South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met June 18

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

Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski

City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Michael McGrogan & Jerry McGovern

Absent: City Treasurer James Daemicke

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA

• Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting –June 4, 2024.

• Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending June 14, 2024.

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

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 apologized for the lack of parking spots due to a swim meet and crowded pool due to hear. The Recreation Center will serve as a cooling center during hot days and urged residents to keep an eye out on for neighbors.

• Clerk: No Report

• Treasurer:

• Treasurer’s Report for the period ending May 31, 2024.

• General Fund:

i. Began August with $ 5,256,632

ii. Revenue: $ 1,184,599

iii. Expenses: $ 1,264,354

iv. Other source use: $ 22,023

v. Ending Cash Balance: $ 5,198,901

• Total of All Funds:

i. Began August with $ 30,663,826

ii. Revenue: 2,048,822.93

iii. Expenses: $ 2,309,502

iv. Other Source Use: $ (618.13)

v. Ending Cash Balance: $ 30,402,529

• Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending April 30, 2024.

Alderman Clifford 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.

• City Attorney: No report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS: None.

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL

Alderman McGovern recognized Ken Busse, Directory of Community Development who will be retiring at the end of the month. He noted that Ken has been the best mentor in his Planning & Zoning committee. Alderman McGovern wished him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. Busse noted how much he will miss the City of Palos Heights.

Attorney Tim Green, attorney for Trinity Christian College introduced the President of Trinity, Dr. Aaron Kuecker and Matt Ingersoll, Tax and Bond Counsel. HE noted that they are all here to answer any questions relating to the bond agenda items.

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

• Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan:

9. Motion to introduce TEFRA Bond Resolution for Trinity Refunding Bonds in the amount of $20,000,000.00.

Alderman McGrogan noted that the City will not have any liability with the bond issues. This provides the College with tax advantages and noted that there will bond counsel providing guidance. The bonds will be used for building dorms and fixing up the buildings at the college.

Alderman Lewandowski asked whether there was an open item on the matter. Mayor Straz noted that this is just an introduction, and a later motion will be used to approve the resolution.

Alderman McGrogan 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.

10. Motion to schedule and conduct a Public Hearing on the issuance of the TEFRA Refunding Bonds for July 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Alderman McGrogan 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.

11. Motion to engage in a one-year contract with Cherry Bekaert in an amount not to exceed $54,200.00 for fiscal year 2023 auditing services.

Alderman McGrogan 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.

12. Motion to approve the drafting of a term sheet and redevelopment agreement to reimburse eligible redevelopment project costs not to exceed $1.2 million in a manner generally discussed.

Alderman McGrogan commented that the fund could be made available in three different stages, including now after a City inspection. Then, down the line, if the center continues to generate sales taxes, two additional disbursements. Alderman Begley noted that related to the Tiffany Square center. Alderman Lewandowski asked about the amount in the fund and what projects would be funded. Alderman McGrogan noted that the money would come from the TIFF fund.

Alderman McGrogan noted that this has been discussed in the finance committee for a year and fund will be issued in stages and based upon additional revenue collected. As the City receives additional funds, the City will give the Center dollar for dollar up to $1.2 million. Mayor Straz noted the procedure relating to real estate taxes and when the TIFF expires. The primary purpose of the TIFF is to redevelop this area. Alderman McGrogan noted that the plan is to extend the TIFF in years and distance (Harlem Avenue District.)

The property owners spoke at the meeting. Alderman Lewandowski asked a couple questions.

They noted that they are not making minor changes, but a major improvement of the property, including the roof and parking lot. Alderman Lewandowski noted that this a partnership and the City wants to see Tiffany Square flourish. He asked what occupancy level is today and was told 85%. He requested that rental costs will not skyrocket against tenants and was assured that they would not (but rising taxes are a different issue.) Alderman Lewansowki asked about damage done to tenants’ property and was told the tenants have been reimbursed. Alderman Clifford asked about tenant vs. non-tenant. The owners told them that it is about 50/50 and hope to increase retail tenants. Alderman Clifford asked about lighting at the entrance into the parking lot on the west side. The owners said they will look into the issue.

Alderman McGrogan noted that with more retail tenants, Tiffany Square will receive more revenue from TIFF Fund. The owners clarified for Alderman Begley that Starbucks is not one of their tenants.

Alderman McGrogan 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.

• Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: No Report, but the June 25, 2024,

Public Safety meeting is canceled.

• Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: No Report

• Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report

• Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key:

13. Motion to award bid to Simpson Construction Co. for the development of the Palos Pool Improvement project in the amount of $1,855,000.00.

Alderman McGrogan asked if this was within budget. Alderman Key noted that it is about $400,000-$500,000 more likely because discussions started more than a year ago, but inflation and the cost materials has increased. Alderman Key further noted that the City will receive $600,000 in grant funds. In the bid, there is a 10% change order budget. The budget amount was between $1,200,000-$1,400,000. Alderman McGrogan suggested that the City carry over the cost to the 2025. Alderman Key agreed that some payments will be made in 2025. Alderman Key noted that the City cannot remove certain projects from this pool project based on what we included in the grant application. Alderman Key noted that usually Oslet grants are about $400,000 and the City was pleasantly surprised that this specific grant provided $600,000 in funds.

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.

14. Motion to approve payment application #3 to Hacienda Landscaping in the amount of $96,277.50 for construction work completed for the Orchard Park Project.

Mayor Straz noted how nice the splash pad looks with the grass growing.

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.

15. Motion to approve payment to Williams Architects in the amount of $14,652.90 for Construction document development, additional Bid services, reimbursables and unit billing items for phase 1 of the Pool Project.

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.

Alderman Key noted that the second series of the Sumer Concert series begins this Thursday.

• Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: No Report

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

• Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut: No Report

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Business/Economic Development—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report.

B. Cable TV— Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report.

XII. OLD BUSINESS:

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: Alderman Begley noted that a resident on Coach Road has requested a no parking sign to avoid public parking on the street. Alderman Begley noted that this issue will move through committee.

Alderman McGrogan commended public works for the trimming back of the bushes and trees on 127th street.

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS:

None

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:32 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07022024-1027