South Cook News

City of Palos Heights City Council met Nov. 19

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 Brennan & Jeffrey Key 

City Clerk Shannon Harvey Ward 2 Robert Basso & Alderman Clifford Ward 3 Heather Begley & Brent Lewandowski 

City Attorney Tom Brown Ward 4 Jerry McGovern & Michael McGrogan

*Alderman Begley joined the meeting at 7:10. 

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 

V. CONSENT AGENDA 

A. Approval of Minutes: City Council Meeting – November 5, 2024. 

B. Approval of Payroll and Voucher List for the period ending November 15, 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) Brennan, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski, McGrogan, Clifford Nays: (0) None 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

VI. OPENING OF SEALED BIDS 

None. 

VII. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS 

● Mayor: 

● General Remarks and Updates. 

● Mayor Straz noted that a couple dedicated members of the Palos Heights  Public Art’s Commission are moving out of town. Mayor Straz thanked those members for their service to Palos Heights. Mayor Straz asked any  interested residents who would like to join the Public Art Commission to  contact City Hall. Mayor Straz noted that the Public Art Commission has  developed tremendous projects throughout the City, including the Art Garden, 26 sculptures and the Lights in the Heights Festival at City Hall. 

● Mayor Straz wished all Palos Heights Residents a Happy Thanksgiving and noted that we have a lot to be thankful for, and asked that we also remember those who is as fortunate during this time of the year. 

● Clerk: No report 

● Treasurer: No report 

● City Attorney: No report 

VIII. COMMUNICATIONS: 

● Alderman Clifford announced that the Lions Club will be selling tress at 126th and  Harlem starting on November 23rd. During the week, the hours will be from 11AM -7PM  and on weekends from 9AM-8PM.  

● Alderman McGovern noted that the previous Saturday he was fortunate to attend a  ceremony at Sandburg High School honoring the Medal of Honor recipients and thanks  District 230 and volunteers for the wonderful event.  

● Alderman McGrogan noted that District 230 will hold a luncheon for public officials on  December 3rd. 

IX. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL: None 

X. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES 

A. Finance—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan: 

● Motion to approve a business improvement grant submitted by Antonio Marmo Tailor Shop in the amount of $2,592.00.  

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

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

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

Nays: (0) None 

With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve a sign grant submitted by Tobacco Discount in the amount of $2,000.00. 

Discussion: Alderman Clifford asked if this is a wholesale seller, Mayor Straz noted that the business sought and received a variance a couple years ago. He further asked about the word “Discount” in the name, and Mayor Straz noted that is the name of the company. 

Alderman McGrogan noted that the business are spending more money than the grant given.  

Alderman Basso noted that these motions relate to the grant money, not relating to the sign ordinance. 

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

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

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

Nays: (1) Clifford 

With six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

Alderman McGrogan noted that he may not be at the next meeting, but urged the alderman to review the draft budgets. He also noted that he looked at previous budgets and noted the increase in a budget, that always remained balanced. Mayro Straz noted that the state of Illinois continues to decrease the distributive funding from 10% down to 6% now. Alderman McGrogan noted that the City depends on the funding for the State and urged that the Mayors Conference urge the Governor to be more passive than aggressive.  

B. Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Basso: 

● Upcoming Public Safety Committee is canceled. Alderman Basso urged  residents to be cautious during the holiday season, keep car doors locked  and remain diligent. Alderman Basso also noted that PHTV 4 and the Police Department will be presenting a new show relating to the most recent  scams.  

C. Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Begley: 

● Motion to approve the purchase and planting of 17 trees and 9 shrubs around the new Lake Katherine Trailhead Parking Lot in the amount of $10,550.00 with CNC Landscapes, Inc. 

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

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

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

● Planning and Zoning Committee meeting for 9/27 is canceled. 

E. Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Key 

● Motion to approve the 2024 Holiday and the 2025 Calendar hours of operation at the Recreation Center.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve the 2025 Open Gym nonresident fees for participation at the Recreation Center.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was:

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve payment #3 to Simpson Construction in the amount of $393,359.58 for work completed for work completed for the Pool Improvement Project.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve payment #5 to Hacienda Landscaping in the amount of $64,723.35 for work completed for the Orchard Park Project.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Brennan. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve payment #3 to Splashtacular LLC. in the amount of $41,260.00 for waterslide design, materials, freight and installation labor supervision as part of the pool project.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Basso. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve payment #4 to Splashtacular LLC. in the amount of $13,752.00 for Escrow account of the new pool slide for the pool project. 

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve the purchase of restoration services for the current pool slide from Safe Slide Restoration in the amount of $42,260.00.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve the purchase of concrete removal and replacement of pool entrance for the pool improvement project in the amount of $13,975.50 for field order #006 by Simpson Construction.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve the purchase of chain link fencing for the pool improvement project in the amount of $8,242.50 for field order #007 by Simpson Construction.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Brennan. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried.

● Motion to approve the purchase of an ADA exterior drinking fountain for the pool improvement project per the Building Department inspections in the amount of $6,442.80 for field order #008 by Simpson Construction. 

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve the purchase of a park sign for Orchard Park from Sign Outlet in the amount of $5,565.00.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Brennan. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve the purchase of fencing and installation for the Orchard Park splash pad and recreation center dumpster enclosure by K Brothers Fence Inc. in the amount of $13,254.00.  

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Begley. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve payment to Williams Architects in the amount of $5,238.32 for construction administrative services, reimbursables and unit billing items for phase 1 of the Pool Project. 

Alderman Key moved to approve the motion seconded by Alderman Brennan. On roll call, the motion to approve the motion was: 

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

Discussion: Alderman McGrogan asked if we will increase fees based on new cost. Alderman Key noted that the recreation center is constantly evaluating successful programs and fees to identify where and if prices can be increased. Alderman McGovern asked whether the pool fees are all grant money. Alderman Key noted that $600,000 of the cost is grant money and the remaining $1,200,000 is paid by the City.  

F. Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: 

● Motion to approve payment for the 2024 MFT Road Resurfacing Project to M&J Asphalt Paving Company, Inc., in the amount of $599,183.92.  

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

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve a Master License Agreement between Zayo Group, LLC and the City of Palos Heights for the use of the City’s right-of-way.  

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

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to adopt a Resolution for construction on state highways for a period of two years (2025 and 2026).  

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

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

● Motion to approve payment to Morris Engineering for engineering services for various projects throughout the City in the amount of $10,799.85

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

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  

McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

Discussion: The City is working on the flood issues on Harold Avenue will be further discussed in the Spring.  

G. License, Permits & Franchises—Alderman Lewandowski: 

● Motion to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County Health for the provision of environmental health inspection services rendering through December 1, 2024 through November 30, 2025. 

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

Alderman Lewandowski that this is the yearly contract that permits the County to do health inspections on our local business.  

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

Ayes: (8) Brennan, Begley, Basso, Key, McGovern, Lewandowski,  

McGrogan, Clifford 

Nays: (0) None 

With eight (8) affirmative votes the motion carried. 

H. Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Brennan: No Report 

Alderman McGovern asked whether non-incorporated resident can receive a  discount of our water. Mayor Straz did mention we sell the water in bulk, but that  they would look further into it.  

XI. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES 

A. Business/Economic Development—Chairperson Alderman Key: 

a. Kriskringlemeart is December 6th is opened from 5-9 and Saturday from 10-5. There will many vendors and food vendors. Please reference the Rec Center website where the vendors are listed. We will be lighting the Christmas tree at 5:00 PM. The Christmas Parade (thanks to Alderman Begley) will begin at 10:45 down Harlem Avenue.  

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

XII. OLD BUSINESS: None 

XIII. NEW BUSINESS: None 

XIV. CITIZENS ASKING QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S BUSINESS

None. 

XV. ADJOURNMENT 

At 7:32 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn of which Alderman Clifford and was passed unanimously. 

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11192024-1088