2021 to January 5, 2022 approximately 7,130 stickers were sold and $163,070.75 was collected.

PERMANENT SIGN REQUEST – 7228 COLLEGE DRIVE (Pass Health Foods)

Dean Murrar from Opinize Design and Carolyn Johnson and Liz Ryan from Pass Health Foods were in attendance to explain their request for a new sign. The circle in the design will be 36” with two lines of channel lettering totaling 33”. There will be no electronic message board. Committee members discussed.

Alderman McGrogan made a motioned to approve the permanent sign request, seconded by Alderman McGovern. On a voice note, the motion passed unanimously. -AGENDA

VIDEO GAMING

At the last meeting, the committee hold a public hearing to get feedback from the community on the issue of video gaming. Alderman Lewandowski met with City Administrator David Strohl and Mayor Straz, and due to the outbreak in COVID cases, the hearing will be pushed back a month. This will give the committee time to schedule a firm date as well as get concise details together to present to the public. Alderman Lewandowski suggested having a hybrid method with an electronic option for safety. Alderman McGovern presented the committee with data for video gaming in the surrounding communities. He explained there will be no outdoor advertising or signage, and the number of machines per business would be limited. Alderman McGovern noted that all restaurants in Palos Heights are locally owned, and suggested video gaming will add to their business with Alderman McGrogan seconding this point. Alderman Basso expressed concern over another hearing yielding the same results from the public. Alderman Basso suggested letting City Council decide without a public hearing. The committee discussed.

Alderman Lewandowski motioned to schedule a date for a public hearing on video gaming, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a roll call vote, the motion passed as follows:

VOTE: 4

AYES: 3 LEWANDOWSKI, MCGOVERN, MCGROGAN

NAYS: BASSO

ABSENT: 0

NEW BUSINESS

NONE.

OLD BUSINESS

NONE.

PUBLIC COMMENT

NONE.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01112022-611