South Cook News

City of Palos Hills City Council met Jan. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Bennett called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:00p.m.

2) PLEDGE TO THE FLAG: Mayor Bennett led everyone in the Pledge to the Flag.

3) ROLL CALL: Upon roll call the following Aldermen responded:

PRESENT: Price, Brachman, Lebarre, Donahue, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak

ABSENT: None

4) QUORUM: Mayor Bennett declared a quorum was present.

5) READING OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES:

Ald. Kleefisch MOVED to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes dated, December 19, 2024 as presented. SECONDED by Ald. Nowak. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:

AYE: Brachman, Lebarre, Donahue, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price

NAY: None

ABSTAIN: Stratton MOTION CARRIED

6) CITIZENS PETITION: None this evening.

7) CITIZENS HEARING:

Mayor Bennett, the meeting is open to the public for any comments or questions.

Andy Kukuc residing at 10154 S. 86th Court is here following up on an incident that occurred on December 27th where his vehicle was stolen. Police Chief Cucio responded that the individuals responsible have been identified and patrols have been increased in his area as well as throughout the City. Mayor Bennett stated that although we have a low crime rate, it’s possible for this to occur.

There were no further comments or questions from the public; the public portion of the meeting was closed.

8) REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND OTHER CITY OFFICIALS:

A. CITY CLERK: No report this evening.

B. CITY ATTORNEY: No report this evening.

C. MAYOR: No report this evening.

9) PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN:

A. BUILDING & LICENSING:

Ald. Abed had no report this evening.

B. CITY ADMINISTRATION:

Ald. Stratton had no report this evening.

C. COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

Ald. Price had no report this evening.

D. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

Ald. O’Connell announced that Sacred Heart Church and St. Vincent de Paul will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, January 25th at 6:00pm. Tickets are $30.00, and to purchase contact Geri at 708-974-4870.

Ald. O’Connell stated that Mayor Bennett’s State of City is available to view on PHTV Channel 4 and YouTube, as well as the Economic Development and Palos Community Facebook pages.

Ald. O’Connell recognized Palos Hills resident and Army Veteran, Jim Kruse, for his continuous work with the troops, care packages, and his show on PHTV.

The Hills Chamber is hosting their annual business community expo 2025 on February 15, 2025 from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Conrady Junior High. The Hills Chamber is also sponsoring the Hometown Heroes Program for Palos Hills and Hickory Hills communities.

E. FINANCE:

Ald. Lebarre MOVED to authorize the expenditure of a Vendor Warrant dated, January 2, 2025 in the amount of $353,640.51. SECONDED by Ald. Stratton. Upon roll call the following Ald. voted:

AYE: Lebarre, Donahue, O’Connell, Kleefisch, Stratton, Pasek, Abed, Nowak, Price, Brachman

NAY: None MOTION CARRIED

F. LEGISLATION & ORDINANCES:

Ald. Donahue had no report this evening.

G. PARKS:

Ald. Nowak had no report this evening.

GOLF:

Ald. Pasek had no report this evening.

H. PLANNING & ZONING:

Ald. Nowak had no report this evening.

I. PUBLIC SAFETY:

Ald. Kleefisch had no report this evening.

J. PUBLIC WORKS/SEWER & WATER:

Ald. Brachman reported that there will be an increase to the water bill. The new water rate, effective January 1, 2025 is $12.05 per thousand gallons delivered.

The minimum bill will be: $48.20/4,000 gallons of water 

$11.50 for Sanitary Sewer Service 

$12.92 for Cap Improvements

Total $72.62 monthly minimum

This represents a $0.88 increase to the monthly minimum bill. Senior water rates still apply.

Ald. Brachman announced that there is a $1,000.00 scholarship through Sertoma for graduating seniors; information is on the City’s website, and any questions regarding the program can be directed to Ald. Brachman.

10) REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None this evening.

11) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None this evening.

12) MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: None this evening.

13) ADJORNMENT:

No further business, Mayor Bennett entertained a motion to adjourn. SO MOVED by Ald. Stratton.

SECONDED by Ald.Pasek. By voice vote, all voted AYE.

The Meeting adjourned at 7:13p.m.

https://www.paloshillsweb.org/docproxy/?docId=5610201