City of Palos Heights City Council met Nov. 7

Donald Bylut, Alderman - Ward 1 | City of Palos Heights Website

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Jan 10, 2024

City of Palos Heights City Council met Nov. 7.

Here is the agenda 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 & Jack Clifford

Ward 3 Heather Begley& Brent Lewandowski

Ward 4 Michael McGrogan & Jerry McGovern

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

The following officers were sworn into their new positions with the Police Heights Police Department:

A. Swearing in of Deputy Chief Jeffrey Crowley

B. Swearing in of Officer Joshua Casey

C. Swearing in of Officer Grady Connell

D. Swearing in of Officer Benjamin Jordan

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes:

1. City Council Meeting –October 17, 2023.

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending November 3, 2023. C. Approval of a Proclamation recognizing November 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS

None.

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

• Mayor:

• General Remarks and Updates.

• This Saturday is the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at City Hall at 11:00 AM.

• Motion to approve the Mayor’s appointments and re-appointments as follows:

• Library Board:

1. Reappointment of Hillary Rhodes (3 year commitment)

2. Appointment of John Peltz

• Zoning Board of Appeals:

1. Appointment of John Shanahan

2. Appointment of Jim Hughes as Chairman

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Clerk: No report

• Treasurer: No report

• City Attorney: No report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS:

• Alderman Clifford noted that this week is Veteran’s Day. Alderman Clifford noted that he and Alderman McGovern are both Marines and will also be celebrating the Marine’s Birthday later this month. Alderman Clifford read a touching letter he wrote addressing and honoring the sacrifices made by American Veterans.

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL

• Harlen Weivoda: 7640 West 135th Street: Mr. Weivoda expressed his gratitude for the response the City Attorney gave relating to water and sewer lines on or near his property. Mr. Weivoda stated that he will consider it trespassing if the building department enters his property. Mr. Weivoda mentioned how Linda Scapa noted that Mayor Straz is one of the most honest people she knows. Mr. Weivoda would like the water and sewer lines rectified. Mr. Weivoda expressed that the sidewalks were placed that caused flooding to his property and that certain water drainage documents were submitted to Cook County.

• Highlander House: David (manager of Highlander House) and Agnes (owner of Highlander House) appeared and explained that on Saturday night a customer died after leaving the restaurant, crossing Harlem Avenue and getting struck by a moving vehicle. The Highlander House representatives urged the City Council to take action in some way, including additional parking spaces and/or a reduction of speed on Harlem Avenue.

• Haven Golf: Don Borschel spoke on behalf of Haven Golf. Mr. Burcell stated this is his fifth or sixth time requesting additional parking in the business disctrict and needs to be resolved.

• Franklin’s Public House: Mike Coogan urged the City Council to be proactive. Mr. Coogan expressed gratitude for converting the downtown district to a business district, but noted that the parking situation needs to be addressed now as its been an issue for decades.

Mr. Coogan noted that Palos Heights is a great City, but it is missing a reinvigorated business district, in which parking and lighting are paramount.

• House to Home and Van Gogh Hair Salon: (Amy Redden) Amy further noted the safety issues that young children are often on their bikes in the parking lot that runs along Harlem Avenue. Mrs. Reddon noted that parking, sidewalks and lighting are all issues that need to be addressed to secure the safety of Palos residents.

• Alderman Clifford noted that the Palos Heights Lion’s Club’s Annual Christmas Tree Sale will begin on November 18th with the delivery of trees. If any volunteers are available to assist, please join us at 126th and South Harlem Avenue.

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: No report.

• Alderman McGrogan noted that the Cook County Real Estate bills were issued this week and are due early December.

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: No Report

• Alderman Basso wanted to congratulate the officers sworn into their new positions with the Palos Heights Police Department. Alderman Basso also noted and commended that collaborative effort with the Palos Heights Police Department with other law enforcements agencies. Alderman Basso noted that home cameras have helped fight crimes, including a recent situation where a check was stolen from a mailbox and nearby video assisted in solving this crime. Alderman Basso also mentioned that fleeing vehicles have been apprehended based on resident and city cameras. Alderman Basso urged residents that own cameras to provide that video at times where it will assist in an investigation. Alderman Basso urged residents to always be aware of where you are and who is around in you in any situation.

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley:

1. Motion to approve forgoing the bid process to purchase an administrative vehicle. Alderman Begley moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

2. Motion to approve the purchase of a 2024 Toyota Rav4 not to exceed the amount of $33,000.00.

Alderman Begley 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, McGrogan, Clifford, Lewandowski and McGovern

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

3. Motion to approve Phase I City Hall Remodel Bid Solicitation.

Alderman Begley noted this motion is involves City Hall remodel which is being done in three phases. The first phase involves moving the building department to the front of the building. The price is higher than original discussed and now is in the $975,000 range, but this will get the bathrooms up to ADA code and make the City Hall flow smoother. Alderman McGrogan asked if the City Council would see the bids and Alderman Begley confirmed.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No report E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report

• Alderman Key noted that the Palos Recreation Center has a fitness club and if you are resident over 18, you can use it for free on Sundays from 12-5 PM. To do so, check in the front desk. The walking track is always open to adult residents for no cost.

• This Saturday, November 11th, will be the first indoor farmers market at the Recreation Center.

F. Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: No Report G. License, Permits & Franchises—Alderman Lewandowski:

1. 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

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

Ayes: (4) Begley, McGrogan, Lewandowski and McGovern

Nays: (4) Bylut, Basso, Key, Clifford

Absent: (0)

With a tie vote, Mayor Straz voted in the affirmative and the motion carried.

2. Motion to approve variance for the installation of a new fence at 12342 S. 73rd Ct. beyond the allowable placement than Code allows.

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

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

Ayes: (5) Bylut, Begley, Key, McGrogan, Clifford, Lewandowski and McGovern

Nays: (1) Basso

Absent: (0)

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

H. Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut:

1. Motion to approve the purchase of a Kundel 6’X8’ 4 V-Panel Aluminum Box through the sole source provider from Brown Equipment Company in the amount of $25,254.70.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

2. Motion to approve to go out to bid for the Meter Replacement Program. Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

3. Motion to approve the purchase of a part for the hospital reservoir mixer from PSI/PAX in the amount of $7,370.00.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman McGrogan.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

4. Motion to approve the purchase of a reservoir mixer for RT 83 from IXOM Watercare Inc. in the amount of $15,512.00.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

5. Motion to approve payment for the renewal of the Public Works Beehive asset management license subscription in the amount of $12,000.00.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

6. Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. for the College Drive Water Main Lining, and the 131st Street Water CIPP Lining rendering through September 30, 2023, in the amount of $10,454.55.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (0)

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Business/Economic Development—Chairperson Alderman Key:

• Art Commission: Lights in the Heights will host its kickoff on November 24, 2023 at 5:00 PM.

• Kriskringlemarket on December 1st and 2nd.

• The Palos Heights Holiday Parade on Harlem Avenue will run from 126th and Harlem to College Drive at 10:45 AM.

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