South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Municipal Grounds & Property Committee met March 25

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Alderman Clifford called the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Alderman Clifford, Alderman Brennan, Alderman Basso, Public Works Director Adam Jasinski and recording secretary Jan Tomaszewski. Chairman Begley entered the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Alderman Clifford moved to approve the minutes of the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting held on February 25, 2025,seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Public Works Director Adam Jasinski presented the following report:

• Motor Vehicle Maintenance Update: This was not a bad month for motor vehicle maintenance. We have been preparing our landscaping equipment, changing all the oils and fluids in the chipper. Chipper service begins next week. We also prepared our chipper truck, making sure we fixed the turbo on the truck.

We sold our backhoe for $16,850. It was valued at $12,000. That is a testament as to how well we maintain our equipment.

• Request approval for purchase of 2 LED pedestrian light fixtures (just the fixture not the arm), 20 banner arms and 60 banner end caps (balls) from The Lighting Digest in the amount of $13,868.00.

➢ Alderman Begley motioned to approve purchase of 2 LED pedestrian light fixtures (just the fixture not the arm), 20 banner arms and 60 banner end caps (balls) from The Lighting Digest in the amount of $13,868.00, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

LAKE KATHERINE WAY BIKE LANE SEPARATION

Chairman Begley revisited the possible bike lane separation project at Lake Katherine. Chairman Begley suggested getting residents’ feedback on options before any decision is made. The main goal is to help improve safety and efficiency and to keep the look as natural as possible. Director Adam Jasinski suggested that in the meantime, he can obtain a proposal from Christopher Burke for the design and we can then apply for grants. The proposal would be approximately $50,000 to $80,000. The Committee agreed that Director Adam Jasinski should order the proposal.

OLD BUSINESS

• Tara Oosterbaan and Darlene Grigus from the Public Arts Commission attended the meeting stating that the Story Book Walk will remain at Lake Katherine featuring the “I Am Smart”, “I Am Strong”, and “I Am Kind” books written and illustrated by Erin Stevenson. They met with the author and Lake Katherine Director Gareth Blakesley. Hopefully all will be in place for the Mother’s Day Walk on May 10, 2025.

• Director Adam Jasinski stated that a public notice was posted for the house on 123rd and 71st Ct. scheduled to be demolished April 2, 2025. Public Works will come with seed and blanket immediately after demolition.

• Alderman Basso inquired as to the status of upgrading the street signs from green to white with the City logo. Director Adam Jasinski stated that the project is progressing.

NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Begley stated that an order has been placed for the next sculpture by Gail Rodgers. They would like the sculpture placed at Community Park behind the Gazebo pending Committee approval. A possible dedication before the first concert was also discussed.

Director Adam Jasinski reported:

• The first application of weeds have been applied for the Spring.

• For the next Committee Meeting, a proposal from Vince’s Flowers will be presented for decorating the “Welcome to Palos” signs.

• Alderman Basso previously brought up that some of the paint on those signs have been delaminating and they have been spray painted today.

• Flowers baskets are set to be installed hopefully by Mother’s Day.

• Banners will be replaced.

• Working on flags and flag poles for the 4th of July. Permit for the road closure has been received.

• Katie from Public Works met with Denise from the Beautification Committee regarding the Adopt-a-Pot. A new watering tank has been purchased.

• Two individuals have been hired for the summer. Start date in two weeks pending drug testing.

ADJOURNMENT

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

All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04222025-1169