South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met Feb. 6.

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 Ward 1 Donald Bylut & Jeffery Key City Clerk Shannon Harvey Ward 2 Robert Basso & Jack Clifford (by phone) City Treasurer James Daemicke Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Michael McGrogan & Jerry McGovern Absent: None

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

None

V. CONSENT AGENDA

•  Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting –January 16, 2024.

•  Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending February 2, 2024 Alderman Bylut moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Alderman McGovern

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

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

•  Motion to Approve the Mayor’s Re-Appointments of the Planning and Zoning Committee for a five-year appointment expiring on February 2, 2029 of Pat Scully and re- appointment on the Police Pension Board for a two-year term expiring on February 2, 2026 of George Jasinski.

Alderman McGovern moved to approve the Motion and Alderman Key second. On a voice vote, the motion to approve the Motion to Approve the Mayor’s Re Appointments passed unanimously.

•  Clerk: No report

•  Treasurer:

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

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

•  General Fund:

i. Began December with $ 5,568,876

ii. Revenue: $ 1,892,719

iii. Expenses: $ 3,988,565

iv. Other source use: $ 336,925

v. Ending Cash Balance: $ 3,809,956

•  Total of All Funds:

i. Began December with $ 25,597,937

ii. Revenue: $ 8,253,046

iii. Expenses: $ 6,560,387

iv. Other Source Use: $ 424,179

v. Ending Cash Balance: $ 27,714,776

Alderman McGovern moved to approve the Treasurer’s report seconded by Alderman Bylut.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried

•  City Attorney: No report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS:

•  Alderman McGrogan informed the City Council that during the week that District 118 sent out a mailer that explained a referendum that will be on the ballot in the election. He noted that a meeting was being held tonight and on Thursday at Palos West. Alderman McGrogan explained that there are excess funds that need to be transferred to a different fund to assist in additional repairs and programs. He explained that this will be a referendum for the voters to decide and this is a useful information session.

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL

•  Lynda Schiappa, 13442 Edinburgh Drive: Mrs. Schiappa noted that the City appears to be moving forward with the City Hall remodel. She noted that even though we budgeted for it, we did not need to spend two million dollars on the remodel. Mrs. Schiappa noted that the plansseem to include an excess of bathrooms needed for the number of employees and people that come through City Hall on a daily basis. Mrs. Schiappa also noted that certain changes could be adjusted at a lower cost. Mrs. Schiappa further suggested instead of moving the building department, a sign could be constructed in a more cost-effective manner to address where the building department is located.

•  Dennis Hyker, 57 Country Squire: Mr. Hyker thanked Mayor Straz for the work he has done and made the City into a financially stable town. Mr. Hyker further thanked the residents who have helped make changes in the City who seem to be less involved these days. Mr. Hyker discussed decision making in the City, in which he noted that the best decisions are made collaboratively. Mr. Hyker also discussed taxes, in which he said that Illinois is an extremely expensive state, having the second highest property tax in the state, among other high taxes. Mr. Hyker noted that we should not increase taxes, specifically the downtown 1% business tax. Mr. Hyker also discussed extensive spending and noted that just because the City has money, does not mean it needs to spend that money. Mr. Hyker noted different examples, including the City Hall remodel as an example of what he believes is extensive spending. Mr. Hyker urged the City Council to think about how the residents’ money is spent.

•  Maria Decaprio-Sunta 12032 South 75th Avenue: Ms. Decaprio-Sunta asked what the exact amount of the remodel was – one or two million dollars. Mayor Straz noted that the first phase is just over $900,000 and the total project is just over $1.6 million dollars. She asked who the City is trying to impress with a remodel and if we should focus on impressing others with our downtown district. She further noted that Palos Heights has a decent City Hall and further noted that any remodel will undoubtedly cost more than planned, like most remodels. Mrs. Decaprio-Sunta noted the lack of information provided to residents. She further asked where the money will come from if the remodel is over-budget – and requested that it does not come from the residents. She suggested to scale back the remodel. Mrs. Decaprio-Sunta also noted her concerns that we spend additional money on a study for the downtown district when other previously were conducted.

•  Harlen Weivoda: 7640 West 135th Street: Mr. Weivoda agreed with the previous speakers that he noticed all the increased spending by the City. Mr. Weivoda noted that he believes water and sewer piping was improperly placed on his property and he has never been compensated.

•  Todd Probasco: 7331 West Kiowa Lane: Mr. Probasco asked whether citizens came together to discuss other options to potentially scale back the remodel project. He further noted that he went to Harlem Avenue the previous week and noted that there was no parking available. Mr. Probasco suggested the City figure out their priorities and focus on the parking issues instead of the City Hall remodel.

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

•  Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan:

•  Alderman McGrogan noted that there was a recent incident in Palos Park in which a home for sale became occupied by squatters. He noted that he had been informed that individuals will watch vacant homes for sale and move in. In this incident, the locks were changed and disturbed the home sale. To remove the individuals illegally living in the house will need to be involve the court system. He urged residents to be cautious when selling homes.

•  Alderman McGrogan noted that the Finance meeting will be moved to February 20th at 5:30 p.m.

•  Alderman McGrogan noted that he read in a local newspaper that the reason District 118 needs to transfer money is because the State of Illinois no longer funds certain programs. He urged the City Council to think about this asit relatesto the City and thatsome programs could lack the current subsidies in the future

•  Alderman McGrogan noted the high inflation, housing, electricity (among other increases) and further noted the financial stability of the City today. He noted that we cannot just spend money today because we have it and must look to the future when spending money.

•  Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso:

•  Motion to adopt an Ordinance amending all existing sections where penalty provisions treat violations of the same as either criminal misdemeanors or felonies.

Discussion: Alderman Basso explained that he sent the City Counsel a memo regarding this ordinance change. Alderman Bylut did not understand why the City needs to change felony charges to code violations and asked for further explanation. Attorney Brown stated that he spoke to the City Prosecutor and Cook County Judges who requested we modify the Code since the City does not have authority to prosecute felony charges. Alderman Begley explained that the state’s attorney’s office needs to prosecute felony charges and our city prosecutor can only prosecute code violations. Alderman McGovern further explained that to prosecute a felony the police need to contact the state’s attorney’s office who make the decision to move forward. Chief Czajkowski explained thatsome charges,such a battery, could not be prosecuted by the local prosecutor or state’s attorney based on the wording of the ordinance. To rectify this, it will just be a word change in the ordinance, but the charges will still be prosecuted.

Alderman Basso moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski.

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

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

Nays: (1) Bylut

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve the purchase of a 2024 Toyota Highlander from Oak Lawn Toyota in the amount of $46,631.03.

Alderman Basso 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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve the installation of a Flock Condor LPR/surveillance camera in the City Municipal Lot on a cost-free test trial basis.

Discussion: Alderman Basso noted that this camera will be in the Municipal Parking Lot near the High 5 Heights store.

Alderman Basso moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On voice vote call, the motion was approved unanimously.

Alderman Basso thanked the Public Works Department for keeping the streets cleaned these past couple of weeks during the snow and ice storms.

•  Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley:

•  Motion to extend the Tree Removal, Trimming & Stump Grinding bid contract with Homer Tree Service for an additional two years 2024 & 2025.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve an Agreement with TruGreen for the 2024 Commercial Lawn Service in the amount of $19,666.94.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Lewandowki.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve a Contract with CNC Lawn Care for the 2024 Maintenance for services in the Art Park, Raised Planters, and Plant Beds for the months of April through October for $2,845.00 per month equaling a total amount of $19,915.00.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve the installation and replanting of eighteen hanging flower baskets on Harlem Avenue from Country Landscape & Supply, Inc. in the amount of $5,630.00.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to direct the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance declaring the following three (3) vehicles as surplus and to sell three (3) on Ibid: 2007 Chevy Impala-VIN 2G1WT58K179302717, 2007 Chevy 3500 Silverado-Vin 1GCHK34K37E574129, 2011 Chevy Tahoe-VIN 1GNLC2E04BR234561.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman McGovern.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve the purchase of a 50-foot lift from Sunbelt Rentals under the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative Contract #062320-SNB in the amount of $37,200.00.

Discussion: Alderman Begley noted that this lift will be used for various purposes in the City.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. For the Cal-Sag Trail at Lake Katherine, Phase II project in the amount of $26,015.00.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Lewandowki.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve storage of the holiday decorations with Artistic Designs for 2024 in the amount of $5,645.00.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to award the City Hall Remodel/ Improvements to Construction Solutions of Illinois for their low bid of $913,723.00 for phase I of the project.

Discussion: Alderman Begley noted that this project began discussions back in Summer of 2022, and included a lot of work done by multiple City employees, City Council members and Mayor Straz. Alderman Begley noted that she looked back into City Council meeting minutes and found that improvements have been discussed since 2007. Alderman Begley noted that the bathrooms need to be ADA compliant and further noted that the Mayor’s office has ceiling tilings falling. Alderman Begley noted she did not have strong feelings about this project originally, but noted as she learned additional information, she realized that certain improvements need to be addressed. Alderman McGrogan noted that he thought the discussion would be after the motion and vote. Alderman Begley responded noting she wished Alderman McGrogan participated in the meetings where the remodel was discussed so he could provide that information to his constituents.

Mayor Straz asked Alderman Begley to explain further details about the phasing. Alderman Begley explained that the first phase is related to making the bathroom ADA compliant. She further noted that moving the building department to the front of the building is more accessible to the public. Alderman Begley noted how old the building is and that the electrical needs to be updated. Alderman McGovern noted that he was in City Council last week and noted the aging wiring system in the City Council. Alderman Begley noted that investments should be made to other parts of town, but we cannot ignore the improvements needed to City Hall. Alderman Begley further noted the amount of money invested, including architects and employees is using taxpayers’ money, which is when the questions should be asked, and not at the final vote. Alderman McGrogan noted that the final cost was just announced within the last three months. He further noted that he mentioned these issues in the last couple minutes, and he is committed to going to bat for the taxpayers. Alderman McGrogan noted that four aldermen are in favor of the remodel and four are not. The City Council all voted in favor of exploring the options through bids. Alderman McGrogan noted that years ago, the building department was in the front of the building but was moved because it inconvenienced the employees. Alderman McGrogan noted that residents are agreeing that repairs need to be made, but the timing of a large project may not be right now. Alderman McGrogan noted that we should have had a community discussion relating to the remodel. Alderman Begley noted that the City Council has been discussing this for the last 18 month.

Mayor Straz explained that it will cost $400k to make the bathroom ADA compliant, $400,000 for the electrical and $300,000 for the plumbing. He noted that we can relook at the changes for Phase two and three and potentially can do that in house. However, he noted that a lot of the money requested is needed to make changes that cannot be done in house.

Alderman McGrogan noted that four aldermen represent half the city and the other four represent the other half of residents. Alderman Lewandowski asked for an order of the meeting noting that Alderman represents the entire City.

Alderman McGrogan noted that different budgets for departments and noted the number of ongoing projects. Alderman McGrogan suggested that the remodel be done by addressing smaller projects at a time.

Mayor Straz noted that we want to spend money on water and sewer to avoid issues. Alderman Key noted that we have a committee system and have studied this project for months. He noted that this not being done behind anyone’s back. Alderman Key noted that this is the fourth step of the renovations, and this part has just been kicked down the road. He noted that the necessary changes cost $1,400,000.

Alderman Bylut noted that this was not a unanimous vote in committee and two aldermen voted against it. Alderman Bylut noted that he reviewed the meeting minutes from a couple of weeks ago and that Mayor Straz noted that he wanted bathrooms ADA compliant, the mechanics (HVAC and electrical) updated and a decent meeting room. Alderman Bylut suggested we start over and address the needs. Alderman Begley noted that while everyone at first is favor of plans presented and then at the end want new changes, we will result in additional spending additional money for new architectural plans. Alderman Bylut noted that once the cost became available, people may reconsider, like he did.

Alderman Lewandowski noted that residents should not be confused at the cost, and if such confusion exist, that is the City Council’s fault who should be clear and transparent. He noted that City Staff has already discussed potential in-house projects. He further noted that he relies on the opinion of the City Manager and staff relating to the building and workflow to address residents’ needs. He further noted that that there was a public meeting on this issue a couple of weeks ago.

Mayor Straz noted that the increase in tax for the business district is placed directly back into the business district and a $200,000 consultant was not hired. Alderman Key explained that a consultant was discussed at a committee meeting to provide experts to plan a new business district. Alderman Key noted that plans have been submitted in past year, but now there is a funding entity to make these changes. He noted that a consultant would be paid from this business tax, not from taxpayers.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. However, after discussion, Alderman McGrogan requested to defer the motion which was seconded by Alderman Bylut. A final vote on this issue will take place at the next City Council meeting.

•  Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern:

•  . Motion to approve the allowance of a seven (7) foot Side Yard setback along the easterly property line, in lieu of the required ten (10) foot Side Yard setback (a 3-foot Side Yard variance), which variance is limited to the distance of the length of the proposed detached garage located at 12203 S. 75th Avenue, and contained within the following PIN: 23-25- 224-0000.

Alderman McGovern 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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report

•  Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: No Report

Alderman Clifford noted that the next meeting may discuss upcoming road projects, and everything is within budget.

•  License, Permits & Franchises—Alderman Lewandowski: No Report

Alderman Lewandowski thanks Northwestern Palos Hospital for the care they gave his family, and the City should be proud of the Hospital.

•  Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut: No Report

•  Motion to approve the final payment to Lindahl Brothers, Inc. for the 123rd Street 12” Water Main project in the amount of $29.945.67.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve the 3rd and 4th payment to Airy’s Inc. for the College Drive Water Main Lining in the amount of $87,976.99.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve the purchase of a new 100HP variable frequency drive (VFD) in the amount of $19,936.00.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment to Brown Equipment Company for the Kundel 6’X8” V Panel Aluminum Trench Box 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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to award the 2024 Meter Replacement Program to Calumet City Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. with their lowest bid of $158,400.00.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment to Core & Main to purchase meters for the 2024 Meter Replacement Program in the amount of $247,557.74.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services with RJN Group for the 2023 Sewer Rehabilitation Design and Construction and On-Call Underground Infrastructure Services rendering through December 29th, 2023, in the amount of $13,710.58.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

•  Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. for the College Drive Water Main Lining, and the 131st Street Water Main CIPP Lining rendering through October 31, 2023, in the amount of $27,280.52.

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford

Nays: (0) None

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Business/Economic Development—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report B. Ad Hoc Cable TV— Chairperson Alderman McGovern: Alderman McGovern thanks Mrs. Kelly White from Regional where she wrote where Shepard High School has partnered with PHTV4 where student learn aspects of the TV Station.

XII. OLD BUSINESS:

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: None

XIV: EXECUTIVE SESSION: None

XV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS

•  Linda Scapa noted the need for public meetings that should have been conducted when remodel discussions began over 18 months ago. She further noted that input from residents could have provided additional ideas to those planning, specifically relating to the number of bathrooms included in the remodel. Mrs. Scapa further noted that the 1% business tax increase is taxpayer money and thus an increase for residents.

•  Dennis Hyker also noted that the 1% sales tax increase is an increase to the taxpayers. Alderman Key noted that prior consultant plans were created without a funding source. Mr. Hyker urged that the City Council get more residentsinvolved relating to their thoughts and suggestions on various projects and spending.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:35 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02062024-958