CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS
Business and Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2009
Meeting of the Business and Economic Development Commission was called to order by
Alderman Jeff Prestinario, Chairman, at 7:00 p.m. Present were: Glenn Kraemer, Elaine Savage,
Lou Elsner, Janet Elsner, Dan Harris, Dee Stuchly, Tom Stuchly, Sue Blattner, Bob Starzyk, Tom
Barcelona, Denise Hyker, Lynda Schiappa, Lois Duran, Ed Dombrowski, Gary Duran, Donna
Ondriska, Eileen Lunter, Bob Grossart, Dave Hanley, and Pat Sheppard.
Also present were Kathy Lovitt and Linda Novak.
Minutes: Alderman Prestinario asked Pat Sheppard to take the minutes of the meeting.
Mail Distribution: Alderman Prestinario reminded committee members to make sure they check
the mail box. Sue Blattner gave Glenn Kraemer the mail that was currently in the box.
Alderman Prestinario introduced Linda Novak, resident of Palos Heights, and gave her the floor.
Linda explained that she and Kathy Lovitt were here tonight on behalf of the newly formed Good
Neighbors Association. This association is for residents in the Olde Palos neighborhood as well
as residents who do not have homeowner associations. The Good Neighbors Association would
like to run a food drive in conjunction with Celebrate Fall. They would ask residents to bring
non-perishable food items to give to a local food pantry. Lynda Schiappa said she was in favor of
that and would coordinate the details with Linda Novak.
Art Garden Vandalism Reward: The night of September 19 the Art Garden was vandalized and
one of the pieces that had just been dedicated earlier that day was destroyed. The piece had been
purchased from a public arts project auction in Lake Geneva in the fall of 2008. The
Beautification Committee had made the first donation to the then called Art Garden in the amount
of $3,000. This donation allowed the Art Park Committee to purchase “Monarch Madness”, a
hand-painted pony made of fiberglass, which was the first piece of sculpture purchased for the Art
Park. Many members of the Beautification Committee had worked along with Art Park
Committee members in fundraising efforts and this vandalism was hard to accept. Several of the
committee members thought a reward should be offered and the Beautification Committee could
front the reward money. There was much discussion on the criteria that should be set for the
reward and the amount of the reward. An anonymous person has also offered to put up $500 for
the reward.
Glenn Kraemer made a motion for the Beautification Committee to commit $500 towards the
reward making the total reward amount $1,000. Seconded by Lou Elsner. All in Favor. Motion
carried. Glenn would get details from Pat Sheppard and coordinate the reward effort with the
Police Department. Glenn would also get information about the reward to The Regional News.
Governor’s Hometown Award: Alderman Prestinario announced the Palos Bank Southwest Half
Marathon has been selected as a recipient to receive a Governor’s Hometown Award for 2009.
They have not been informed yet which category it was selected for – there are four different
categories. A reception will be held in Springfield on October 29, 2009. This will be the third
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Hometown Award that the City has received in the past few years. Lynda Schiappa suggested that
some thought should be put into a better way to display these awards. She felt grouping them
together in a prominent place would allow residents and visitors the opportunity to view them
and give Palos Heights the recognition so deserved. Everyone agreed that would be a good idea.
2010 Committee Budgets: Alderman Prestinarion asked chairmen of the sub-committee to start
working on their budgets for 2010. There will be no carry-overs.
Committee Updates
Farmers Market: Donna Ondriska reported that the last day for the Farmer’s Market is October
14, but the vendor luncheon will be held on October 7 at 1:30 pm at Mister Mo’s. Donna also
reported that she had received many positive comments from patrons on the recent questionnaire
she had distributed. She felt that the weekly listing in the Trib-Local helped by reaching people
outside of the Palos Heights community. She also saw a surge in attendance after the Channel 4
segment that Ron Jankowski taped and aired. Sales fluctuated week-to-week depending on the
weather
Celebrate Fall: Lynda Schiappa reported that plans are underway for the October 17 event.
Businesses and local organizations were contacted to participate in the “Walk of the Scarecrows”
and is hoping to have as many, if not more, than last year. The frames for the scarecrows have
been made and are being delivered as the orders come in (she thanked the committee members
who made them). This year the scarecrows will all be gathered from the different locations in
town and set up for display in the Art Garden on October 17. Plans for the day include: an Art
Fair, which is being organized by the Art Garden Committee; Face painting and pumpkin painting
sponsored by the Woman’s Club; Hayrides, nature hikes and fall activities at Lake Katherine;
games, tie-dye t-shirts, DJ and car show, and ghost stories around the campfire at Tastee Freez;
Chalk art and story telling at the Library; Bike-N-Dine; Spicy Pickle/Largest Vegetable Contest at
the Fire Station; Movie in the Park after Dark; and new this year – Fall Wine and Food Fest from
6 – 10 pm at the auditorium at Lake Katherine. Tickets will be sold for this event at $25 each –
maximum of 100 tickets.
Keep Palos Heights Beautiful: Lois Duran reported that they had received many nominations.
Awards will be handed out on Recognition Night, October 22. Alderman Prestinario thought it
would be nice to have a slide show presentation that night and asked about a projector. There was
some discussion on whether or not the Beautification Committee should buy a projector. The
Recreation Department has one which can always be borrowed and there are several screens that
can be used. Lois and Dee said at this point they basically just need to get the food, wine and beer
for that night. Each sub-committee typically sets up a display for that night as well. Tables can
be shared so as not to take up so much space. Homeowners who have lived in Palos Heights for
50 consecutive years will also be recognized that night in conjunction with the City’s 50th
Anniversary. Sue Blattner is helping Alderman Prestinario with that.
50th Anniversary: Sue Blattner reported that the next and final event is the Anniversary Dinner on
Saturday, November 7 at Palos Country Club. Cocktails and crudités begin at 6:30, dinner at 7:30,
followed by music and dancing Tickets sales are going well – 200 are spoken for already. There
will be a “Memory Lane”, the Adirondack Chair Auction and a special dessert table.
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Adopt-A-Pot: Ed Dombrowski reported that all the pots had been pruned for fall. Clean-up day is
scheduled for November 7 at 11:00 a.m.
Classic Car Event: Glenn Kraemer gave a financial recap stating that they broke even on the car
raffle but made money on the event – approximately $10,000.
Glenn then asked the committee to consider his recommendation to make a donation to a charity.
He asked that a donation be made to the Bohne Foundation and that there were several levels of
giving. There was much discussion regarding this subject. It was suggested that guidelines be
established so that every year a certain amount would be given to a few charities that are predetermined each year. Glenn stated that it has been past practice to donate a portion of the
proceeds from the Car Classic to a charity or local organization. Several committee members felt
that all donations should be made to Palos Heights’ organizations or charities. Glenn stated again
that in the past donations were not only made to local organizations, but also to major charities.
Tom Stuchly motioned that a donation be made to the Bohne Foundation in the amount of $250,
seconded by Dave Hanley. On a show of hands, the vote was 11 ayes, 8 nays. Motion Carried.
Bob Grossart asked if the Classic Car Event could apply for 501c3 status. Alderman Prestinario
explained that the City of Palos Heights is a not-for-profit organization and there was other
criteria that needs to be met for this status. The Classic Car Event would not qualify.
Art Garden: Pat Sheppard first thanked everyone who helped out in some way or who attended
the grand opening/dedication ceremony of the Art Garden on September 19. There was a great
turnout and it was a shame what happened later that night. She has received many phone calls
from residents who were just stunned to hear of the vandalism. Pat said a claim has been filed
with the City’s insurance carrier.
Pat asked if the tents could be used for the Art Fair on October 17. Ed Dombrowski said he will
help with that. Pat also told the committee of two fundraising efforts that are underway. First,
the Art Garden committee will be selling 2010 Calendars. The calendar will feature the
sculptures and gardens of the Art Garden. Second, a “Girl’s Night Out” is being planned for
October 23 at the Lake Katherine Clubhouse. Maureen Fagan, a resident of Palos Heights, is
organizing this event. Flyers will be distributed and posted soon.
The following information is for committee reference:
Beautification Fund Procedures:
1.) Funds will be placed in a separate State Fund for maximum interest.
2.) Chairs are to deposit funds with the Front Office and receive a receipt.
3.) Chairs will be placed on the City-wide Vendor List for authorized purchases.
4.) Vendors can either bill the City direct or turn receipts in at City Hall.
5.) Invoices that are mailed to the City must be approved for payment by Chairs.
6.) An in-box will be designated in the Front Office where invoices will be placed.
7.) Chairs must check the in-box on a regular basis to approve invoices for payment
8.) Invoices are placed on the Voucher List for approval by the City Council at their meetings.
Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of the month, so in order to be on the voucher list,
approved invoices must be turned by Thursday prior to the City Council meeting.
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Individual Committee Chairman Responsibilities:
 To execute a successful event with the help of your committee members
 To organize and chair committee meetings
 To contact Pat Sheppard for your room reservations
 To create and submit a yearly budget for your committee
 To attend general BEDC meetings
 To make decisions in the best interest of the City of Palos Heights
 To work as a TEAM player with your committee and other committees
 To follow City financial procedures and guidelines for committees
 To submit updates for City website and Rec brochure with your committee information
 To advertise your committee effectively and appropriately
 To have FUN with your committee by accomplishing City goals
 To have Committee Chairs make requests for City services with Dan Nisavic
 To update and change committee policies and procedures as needed
There being no further business, Alderman Prestinario moved to adjourn, seconded by Lou
Elsner. Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
________________________________
Patricia M. Sheppard
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