South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council Oct. 1

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 and Daniel Brennan

City Clerk Shannon Harvey Ward 2 Clifford and Bob Basso

City Treasurer James Daemicke Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski

City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Jerry McGrogran

Absent: Jerry McGovern

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Mayor Straz welcomed Alderman Brennan to the City Council.

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting – September 17, 2024.

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending September 27, 2024.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS: None

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

● Mayor:

● General Remarks and Updates.

i. This Saturday we will have an electronic waste disposal day at the Palos Heights Metra Station starting at 8:00 AM. A Palos Heights identification is needed.

ii. The next City Council meeting is Palos Height Mayor for Day Program run by the Palos Height’s Women’s Club.

● Request a motion to approve the re-appointment of Daniel Liston to the Police Pension Board for a 2-year term expiring 10-1-2026.

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Begley On roll call, the motion to approve the Motion was:

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Request a motion to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Class A Liquor Licenses by one (1) for Orange’s Pancake House, located at 11845 Southwest Highway.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Clerk:

Clerk Harvey announced the following: Residents can register to vote at City Hall until October 8, 2024. There are other ways residents can register but to register at City the deadline is next week Please see Deputy Clerk Ashley Pala for further information.

● Treasurer:

● Treasurer’s Report for the period ending August 31, 2024.

● Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending August 31, 2024.

● General Fund:

i. Began August with $5,826,993

ii. Revenue: $1,878,555

iii. Expenses: $1,122,250

iv. Other source use: $4,769

v. Ending Cash Balance: $6,588,067

● Total of All Funds:

i. Began August with $31,699,826

ii. Revenue: $3,171,351

iii. Expenses: $2,059,206

iv. Other Source Use: $(204,237)

v. Ending Cash Balance: $32,607,733

Alderman Key moved to approve the Motion was seconded by Alderman

Clifford, which was unanimously approved by the City Council.

● City Attorney: No report

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS:

● Alderman McGrogan congratulated School District 118 as a Blue-Ribbon Recipient. Alderman McGrogan further congratulated District 230 for being named in the top 25 of the Illinois High School Districts.

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL

Brian Bohne: 12223 Richard Avenue: Mr. Bohne noted the delay in residents receiving roof permits and urged the City Council to place an emergency order in to assist the Building Department. Mayor Straz noted that we had 3 to 4 times the number of permits requested this summer and that the Building Department has additional staff helping and working on the weekend. Mayor Straz that he will look into further tomorrow. Alderman Lewandowski noted that we had a generational storm that resulted in an unusual number of permits. Alderman McGrogan noted that some insurance companies may only cover partial repairs if cities do not have an ordinance requiring a complete repair to the original condition. Alderman McGrogan urged the City Council to look at this issue further. Alderman McGrogan noted that Palos Heights may have an issue enacting this type of ordinance since the City is not home-rule. Alderman Clifford noted that Orland Park is further behind Palos Heights in issuing permits. Alderman Key noted that sometimes a quote from an roofing company only lasts so long.

Harlen Weivoda 7640 West 135th Street: Mr. Weivoda welcomed Alderman Brennan to the City Council. Mr. Weivoda also provided Mr. Brennan with documents to review and t-shirt stating “do not impede my water.” Mr. Weivoda explained the history of the water and sewer line on his property and the easement he provided Palos Heights. He explained an issue relating to a neighbor’s property that caused flooding onto his property and drainage problems on his property Mr. Weivoda explained other issues he has had with the City of Palos Heights. Mr. Weivoda commended Alderman Basso for listening to him.

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan:

● Motion to approve a Development Agreement between the City of Palos Heights and M Taher LLC (NW of College Drive and Harlem Avenue)

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

Discussion: Alderman McGrogan noted the insert relating to an update to the agreement. Alderman McGrogan also suggested another update relating to the City water main easement noting that the developer would not impede the City in obtaining the easement. Alderman McGrogan noted that an expense relating to the easement is not included in the loan. Alderman Clifford asked the owners if there has been any effort to obtain retail stores, which was confirmed. The owners also confirmed that the parking lot is being done and getting the entrance lighted further. Alderman Begley asked if there was any way to place a bike rack. The owner said they will look further into bike racks.

On roll call, the motion with additional changes made by Alderman McGrogan, to approve the Motion was:

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso:

● Motion to adopt an Ordinance declaring the following vehicle as surplus and to sell to the Crestwood Police Department: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe-VIN 1GNLC2KC7FR557393.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve payment to Curie Motors Fleet for three (3) 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe’s in the amount of $175,383.00.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

Alderman Basso noted a matter of public safety relating to consumer fraud scams. The scams can come in form of technology or even fake accounts using an individual’s profile that you may know. Alderman Basso offered any suggestions as to who we can communicate and educate individuals, especially those who may be more isolated. Alderman McGrogan noted that some scammers are also using fake accounts when they appear on caller ID.

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley:

Announcements:

● The Public Art Committee is hosting an event on October 30 at the Art park. Bring your pumpkin decorated to the event.

● Alderman Begley commended those who decorated the gazebo for fall.

● Motion to approve a proposal from McCahill Painting Company to clean, prep and paint at the Palos Heights Metra Station in the amount of $18,965.00.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve payment to Thermopol-Mechanical Inc. for the HVAC replacement system in the Public Works garage in the amount of $19,600.00.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve payment for professional engineering services to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. For the Cal-Sag Trail at Lake Katherine, Phase III project in the amount of $31,380.90

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

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

E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key: No Report

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

Alderman Clifford noted that some paving issues will be resolved and a boke path issue is also being worked on as well.

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

H. Water and Sewer:

● Motion to approve the extension of the Water Meter Replacement Program with Calumet City Plumbing to cover the labor and installation of approximately 4,500 meters in the amount of $711,000.00 with 5% of contingency not to exceed the total contract amount of $746,550.00.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve payment to Airy’s Inc. for the emergency work done on the 15” sanitary sewer at 13101 Southwest Hwy (& 131st) in the amount of $68,927.31.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve a proposal from McCahill Painting Company to power was the exterior walls on the hospital pump station reservoir and Rte. 83 pump station concrete water tanks in the amount of $16,150.00.

Alderman Brennan moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman Clifford.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve engineering construction oversight for the Misty Meadow Tank painting with Dixon Engineering in the amount of $57,650.00.

Alderman Brennan moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman McGrogan.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve a proposal with Flow-Technics, Inc. to install a Sulzer model XFO100E 4” 10 Hp 230V pump to convert to Hydromatic Hydrorail at the Southwest Highway lift station in the amount of $14,095.00.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve the purchase of a Q-Vac Priming System for the Rte. 83 pump station from Combined Fluid Products in the amount of $23,651.98.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve upgrading the water pumping SCADA control software and components with Metropolitan Pump Company in the amount of $129,509.00.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve the purchase of a new 25 kW natural gas generator for the Ponds of Palos Lift Station in the amount of $24,460.00 with Buckeye Power Sales under the Sourcewell Contract 09222-KOH.

Alderman Brennan moved to approve the Motion seconded by Alderman McGrogan.

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) 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 30, 2024, in the amount of $9,971.90.

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None

Absent: (1) McGovern

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.

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:

Alderman Clifford noted that the meter replacement is at not cost to residents but the valve connecting it to the home may need to be replaced by the resident.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS:

Alderman McGrogan congratulated Mayor Straz and his wife Madeline on their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS

None.

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

None.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:47 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10012024-1068