South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met Sept. 19.

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 Shannon Harvey 

City Treasurer James Daemicke 

City Attorney Tom Brown 

Ward 1 Donald Bylut & Jeffrey Key

Ward 2 Robert Basso & Alderman Clifford

Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski

Ward 4 Jerry McGovern & Michael McGrogan

*Alderman Lewandowski attended via telephone conference call.

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Classic Car Committee & Beautification Committee:

•  Bob Starzyk presented on behalf of the Palos Heights Classic Car Committee. Mr. Starzyk has served on the Committee for the past 20 years, since the first Palos Heights Class Car Show. Mr. Starzyk thanked the City of Palos Heights, its police department, public works and fire department, who all play intricate roles that allow the Palos Heights Classic Car Show. Mr. Starzyk further acknowledged three main sponsors who have greatly supported the Classic Car Show for the past 20 years: Capri Restaurant, Kallemeyn Auto and Noral Jewelers. Mr. Starzyk presented all three sponsors with plaques that honor their support and commitment to the Palos Heights Classic Car show for the past twenty years. The sponsors then presented Mr. Starzyk with a plaque recognizing him for his time, commitment and dedication to the Palos Heights Classic Car Show over the past twenty years. Mr. Starzyk further recognized the members of the Classic Car Show committee, including Lois and Jerry Durant, Anne Girzadas and Jan Collopy for their success in this year’s Classic Car Show. Mayor Straz personally thanked Mr. Starzyk for his personal effort in all he does for the Classic Car Show. Mayor Straz also thanked the Palos Classic Car Show committee and beautification committee for their efforts in making the Classic Car Show a success. Mayor Straz also encouraged the public to volunteer for this great event in the future, noting this is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors. Mayor Straz also thanked the sponsors and noted that the original intention of the Classic Car Show was to bring people to Harlem Avenue and that has happened.

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes:

1. City Council Meeting –September 5, 2023.

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending September 15, 2023.

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

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

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS

None.

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

•  Mayor:

•  General Remarks and Updates. None

•  Motion to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of class A Liquor Licenses by one (1) for Maria’s Tamales Y Champurrado, located at 12246 S. Harlem Avenue.

•  Mayor Straz attend a liquor commission meeting last week for Maria Tamales who has been in operation for about a year and a half.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Ordinance and seconded by Alderman Key.

On roll call, the motion to adopt the Ordinance was:

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With six (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Clerk: No report

•  Treasurer: No report

•  Treasurer’s Report for the period ending August 31, 2023.

•  Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending August 31, 2023.

•  General Fund:

i. Began August with $5,564,786.10

ii. Revenue: $965,054.93

iii. Expenses: $997,722.72

iv. Other source use: $7,066.32

v. Ending Cash Balance: $5,5539,184.63

•  Total of All Funds:

i. Began August with $26,835,514.90

ii. Revenue: 2,152,615.89

iii. Expenses: $1, 756,293.42

iv. Other Source Use: $109,026.61

v. Ending Cash Balance: $27,340,863.98

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the Motion was seconded by Alderman McGovern.

On roll call, the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was:

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  City Attorney: No report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS: None

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL

•  Eileen Lunter 12485 Turtle Pond Lane, Palos Heights: The Palos Heights Women’s Club is having their annual blood drive this Thursday at Palos Heights Recreation Center beginning at 6:30 and walk ins are welcome.

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: No report.

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso:

•  Upcoming Public Safety Committee for 9/26 is canceled.

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: No Report

D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No report

•  Planning and Zoning Committee meeting for 9/27 is canceled.

E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key

•  Motion to approve $47,230.50 for the first installment of the 2023-24 membership contribution to the Southwest Special Recreation Association (SWSRA).

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was:

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment to the Southwest Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) in the amount of $8,475,60 for summer camp inclusion services.

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was:

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

Alderman Key noted that the two prior motions were funds received by the City from ADA Funds that the City redirects to the service provided noted in the motions.

•  Motion to approve proposal from Williams Architects in the amount of $170,000.00 for Design Development, Construction Document Plans, Specifications and Bid Proposal, Permitting, Bidding, Construction Observation and Grant Administration work to be completed for the Palos Pool project.

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Bylut On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was:

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Clifford Nays: (1) McGrogan

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

o Discussion (after vote): Alderman McGrogan wanted to explain why he voted no on this motion. Alderman McGrogan asked whether this was the only bid. He asked if we received other bids, because it is noted that it is a couple thousand dollars over their prior analysis. Alderman McGrogan suggested that the other bids should be listed in the committee minutes. Alderman McGrogan further suggested a policy in which the City Council establish a threshold dollar amount basis by which we identify the companies and bids. Alderman Key noted this went out to bid and two companies combined to do the work and submitted only one bid. Since this bid came in just a couple thousands of dollars over the estimate, the committee agreed to this bid. Alderman Grogan questioned whether two companies combining on a bid is a competitive bid. Alderman McGrogan suggested the City require more than one bid or more than one combined bid. Mayor Straz noted that only one bid came in and it was in line with what the architects estimated. Alderman Key noted this was an extensive contract and since the City is receiving grant funding certain procedures must be followed. Mayor Straz noted some companies will not bid on it because it is a project grant.

•  Motion to approve permanent outfield fence on Power softball field #1. Power softball will pay entire amount of project and indemnify the City of Palos Heights, its elected officials, employees and agents from any and all liabilities, claims and causes of action as a result of the construction, installation, maintenance and operation of the project and thereafter.

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley.

Discussion: Alderman McGovern questioned why Palos Power would want to have a permanent fence in a city park. Alderman Key responded that every field has a permanent fence, including all the Palos Baseball Organization Fields. Alderman Key further stated that Power recently installed a scoreboard at that field. Alderman McGovern questioned the loss of green space within the permanent fence is to the rest of the city. Alderman Key noted that the committee does not think any impact will occur and further noted that the Power Field 2, on the east side of the park has and will continue to have a temporary fence if needed. Alderman Bylut noted that the committee will address a temporary fence for the Power 2 field for the upcoming year. Alderman Key noted that the issue of a permanent fence has been brought up over several months during committee meetings and the Power leadership answered the questions asked and the committee was satisfied with their answers. Alderman Begley noted that there was a good agreement on this issue and a lot of time was spent with the Power leadership, including Matt Fairbanks who a put a lot of work into this issue. Mayor Straz noted that a permanent fence on the east would likely not be permitted or recommended, but there is no other purpose on the west field than for a field. Alderman Clifford stated that the committee believe that the permanent fence on the west field made sense, but to keep the east field open in case there are other events to take place in the park. Alderman Clifford further noted that if the league ever were to dissolve, the removal of the fence would be at Power’s expense, that the City would be indemnified against any injuries or loss for the City letting them use the field for their purposes and the maintenance would be incurred by Power. Alderman Clifford further stated that the temporary fence on Power Field 2 is still in discussion since some people do not like the look of it with perhaps a compromise of removal by September 1st each year. Alderman Key explained a driving force by Power to obtain a permanent fence was that the temporary fences were not being maintained. Alderman Key further stated that Power offered to pay for a new temporary fence for the Power 2 (east) field.

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

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

Nays: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

F. Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford:

•  Motion to approve the first and second payment to Lindahl Brother’s Inc. for the 2023 MFT Program in the amount of $628,723.00.

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Basso. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was:

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment to Airy’s Inc. for installing a 24-inch storm drainage line in the amount of $19,660.28

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Basso.

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

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment to Morris Engineering for engineering services for various projects throughout the City in the amount of $7,818.98.

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Basso.

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

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Alderman Clifford noted that the road program is winding up with only a couple remaining items to be completed. The City came in slightly over $13,000 as it did some extra necessary repairs. The City is working on next year’s road program and costs. Alderman Clifford also noted that the City is partnering with Trinity College to replace the culverts of 96 inches in diameter on 123rd Street crossing Navajo Creek. The work will begin on September 19th with an anticipated completion of November 20, 2021. During construction, 123rd Street from Natchez to the school entrance will be closed through that time. We hope and expect the work to be completed earlier than November 20, 2023. This is a cooperative project that cost about $500,000, resulting in cooperative fund and grants, which would be of little to nothing cost for taxpayers.

G. License, Permits & Franchises—Alderman Lewandowski:

•  Alderman Lewandowski attended the meeting by telephone conference call due to a recent Covid-19 diagnosis. Alderman Lewandowski informed residents that all the health professionals he spoke to said Covid-19 is on the rise again and urged everyone to remain cautious.

•  Motion to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County Health for the provision of environmental health inspection services December 1, 2023, through November 30, 2024.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman McGovern.

Alderman Lewandowski explained this is the annual renewal of the Cook County Health inspection of City restaurants and businesses.

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

Ayes: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve a variance for an existing residential driveway at 7620 Carmichael Dr. to be widened more than Code allows.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley.

Discussion: Alderman McGovern raised a question, wherein he referenced Section 9426(c) of the Palos Heights Code, and asked what the resident will be using the current garage space as a result of a new garage being placed in the back of the home. Alderman McGovern noted that if that space is used for anything but a garage, then the driveway must be removed or reconstructed with existing ordinances. Alderman McGovern is concerned because the resident is asking an extended driveway going from his porch around to the garage in the back. Alderman Clifford noted that the ordinance state the total square footage of the driveway cannot exceed 30% of the yard. Alderman Clifford noted a prior zoning similar issue. Here, Alderman Clifford explained, a tree exists that would prohibit a new driveway from the new garage straight to the street. Instead, Alderman Clifford noted, that the resident would have to drive into the existing driveway and have it curve to get to the back where the garage is located. Alderman Clifford also noted that the resident has flagstaff stones on the right side of his driveway. Alderman Clifford noted that the driveway will take up a lot of the resident’s front yard. Alderman Key asked why this is with the License, Permits & Franchise Committee when it was already before the zoning committee. Alderman Lewandowski noted that the only issue before the Council today was about a variance relating to his driveway. Alderman Lewandowski noted that we do not know what the resident will do with the converted garage space. The only issue is whether the resident can pave over the flagstone to make it conform with the existing driveway. Alderman Bylut noted that he rode past the home, he wants to repave the existing pavement and replace the flagstone with new pavement, and paving the driveway. Alderman Bylut noted that it looked like a lot of asphalt would be in front of this home. Alderman Bylut noted that he could not imagine liking the look or being acceptable. Mayor Straz noted that the alternative to that is to leave the flagstone. Alderman Clifford noted that he can extend the driveway, but that also depends on his use of the existing garage, since if it become a living space, the code requires that space to return to green space. Alderman Basso then noted the ordinance says you cannot have a patio butting the driveway. Alderman Basso further noted that it appeared the flagstaff path was to the front door and this resident’s porch stoop has been reconfigured to look like part of the driveway. Alderman Basso noted that this is not a hardship case, it’s a want case, which Alderman Basso believes we should not make variancesfor “want” cases. Alderman Basso noted that this will look like the resident whole front yard is for parking. Alderman Key noted that the flagstone extends past the porch opening and that the blueprint shows that the flagstone will still be present, despite additional asphalt. Alderman Clifford suggests the resident be asked what his future use is of the existing garage. Alderman McGovern noted the amount information before the Council was not enough sufficient information to vote on this motion. Alderman McGovern entertained a motion to send it back to committee. Alderman McGrogan noted that he did the math related to the figures and the resident is below the 30% limit of asphalt and further suggested possibly paver bricks to replace the flagstone would resolve this issue. Alderman Lewandowski noted that the driveway will remain but will now round around the house to the back garage.

On roll call, the motion to send this motion back to the committee was moved by Alderman McGovern and seconded by Alderman Clifford: approve the motion was:

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

Nays: (1) Basso

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

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

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Business/Economic Development—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report

B. Ad Hoc Cable TV— Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report.

XII. OLD BUSINESS: None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: None

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS None.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:43 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09192023-892