Palos Heights Mayor Robert Straz was feeling down at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting over the announcement earlier in the day that Trinity Christian College would be closing at the end of the current academic year.
“It’s a sad day for the whole Palos Heights community, especially a sad day for the Trinity people, the Trinity community itself,” he said. “It’s been part of our community for the last 60-odd years, and we had a good relationship.”
Straz said the city will likely play a role as the college determines what to do with the campus property. “We’ll keep them in our prayers and keep the residents informed as things progress. It’s a very new announcement, so we’ll go forward from there.”
During the meeting, the council approved a resolution naming a delegate and alternate to represent Palos Heights at the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency, (the insurance pool that covers participating municipalities). The council also renewed the terms of Library Trustee Steve Foertsch and Library Board President Rose Zubik, extending their appointments through November 2028.
Treasurer James Daemicke reported the city’s general fund ended September with $5.23 million after bringing in $790,511 and spending $782,094. Total city funds stood at $26 million.
Alderman Robert Basso introduced a motion to sell a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owned by the city, which passed unanimously.
He also raised a concern about semi-trucks parking along Route 83, saying the sight of them has unsettled residents.
“It appears to be something disheartening, if not frightening, to see a semi-truck just parked there,” he said. “From my observations, there’s usually no one sitting in the truck.”
Basso said he had already spoken with Police Chief Mike Yott about the issue and learned that the trucks aren’t technically breaking any laws unless signs are posted to prohibit parking. Mayor Straz said the city will move forward by adding “No Parking” signs so police can enforce the restriction.
He added that similar issues are showing up on private property near Harlem Avenue and Route 83, where trucks and buses are parking long-term. “Maybe that’s being a good neighbor for the trucking industry,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s being a good neighbor for Palos Heights.”
Later, the council approved a $34,250.25 payment to Morfin Construction for work on the Lake Katherine Clubhouse, covering labor to replace the deck framing and ramp.
Alderman Patrick Scully said an eight-member advisory committee has been formed to work with MKSK on the Old Palos redevelopment project, with a kickoff meeting set for Nov. 20.
Alderman Jeff Key outlined the city’s upcoming holiday lineup:
- Lights in the Heights on the day after Thanksgiving from 5:30 to 8 p.m. near the gazebo.
- Christmas Tree Decorating Contest deadline on Nov. 7.
- Christkindl Market on Dec. 5 and 6.
- Holiday Parade on Dec. 6 at 10:45 a.m.
A new House Decorating Contest organized by the Beautification Committee will announce its winners during the market weekend.
Alderman Jack Clifford said Harold Avenue is nearly done, with final paving in progress.
Alderman Dan Brennan reported on several water and sewer payments and contract extensions, all approved:
- $40,710.55 to Calumet City Plumbing for water meter replacements.
- $6,150 to Kim Construction for manhole work.
- $25,000 extension with RJN Group for on-call engineering.
- $12,646.01 to Strand Associates for water main lining.
- $6,840 to Seeco Consultants for geotechnical work at the Southwest Highway Lift Station project.
The city’s Veterans Breakfast will be held Thursday, Nov. 6, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. Ald. Clifford thanked the aldermen and staff who helped collect door prizes, and reminded residents that the Lions Club Christmas tree lot opens Nov. 22.
And, as it happened, the meeting fell on Alderman Jeff Key’s birthday. When it was mentioned, he laughed and said, “I’m not counting anymore.”