MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
THE CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
OCTOBER 6, 2009
I.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Straz called to order the regular meeting of the City of Palos Heights City Council at
approximately 7:00 p.m. in the City Administrative Center, 7607 W. College Drive, Palos Heights,
IL.
II.
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Straz led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
III.
ROLL CALL
Roll call indicated the following were present:
Mayor
Robert S. Straz
City Clerk
Thomas Kantas
Ward 1
Jeff Prestinario
Jean Gnap
Ward 2
Jack Clifford
Bob Basso
Ward 3
Dolores Kramarski
Alan Fulkerson
Ward 4
Michael McGrogan
Art Phillips
City Treasurer Frank Oswald
City Attorney Tom Brown
IV.
CONSENT AGENDA
A.
Approval of Minutes:
1.
City Council Meeting
September 15, 2009
B.
Approval of Payroll and Voucher List dated October 2, 2009.
C.
Acceptance of the following Committee Meeting Minutes:
1.
Buildings and Grounds
August 25, 2009
2.
Planning and Zoning
August 25, 2009
3.
Public Safety
August 25, 2009
4.
Water and Sewer
August 25, 2009
5.
Library Board of Trustees
July 9, 2009
D.
Approval of request from the Palos Stars Football & Cheerleading to conduct a
Tag Day on Saturday, October 17, 2009 in the City of Palos Heights.
E.
Approval of Proclamation for Illinois Arts & Humanities Month, October 2009,
Experience the Arts in Palos Heights.
Alderman Clifford moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Alderman
Kramarski. On roll call, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda was:
Ayes: (8)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Gnap, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With eight (8) affirmative votes, the motion to approve the consent agenda carried.
V.
OPENING OF SEALED BIDS
A.
Rubber Tire Skid Steer Loader
1.
Atlas Bobcat
$28,311.12
2.
3.
4.
McCann
McAllister Equipment
Martin Implement Sales
$39,069.00
$33,173.00
$32,390.00
Alderman Phillips moved to refer the aforesaid bids to the Water and Sewer
Committee for consideration, seconded by Alderman Clifford. The Motion
carried by unanimous voice vote.
B.
Oak Park Culvert Rehab
1.
2.
3.
4.
Sebastian Contracting
Landmark Contractors
R & W Clark Construction
MYS, Incorporated
$72,690.00
$65,645.00
$42,800.00
$33,955.00
Alderman Kramarski moved to refer the aforesaid bids to the Roads and
Construction Committee for consideration, seconded by Alderman Gnap. The
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
VI.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
A.
Mayor:
1.
VII.
Reiterated the significance of the Proclamation for Illinois Arts & Humanities
Month, October 2009 and urged residents to participate in events highlighting
the arts in Palos Heights. Noted the various City events showcasing art exhibits
at the Library, Lake Katherine and Palos Bank.
B.
Clerk: No Report.
C.
Treasurer: No Report.
D.
City Attorney: No Report.
COMMUNICATIONS
A.
Alderman Kramarski reminded residents of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and
urged residents to undergo annual mammograms.
B.
Alderman Gnap thanked those who wished her well during her knee surgery recovery.
VIII. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
A.
Sheila Sosnicki (12448 S. Richard) on behalf of the Palos Heights 50th Anniversary
Committee recapped the past events honoring the City’s 50th Anniversary and
announced the 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance taking place on November 7, 2009 at
Palos County Club.
B.
David Devine (12621 S. 73rd Avenue) voiced opposition to proposed City restrictions
on camper storage. He detailed his fond memories of camping and fishing with his
family and his desire to share this experience with his family. He opposed concrete
parking areas for campers at their homes as onerous and as a detriment to the
landscaping. He noted that owners of campers are not wealthy and cannot afford the
restrictions being contemplated.
C.
John Mueller (12112 73rd Court) voiced opposition to proposed City restrictions on
camper or boat storage. He noted that he purchased his lot specifically because it
would accommodate his RV.
D.
Ed and Sue Munin (12100 Coach Road) voiced opposition to ComEd “clear cutting”
trees along its easement on the western side of Coach Road. He noted the tacit
agreement to allow the growth of smaller trees in this area that beautify the area and
block excess lighting from Palos Hospital. Mr. Munin sought the City’s support in
blocking ComEd from this action. He noted his effort and expense in planting the trees
in this area and the substantial aesthetic benefit these trees confer. He and his wife
worked hard to makes this area look appealing and the attendant rise in property values
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these trees have allowed.
Mrs. Munin addressed the City Council with research she compiled on this issue. Mrs.
Munin detailed the process ComEd employs in cutting trees down and the rules,
regulations and guidelines that apply. Mrs. Munin explained her position that ComEd
should not summarily cut every tree down but engage with the residents in a dialogue
to spare trees that do not pose a threat. She explained that on her own initiative she
maintains this area. She reiterated that this is a devastating process that should be
stopped.
The Mayor responded that he has contacted ComEd along with Illinois state officials to
address this issue. He noted that this is not municipal property and that ComEd owns
the property and that ComEd has not to date responded. He express sympathy to this
concern but acknowledged the limited power the City has in this process.
Alderman Fulkerson contributed that north suburban communities facing this action by
ComEd organized an effort that brought media exposure to this issue which produced a
positive outcome. Alderman Fulkerson urged residents to organize and exert public
pressure on ComEd to stop this process. Alderman Clifford suggested that the City
contact ComEd and ask them to delay this action. Alderman Prestinario suggested that
residents seek a compromise with ComEd and spray paint trees that should not be cut.
Mr. Munin noted that he has already identified trees that do not pose a threat. Mrs.
Munin expressed the urgency of this matter as it is due to begin on Monday. Alderman
McGrogan raised the possibility of the City filing a lawsuit to block ComEd from
cutting down the trees. Alderman Fulkerson and the City Attorney discussed the
merits of such a lawsuit.
Alderman Prestinario moved to have the City initiate legal action to block ComEd
from taking this action, seconded by Alderman McGrogan. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
IX.
E.
Richard Lane (12110 Coach Road) suggested that the power lines at issue in the
ComEd lines be buried as an alternative to cutting.
F.
Larry Joyner (12120 Coach Road) concurs with the concerns articulated by his
neighbors regarding the ComEd clear cutting action.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
A.
Finance: Chairperson Alderman Fulkerson.
1.
Alderman Fulkerson moved to authorize the City to enter into an agreement
with Civic Systems to purchase financial software in the amount of $89,000,
seconded by Alderman Phillips.
On roll call, the motion to approve the Consent Agenda was:
Ayes: (8)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Gnap, Kramarski, McGrogan,
Phillips, Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With eight (8) affirmative votes, the aforesaid motion carried.
B.
Public Safety: Chairperson Alderman Gnap.
1.
C.
Announced that the police handle approximately 800 calls per month and
investigate 50 traffic crashes and 18 DUI’s per month as well. The police train
on a rotating basis each month. Urged residents to appreciate the efforts of the
police on behalf of residents. Offered caution on a fraudulent scheme mailed to
her place of business.
Municipal Grounds and Property: Chairperson Alderman Basso.
1.
Praised the efforts of the Public Works Department on matters such as a recent
water main break, the maintenance of the Art Park, and work at Lake
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Katherine. Reminded that chipper service is in force until the end of October
and Allied Waste picks up yard waste from April to December.
D.
Planning and Zoning: Chairperson Alderman Clifford—No Report.
E.
Recreation: Chairperson Alderman Prestinario.
1.
Alderman Prestinario moved to accept the low bid from Fuerte Systems, Inc.
for the construction and renovation of the playground portion of Crawford Park
not to exceed the amount of $130,176.92, seconded by Alderman Gnap.
On roll call, the Motion to accept said bid was:
Ayes: (8)
Clifford, Kramarski, Fulkerson, McGrogan, Phillips, Basso,
Prestinario, Gnap.
Nays: (0)
With eight (8) affirmative votes, the motion carried.
2.
Updated residents on the progress of pool renovation noting that Water’s Edge
has completed its report to be followed by a bid package.
3.
Announced that the Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon has won the
Governor’s Award that will be presented by the Governor on October 29, 2009.
This is the third such award won by the Palos Heights.
F.
Roads and Construction: Chairperson Alderman Kramarski—No Report.
G.
License, Permits & Franchises: Chairperson Alderman McGrogan.
1.
Alderman McGrogan moved to adopt an ordinance amending Section
93.40(12)(C) Permitted Signs by changing the maximum size of temporary
signs from 32 sq. ft. to 100 sq. ft., seconded by Alderman Kramarski.
On roll call, the Motion to adopt said ordinance was:
Ayes: (8)
Clifford, Kramarski, Fulkerson, McGrogan, Phillips, Basso,
Prestinario, Gnap.
Nays: (0)
With eight (8) affirmative votes, the motion carried.
2.
Alderman McGrogan moved to adopt an ordinance that prohibits video
gambling in the City of Palos Heights, seconded by Alderman Clifford.
On roll call, the Motion to adopt said ordinance was:
Ayes: (8)
Clifford, Kramarski, Fulkerson, McGrogan, Phillips, Basso,
Prestinario, Gnap.
Nays: (0)
With eight (8) affirmative votes, the motion carried.
H.
Water and Sewer: Chairperson Alderman Phillips.
1.
X.
Explained that a water main break occurred in One Palos Place that caused
flooding and property damage and noted the extensive and successful City
Water Department efforts to contain such damage. Announced that residents
can call the City at 708-361-1806 to report such occurrences.
REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A.
Business/Economic Development: Chairperson Alderman Gnap
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B.
1.
Highlighted efforts made to initiate economic development undertaken by the
committee and Jim Furey the Economic Development Coordinator. Among
other things he has updated the inventory of available commercial properties,
disseminated information to prospective business owners, contacted specific
proprietors such as Chipotle and Trader Joe’s to open a franchise in Palos
Heights and has initiated discussion with Channel 4 to further highlight local
businesses. Announced that the Chamber of Commerce will meet at Bon A Pit
Restaurant on October 13, 2009.
2.
Alderman Prestinario announced City events such as the last day of Farmer’s
Market on October 7, 2009; the October 17, 2009 Celebrate Fall in Palos
Heights events (Bike and Dine Event, face painting, hay rides and nature
exhibits, the fall Food and Wine event at Lake Katherine); and announced that
October 22, 2009 is the Beautification Recognition Night as well as the
November 7, 2009 Dinner Dance.
Ad Hoc Cable TV: Chairperson Alderman Fulkerson
1.
XI.
Announced that Ron, Sue and Jordan have met with a range of neighboring
communities to assist those municipalities with cable access programming.
Channel 4 recently highlighted the newly opened Computer Geeks business.
Channel 4 will continue to highlight area businesses and its plans to cover the
Dinner Dance on November 7.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
B.
Alderman Clifford announced that the Lions Club will distribute candy on Friday and
Saturday and looked to recruit volunteers to assist. Expressed sadness and regret at the
vandalism that occurred at the Art Garden.
Alderman Basso voiced his support for the creation of a formal “green policy” for the
City.
XIII. CITIZENS WISHING TO ASK QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EVENING’S
BUSINESS
A.
Linda Novak (12013 70th Court) Good Neighbor Association of Palos Heights
will conduct a food drive for the needy during the Fall Festival on October 17, 2009.
B.
Barbara Pasquinelli (12210 Cheyenne Drive) requested an update on the progress
of the Red Flex Program; voiced her support for the ban on video gambling as well as
her support for residents opposed to the ComEd cutting program.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:20 p.m. Mayor Straz requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Palos Heights City Clerk
Thomas A. Kantas
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Date