South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Municipal Grounds & Property Committee met May 27

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Begley called the Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. In attendance were Chairman Begley, Alderman Basso, Alderman Brennan, Alderman Clifford, Public Works Director Adam Jasinski and recording secretary Jan Tomaszewski. Darlene Grigus from the Public Arts Commission and Paul Kubik were also present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Begley moved to approve the minutes of the Municipal Grounds and Property

Committee meeting held on April 22, 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 month we spent considerable time on our landscaping equipment. A few lawn mowers required repair, there was an issue with our manure spreader which moves the wood chip at Lake Katherine. It needed a new chain and flat spacers. While we were awaiting parts, we replaced the decking/side rails, etc.

• Harlem Avenue Holiday Lights

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve the Harlem Avenue Holiday decorations with Holiday Outdoor Décor in the amount of $9,620.00, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Storm Sewer Repair at Rt. 83 & Harlem Avenue. The storm sewer is slowly separating behind Tiffany Square. We want to extend that storm sewer and backfill it to grade so we can potentially have a second entrance to Lake Katherine parking lot once we obtain the necessary ingress and egress agreements with the Tiffany Square/Starbucks owners.

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve the installation of a storm sewer behind 11850 S. Harlem Avenue by Anchor Heavy Civil in the amount of $18,400.00, seconded by Alderman Clifford. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• City Hall Parking Lot

➢ Chairman Begley motioned to approve the sealcoat, crack fill, and stripe of City Hall’s parking lot by Seal-Rite Asphalt Maintenance in the amount of $6,200.00, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PROFESSIONAL SERIVCES

➢  Chairman Begley motioned to approve payment to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. for professional services for the Cal-Sag Trail at Lake Katherine, Phase III project in the amount of $3,913.97, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Director Jasinski received a proposal from Christopher B. Burke Engineering to complete the preliminary design of the off-street bike path at Lake Katherine. We would score high to receive federal assistance for this project due to providing additional safety to the cyclists from the vehicular community. In order to do Phase I, it is $103,330.00. They will do an environmental study, traffic study, vehicular accident study, public meeting, etc. There is a lot of engineering required for the project to fully qualify for federal assistance.

A lengthy discussion was had regarding all aspects of the off-street bike path. Director Jasinski will meet with Lake Katherine Director Gareth Blakesley for further discussion on this topic.

NEW BUSINESS

Darlene Grigus of the Public Arts Commission stated the following:

• At the next City Council meeting, Alderman Begley will announce that the story walk, “I Am Strong” is installed; and,

• There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 24th before the concert in the park.

Additional Miscellaneous Items:

• A plaque for “Acoustic Dreams” has been ordered which will require the assistance of Public Works to install.

• They are working with the Fire Department to update the lighting and thin the landscaping around the “Flame”.

• High Five students will have the Free Little Library completed soon, and will need to be installed at Westgate Park. Joe at the Rec Center said he would handle the installation, but they will follow up.

• Two different pieces (choosing only 1) have been selected as a potential addition for Lights in the Heights. They are still seeking funding.

• There was vandalism to the fairy garden at Lake Katherine.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Chairman Begley moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Brennan. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-1204