South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met May 7

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 and Alderman 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 Michael McGrogan & Jerry McGovern  Absent: None 

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None. 

V. CONSENT AGENDA 

A. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting –April 16, 2024. 

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending April 26, 2024. 

C. Approval of a Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2024, as Motorcycle Awareness Month. 

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

On roll call, the vote 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. Mayor Straz noted the bad storm that happened today, including unprecedent hail. He urged residents to be careful driving as the leaves are still wet and will take them to clean up. 

• The City has declared a portion of alley right-of-way as unused surplus property, and it is in the best interest of the City to vacate the right-of-way and sell it to the adjacent land owner for their use and enjoyment. Therefore, I request a motion to direct the City Engineer to prepare a plat of vacation for the entire 20-foot alley right-of-way immediately south and adjacent to property located at 12233 S. Harold Avenue.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Bylut On roll call, the vote 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. 

• Request a motion to direct the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance for the vacation and sale of the entire 20-foot alley right-of-way immediately south and adjacent to the property located at 12233 S. Harold Avenue.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Clifford On roll call, the vote 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. 

• Request a motion to approve the Mayor’s appointments: Mayor Straz appointed Meg O’Malley and Kristen Restivo to the Palos Height Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a five-year term on May 7, 2028. Both Meg and Kristen are active Palos Heights residents and will serve as a great addition to the Board. 

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

On roll call, the vote 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. 

• Clerk: No report. Clerk Harvey thanks everyone for their condolences of the sudden passing of her Uncle, Dan Dunne, a nearly 40-year resident of the City of Palos Heights. Dan and his wife Helen raised their three children (Danny, Megan, and Katie) in Palos Heights. Dan was an active member in the community and was proud of this City and its future. 

• Treasurer: No report 

• City Attorney: No report 

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS: None. 

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL 

• Phillip and Lauria Vargas 6325 West 124th Place: The Vargas’ have two concerns relating to the safety of their two dogs. The Vargas’ installed a fence about 3 years ago but were unable to attach the fence to their neighbor’s fence, leaving a portion of the fence open for their dogs. The Vargas asked if there any suggestions to help with this issue. Mayor Straz suggested that the Building Commissioner visit their home to inspect the fence and to see if there is any solution. The Vargas’ brought plot surveys and distributed them to the City Council.  

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES 

• Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: No Report. 

• Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: No Report 

Alderman Basso reminded everyone that school will be let out soon and to be cautious with students while driving. Alderman Basso also noted that the latest scam in which seniors are being scammed relating to their time shares. Alderman Basso urged residents to be cautious. 

• Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: 

• Motion to approve payment for McCloud Aquatics to treat algae and Chara at Lake 

Katherine with Public Works and Lake Katherine splitting the cost 50/50 in the amount  of $10,663.56.  

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Bylut. On roll call, the vote 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 rebuilding of the Nature Center ramp with Beaver Den Builders Inc. in an amount not to exceed $11,000.00.  

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

On roll call, the vote 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 materials for the Nature Center ramp from Schillings  Inc. in the amount not to exceed $15,000.00.  

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

On roll call, the vote 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 Lake Katherine Trail Link/Trailhead Parking Lot (IDOT Contract  No.61K41; Item 11 on the IDOT April 26, 2024 Letting) to D. Construction, Inc. in the  amount of $870,602.50. 

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

On roll call, the vote 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. 

Mayor Straz noted that the $870,000 cost is covered 80% by the Southwest Conference of  Mayors and 20% by MWRD. Mayor Straz noted that this will not cost the City of Palos Heights.  Alderman Begley noted that there will be forty-four new parking spots. 

• Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: 

• Motion to approve a petition filed by Hameza Salim on behalf of Wiseguys Barber  Lounge LLC to allow Wiseguys Barber Lounge LLC to operate a barbershop as a special use within the premises located at 13405 S. Ridgeland Avenue, and contained within the  following PIN: 24-32-300-039-0000 

Discussion: 

Alderman McGovern asked why this petition, that was not moved on at the ZBA, made it to the Planning & Zoning committee. Alderman McGovern noted that the Planning & Zoning Committee discussed the request - the first motion was not seconded. But then the Committee was informed that we are required to send this to the City Council. After being told that, in old business, the Committee brought the motion back up and it tied at 2, which in Alderman McGovern’s opinion is not the majority. Alderman McGovern asked what the procedures were to bring it to City Council. 

Attorney Brown noted that the final determination of a petition must be made by the City Council – that the petitioner has the right to be voted upon by the City Council, regardless if the Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning & Zoning Committee approved the petition. 

Alderman McGovern noted that there have been numerous fines and stop work orders at the location at discussion by the petitioner. 

The petitioners spoke at the meeting and noted that they have multiple locations, with the closest being Palos Park. He noted that there was a misunderstanding that it was a lounge. However, the petitioner noted that it is just a barbershop- not a lounge and does not serve alcohol or anything of that nature. He also noted that a former manager unilaterally did work without gaining the proper permits. He noted that that once the petitioners learned of this work, they parted ways with the manager. He noted that the businesses they own have good relationships with all the villages where their businesses are located and offered to provide contacts regarding the same. He also noted that they have Goodmen Barbershop in River North that garners good reviews.  

Alderman McGrogan noted that the owner of the shopping center did not advise them that they needed to get approval for their business prior to signing their lease. He further noted they put the cart before the horse by doing work without a permit. 

Alderman McGovern noted the numerous citations issued relating to the lack of a building permit, business license, and registration of their contractors and a work/stop order are all pending. Alderman McGovern asked the petitioners how long it took to figure out their prior manager was doing work without permits and they stated the lease started on December 1, 2023, and they learned in December. The dismissed employee was not a contractor or builder – but was going to manage the barbershop as a barber. 

Alderman Lewandowski asked about the hours of operation. The petitioner stated that in the first year they would like to have broader hours (and use it as a form of advertisement.) The first year it would 8 am – 10 pm and then reduced to 8 am – 7pm in the years that follow. This barbershop would operate seven days a week. 

Alderman McGovern moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman McGrogan 

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

Ayes: (3) Begley, McGrogan, Lewandowski 

Nays: (5) Bylut, Basso, Key, McGovern, Clifford 

With eight (3) affirmative votes the motion failed. 

• Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report 

Alderman Key noted the many summer activities are starting at the Recreation Department. Alderman Key further noted that the Summer Concert Series will be starting soon. Alderman Key urged residents to visit the Rec Center website or find the link on the City website and noted that online registration is available. 

• Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: No Report 

Alderman Clifford announced that IDOT will close the east lane of 131st and Southwest Highway for storm and sewer culver removal. This will begin 5/20/24 -11/24/24 during which a detours sign will displayed.  

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

• Motion to approve the final payment to Performance Pipeline Inc. for the 2023 Sewer Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $97,536.80.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. On roll call, the vote 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 painting of approximately 202 hydrants by Giant Maintenance & Restoration in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. On roll call, the vote 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 Clean & CCTV Program to Sewertech, LLC for their lowest bid in the amount of $135,520.00.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. On roll call, the vote 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 70th Ave Lift Station Rehabilitation project to Marc Kresmery Construction LLC for their lowest bid in the amount of $547,600.00.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. On roll call, the vote 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 Bid the 2024 Sewer Rehabilitation Project. 

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. On roll call, the vote 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 Lockwood, Andrews, & Newnam, Inc. for the 70th Ave Lift Station Rehabilitation, Southwest Hwy Lift Station and 2MG Water Reservoir Reconditioning projects in the amount of $35,831.05.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman Key. On roll call, the vote 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 & 2024 Sewer Rehabilitation Design and Construction, On-Call Underground Infrastructure Services, 2024 CCTV & MH Inspections rendering through April 5, 2024, in the amount of $20,492.49.  

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Motion Alderman Key. 

On roll call, the vote 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 with RJN Group for the 2024 Professional Engineering/ GIS In-Call Services in an amount not exceed $25,000.00. 

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

Alderman Key announced that tomorrow starts the Farmer’s Market every Wednesday starting at 8:00 am through October. Also, on Saturday, May 18th, its adopt a plot planting date and invites any volunteersto come to the Palos Pool parking lot to help plant the pots. 

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

• Alderman McGrogan suggest the City do an extra round to clean up the debris caused by the storm. Mayor Straz agreed. 

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: None 

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS: None 

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

• Motion to recess to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing setting of a price for possible sale or lease of property owned by the public body 2(c)(6) of the Open Meetings Act.  

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion, seconded by Alderman McGovern. On roll call, the vote 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. 

RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: The City Council returned to Regular Session at 8:13 P.M. 

XVI. ADJOURNMENT 

At 8:14 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05072024-1000