South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Water and Sewer Committee met Sept. 23

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Brennan called the Water and Sewer Committee meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Chairman Brennan, Alderman Begley, Alderman McGrogan, City Administrator Adam Jasinski, Public Works Water Operator John Kavanagh and Recording Secretary Jan Tomaszewski. Alderman Key was absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Alderman McGrogan made a motion to approve the minutes of the Water and Sewer Committee meeting held on August 26, 2025, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Jasinski presented the following reports/considerations:

• Watermain Breaks: There have been 24 watermain breaks year-to-date. The average is 50 per year and we anticipate more due to the approaching colder months.

• Water Meter Replacement Program. We are nearing completion and are approximately $100,000.00 under what the City Council approved for this project.

• Alderman McGrogan motioned to approve payment No. 12 to Calumet City Plumbing for the Water Meter Replacement Program in the amount of $81,016.00, seconded by Chairman Brennan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Meter Reading Equipment and Software. It is necessary to replace our outdated meter reading equipment. Our existing water meters are no longer supported and Core & Main are providing temporary equipment.

• Alderman Begley motioned to approve the purchase of updated meter reading equipment and software from Core & Main in the amount of $17,000.00, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• 300,000 Gallon Ground Level Storage Tank. We are looking to break ground on hospital property October 1st. All shop drawings and reviews are complete with LAN. Hospital is contributing over $100,000.00 towards this project. 

• Alderman Begley motioned to approve Payment No. 1 to Dahme Mechanical Industries, Inc. in the amount of $65,860.00, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• 2025 Transit. We need to replace a 2016 van. It has reached the end of its life cycle. City will post 2016 van on iBid for sale.

• Alderman McGrogan motioned to approve purchase of a 2025 Transit-250 Cargo RW Medium Roof Van 148” WB Bae (R1C) with Currie Motors through the Suburban Purchasing Co-Op in the amount of $51,781.000, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• 131st Street Water Main Replacement Project Update.

• Alderman Begley motioned to approve payment No. 1 to Fer-Pal Construction for the 131st Water Main Lining in the amount of $406,108.79, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Alderman Begley motioned to approve Change Order No. 1 with Fer-Pal Construction for a contract time extension from September 30, 2025 until November 30, 2025 and a reduction in the original contract price in the amount of $10,083.65, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• 125th Street & 76th Avenue Water Main Replacement. Three watermain breaks in total. City Administrator Jasinski explained to the Committee the reasons for these breaks and the need for total replacement.

He obtained three quotes for labor only for this project. It did not go out to bid due to the urgency of the matter.

City Administrator Jasinski requested approval to forgo the official bid process and approve the total watermain replacement on 76th Avenue to the lowest quote received from Anchor Heavy Civil, in the amount of $56,900.00 labor only.

• Chairman Brennan motioned to approve forgoing the official bid process and approve the total watermain replacement on 125th Street and 76th Avenue by Anchor Heavy Civil in the amount of $56,900.00 for labor only, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

City Administrator Jasinski obtained two quotes for material.

• Chairman Brennan motioned to approve the purchase of material from Core & Main to replace the watermain on 125th Street and 76th Avenue not to exceed $30,000.00, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

• Alderman McGrogan motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services to Dixon Engineering, Inc. for the 250,000 Gallon Spheroid (Misty Meadows) in the amount of $1,950.00, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Alderman McGrogan motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services with Morris Engineering for various projects through the City in the amount of $3,072.75, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Alderman McGrogan motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services with RJN Group for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation rendering through August 29, 2025 in the amount of $3,530.00, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

• Alderman McGrogan motioned to approve payment for professional engineering services with Strand Associates, Inc. for the Alternative Water Supplier Analysis, College Dr. Water Main CIPP Lining, and 131st Street Water Main CIPP Lining rendering through August 31, 2025 in the amount of $25,909.05, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

Alderman McGrogan inquired as to the status of the landscaping on Cypress Street. City Administrator Jasinski stated that all is in the process of being remedied.

A discussion was had on what to do with the empty space at 13040 Cypress Street. A few suggestions were to plant trees or some type of greenspace on the property.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Alderman McGrogan moved to adjourn, seconded by Chairman

Brennan. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1266