South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Municipal Grounds & Property Committee met Feb. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Begley called the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

at City Hall. In attendance were Chairman Begley, Alderman Lewandowski, Alderman Bylut, Public Works Director Adam Jasinski, recording secretary Ashley Pala, and one member of the public Jack Tevillian. Public Arts Commission members Maria DeCaprio-Sunta and Susan DeKoker were present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Begley moved to approve the minutes of the Municipal Ground and Property Committee meeting held on January 23, 2024, seconded by Alderman Bylut. On a voice note, the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Public Works Director Adam Jasinski presented the following report:

• NIMEC: We have done this previously. This is the cost of energy for our pump stations, lift stations, and some of the street lights in town. The Mayor will execute an agreement with the lowest bidder. We are not committed to this as it can be rejected. Typically, we receive a reduction.

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve a Resolution for the Mayor to execute the power supply agreement from the winning bidder through the Norther Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative on March 6, 2024, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• City Hall’s HVAC Automation System: The automation system that controls the building is obsolete. With the recent windows update, we can no longer run the software that controls the system. The only means of controlling the system is to utilize a computer that has not been updated in three years that is directly plugged into the control device. With the rehabilitation not proceeding, this needs to be done separately from the project. The last system was installed in 2011. The system has been well maintained and can potentially last an additional ten years.

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve Total Automation Concepts, Inc. to upgrade the Schneider Electric Temperature Control in City Hall in the amount of $17,525.00, seconded by Alderman Bylut. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• City Hall Conference Room HVAC System: The previous PHTV4 studio is in the process of being remodeled to a conference room. The studio was cooled by an in-wall ac unit and heated by baseboards. Those have both been removed and we are hoping to install a rooftop unit on the outside that provides a ductless system that would provide heating and cooling utilizing a split system.

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve Thermopol-Mechanical Inc., to install a ductless HVAC system in the City Hall Conference Room in the amount of $7,200.00, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• SSL Mower: This is a mower that is attached to the front of the bobcat. There is an arm that performs cutting on one side of the ditch instead of utilizing a weed whipper. It is safer than mowing the right of way.

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve the purchase of a blue diamond swing arm brush cutter ssl mower-model number 103874 from Alta Equipment Company in the amount of $19,436.00, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Brick Paver Maintenance on Harlem Ave: Director Jasinski received two quotes for this work. As the polymeric sand within brick paving is showing signs of deterioration, the process to repair will include power washing the existing brick, clean the joints, place new polymeric sand and then seal. This is the original company that installed the brick and have been satisfied with their work. They are slightly more expensive than the other quote but there is a trust with the quality of work from Country Landscaping.

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve Country Landscaping for brick paver maintenance on both east and west sides of Harlem Avenue from 122nd Street to 123rd Street in the amount of $16,941.61, seconded by Alderman Bylut. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Harlem Ave Holiday Lights: This is for the installation and take down of the lights. This is for next year.

➢ Chairmen Begley motioned to approve Holiday Outdoor Décor for the Harlem Ave decorations in the amount of $9,376.25, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Lake Katherine Parking Lot IGA: Director Jasinski provided the Committee with a detailed handout with an overview of the work that has been completed as the parking lot is going to commence soon. By the time is complete, it would have been worked on for over ten years.

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Mayor to execute with MWRD for the Lake Katherine Parking Lot, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Chairman Begley motioned to approve payment to Wold Architects and Engineers for the design development for the City Hall renovations in the amount of $1,966.16, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Public Arts Commission

Maria DeCaprio-Sunta provided the Committee with a draft amendment at the Committee meeting held on January 23, 2024. The draft amendment reads “Public Arts Commission will review, on a case-by-case basis, any additions such as: memorials, decorative objects, and/or plantings to the various sculpture locations within the city.” Maria explained to the Committee the importance for this amendment to be included. Discussion was had in regards to the history of the Public Arts Commission. Alderman all stated the wording needs to be changed. Alderman Bylut questioned if the PAC is looking for the opportunity to recommend and for consultation to which Maria responded yes. The Ordinance that is currently in place and is being followed. Alderman Basso stated PAC should be included in the process but the word “review” and “approve” should not be included. Alderman Bylut stated as long as PAC remains advisors.

Alderman Lewandowski stated all present in the room agree that PAC should be utilized but the wording “will review” should not be included. Alderman Begley stated the Public Arts Commission is similar to other advisory boards where ideas are generated and brought to the Committee for discussion. The Committee discussed the option for PAC to attend Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meetings on a regular basis such as quarterly or even every six months. Alderman Bylut stated the intent of the Committee is to work closely with the PAC. After further discussion, this topic will be tabled until the Committee meeting on March 26, 2024.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Chairman Begley moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03262024-980