Palos Heights meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Palos Heights City Council to consider PowerMart liquor license, $416K watermain payment

Palos Heights officials will meet Aug. 18 to consider a new liquor license for a gas station and approve more than $400,000 in watermain work, among other items. No decisions from recent meetings have been published yet, as minutes are pending for all sessions held in the past two weeks.

City Council to consider liquor license, payments

The City Council will vote on an ordinance to add one Retailer's Class H License for Moshin Khan's PowerMart at 6400 West 127th Street. The consent agenda also includes a $416,604.60 payment to Airy's Inc. for the Kiowa Lane watermain replacement, a $15,750.00 payment to Core & Main for AMI System software, and a $5,007.80 payment to Wold Architects for the City Hall bathroom remodel. The council will also authorize a Request for Proposals for Phase I engineering on the 127th Street sidewalk and signal improvements.

Recent committee meetings

Several committees met Aug. 4 and Aug. 11, but their minutes have not been published. Agendas show the following items were discussed:

• **Joint Review Board (Aug. 4):** Reviewed TIF audit summaries for fiscal years 2022 and 2024 and received updates on the Palos Heights Gateway Redevelopment Plan and Project.
• **Committee of the Whole (Aug. 4):** Received a presentation from MKSK Studios on the final draft of the Downtown Development Plan.
• **Roads & Construction Committee (Aug. 11):** Considered authorizing an RFP for Phase I engineering on the 127th Street sidewalk and signal improvements (TIP ID 06-26-0022) and a $5,007.80 payment to Wold Architects for the City Hall bathroom remodel design. The agenda also included a 2026 MFT program update and city engineer reports.
• **Water & Sewer Committee (Aug. 11):** Considered a $416,604.60 payment to Airy's Inc. for the Kiowa Lane watermain replacement, a $12,600 amendment to RJN Group for sewer and manhole rehabilitation, and a 60-day extension for the 300,000-gallon storage tank project. Other payments included $10,004.50 to JDC for a hydrant repair tool kit and $15,750.00 to Core & Main for AMI software. An executive session was scheduled to discuss potential purchase or lease of real property.
• **Finance Committee (Aug. 11):** Discussed a streaming tax and reviewed bills from Thomas Brown, Laner Muchin, and Hiskes Dillner.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 12):** Held a public hearing on a special use permit request from Nicholas Burke of Country Financial to operate an insurance agency at 12331 S. Harlem Avenue. The property is vacant; its previous use was a real estate office.

Two meetings were cancelled: the License, Permits & Franchise Committee and the Recreation Committee, both scheduled for Aug. 11.

Coming up

The City Council will meet Aug. 18. In addition to the liquor license and payments listed above, the agenda includes a treasurer's report and a request from the Knights of Columbus for a Tootsie Roll Drive solicitation permit.

Palos Heights boards to weigh watermain payment, pump replacement this week

Palos Heights city boards met over the past week to consider infrastructure spending, a downtown plan, and a redevelopment project, but no final decisions have been recorded because minutes have not yet been published. The largest item on any agenda was a $416,604.60 payment for the Kiowa Lane watermain replacement, scheduled for a vote by the Water & Sewer Committee.

Water & Sewer Committee

The committee met July 28 to consider several contract payments and amendments. The agenda included:

• Payment No. 1 to Airy's Inc. for the Kiowa watermain replacement: $416,604.60
• Amendment No. 1 for the 2025 Sewer & Manhole Rehab additional services: $12,600
• Change Order No. 2 for the 300,000-gallon storage tank, a 60-day extension to Dahme Mechanical Industries
• Payment for a hydrant repair tool kit to JDC: $10,004.50
• Payment for AMI system software to Core & Main: $15,750.00

The committee also held an executive session to discuss potential real property acquisition.

City Council

The City Council met August 4 and considered two items previously discussed by the Municipal Grounds & Property Committee:

• Approval of a $20,415 payment to Flow-Technics, Inc. for a Lake Katherine Waterfall Pump and accessories
• A request to match a $7,500 grant for a 3-D Community Sign

The council also had on its agenda a special event permit for Chicago Christian School's “Light the Knight” Run on September 12, 2026, approval of payroll and the voucher list for the period ending July 31, 2026, and approval of minutes from the July 21 City Council meeting.

Joint Review Board

The Joint Review Board met August 4 to discuss the Palos Heights Gateway Redevelopment Plan and Project. The agenda included a review of TIF audit summaries for fiscal years 2022 and 2024, as well as project updates. Two separate agenda listings for the same meeting were published.

Committee of the Whole

Also on August 4, the Committee of the Whole received a presentation from MKSK Studios on the final draft of the Downtown Development Plan. No other items were listed.

Cancelled meetings

Two committees cancelled their July 28 meetings: the Planning & Zoning Committee and the Public Safety Committee. No business was conducted.

Coming up

A public hearing is scheduled for August 11 at 9:00 a.m. in City Hall. The Palos Heights Liquor Commissioner, Mayor Robert S. Straz, will review a request for a Retailer’s Class H Liquor License for PowerMart at 6400 West 127th Street.

Palos Heights Roundup: Watermain Payment, Audit Contract Lead Busy Agenda Week

Palos Heights committees and councils packed the last two weeks with infrastructure spending items, equipment purchases, and several cancelled meetings. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, outcomes cannot be confirmed — the items below reflect what was on each agenda, not what was ultimately decided.

City Council — July 21

The City Council agenda included a two-year audit contract with Lauterbach & Amen for up to $123,400.00, plus several final payments for completed work: $61,474.38 to Builders Paving, LLC for the Harold Avenue and Cypress Lane Reconstruction project, and $41,601.08 to Lindahl Bros., Inc. for the 2025 MFT program. The council was also asked to approve purchase of a 2027 Transit-350 Passenger Van from Currie Motors for $65,603.00 and adopt an ordinance declaring a 2016 Ford Transit Van (VIN: 1FTYE1YM5GKA26481) surplus for sale on iBid. Minutes are not yet available, so no vote tallies are confirmed.

Water & Sewer Committee — July 28

The largest single dollar item of the week appeared here: Payment No. 1 to Airy's Inc. for the Kiowa Lane watermain replacement, totaling $416,604.60. The committee also had an amendment to the 2025 Sewer & Manhole Rehab program for additional services not to exceed $12,600, a 60-day contract extension to Dahme Mechanical Industries for the 300,000-gallon storage tank, a $10,004.50 payment to JDC for a hydrant repair tool kit, and a $15,750.00 payment to Core & Main for AMI system software. An executive session to discuss potential real property acquisition was also scheduled.

Municipal Grounds & Property Committee — July 28

This committee was set to vote on a $20,415.00 purchase from Flow-Technics, Inc. for a Lake Katherine Waterfall Pump and accessories, and to consider matching a $7,500.00 grant application for a 3-D Community Sign. The agenda also included approval of minutes from May 26 and June 23, and a director's report covering motor vehicle maintenance and June storm cleanup.

Police & Fire Commission — July 23

The commission met at the Palos Heights Police Department, 7607 W. College Drive, at 9:30 a.m. The posted agenda contained only the meeting notice and listed no specific items for discussion or decision.

Cancelled Meetings — July 28

Both the Planning & Zoning Committee and the Public Safety Committee cancelled their regularly scheduled July 28 meetings. No business was conducted by either body.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — City Council:** Will consider the $20,415 Lake Katherine pump payment and the $7,500 community sign grant, plus a special event permit for Chicago Christian School's "Light the Knight" Run on Sept. 12, 2026, and routine approval of payroll and minutes.
• **Aug. 4 — Joint Review Board:** Meets on the Palos Heights Gateway Redevelopment Plan and Project, reviewing TIF audit summaries for FY 2022 and FY 2024 and receiving project updates.
• **Aug. 4 — Committee of the Whole:** MKSK Studios presents the final draft of the Downtown Development Plan.
• **Aug. 11 — Public Hearing:** Mayor Robert S. Straz, as Liquor Commissioner, holds a 9:00 a.m. hearing at City Hall on a Retailer's Class H Liquor License request for PowerMart at 6400 W 127th St.

All recent meeting outcomes remain unconfirmed until minutes are published. Readers can verify results through the city's official agendas and minutes.

Palos Heights roundup: Council set to vote on $123,400 audit contract; committees review infrastructure payments, liquor license expansion

Palos Heights committees spent the past two weeks reviewing infrastructure payments, business permits, and financial contracts, with the City Council scheduled to take action July 21 on a two-year audit contract and several final project payments.

City Council — July 7

The Council's July 7 agenda included two special use permits for Harlem Avenue businesses — Van Gogh Salon & Spa and Artic Gym — and an ordinance to add one Retailer's Class H liquor license for DBM Petroleum LLC at 12100 S Ridgeland Ave.

The agenda also listed vehicle purchases totaling $107,096: $65,603 for a 2027 Transit-350 passenger van and $41,493 for a 2027 Explorer 4X4. Storm damage payments of $43,100 to Homer Tree Care and $58,864 for the 131st watermain project were on the agenda, along with $48,000 in engineering services for Strand Associates for 80th Ave Pump Stations modifications. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

Finance Committee — July 14

The Finance Committee reviewed a Verizon tower lease amendment for 7607 W. College Drive and a proposed audit contract with Lauterbach & Amen. The committee also considered a sign grant of up to $2,000 for Casa De Tacos Express and reviewed legal and professional bills: Thomas Brown ($2,550.00), Laner Muchin ($1,291.67), and Hiskes & Dillner ($7,673.75). Minutes are not yet published.

License, Permits & Franchise Committee — July 14

The committee reported $239,433.20 in permit fees collected from January 1 to July 7, 2026, and $116,825.00 in vehicle sticker revenue from May 18 to July 7, 2026. An ordinance to amend building regulation and fee sections was passed. The committee also noted 166 code compliance inspections conducted since January 1, 2026, and discussed declining vehicle sticker sales.

Recreation Committee — July 14

The Recreation Committee reviewed a $21,000.00 proposal from Williams Architects for Palos Pool liner construction documents and bidding. Other items included a $6,324.00 annual payment to TimeClock Plus for Parks and Recreation administrative services, $6,145.00 for replacement signage at Nabbel Woods, and $6,530.00 for replacement signage at Community Park. Minutes are not yet published.

Roads & Construction Committee — July 14

The committee reviewed three final or ongoing payments: $61,474.38 to Builders Paving, LLC for the Harold Ave and Cypress Ln reconstruction; $41,601.08 to Lindahl Bros, Inc for the 2025 MFT program; and $16,057.29 to Morris Engineering for various city engineering services. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

City Council — July 21: The Council will vote on a two-year audit contract with Lauterbach & Amen not to exceed $123,400.00, final payments of $61,474.38 to Builders Paving, LLC and $41,601.08 to Lindahl Bros., Inc., purchase of a 2027 Transit-350 passenger van from Currie Motors for $65,603.00, and an ordinance declaring a 2016 Ford Transit Van (VIN: 1FTYE1YM5GKA26481) surplus for sale on iBid.

Police & Fire Commission — July 23: The commission meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Palos Heights Police Department, 7607 W. College Drive. The posted agenda lists no specific items for discussion or decision.

Palos Heights committees weigh vehicle purchases, business permits, and infrastructure payments ahead of July 7 council vote

Palos Heights committees laid out a full slate of spending and permit items in late June, with final action scheduled for the July 7 City Council meeting. Because minutes from the June committee meetings have not yet been published, the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed votes.

Vehicle purchases and storm recovery costs

The Municipal Grounds and Property Committee agenda for June 23 included requests to purchase two vehicles under a cooperative purchasing agreement: a 2027 Transit-350 cargo van for $65,603 and a 2027 Explorer for $41,493.

The same committee was scheduled to consider storm-related payments totaling $43,100, including $35,100 to Homer Tree Care for storm damage and $8,000 for chipping services. A payment of $8,227.02 for Lake Katherine bridge repair was also on the agenda.

The July 7 council agenda lists these same vehicle purchases and storm damage payments for authorization.

Harlem Avenue business permits

The Planning and Zoning Committee agenda for June 23 included two special use permit requests, both of which had already received favorable 5-0 recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals:

• Docket 2026-11-SUP: a special use permit for Van Gogh Hair & Spa at 12250 S. Harlem Ave.
• Docket 2026-12-SUP: a special use permit for Arctic Gym at 12330 S. Harlem Ave.

The committee was also scheduled to approve minutes from its May 26 meeting and hear public comment. The July 7 council agenda includes approval of both special use permits.

Liquor license request

A public hearing was scheduled for June 25 at City Hall before the city's Liquor Commissioner to consider a request for a Retailer's Class H Liquor License by Manoj Patel / DBM Petroleum LLC at 12100 South Ridgeland Avenue.

The July 7 council agenda includes an ordinance to increase the number of Retailer's Class H liquor licenses by one for that location.

Water and sewer infrastructure payments

The Water and Sewer Committee agenda for June 23 listed several infrastructure payments:

• $6,480.00 to Performance Pipeline, Inc. for sewer/manhole rehabilitation.
• $17,649.00 to Dahme Mechanical Industries, Inc. for a ground-level storage tank.
• $25,086.41 for sewer replacement at the former Trinity Christian College site.
• $17,370.39 for watermain repair at 7737 Golf Dr.
• $5,932.00 for storm sewer manhole rehabilitation on Carmichael Dr.
• Up to $48,000.00 for engineering services for the 80th Ave Pumping Station.

The July 7 council agenda includes awarding $48,000 in engineering services to Strand Associates for 80th Ave Pumping Station modifications and $58,864 for the 131st watermain project.

Public Arts Commission

The Public Arts Commission agenda for June 22 included review of the Butterfly Mural project with a High 5 update, a Senior Public Awareness Program workshop at the library, framing of 4x4 inch 'Windows of Palos' paintings, the Scarecrow and Beautification Committee, and a new mural proposal with Sporting Life and Public Arts. The commission was also scheduled to consider approval of bills.

Cancelled meeting

The Public Safety Committee meeting scheduled for June 23 was cancelled. No business was conducted.

Coming up

• **July 7 — City Council:** The council is scheduled to vote on the two Harlem Avenue special use permits, the liquor license ordinance, vehicle purchases, storm recovery payments, and infrastructure contracts. This meeting consolidates items reviewed by the committees in late June.

Committees advance vehicle buys, business permits, and storm payments; council to cast final votes

No formal actions were taken by Palos Heights boards and commissions in the past two weeks, but several proposals that would commit hundreds of thousands of dollars moved closer to a final vote. Committees reviewed vehicle purchases, special use permits, infrastructure repairs, and a liquor license expansion while a public hearing gathered testimony on a new liquor permit.

Public Arts Commission (June 22)

Commissioners revisited the ongoing butterfly mural project and discussed a possible new mural in partnership with Sporting Life. They also talked about framing the city’s “Windows of Palos” paintings and preparing for a Senior Public Awareness Program workshop at the library. No votes were reported.

Municipal Grounds & Property Committee (June 23)

The committee’s agenda included requests to purchase a 2027 Transit-350 cargo van for $65,603 and a 2027 Explorer for $41,493 through a cooperative purchasing agreement. Members were also scheduled to vote on three payments tied to storm recovery: $35,100 to Homer Tree Care for storm damage removal, $8,000 for chipping services, and $8,227.02 for a bridge repair at Lake Katherine.

Planning & Zoning Committee (June 23)

Two special use permits on Harlem Avenue were up for a committee vote. Docket 2026-11-SUP would allow Van Gogh Hair & Spa at 12250 S. Harlem Ave. Docket 2026-12-SUP would permit a martial arts and fitness facility called Arctic Gym at 12330 S. Harlem Ave. Both applications received 5-0 recommendations for approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals earlier this year. The committee’s vote, if held, was not immediately available.

Water & Sewer Committee (June 23)

Infrastructure spending dominated the agenda. The committee reviewed bills including $6,480 for sewer and manhole rehabilitation, $17,649 for work on a ground‑level storage tank, $25,086.41 for a sewer replacement at the former Trinity Christian College, $17,370.39 for a watermain repair on Golf Drive, and $5,932 for storm sewer manhole rehab on Carmichael Drive. Members also considered authorizing up to $48,000 in engineering services from Strand Associates for modifications to the 80th Avenue Pumping Station.

Public hearing on liquor license (June 25)

Liquor Commissioner heard a request from DBM Petroleum LLC for a Retailer’s Class H license at 12100 South Ridgeland Avenue. The hearing was held to gather input before the City Council considers an ordinance that would increase the number of available Class H licenses.

Coming up

The City Council will meet July 7 with several items up for final action:

• Approve special use permits for Van Gogh Salon & Spa and Arctic Gym at Harlem Avenue locations
• Adopt an ordinance adding one Retailer’s Class H liquor license for DBM Petroleum LLC
• Authorize $65,603 for a 2027 Transit-350 passenger van and $41,493 for a 2027 Explorer 4X4
• Approve $43,100 in tree‑removal payments to Homer Tree Care and $58,864 for the 131st Street watermain project
• Award $48,000 in engineering services to Strand Associates for 80th Avenue Pump Station modifications

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.