South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met Aug. 6

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 Jeffrey Key

City Clerk Shannon Harvey Ward 2 Robert Basso & Alderman Clifford

City Treasurer James Daemicke Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski

City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Jerry McGovern & Michael McGrogan

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Classic Car Committee:

• Bob Starzyk and the Palos Car Classic committee presented the split the pot raffle draw winning to the Binninger Family in the amount of $3,213.00, Mayor Straz congratulated the Binningers, Declan and Jeannie and their four children. Declan had a car at the event with more than 750 cars at the event. Mayor Straz also wished Jeannie Binninger a very Happy Birthday as well. Mayor Straz thanked the Committee for their commitment in the most successful event to date with more than 8,000 visitors.

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes:

1. Public Hearing - July 16, 2024.

2. City Council Meeting - July 16, 2024.

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending August 2, 2024.

C. Approval of a request from Knights of Columbus to conduct tag days on designated corners in Palos Heights in accordance with the City’s Code on September 13 and 14, 2024.

D. Approval of a request from Blue Cap to conduct tag days on designated corners in Palos Heights in accordance with the City’s Code on October 5, 2024 

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the consent agenda seconded by Alderman McGovern.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS

70th Court Landscape Restoration Services

1) Langton Group: $60,650.00

2) Country Landscape and Supply: $43,587.50 and supplied a $1,000 bond amount

3) Semmer Landscape: $102,387.50

Alderman Clifford made a motion to move the bids to the Roads and Construction Committee and seconded by Alderman Begley, after which the City Council unanimously approved.

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

• Mayor:

• General Remarks and Updates.

• Adam Jaskinski sent a memo to the Mayor that on Saturday August 3,2024t the City’s sewer line was corroded at Southwest Highway and 131st. Mayor Straz approved emergency action to repair the damage before collapse. The cost would not exceed $250,000, but is expected to be $150,000-$200,000

• Mayor Straz noted that on Monday, July 29, 2024, former Alderman Don Bylut notified himself and the city Clerk that he hereby resigns his position at alderman on July 20, 2024. Mayor Straz will appoint a new alderman in the coming months.

• Clerk: No report

• Treasurer: No report

• Treasurer’s Report for the period ending June 30, 2024.

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

• General Fund:

i. Began August with $5,198,901

ii. Revenue: $1,184,599

iii. Expenses: $1,264,354

iv. Other source use: ($5,811)

v. Ending Cash Balance: $5,113,336

• Total of All Funds:

i. Began August with $30,402,529

ii. Revenue: 2,084,822

iii. Expenses: $2,309,502

iv. Other Source Use: $392,009

v. Ending Cash Balance: $30,533,860

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the Motion was seconded by Alderman McGrogan, which was unanimously approved by the City Council.

• City Attorney: No report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS:

Alderman Key sent his condolences to Jack Trevillian’s wife Judy. Jack is a former alderman and dedicated Palos Heights resident who suddenly passed away last month. Alderman Key also recognized Alderman Bylut noting his dedication to Palos Height as an Alderman and friendship. Mayor Straz agreed with Alderman Key’s comments.

Alderman McGrogan commended the Palos Classic Car Show and read a letter of thanks from a visitor of the event who praised the event and Palos Heights. Alderman McGrogan also noted that a resident requested sanitation issues at Crawford Park which was handled immediately.

Alderman Basso also congratulated Alderman Bylut and wishes him the best moving forward.

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL

None

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: No report.

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso:

• Reminded residents that the National Night Out is happening now and invited everyone to join. He noted this is the 40th year of this event.

• Alderman McGrogan noted a recent scam that the Sheriff’s office iswarning residents about relating to a phone scam in which individuals are saying they are sheriff’s employees. Sheriff Dart noted that this is a scam and his office is not contacting residents.

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: No Report but wanted to thank the public Works Department for all their hard work.

D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern:

• Alderman McGovern introduced Aimee Ingalls, the new Director of Economic Development.

E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key

• Alderman Key noted the following upcoming events:

i. Fourth Concert in the Park – August 15, 2024 (Chicago Cover Band)

ii. Thursday, August 8, 2024 the Orchard Park dedication of the new splash pad

F. Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford:

G. License, Permits & Franchises—Alderman Lewandowski:

H. 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: There will be electronic updates on Monday and Thursday, August 12th and 13th and the TV station will not be televised.

XII. OLD BUSINESS: None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS:

Alderman Key advised residents that there is a shredding event on August 24th for Palos Residents at the Metra Station.

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS

None.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Mayor Straz requested a 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 and Alderman McGovern second, after which the City Council unanimously agreed and entered into executive Session at 7:20.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:45 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08062024-1039