South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met April 2

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: 

Alderman Lewandowski explained that the Palos Height’s Women’s Club reinitiated the City Vehicle Sticker design contest. The City asked 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in Palos Heights to submit drawings for the contest. 

Violet Sugg of Palos Heights was this year’s winner. Violet attends Palos East and designed a beautiful, colorful sticker that residents will display on their vehicles.  

V. CONSENT AGENDA 

∙ Approval of Minutes: 1. City Council Meeting –March 19, 2024. 

∙ Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending March 28, 2024. 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, Begley, Basso, Key, McGrogan, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS 

2024 Road Resurfacing Bids: 

1. McGill Construction: $707,887.20 

2. Schroeder Asphalt: $1,033,346.00 

3. M&J Paving: $688,925.00 

4. “D” Construction, Inc.: $765,938.48 

5. Lindhall Bros. Inc.: $740,689.40

6. K-Five Construction Corporation: $733,453.25 

7. Gallagher Asphalt: $756,250.90 

Alderman Clifford moved to the bid to the Roads and Construction Committee seconded by Alderman Begley. 

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 

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS 

∙ General Remarks and Updates. 

∙ Mayor Straz noted that this Saturday it will be the Palos e-waste recycling day at the Palos Heights Metra Station from 7:30-11:30 AM. 

∙ Clerk: No report 

∙ Treasurer: No Report 

∙ City Attorney: No report 

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS: 

None 

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL 

∙ Scott Rusco: Dr. Rusco is a Palos Heights resident and practicing physician. Dr. Rusco’s practice is in Oak Forest, Illinois. Dr. Rosco informed the City Council that Northwestern Hospital in Palos Heights may not allow private practitioners to be on staff this fall. Dr. Rosco expressed his concern of this policy as his patients prefer to see him when hospitalized. Dr. Rusco anticipates that many physicians will admit their patients to different hospitals to avoid this policy. Dr. Rusco noted that many physicians’ offices are in Palos Heights as result of the close proximity to the hospital. However, if this policy is put into place, he anticipates some physicians will move their offices closer to hospitals where they can be placed on staff. Dr. Rusco urged the City Council to talk to residents about this issue. Mayor Straz informed Dr. Rusco that he is meeting with other physicians in the near future to discuss the same issue and suggested that we wait to hear a confirmation from Northwestern.  

Alderman McGovern asked if other hospitals have removed private physicians from staff. Dr. Rusco noted that some have but retracted the policy. Alderman McGrogan noted that it could result in less beds used at Northwestern Hospital.  

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES 

∙ Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: 

∙ Alderman McGrogan noted that the Finance Committee meeting will be canceled on April 9, 2024.  

∙ The Finance Committee is currently reviewing a compensation report for staff and an incentive plan for the current owners of Tiffany Square.  

∙ Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: No Report. 

∙ Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley:

∙ Motion to approve the renewal contract with Cintas Uniforms for the Public Works Mechanics.  

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Clifford. 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 new tables and chairs for the conference room in City Hall from Lowery McDonnell Co. in the amount of $5,826.00.  

Alderman Begley 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, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to approve payment to Thermopol-Mechanical Inc. for the installation of 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: (8) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGrogan, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing local appropriations for construction and construction engineering for the Cal-sag Trail Link/ Trailhead Parking Improvement at Lake Katherine.  

Alderman Begley 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, 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 $8,794.21. 

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. 

∙ Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report Alderman McGovern noted a special Committee meeting on April 3, 2024 at 6:30.

∙ Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report 

∙ Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: 

∙ Motion to approve Drainage Easement at 12900 70th Ct. for installation of storm water infrastructure.  

Alderman Clifford noted that this will happen near the cul-de-sac in the area. 

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, McGrogan, Lewandowski, McGovern, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to adopt a Resolution allowing the Mayor or his appointee to execute a State Salt  Purchase Agreement. 

Alderman Clifford 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. 

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

Alderman Lewandowski noted that he will be canceling the April 9, 2024 because he will be out of town.  

∙ Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut: 

∙ Motion to approve payment No. 2 to Performance Pipeline Inc. for the 2023 Sewer Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $34,610.40.  

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 installation of controls and SCADA at the Menominee Lift Station with Metropolitan Industries in the amount of $11,145.00.  

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 the replacement of the roof at the 80th Ave Pump Station with Garland/DBS, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00. 

Alderman Clifford asked if this was placed out to bid. Alderman Bylut noted that this repair needs to be done, but that this is an estimate, and an amount to exceed $75,000.  

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

Ayes: (7) Bylut, Begley, Basso, Key, McGrogan, Lewandowski, McGovern Nays: (1) Clifford 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

∙ Motion to request bids for the Cypress Ave Watermain replacement. 

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 Airy’s, Inc. for the 8” Sewer Main Repair at 12342 S. 70th Ct in the amount of $17,161.26.  

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 March 1, 2024, in the amount of $15,204.20. 

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 Strand Associates, Inc. for the 131st Street Water Main CIPP Lining rendering through February 29, 2024, in the amount of $7,869.07.  

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 Morris Engineering, Inc. for the Cypress Watermain Replacement and IL 83 & Navajo Creek projects in the amount of $8,831.60. 

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 a proposal and contract with Seeco Consultants, Inc. to Subsurface Exploration, Laboratory Testing, Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis for the Hospital Tank in the amount of $14,960.00.  

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. 

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: EXECUTIVE SESSION: None 

XV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS 

Dr. Rusco asked if two motions relating to bid/payment are the same project, but Mayor Straz noted that one relates to the engineering.  

XVI. ADJOURNMENT 

At 7:41 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously. 

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04022024-984