South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met July 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 & Jeffrey Key

City Clerk Shannon Harvey Ward 2 Robert Basso & Alderman Clifford

City Treasurer James Daemicke Ward 3 Brent Lewandowski

City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Jerry McGovern & Michael McGrogan

*Absent: Alderman Heather Begley

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting –June 18, 2024.

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending June 28, 2024

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the Consent Agenda by Alderman Clifford.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS: None

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

• Mayor:

• General Remarks and Updates.

• On behalf of the City of Palos, Mayor Straz wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July. Mayor Straz reminded residents to give thanks for everything this nation offers. Mayor Straz urged residents to be safe and considerate of all residents over the holiday.

• Mayor Straz announced a construction notice relating to the Cal Sag/Lake Katherine parking lot. The construction will begin this month and will last about four months with no road closures. Please call the Public Works Department if you have any questions or issues. This project is completely funded by the Southwest Conference of Mayors and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

• Clerk: No Report

• Treasurer: No Report

• City Attorney: No report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS: None

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL None

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan:

• Motion to approve TEFRA Bond Resolution for Trinity Refunding Bonds in the amount of $20,000,000.00

◦ Alderman McGrogan tabled this motion until the July 16, 2024 meeting. The public notice needs seven days and tabling this motion will comply with this requirement.

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: No Report, but Alderman Basso reminded the public of the dangers of fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday. Alderman Basso noted, that while there has been a decrease in firework injuries, there are still more than 9,000 injuries report on Fourth of July nationwide and nine deaths. Alderman Basso warned that many injuries impact the head, eyes, ears and can cause amputation. Alderman Basso urged safety this weekend. Alderman Basso also noted that another scam issue is being reported relating to cashier checks. Alderman Basso urged residents not to cash these checks, as many of these checks are scams. Please be aware of the scam.

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: Alderman Lewandowski provided Alderman Begley’s report in her stead.

• Motion to approve purchase of a new Lake Katherine Waterfall Pump and accessories from Flow-Technics, Inc. in the amount of $19,110.00.

Alderman Clifford asked when the pumped was last replaced. Alderman Lewandowski did not know but did note that it is a necessity to replace the pump due to damage beyond repair. Alderman McGrogan asked if we received multiple bids. Alderman Lewandowski stated that the Public Works Department received three bids, and this was the lowest, and reiterated this pump replacement is a necessity based on being damaged repaired.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Bylut.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve installation costs of the new Lake Katherine Waterfall Pump by Genco Industries in the amount of $11,700.00.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Bylut. 

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment to Country Landscape & Supply, Inc. for the brick paver maintenance on the east and west sides of Harlem Ave. from 122nd Street to 123rd Street in the amount of $16,941.61.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Bylut.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve the installation of a new HVAC system in the Public Works garage from Thermopol Mechanical Inc., in the amount of $19,600.00.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Bylut.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment for the blue diamond swing arm brush from Alta Equipment Company in the amount of $19,436.00.

Mayor Straz noted that this is the equipment used to cut the bushes and trees discussed in recent meetings.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Bylut.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to direct the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending section 34.133 of the code regarding the Public Arts Commission.

Alderman Lewandowski moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Bylut.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report but noted that the Planning and Zoning Commissioner (Ken Busse) is officially retired.

E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: Alderman Key thanked the Parks and Recreation Staff, the Police Department and Public Works Department on the coordination of the coming week’s Fourth of July Festivities. Alderman Key noted the many events over the coming days: 1) Tomorrow, July 3rd the Palos Celebration includes: games and inflatable at Memorial Park (10:00 am-1:00 pm), food, drinks and a DJ at the Gazebo (5 pm – 9 pm) and fireworks (after 9:00 pm) On the Fourth of July, the Palos Heights Parade will begin at 126th Street and Harlem Avenue starting at noon. On July 16th there will be an ice cream social at Passarelli Park. On July 25th, there will be a Concert in the Park with Miss Angie and the Misters. On July 26th, Candy Cane Lane will be shown as part of the movie in the park program. Finally, the pool hours will be from 12-5 pm on July 3rd and 4th.

F. Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: No Report.

G. License, Permits & Franchises—Alderman Lewandowski: No Report.

H. Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Bylut:

• Motion to approve final payment to National Power Rodding Corp. for the remaining five percent retainage for the 2022 Sewer Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $19,921.21.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to award the 2024 Sewer Rehabilitation Program to National Power Rodding Corp. for their lowest bid in the amount of $441,225.00.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment to Garland/DBS, Inc. for the replacement road at the 80th Ave Pump Station in the amount of $72,485.00.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment to Groen Transfer an Allied Waste Company DBA: Republic Services for the disposal of 503.70 tons of soil in the amount of $25,185.00. 

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman McGrogan.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve a program conducting Fire Hydrant Maintenance and Flow/Watermain Capacity Testing with M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. in the amount of $18,810.00.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve a program conducting a Water Distribution System Valve Exercise with M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. in the amount of $21,942.00.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve Construction Engineering Services with Lockwood, Andrews, & Newnam, Inc. for the 70th Ave. Lift Station Rehabilitation in an amount not to exceed $46,560.00.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve a program conducting a Water Distribution System Leak Detection with M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. in the amount of $20,000.00.

Alderman Bylut moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Begley

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Business/Economic Development—Chairperson Alderman Key: Alderman Key thanked and congratulated Ken Busse for his long-term service to the City of Palos Heights and wished him the best in the future spending time with his family.

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

XII. OLD BUSINESS:

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: Alderman Clifford noted that he received a post where businesses (not in Palos Heights) placed the United States flag upside down and noted that he would not be supporting businesses that disrespect the flag.

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS

XV. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:22 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162024-1033