City of Oak Forest Committee of the Whole met June 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Mayor Kuspa called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call as follows:
Present: Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman (arrived at 7:10 p.m.)
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Danihel
Absent: Alderman Hortsman
Also Present: City Clerk Nicole Tormey
Treasurer Ericka Vetter
City Administrator Tim Kristin
Public Works Director Mike Salamowicz
Asst. Director John Robinson
3. Presentation of proposed holiday decorations by Public Works Director Mike Salamowicz
Public Works Assistant Director John Robinson reported on his research for holiday decorations. Decorations will be located on Cicero Avenue and 159th Street. The decorations proposed can be powered by either 120 or 240 volts. Artistic Holiday Designs was the only company that offers lighted holiday decoration that are capable of being powered by either 120 or 240 volts. The bulbs will be LED or bright white.
Mayor Kuspa asked about the size. John Robinson stated they are proposing a little over 5 feet.
Alderman Emmett asked if more than 130 decorations can be ordered. He would like to see some at City Hall and on 147th by Gaelic Park. Or add more each if the money year is in the budget.
Mayor Kuspa asked about the guarantee of the LED lights and how they are sealed. John Robinson stated the company that services the equipment is in Joliet and would service the decorations. Alderman Wolf followed up on the same issue and if they would be under warranty. Alderman Danihel found the language in the contract which states it would not be covered by weather. The decorations are repairable.
Alderman Emmett asked if the proposed amount covers the receptacles. John Robinson stated the amount is for the equipment. Most receptacles are still on the poles. Director Mike Salamowicz stated the receptacles would have to be put up regardless. He also stated the only thing the city would need to purchase is the banding.
Mayor Kuspa asked Ericka Vetter, Treasurer and member of the Social Services Committee, for an update on funding. Ericka Vetter stated they approved and looking forward to funding it. Mayor Kuspa confirmed that the city would send the down and Social Services Committee would reimburse them payment
Mayor Kuspa asked Ericka Vetter to explain the role of the Social Services Committee. Ericka Vetter stated it started many years ago when the City of Oak Forest allowed cable companies to run through Oak Forest. They took that money and invested it to be used for projects for the city as a whole.
Alderman Emmett asked Ericka Vetter for 16 more decorations. She replied she would have to go back to the committee and ask for approval. John Robinson asked before adding to the order, he would like to speak with the company and make sure they can do it. Director Mike Salamowicz stated there are a few extra in this order that can be added to different poles. Mayor Kuspa asked Alderman Emmett if he is asking for 146 decorations instead of 130. Alderman Emmett thinks 130 would be okay, maybe more next year.
City Administrator Tim Kristin stated Mike and John did a great job. It did not seem like a difficult task but it was. He also thanked Ericka.
Mayor Kuspa stated the council will be voting on this at the City Council meeting. Tim Kristin confirmed it is the last agenda item under Public Works.
Alderman Wolf asked if the city already has the authorization from Social Service Commission for the 130 decorations. Ericka Vetter replied yes. Mayor Kuspa asked if Social Service Commission met and voted on this. Ericka Vetter replied they are going to meet and vote on it officially as members are out of town. The previous meeting there was a discussion regarding it. Officially, it still has to be voted on. City Administrator Tim Kristin stated the purchasing policy states any purchase over $10,000.00 has to be approved by City Council. Even though the city will be reimbursed, it is still considered a city purchase.
Mayor Kuspa asked for questions or comments from the aldermen. Seeing none.
4. Citizen Participation
None.
5. Old business
None.
6. New business
None.
7. Executive Session
None.
8. Adjournment
Alderman Danihel made the motion to adjourn. Alderman McCarthy seconded.
Roll call vote was taken as follows:
AYES
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
NAYS
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
Alderman Hortsman
The motion carried 6/0, 1 absent.
Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
http://www.oak-forest.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06272023-1744
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