NOVEMBER 16, 2010
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
I.
CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor called to order the regular meeting of the City of Palos Heights City Council
at 7:30 p.m. in the City Administrative Center, 7607 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL.
II.
INVOCATION / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Mayor led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
III.
ROLL CALL
Roll call indicated the following were present:
Mayor
Robert Straz
Ward 1
Jeff Prestinario
City Clerk
Thomas Kantas
Ward 2
Robert Basso
Jack Clifford
Ward 3
Dolores Kramarski
Alan Fulkerson
Ward 4
Art Phillips
Mike McGrogan
City Treasurer Frank Oswald
City Attorney Tom Brown
Absent was Alderman Gnap
IV.
CONSENT AGENDA
A.
B.
C.
D.
Approval of October 19, 2010 City Council Meeting Minutes.
Approval of Payroll and Voucher Lists dated October 29, 2010 and November 12,
2010.
Acceptance of the September 9, 2010 Library Board of Trustees minutes.
Approval of request from the Salvation Army to conduct their Annual Red Kettle
Campaign in the City of Palos Heights from November 19 to December 26, 2010
Alderman Phillips moved to approve the above items on the Consent Agenda,
seconded by Alderman Kramarski. On roll call, the motion to approve the
Consent Agenda was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
V.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
A.
Mayor:
1.
The Mayor requested a motion to adopt an ordinance calling for a public
hearing to consider the adoption of the 127th and Harlem Business District
Plan and the designation of the 127th and Harlem Business District in the
City of Palos Heights. Alderman Kramarski moved to approve the above
ordinance, seconded by Alderman Fulkerson. The Motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
2.
The Mayor requested a motion to introduce an ordinance approving a Tax
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October 5, 2010
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Increment Redevelopment Plan and Project for the 127th and Harlem
Redevelopment Project Area in the City of Palos Heights. Alderman
McGrogan moved to approve the above ordinance seconded by Alderman
Phillips. The Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
B.
3.
The Mayor requested a motion to introduce an ordinance Designating the
127th and Harlem Redevelopment Project Area a Redevelopment Project
Area Pursuant to the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment
Act. Alderman Fulkerson moved to approve the above ordinance
seconded by Alderman Prestinario. The Motion carried by unanimous
voice vote.
4.
The Mayor requested a motion to introduce an ordinance Adopting the
Use of Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Financing for the 127th
and Harlem Redevelopment Project Area in the City of Palos Heights.
Alderman Fulkerson moved to approve the above ordinance seconded by
Alderman Phillips. The Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Clerk:
1.
C.
D.
VI.
Treasurer:
1.
Delivered the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending October 31, 2010
2.
Alderman Fulkerson moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the
month ending October 31, 2010 seconded by Alderman Prestinario. The
Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
City Attorney: No Report.
CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
A.
B.
C.
VII.
Announced that a Public Hearing has been scheduled before the Zoning
Board of Appeals on November 29, 2010 at 7:00 pm to consider a petition
for a front yard and side yard setback variance for property located at
11912 Harold Avenue, Joseph and Cheryl Skender, petitioners (Docket
No. 2010-10).
Doris Storrs thanked the City and the Shepard High School Key Club for the leaf
raking conducted on October 30, 2010.
Diane Key (2802 Medinah Court) thanked the City for installing the sidewalk on
135th Street and asked that the City maintained the grass surrounding the
sidewalk.
Jeff Key (2802 Medinah Court) expressed his position that the City accept
dedication of the streets in his subdivision and expressed his outrage that the City
has not accepted dedication of the streets in this area.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
A.
Mike Wasserberg and Michael Cobb of South Suburban Pads presented an
overview of the services provided by their organization and its Water Bill
Initiative proposal.
1.
PADS is an interfaith organization providing shelter and supportive
services for homeless persons over the last twenty years. PADS
incorporates volunteers to provide educational and work training. Its
vision is “[t]o provide those who are experiencing a period of
homelessness with a service enriched, community integrated, uplifting &
supportive permanent housing environment so they may reach their
greatest potential.”
2.
The City of Country Club Hills and PADS are collaborating to construct a
permanent five-story facility that would better serve its needs. The
projected design would include studio, one bedroom and two bedroom
units. The proposed facility would be 75,000 square feet and would have
6,500 square feet of
common
space
for
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October 19, 2010
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services. Its amenities would include a community room with a kitchen,
counseling offices, a computer lab, vocational training space, a youth
services area, and a laundry facility.
Its anticipated budget for
construction is $17,600,000.00, $317,600 for support services and
$409,000 for annual operating costs. PADS is requesting that area
municipalities contribute to its organization with a one-dollar donation
added to each residents’ water bill.
VIII. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
A.
Finance—Chairperson Alderman Fulkerson:
1.
Alderman Fulkerson moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the
Customer Service Agreement between the City of Palos Heights and Call
One for the renewal of the Point to Point T-1 service between 7607 W.
College Drive and 6601 W. 127th Street for a 3 year term seconded by
Alderman McGrogan.
On roll call, the motion to approve the agreement was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
2.
Alderman Fulkerson moved to authorize the Mayor execute the Cable
Television Franchise Agreement between the City of Palos Heights and
Comcast of Illinois as negotiated for a 10 year term subject to final review
by the City Attorney and staff seconded by Alderman Phillips.
On roll call, the motion to approve the agreement was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
3.
Alderman Fulkerson moved to authorize the Mayor to execute a Post
Employment Health Plan (PEHP) Incoming Transfers Form to allow the
Police Department to transfer from their plan from ICMA-RC to
Nationwide in accordance with the current Police Contract seconded by
Alderman Phillips.
On roll call, the motion to approve the plan was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
B.
Public Safety—Chairperson Alderman Gnap:
1.
Alderman Prestinario moved to authorize the City Attorney to draft an
ordinance amending the City’s Code Chapter 79: Automated Traffic
Violations by 1.) Adding Harlem Avenue at College Drive and 135th
Street at Ridgeland Avenue to Section 79.03 (A); 2.) Establish two hearing
dates and delete any language in existing ordinance that conflicts; 3.) Add
fine schedules of $50/$100/$250 for general fines and parking compliance
and $250/$300/$350 for handicapped parking violations; 4.) any other
recommended changes
necessary after reviewing
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October 19, 2010
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the model ordinance provided by Municipal Systems, Inc. in order to
implement the MSI programs seconded by Alderman Kramarski.
On roll call, the motion to approve the ordinance was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
C.
2.
Alderman Prestinario moved to authorize the City Attorney to draft an
ordinance to repeal Section 74.10, Alternative Penalties Compliance
Warning Tickets from the City’s Code seconded by Alderman Kramarski.
The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
3.
Alderman Prestinario moved to authorize the City Attorney to review the
following agreements between the City and Municipal Systems. Inc.:
Agreement for the implementation of a Web Based Municipal Offense
System (MOS); Agreement for Web Based Payment Services; and
Agreement for Collection Services with Municipal Collection Services,
Inc. seconded by Alderman Kramarski. The motion carried by unanimous
voice vote.
Municipal Grounds and Property—Chairperson Alderman Basso:
1.
Alderman Basso reported the following: (1) the building at 12219 S.
Harlem due for demolition to make way for the municipal parking lot will
receive an energy efficient top coat of asphalt; (2) the City has received a
100,000.00 energy efficiency grant to be used mainly for heating and air
conditioning at City Hall; (3) the City will support various maintenance
projects at the Lake Katherine Clubhouse; (4) Chipper service is no longer
in effect.
D.
Planning and Zoning—Chairperson Alderman Clifford: No Report.
E.
Recreation—Chairperson Alderman Prestinario:
1.
Alderman Prestinario moved to approve the Resolution of Authorization
for the Illinois Park and Recreation Facility Construction Grant for
inclusion with the application of the PARC Grant for improvements at
Community Park seconded by Alderman Phillips.
On roll call, the motion to approve the resolution was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
2.
Alderman Prestinario moved to approve payment to U.S. Tennis Court
Construction Co. for the completed work on the tennis courts and
basketball court at Palmer Park and Community Park in the amount of
$30,710.00 seconded by Alderman Phillips.
On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7)
affirmative votes the motion carried.
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October 19, 2010
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3.
F.
Alderman Prestinario reported on the success and the merits of the leafraking program that took place on October 30, 2010 done in cooperation
with the Shepard High School Key Club wherein area students performed
leaf raking at the homes of 11 residents. Alderman McGrogan
recommended that the program expand to include snow shoveling this
winter. Alderman Prestinario announced that Running for Kicks is
sponsoring the Turkey Trot community fund-raiser on Thanksgiving with
donation to benefit the food pantry.
Roads and Construction—Chairperson Alderman Kramarski:
1.
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve amending the Public Works
Departmental Policy Manual by adding the Trench/Excavation Policy to
be in compliance with OSHA and the Illinois Department of Labor
seconded by Alderman Clifford. The motion carried by unanimous voice
vote.
2.
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve amending the Public Works
Departmental Policy Manual by adding the Sidewalk/Repair Program
Policy to be in compliance with OSHA and the Illinois Department of
Labor seconded by Alderman Clifford. The motion carried by unanimous
voice vote.
3.
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve amending the Public Works
Departmental Policy Manual by adding the Lockout/Tagout Energy
Control Program Policy to be in compliance with OSHA and the Illinois
Department of Labor seconded by Alderman Clifford. The motion carried
by unanimous voice vote.
4.
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve amending the Public Works
Departmental Policy Manual by adding the Confined Space Operation
Policy to be in compliance with OSHA and the Illinois Department of
Labor seconded by Alderman Clifford. The motion carried by unanimous
voice vote.
5.
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve final payment to IDOT for the
Harlem Avenue Median Improvements in the amount of $11,515.51
seconded by Alderman Phillips.
On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
6.
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve payment to K-Five Construction
for the balance of the 2010 Road Program, minus the retainage, in the
amount of $4, 926.51 seconded by Alderman Phillips.
On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
7.
Alderman Kramarski moved to approve payment to Seeco Consultants for
work related to the 2010 Road Program in the amount of $1,140.00
seconded by Alderman Clifford.
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October 19, 2010
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On roll call, the motion to approve the payment was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried.
G.
H.
License, Permits & Franchises—Chairperson Alderman McGrogan:
1.
Alderman McGrogan moved to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement
for the Provision of Environmental Health Inspectional Services for the
period of December 1, 2010 through November 30, 2011 seconded by
Alderman Kramarski. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
2.
Alderman McGrogan moved to authorize the City Attorney to draft an
ordinance amending the City’s Code Section 150.61, Chicago Electrical
Code, by updating the code to Version 2011 seconded by Alderman
Fulkerson. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
3.
Alderman McGrogan moved to authorize the City Attorney to draft an
ordinance amending the City’s Code, Chapter 150: Building Code, Harm
to Property, by adding the following language to reserved Section 150.46:
All construction on a site located in any district shall erect a barrier when
required by the building department official, which would be the Building
Commissioner. Barriers shall be of adequate strength to resist wind
pressure as specified in Chapter 16 of the International Building Code
(IBC) seconded by Alderman Fulkerson. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
4.
Alderman McGrogan reported on the activity to date of licenses, permits
and franchises issued by the City Building Department along with the
associated revenue generated.
Water and Sewer—Chairperson Alderman Phillips:
1.
Alderman Phillips moved to accept the low bid from Petroleum
Technologies Equipment (PTE) for the Purchase and Installation of the
Above Ground Fuel Tanks in the amount of $53,840.00 seconded by
Alderman Fulkerson.
On roll call, the motion to approve the bid was:
Ayes: (7)
Basso, Clifford, Fulkerson, Kramarski, McGrogan, Phillips,
Prestinario.
Nays: (0)
With seven (7) affirmative votes, the motion carried.
IX.
REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A.
Business / Economic Development: Chairperson Alderman Gnap.
1. Alderman Prestinario reported on the following developments pertaining to
business and economic development in the City:
Businesses Now Open: Chalet Florist, CVS Pharmacy, The Front Porch
coffee and Gifts, Dina’s Great Cuts and Per-Com Answering Service;
Businesses Coming Soon: Carmen’s Jazz Bistro, The Puppy Shop, Chiro
One, Van Henklum Funeral Home, Family Cuts and Color.
Businesses Interested in Locating to Palos Heights: an existing restaurant
would like to expand, interest in the outlots at the proposed Jewel
expansion
project, interest in the former Baker’s Square space,
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October 19, 2010
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interest in a kitchen / cabinetry shop, auto parts retailer, dessert retailer /
caterer, several restaurants and a liquor store.
Other Business Attraction Efforts: a realtor and commercial developer
toured an available commercial property, the Active Transportation
Alliance is creating a non-motorized vehicle plan for the City, businesses
like the expanded sidewalks on Harlem, economic development
information is contained n the City’s website.
Business Retention Efforts: free Christmas gift wrapping for gifts
purchased in Palos Heights at Celtic Cottage, progress continues on the
municipal parking lot, Pace Municipal Vehicle Program continues to
attract more riders, Four new welcome banners installed on Harlem
Avenue, Economic Development Advisory Committee is working on a
business survey with Trinity to be conducted this spring, the Façade
Improvement Program has interested parties for next year, the City’s
Facebook Page has attracted additional interest.
B.
X.
OLD BUSINESS
A.
XI.
Alderman Basso alerted residents to a recent article in Tribune regarding the
disposal and sale of old electronic items
NEW BUSINESS
A.
XII.
Ad Hoc Cable TV: Chairperson Alderman Fulkerson: No Report.
Alderman Clifford cautioned residents not to leave gifts in their unlocked cars
during the holiday season and reminded residents of the upcoming area drive to
support servicemen and women overseas during the holiday season.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A.
Alderman Kramarski moved to convene into Executive Session to discuss matters
relating to personnel seconded by Alderman Fulkerson. The motion carried by
unanimous voice vote.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:15 p.m. the Mayor requested a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
PALOS HEIGHTS CITY CLERK
Thomas A. Kantas
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October 19, 2010
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Date