South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met Sept. 3

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 Alderman Basso

City Treasurer James Daemicke Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski

City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Jerry McGovern & Alderman McGrogan

Absent: Alderman Clifford

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Palos Heights Beautification Committee: Bob Starczyk spoke on behalf of the Palos Classic Car Show Committee by presenting this year’s sponsors with a plaque in appreciation.

The 2024 Palos Car Show Sponsors include:

• CJ Erikson Plumbing

• Morris Engineering

• United Trust Bank

• CIB Bank

• Franklin House and Brigid Capital

Mayor Straz thanks Bob for all his years of dedication and hard work to the Classic Car event. He noted that more than 750 cars attend and that volunteers are always welcome to help with the event.

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting – August 20, 2024.

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending August 30, 2024.

C. Approval of a request from the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana to allow local girl scouts to conduct their annual Fall Products Program from September 20 – October 16, 2024.

D. Approval of a Proclamation for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, September 2024.

E. Approval of a Proclamation for National Service Dog Month, September 2024.

F. Approval of a Proclamation honoring John “Jack” Trevillian. Jack Trevillian, former Alderman of Palos Heights, passed away in July 2024. Mayor Straz read a proclamation honoring Jack for his years of service to the City and as a Veteran. Jack remained devoted to the City and served as an informed resident, who always was willing to offer advice and provide encouragement.

Jack’s wife, Judy spoke to the City Council and residents and told of Jack’s love for the City of Palos Heights.

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

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Clifford, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

• Mayor:

• General Remarks and Updates.

• Request a motion to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Class A Liquor Licenses by one (1) for Meshico Restaurant Incorporated, located at 7231 W. College Dr.

Alderman Key moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Begley.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

Alderman McGrogan asked the hours of operation, in which the owners responded 11:00 AM -9:00 pm

• Request a motion to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Class B Liquor Licenses by one (1) for 1918 Winter Street Illinois LLC, located at 12803 S. Harlem Ave.

Alderman Key moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Begley.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

Alderman McGovern asked a Jewel representative if the name will remain, to which the representative confirmed.

• Request a motion to approve rental and service contracts for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Kris Kringle Market with Blue Peak Tents, IncMotion to adopt an Ordinance granting requested deadline extension in connection with PUD Ordinance O-15-20 and O-14-22 for the 2.85-acre lot at the NE corner of Harlem Avenue and College Drive, commonly known as 7150 W. College Drove (PIN 24-19-306-005) 

Alderman Key moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Lewandowski

Mayor Straz noted that this is a 3-year lease in which the City will be reimbursed.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• 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: No Report

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso:

• Motion to adopt an Ordinance amending the code to add a new title XIII: “General Offenses,” Chapter 31, “Offenses Against Persons”, Section 131.06, “Unlawful Visitation or Parenting Time Interference”.

Chief Bill Czajkowski explained to the City Council that this Ordinance allows issues relating to parenting schedules to be brought into court and transferred to the parenting court for further rulings.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman McGovern.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to adopt an Ordinance regulating public camping within corporate boundaries and other actions in connection.

Chief Bill Czajkowski explained to the City Council that this Ordinance is based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which allows the City to provide support to those who establish public camping within the boundaries of the City. 

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman McGovern.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve the purchase of a Toyota 4runner in the amount of $49,488.00 from Oak Lawn Toyota.

Alderman Basso moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

Alderman Basso invited residents, on behalf of Alderman Clifford, to The Lion’s Club honoring First Responders on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 5:00 pm and cost $50.00

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley:

• Motion to approve payment to Beaver Den Builders Inc. for the rebuild of Lake Katherine’s Nature Center ramp and stairs in the amount of $10,292.16.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Lewandowski.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment for the materials for the Nature Center ramp from Schillings Inc. in the amount not to exceed $17,319.35.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

D. Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman McGovern: No Report

Alderman McGovern thanked public works for the removal of potholes on 71st and 72nd Court. Alderman McGovern also thanked Golden Shoes, Joe Daniels, and Kefi for the improvements for the parking lots made in the last month. He further encouraged the landlords to also make improvements to the parking lot and to clean up the garbage disposal areas.

E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report

Alderman Key announced that this Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Chicago Experience will happen in Memorial Park at the Gazebo. Alderman Key further noted that the Lake Katherine’s Monarch Butterfly Festival is coming and requires pre-registration on September 21 (9-5) and September 22nd (9-4).

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

Mayor Straz noted that the road programs has begun and is a continuation of the 20- year program.

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

H. Water and Sewer:

• Motion to approve the purchase of 950 ¾” meters, 150 1” meters, 850 smart point touch couplers, and 250 smart point hard wired devices from Core & Main for the meter replacement program in the amount of $309,200.00.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment to Seeco Consultants, Inc. for engineering services for subsurface exploration, Geotech laboratory testing, and Geotech engineering evolution for the Palos Hospital water tank in the amount of $14,960.00.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to go out for bid for the Misty Reservoir Exterior Overcoat.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

Alderman McGovern asked where this project is located, and Alderman Key explained it was the Misty Meadow water tower that it is just being resurfaced.

On voice vote, all the aldermen were in favor and the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment for the painting of 228 fire hydrants by Giant Maintenance & Restoration in the amount of $21,204.00.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve the replacement of an 8” sanitary sewer main at 126th & Menard by Construction by Camco, Inc. in the amount of $45,720.00.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services with RJN Group for the 2024 Sewer Rehabilitation Design and Construction, On-Call Underground Infrastructure Services, 2024 CCTV & MH Inspections rendering through August 2, 2024, in the amount of $23,288.85.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

• Motion to approve Water Supply Review engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount of $137,800.00.

Alderman Begley explained that there is an opportunity to join the new water supply from Oak Lawn. However ,it would change the flow of the water. In order to determine if this applicable, an assessment needs to be done in advance.

Alderman Begley moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Key.

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

Ayes: (6) Begley, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, Basso, McGrogan

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) Clifford

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried.

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A. Business/Economic Development—Chairperson Alderman Key: Alderman Key announced that the Farmer’s Market continues through October on Wednesday from 9 am-1pm.

B. Cable TV— Chairperson Alderman McGovern: Alderman McGovern noted that one of the TVs in the City Council chambers will be replaced soon.

XII. OLD BUSINESS: None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: None.

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS

Mike Costello (12532 south 69th Court) asked about the road’s program and explained that the work being done is not being completed correctly and driveways are being gauged. He urged that the engineering company come out to supervise. Mr. Costello also explained that the driveways were grounded out 12 inches in. Mayor Straz explained that he will look into this issue and get back to Mr. Costello.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

XV. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:29 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously. 

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172024-1062