City of Palos Heights City Council met Aug. 2.
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
Ward 1 Jeffrey Key
Ward 2 Jack Clifford & Robert Basso
Ward 3 Brent Lewandowski
Ward 4 Jerry McGovern & Michael McGrogan
V. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Kevin Bissell, of PKF Mueller, delivered a presentation of FY 2021 Audited Financial Statements provided by the City and provided an evaluation of the material provided. In summary, the City provided all material requested and required in order to complete the audit. Overall the City has a net positive position financially with fund balances increased over the past year trending in a strong direction. There was a significant reduction in long term liabilities reflecting a reduction in pension liabilities which has a significant impact on the City’s fiscal position. In conclusion, Mr. Bissell stated that the financial statement disclosures were neutral, consistent and clear and encountered no difficulties completing the audit.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting – July 19, 2022
B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending July 29, 2022.
C. Approval of a request from Blue Cap Foundation to conduct tag days on designated corners in Palos Heights in accordance with the City’s Code on October 7th and 8th, 2022.
Alderman Clifford moved to approve the consent agenda seconded by Alderman McGovern.
On roll call, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda was:
Ayes: (6) Basso, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan
Nays: (0) None
With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.
VII. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS
None
VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
A. Mayor:
● The Mayor introduced a Motion to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Class A Liquor Licenses by one (1) for Restaurante y Taqueria Jerez, located at 6523 W. 127th Street. Hours of operation as stated by the owner will be open on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 PM and on all other dates to 10 PM.
Alderman Key moved to adopt the ordinance seconded by Alderman McGovern. On roll call, the motion to adopt the ordinance was:
Ayes: (6) Basso, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan
Nays: (0) None
With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.
● The Mayor introduced a motion to approve the appointment of City Administrator David Strohl as the Budget Officer. Alderman Key moved to approve the appointment seconded by Alderman McGovern. On roll call, the motion to approve the appointment was:
Ayes: (6) Basso, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan
Nays: (0) None
With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.
B. Clerk: No Report
C. Treasurer: No Report
D. City Attorney: No Report
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
None
IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
● Harlan Weivoda 7640 West 135th Street addressed the ongoing situation with his neighbor’s property causing water to collect on his property. He addressed a City ordinance regulating the flow of water from one property to the next. He contends that City action adversely affected the impact of water from his neighbor’s property onto his. He presented a FOIA request received from the City indicating that any new development will reroute the flow of water but that the existing flow pattern should be maintained which is consistent with the ordinance. He stated that when his neighbor changed the water flow it was his responsibility to ensure that it did not adversely affect his property. He stated that water flow damaged a number of his trees and other landscaping on his property. The culvert is collecting water which is killing trees and bushes and flooding his back yard. This process has taken 9 years without results. He stated that he objects to a cease and desist letter sent to him by the City.
X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: No Report
B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: Alderman Basso reported that (1) please check on neighbors during periods of extreme heat and take advantage of the Rec Center cooling center if necessary (2) the Police Department has a surveillance camera initiate which invites residents to share home camera systems with the police department in order to assist with any potential investigation in the event a criminal activity is captured on video.
C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: No Report
D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern:
● Alderman McGovern moved to authorize an oversized detached garage containing an enclosed area of 864 SF in lieu of 660 square feet, and a height of 17’1” in lieu of 15 feet, and a 6-foot Side Yard Setback along the west property line, in lieu of the required 10-foot Side Yard Setback, which Side Yard Setback variance is limited to the distance of the length of a detached garage in the rear yard of the residential property located at 7620 Carmichael Drive, and contained within PIN 23-25-301-095- 0000 seconded by Alderman Key.
Alderman Clifford stated that the elevated area be used for storage only and not office use. The petitioner addressed the nature of the request stating that he has no objection to such a requirement. Alderman Clifford inquired regarding similar projects in the area with the resident indicating that he attempted to acquire as much information from neighboring projects as possible. Alderman Key stated that there are many examples in the City reflecting similar work done on garages and that the project as currently proposed is practical and consistent with recommendations put forth by the committee.
On roll call, the motion to authorize the project as amended was:
Ayes: (5) Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan
Nays: (1) Basso
With five (5) affirmative votes the motion carried.
Alderman Basso stated that the other properties referenced are not relevant and that each request should be considered individually. The multiple requests are excessive and that the applicable ordinance should be amended to reflect current needs rather than by way of a variance.
● Alderman McGovern moved to adopt an Ordinance Amending Title XV, “Land Use”, Chapter 153, “Zoning Code”, Section 153.03, “Definitions” and Chapter 156, “Property Maintenance Code”, Section 156.15, “Definitions” and Chapter 156, “Property Maintenance Code”, Section 156.16, Prohibited Conduct” seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. Alderman McGovern stated that these amendments apply to rental conditions in the City.
On roll call, the motion to adopt the ordinance was:
Ayes: (6) Basso, Clifford, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, McGrogan
Nays: (0) None
With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.
E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: Reported that the last Concert in the Park will take place on Thursday - The Chicago Experience - is traditionally the largest draw of the season and encouraged residents to attend and enjoy the concert.
F. Roads and Construction - Chairperson Alderman Clifford: The quarry workers are no longer on strike and the Roads Program will be up and running in two weeks with work being done in and around the City.
G. License, Permits & Franchises: Chairperson Alderman Lewandowski: No Report H. Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut:
● Alderman Key moved to solicit bids for the two (2) million gallon ground level water reservoir rehabilitation seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A. Business/Economic Development: Alderman Key - Thanked the countless volunteers who ran the annual Classic Car Show which was a success. There were a record number of cars on display and a lot of effort was required to make the event a success from across the City.
B. Ad Hoc Cable TV: Alderman McGovern - No Report
XII. OLD BUSINESS
None
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Clifford inquired about bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Palos Heights and spoke in commemoration of the casualties of the Vietnam War. The Mayor stated that the Wall will be at Moraine Valley in recent weeks.
XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS
None
XV. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:50 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.
https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08022022-702
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