South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Water and Sewer Committee met Feb. 25

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Brennan called the Water and Sewer Committee meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. In attendance were Chairman Brennan, Alderman Key, Director of Public Works Adam Jasinski and Recording Secretary Jan Tomaszewski. Alderman McGrogan joined the meeting at 6:37 p.m. and Alderman Begley joined the meeting at 6:59 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Alderman Key made a motion to approve the minutes of the Water and Sewer Committee meeting held on January 28, 2025, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Director Jasinski presented the following reports/considerations:

• Water Main Breaks: There have been 15 water main breaks year to date. That number is rather high due to severe cold. Many breaks have been in driveways which also require repair. There is a valve on 128th and Ridgeland that appears to be broken in the closed position, crew is working on replacing the valve.

• Water Meter Replacement: We are 1,940 meters complete from this request. This is 43% of the meters that were approved be replaced. There is a significant amount of residents who are taking advantage of the valve replacement.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve payment No. 5 to Calumet City Plumbing for the Water Meter Replacement Program in the amount of $54,937.00, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve the purchase of 1,000 3/4” meters and 1,000 smart point touch couplers from Core & Main for the meter replacement program in the amount of $272,000.00, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Fire Hydrant Painting: This is the last year of the five-year fire hydrant painting program. A request for approval for painting of approximately 200 hydrants by Giant Maintenance & Restoration in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve payment to Giant Maintenance & Restoration in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• 70th Ave Lift Station Rehabilitation: Generator was recently started and is fully functional. We have the operation maintenance manuals and drawings and are still awaiting final permit approval by MWRD.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve final payment to Marc Kresmery Construction LLC, in the amount of $73,002.00, seconded by Alderman Key. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• 2023 Ford Transit Vehicle Outfit: Outfit it with shelves for our water-operating equipment.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve the request to outfit the 2023 Ford Transit van through Regional Truck Equipment in an amount not to exceed $7,000.00, seconded by Alderman Key. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously.

• Hospital Pump Station: Request to replace transformer which would transfer 480 voltage to 208 voltage.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve replacing the existing transformer at the Hospital Pump Station with MarchOne Electrical Design, Inc. in the amount of $11,147.00, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• 300,000 Gallon Reservoir: Request approval to solicit bids for the 300,000 gallon reservoir at the 80th Avenue Pump Station.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve the request, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

• Chairman Brennan motioned to approve professional engineering services with RJN Group for the 2024 Sewer Rehabilitation Design and Construction, rendering through January 31, 2025 in the amount of $10,422.50, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Alderman Key motioned to approve professional engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. for the 131st Water Main Lining and Alternative Water Supplier Analysis rendering through December 31, 2024 in the amount of $22,002.19, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motioned passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Director Jasinski led a discussion on perhaps providing dye tabletsto residents to place in their toilet tank which would let them know if they have a slow leak. This would alert the resident of the slow leak and avoid increased water charges.

Alderman McGrogan led a discussion on revamping the way residents are charged for water usage.

Alderman McGrogan led a discussion on having frontend loaders equipped with specialty plows to alleviate the blockages in residents’ driveways. Director Jasinski has looked into this per the request of City Council and will provide further information.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Chairman Brennan moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Key.

All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1152