South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Water & Sewer Committee met May 27

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Brennan called the Water and Sewer Committee meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. In attendance were Chairman Brennan, Alderman Key, Director of Public Works Adam Jasinski and Recording Secretary Jan Tomaszewski. Alderman McGrogan was absent. Alderman Begley joined the meeting at 6:46 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Brennan made a motion to approve the minutes of the Water and Sewer Committee meeting held on April 22, 2025, seconded by Alderman Key. 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 18 water main breaks year to date. We had a bad water main break on Thursday, after this report was prepared. It was at the surgical center. Because it was a private line, we had no maps and did not know where the water was coming from. We tried to assist the business and a total of 16 hours was spent. An independent contractor was called in to finish the job.

➢ 2024 Sewer Rehabilitation Program: With the change orders, the contract was at $536,115.00. City Council approved $94,000.00 of change orders; however, the final contract came in below that amount by $85,000, making the total amount $451,006.00.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve payment of Invoice No. 6 and No. 7 (final) for the 2024 Sewer Rehabilitation Program to National Power Rodding Corp. in the amount of $141,542.80, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Water Meter Replacement: This payment will put us at 66% complete. Calumet City Plumbing is billing us at 71% complete. This discrepancy is due to the valve changes which many residents are requesting. As of today, we have a total of 5,536 accounts. Calumet City Plumbing completed 3,200 of those replacements. The City completed 1,058. We have approximately 1,278 remaining replacements.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve payment No. 8 to Calumet City Plumbing for the Water Meter Replacement Program in the amount of $93,708.69, seconded by Alderman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Request for Purchase of 100-3/4”, 92-1 1/2”, 28-2”, 14-3”, 2-4” Meters and 243 Smart Point Touch Couplers.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve the purchase of 100-3/4”, 92-1 1/2”, 28-2”, 14-3”, 2-4” Meters and 243 smart point touch couplers from Core & Main for the meter replacement program in the amount of $234,945.00, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Fire Hydrant Painting. This will complete the fire hydrant painting. Two additional summer helpers have been hired that we did not have last year. They will test the hydrants which will save us on outsourcing that project.

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve payment to Giant Maintenance & Restoration for painting of 179 hydrants in the amount not to exceed $17,005.00, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Misty Meadow Exterior Overcoat. Project is complete. We will fill the tower tomorrow morning.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve payment No. 1 to Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc. for the Misty Meadow Exterior Overcoat Rehabilitation project in the amount of $114,300.00, seconded by Alderman Key. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve payment to Airy’s Inc. for the replacement of a faulty valve in the pit in the amount of $14,800.00, seconded by Alderman Key. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ 126th & Massasoit Sewer Repair. Last year we had a collapsed sewer that was near a resident’s garage. We tore up the resident’s yard which we restored. Their patio was also damaged and they are looking for repair of that patio.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve payment to CNC Landscaping to repair existing paver patio from sewer repair work at 12600 Massasoit Ave. in the amount of $13,000.00, seconded by Alderman Key. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

➢ Alderman Key motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services with Dixon Engineering, Inc. for the 250,000 Gallon Spheroid (Misty Meadows) in the amount of $13,043.00, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Alderman Brennan motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services with Morris Engineering, Inc. for the Southwest Hwy Lift Station in the amount of $6,650.00, seconded by Alderman Key. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services with RJN Group for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation and 2025 On-Call Underground Infrastructure services, rendering through May 5, 2025 in the amount of $32,091.10, seconded by Alderman Key. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

On the topic of the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program, Director Jasinski would like approval to go out to bid as soon as the specs are available.

➢ Alderman Begley motioned to approve the bidding process for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer and Manhole Rehabilitation Program when the specs are available, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Director Jasinski stated that Strand Associates did a very good analysis regarding the potential alternative water supplier with Oak Lawn. Alsip is treating us fairly with their water rates and there is no reason to seek alternative suppliers.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. for the Alternative Water Supplier Analysis, College Dr. Water Main Lining, and On-Call Services rendering through April 30, 2025 in the amount of $34,481.16, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

The 131st Street Water Main Lining Project is currently in the IEPA’s hands. They continue to ask for more information, which we have. Our City Clerk has to sign off on the no referendum certificate. The City Council approved a resolution to borrow funds from IEPA.

➢ Chairman Brennan motioned to approve to enter into an agreement with Strand Associates, Inc. for construction services not to exceed $101,700.00 for the 131st Street Water Main Lining, seconded by Alderman Begley.

OLD BUSINESS

➢ Water Billing Structure. Chairman Brennan suggested following the recommendations stated in the memorandum prepared by Director Jasinski regarding the possible restructuring of water billing to residents.

It was further discussed to possibly codify a procedure in which when a resident contacts the City with an issue of an overage in their water bill due to an unforeseen circumstance, how that should be handled, etc. Possibly, proof of past two years’ billing cycles to show consistent water usage compared to the one unusually high bill. Possible solutions are to offer a one-time credit. If a resident proves a significant hardship, then possibly other alternatives can be discussed on a caseby-case basis. In addition, a similar approach can be applied to late fees.

Director Jasinski will prepare a draft policy for Committee review.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Chairman Brennan moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Begley. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:59 pm.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-1203