South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Roads & Construction Committee met Aug. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Clifford called the Roads & Construction Committee meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. In attendance were Chairman Clifford, Alderman Basso, Alderman Begley, Alderman Lewandowski, Public Works Director Adam Jasinski, Algis Rugienius of Morris Engineering, recording secretary Jan Tomaszewski and resident Pat Schramm.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Clifford moved to approve the minutes of the Roads & Construction Committee Special meeting held on May 13, 2025, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Public Works Director Adam Jasinski reported:

A. MFT Update

Reported on the Harold Avenue and Cypress Lane reconstruction of the roadways. Cypress Lane is complete. Due to the weather and the heat, the grass and seed and blanket will need to be redressed and reseeded. We are working with Morris Engineering and the contractor regarding this issue.

Regarding Harold Avenue, Nicor lowered the gas main. Once lowered, our contractor noticed the gas main was 7 inches higher than anticipated. Nicor returned and lowered the gas main.

Contractor then installed storm sewers and while installing the storm sewers, another gas main was hit, which was buried not even 12 inches below grade.

With regards to the actual MFT resurfacing, we received the Cook County permit two weeks ago. Contractors are saw cutting curbs and commenced curb removal in the Westgate Valley subdivision, moving towards Melvina and Seneca and the Little Ute in Ishnala.

➢ Chairman Clifford motioned to approve payment No. 1 to Builders Paving, LLC for the 2025 MFT program in the amount of $228,861.12, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

B. Light Purchase on Harlem Avenue

We want to explore placing a higher output LED guts in the actual fixtures. We will purchase ten and monitor the output to see if we should proceed with replacing all lights with IDOT approval.

➢ Alderman Begley motioned to approve the proposal with Production Distribution Companies to purchase 10 light fixtures in the amount of $5,250.00, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

C. Rte. 83 and Oak Park Crossing Beacon

A concern was addressed by a resident regarding the safety of the bike crossing. A crossing beacon will be installed September/October. Since IDOT rejected the project stating that it is a City bike crossing, we tried to meet IDOT specifications. We recently received the approval from IDOT from our request of last year.

Alderman Basso led a discussion regarding this project and is against proceeding.

➢ Chairman Clifford motioned to approve the proposal with TAPCO to purchase solar lights, poles, and signage for the installation of a solar powered rectangular rapid flashing beacon sign at the crosswalk of Rte. 83 and Oak Park Ave. in the amount of $12,411.40, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed.

Ayes: 3

Nays: 1

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Morris Engineering – Updates from Algis Rugienius:

Regarding our work on Ridgeland and Westgate Drive, Cook County has asked that we also make improvements for them, saving them having to go out for bid, using our contractor. The cost is estimated at no more than $18,000.00, the amount of which will be reimbursed to us by Cook County.

➢ Alderman Begley motioned to approve Cook County’s request for the City to perform additional work on Ridgeland and Westgate Drive not to exceed $18,000.00, and to be reimbursed by Cook County, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

➢ Chairman Clifford motioned to approve payment to Morris Engineering for engineering services for various projects throughout the City in the amount of $42,708.49, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.

This Committee previously authorized Christopher Burke to do a study regarding a retaining wall. The retaining wall and sidewalk were installed along Southwest Highway to connect the Cal-Sag Trail with the Metra station. The sidewalk and retaining wall are separating, two inches over six years. Christopher Burke will provide three options and recommend the best alternative to fix this issue. In the interim, the structural engineer recommends cold patch to level it out.

➢ Chairman Clifford motioned to approve payment to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. for the Southwest Highway Retaining Wall Study in the amount of $7,290.00, seconded by Alderman Basso. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Alderman Basso asked the status of the street signage posts. Director Jasinski stated that we have them and they will be installed once the roads program is complete.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Chairman Clifford moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Lewandowski. All in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092025-1243