City of Palos Heights City Council met June 21

By Philip Gonzales

Sep 15, 2022

City of Palos Heights City Council met June 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

The Mayor called to order the regular meeting of the City of Palos Heights City Council at 7:00 p.m. in the City Administrative Center, 7607 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL

II. INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Mayor led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

Roll call indicated the following were present:

Mayor Robert Straz

City Clerk Thomas Kantas

City Treasurer James Daemicke

City Attorney Tom Brown

Ward 1 Donald Bylut

Ward 2 Jack Clifford & Robert Basso

Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski

Ward 4 Jerry McGovern & Michael McGrogan

V. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Ashley Vinson was sworn in as a Palos Heights Police Officer

VI. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting – June 7, 2022

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending June 17, 2022.

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the consent agenda seconded by Alderman Bylut.

On roll call, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda was:

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

VII. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS

None

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

A. Mayor: The Mayor reported on the recent heat advisory and urged residents who need short term cooling needs to visit the Rec Center and urged residents to check in on their neighbors. The Mayor reported that early voting is underway at the Rec Center. The Mayor reported on July 4th activities and urged residents to participate in the festivities.

B. Clerk: No Report

C. Treasurer:

Presented the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending May 31, 2022.

General Fund:

Beginning cash balance $5,967,609

Revenues $1,119,176

Expenses $888,122

Other $6,719

Ending cash balance $6,205,382

Total of All Funds:

Beginning cash balance $23,997,086

Revenues $1,833,313

Expenses $1,475,499

Other $88,763

Ending cash balance $24,443,665

Alderman Bylut moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report seconded by Alderman McGovern. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

D. City Attorney: No Report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS

None

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL

● Carla Zavala of Palos Pines addressed the issue of cars speeding in her neighborhood. She has contacted the police and requests that the City address the issue and inquired as to what options are available to her. Cedar Lane has become unsafe with speeding cars. The Mayor stated that the police can increase patrols. Ms. Zava stated that while she appreciates the efforts of the police other measures such as speed bumps should be considered. While there have been specific drivers driving excessively the close proximity to the park should merit additional attention. The temporary speeding sign did not alleviate the problem and that certain cars have been driving recklessly in the neighborhood. The Mayor stated that he would take this issue up with the Chief of Police. Alderman McGovern urged the residents to be alert and to contact the police department with regularity to report the conduct. Ms. Zavala stated that the neighborhood has many young children and the absence of sidewalks makes excessive speeding very dangerous. Ms. Zavala suggested that the placement of the sign may be more effective in other locations.

● Amy Schaughnessy who also lives in Palos Pines reiterated that speeding is a problem in her neighborhood.

● Maria McCarthy of Palos Pines submitted a letter for the City Council’s consideration likewise reiterating the behavior of excessive speeding and focused on the conduct of two individuals. Ms. McCarthy stated that the individuals have become combative and requested City assistance with this situation.

● Harlan Wiegota 7640 West 135th spoke regarding water runoff collection at his residence due to the construction of his neighbor’s home for the past 9 years and requested City assistance dealing with this problem. He stated that the City has not responded to his inquiries and reiterated his request that the City address the excessive water collecting on his property. He submitted emails dating back to 2013 to the City with pictures attached depicting the location of the neighbor’s home and efforts of the neighbor pumping water from his property into Mr. Wiegota’s home. Mr. Wiegota submitted an email from 2014 describing the area of his property under water and that the home to the east has created the problem with flooding especially after a recent storm. Also the flooding has killed a number of trees on his property. Mr. Wiegota suggested in the emails from his wife that the County also act to redirect the water. A third email to the City and to the Building Department and to Morris Engineering regarding a lack of a response from the City. The home to the east is built higher and prohibits water flow eastward and that the water overflows and collects into his yard. Via a FOIA request, Mr. Wiegota requested documentation pertaining to the grading of his neighbor’s home and any associated complaints. He received the final grading survey from the City but doubts that the home was built according to the survey. The FOIA response from the City that the public works department does not have complaints from him although he has made many complaints over the years. He submitted a copy of the final topographical survey to the Council for its review noting that he allowed the City to construct a water and sewer line across his front yard when the neighbor’s house was built at no cost to the City. That same easement granted to the City was sold to Nicor for $20,000.00. The berm in his yard was constructed by the City and if that is causing a problem it should be addressed by the City. The cause of the problem is improper grading of the neighbor’s home. The Mayor stated that he has addressed this issue with Mr. Jasinski and will address the issue further with him.

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: No Report.

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: Urged residents to use caution while driving especially now during the summer months and to observe children riding bicycles and walking. Alderman Basso urged residents to slow down at intersections in order to better see pedestrians and bicycles. Alderman Basso congratulated Deputy Chief Czajkowski for the recent Special Olympics Half Marathon and his efforts to make the event a success. Alderman Basso reminded residents that a clean car will often make for a safer car particularly with respect to windshields and headlights but also with respect to the interior of the car providing less distractions. Alderman Basso stated that there is a new car wash in town temporarily offering free car washes at 83 and Ridgeland. Finally, Alderman Basso stated that the mail truck was still delivering in the later hours of the afternoon and early evening and commended the postal workers as well as Channel 4 for their programming even during inclement weather.

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: No Report D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key:

● Alderman Bylut moved to approve the 2nd payment to George’s Landscape in the amount of $57,369.60 for work completed on the Misty Meadows Park Project seconded by Alderman Clifford.

On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Alderman Bylut moved to approve annual payment to TimeClock Plus, LLC in the amount of $4,944.06 for administrative services to the Parks and Recreation Department seconded by Alderman Basso.

On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

F. Roads and Construction - Chairperson Alderman Clifford

● Alderman Clifford moved to approve the reimbursement of John Doody for a sprinkler system in the amount of $6,592.65 seconded by Alderman Basso. During the 123rd Street construction project, Mr. Doody’s driveway sprinkler system was damaged. The City will reimburseme Mr. Doody and the City will be reimbursed by Nicor.

On roll call, the motion to approve the reimbursement was:

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Alderman Clifford moved to approve payment to Morris Engineering for engineering services for various projects in the amount of $41,312.13 seconded by Alderman Basso.

On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Bylut, Clifford, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Alderman Clifford stated that median work on Ridgeland continues.

G. License, Permits & Franchises: Chairperson Alderman Lewandowski: Reminded residents to purchase vehicle stickers by June 30th.

H. Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut: No Report

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Business/Economic Development: Alderman Key - No Report

B. Ad Hoc Cable TV: Alderman McGovern - No Report

XII. OLD BUSINESS

None