South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met March 5

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 

City Treasurer James Daemicke Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski 

City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Jerry McGovern 

Absent: Alderman McGrogan 

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: 

None 

V. CONSENT AGENDA 

∙ Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting –February 20, 2024. 

∙ Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending March 1, 2024. 

∙ Approval of a Special Event Permit request from the Parks & Recreation Department to conduct their annual Chocolate Chase 5K on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the designated race route. 

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Alderman Clifford. 

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

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

Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (2) McGrogan and Begley 

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS 

None. 

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS 

∙ Mayor: 

∙ General Remarks and Updates. 

∙ The City will have an e-waste recycling event on April 6, 2024, from 8:00

am -11:00 AM at the Palos Heights Metra Station. This event is open to Palos residents and photo identification is required. 

∙ Governor Pritzker announced that in his 2024 Budget, he wants to abolish the 1% sales tax on groceries. This percentage is the 1% that the towns receive, including Palos Heights. This will directly impact our 2024 budget starting in July 2024. This year this will be account for $350-$400,000 for this year. This happened during COVID, but the state made up the lost tax revenue to the municipalities. Thisisin addition to the fact thatseveral years ago, when the state imposed an income tax, municipalities received 10% of the tax, which was then reduced to 6%, and despite efforts to get the 10% back, it is only up to 6.7%. This will also impact the economic incentives we have offered to grocery stores in town. Mayor Straz sent letters to Senator Cunningham and Representative Gill to oppose this bill. 

∙ Clerk: No report 

∙ Treasurer: 

∙ Treasurer’s Report for the period ending January 31, 2024. 

∙ Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending January 31, 2024. ∙ General Fund: 

i. Began January with $ 3,809,956 

ii. Revenue: $ 1,107,554 

iii. Expenses: $ 1,101,810 

iv. Other source use: $ (208,877) 

v. Ending Cash Balance: $ 3,606,822

∙ Total of All Funds: 

i. Began January with $ 27,714,776 

ii. Revenue: $ 1,800,453 

iii. Expenses: $ 1,448,087 

iv. Other Source Use: $ (479,441) 

v. Ending Cash Balance: $ 27,587,700 

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried 

∙ City Attorney: No report 

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS: None 

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL 

∙ Joan DeVito: 12232 South 71st Avenue: Mrs. DeVito wanted to talk about the consumer tax in the business corridor. Based on prior meeting minutes, she noted that the changes will take $5-$10 million and that would take a while. Mayor Straz noted that work would likely begin in the second or third year. Mrs. DeVito asked what would happen if the business owners do not agree to any business incentives to make changes. Mayor Straz noted that as a business district the City would care

for the property. Mrs. DiVito asked about a hired consultant. Mayor Straz noted that we are waiting to see the collections and then will look at hiring a consultant. Mrs. DeVito requested that the City Council communicate more with the residents. Mrs. DeVito is not happy with the consumer tax as it only provides incentives to businesses for their bad behavior as the cost of the consumer. 

∙ Michael VanderWheel – 12205 South Nagle Avenue. Mr. VanderWheel discussed the danger in the crosswalk at Oak Park Avenue and Route 83. Mr. VanderWhell identified three instances in which he witnessed or was part of a situation which could have caused an accident. Mr. VanderWheel noted certain statistics relating to different methods that cause motorists to yield at a crosswalk. Mayor Straz explained that Palos Heights does not have jurisdiction over that crosswalk. However, Mayor Straz and Alderman Clifford noted that they have expressed the safety concerns to the State regarding these issues. 

∙ Dr. Anthony Scarsella: Superintendent of District 118: Dr. Scarsella spoke to the City Council to remind residents of the upcoming Referendum on the March ballot. Dr. Scarsella explained that at issue is a shift of funds from the debt services fund to the operating fund. Dr. Scarsella explained that the operating funds are needed to fund the numerous federal and state mandates and to continue to provide excellent programming in District 118. Dr. Scarsella further explained that the referendum is not requesting a tax increase to taxpayers, but rather any increase in the operating fund tax would be offset by a decrease in the debt services fund tax. DR. Scarsella reported that District 118 is a high achieving and low spending 

District. He further noted the achievements of District 118. Dr. Scarsella finally  noted how he has enjoyed meeting with Palos residents and connecting those families who do not have young children in the District. Dr. Scarsella noted that  he is proud that Palos has become a destination for young families based in a  large part due to the high achieving school districts. He further noted he is proud  that schools have played a role in making Palos a destination where housing value continues to rise. Dr. Scarsella urged residents to reach out with any questions  they may have relating to the Referendum. 

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES 

∙ Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: 

Motion to approve COVID Pay for certain non-union Police Department employees. 

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

Discussion: Alderman Bylut suggested that all full-time employees should be considered for COVID pay. Mayor Straz noted that he spoke to Alderman McGrogan, and it will be discussed at future Finance Committee meetings. 

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: 

∙ .Motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 74 “Equipment; Loads”, Section 74.028 “Video Devices”.  

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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

∙ Motion to direct the City Attorney to draft an agreement between the City of Palos Heights and the Forest Ridge Homeowners Association to enforce parking violations on private roadway. 

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

Alderman Basso urged residents to go to Palos Heights website and read the precautions for tornado safety.  

∙ Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: 

∙ Motion to adopt a Resolution for the Mayor to execute the power supply agreement from the winning bidder through the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative on March 27, 2024.  

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

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve Total Automation Concepts, Inc. to upgrade the Schneider Electric Temperature Control in City Hall in the amount of $15,525.00.  

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

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve Thermopol-Mechanical Inc., to install a ductless HVAC system in the City Hall Conference Room in the amount of $7,200.00.  

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

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve the purchase of a blue diamond swing arm bush cutter ssl mower-model number 103874 from Alta Equipment Company in the amount of $19,436.00.  

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

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve Country Landscaping for brick paver maintenance on both east and west sides of Harlem Ave from 122nd Street to 123rd Street in the amount of $16,941.61.  

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

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve Holiday Outdoor Décor for the Harlem Ave decorations in the amount of $9,376.25.  

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

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve for the Mayor to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District regarding the Lake Katherine Parking Lot Green Infrastructure Grant 

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

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report ∙ One Note: No ZBA meeting March 

∙ Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report 

∙ Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: No Report 

∙ One Note: Alderman Clifford will mention the possibility about a safer crosswalk at Oak Park Avenue at next Roads and Construction Meeting.  

∙ License, Permits & Franchises—Alderman Lewandowski: No Report ∙ Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut: 

∙ Motion to Bid the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising project. Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. On roll call, the motion to approve the Motion was:

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to Bid the 70th Ave Lift Station Rehabilitation project. 

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve engineering services involving reconditioning of Misty Water Tower with Dixon Engineering & Inspection Services for the amount of $9,800.00.  

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve engineering services with Lockwood, Andrews, & Newnam, Inc. for design and new 300,000-gallon water reservoir in the amount of $76,466.00.  

Discussion: Alderman McGovern asked where this will be located, by which Alderman Bylut noted that it will be located by the Hospital. 

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve engineering services with Lockwood, Andrews, & Newnam, Inc. to rehabilitate the Southwest Hwy Lift Station in the amount of $70,752.00.  

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve professional engineering services with Lockwood, Andrews, & Newnam, Inc. for the 70th Ave Lift Station Rehabilitation and 2MG Water Reservoir Reconditioning projects in the amount of $12,327.00.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. 

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

Ayes: (7) Begley, Basso, Key, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford, Bylut Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) 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 February 2, 2024, in the amount of $7,086.05.  

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

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

Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. for the College Drive Water Main Lining, On-Call Engineering services, and the 131st Street Water Main CIPP Lining rendering through January 31, 2024, in the amount of $16,513.56.  

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

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

Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services with Morris Engineering, Inc. for the Cypress Water Main Replacement and IL 83 & Navajo Creek projects in the amount of $20,353.70. 

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

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

Nays: (0) None 

Absent: (1) McGrogan 

With seven (7) 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: No Report 

XII. OLD BUSINESS: Alderman McGovern noted that based on recent reports, there are reports that the bridge on 127th and Cal Sag may be closed again for construction. 

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: None 

XIV: EXECUTIVE SESSION: None 

XV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS 

XVI. ADJOURNMENT 

At 7:39 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03052024-971