Freeze Doesn’t Stop Chicago Heights City Council From Taking Care of Business
Freeze Doesn’t Stop Chicago Heights City Council From Taking Care of Business (Chicago Heights, IL) — Despite some members of the council being absent, freezing weather and meeting remotely due to Covid restrictions, on Tuesday night the Chicago Heights City Council approved a number of projects to continue moving forward the city’s beautification projects.
Architectural Services
With Alderman Vincent Zaranti sitting in as acting mayor for Mayor David Gonzalez, the council approved an agreement for architectural services with Tria Architecture.
Under the $23,000 agreement, Tria will provide a space-needs analysis of the municipal garage and water department facilities. The company will analyze existing facilities and determine whether an upgrade or a totally new facility is needed, based on current and future needs.
Tria has provided architectural services for other local municipalities such as Country Club Hills, designing its amphitheater, storage and fleet maintenance facilities, and upgrading its recreational center.
Morton Arboretum Grant
The council voted to accept an award of $15,000 from the Morton Arboretum, through its Urban and Community Forestry Grant. The grant will pay for a tree inventory of the city. Funding for the grant is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban & Community Forestry Program. It offers urban and community forestry grants to municipalities, which are required to pass a tree preservation/protection ordinance before the end of the grant period.
Engineering Services
The council also approved proposals totaling $842,000 for engineering services for various city infrastructure projects. Chief of Staff Karen Zarante said the projects include sewer and resurfacing work around the city.
The council approved an agreement with Grand Capital North America, LLC, to induce the sale and development of the city-owned real estate at 560 and 570 W. Lincoln Highway. Jack Hynes, city economic development consultant, said the parcels are the sites of the former Lorenzetti’s Restaurant and car lot next to it. Grand Rapid Capital has done a number of developments in the city.
In Other Business:
- Chief of Staff Karen Zarante gave the council an update on January’s Illinois Department of Public Health vaccination clinic, hosted by the city. She said about 250 people registered online. The city plans to hold another vaccination clinic, in conjunction with IDPH, in February;
- Chicago Heights Fire Chief Jeffrey Springer announced the promotion of Capt. Tony Mascolino to assistant fire chief;
- The council approved a redevelopment agreement to induce the sale of the city-owned surplus real estate at 1902 Euclid Ave., through the city’s Abandoned Property Acquisition Program.
- And the city’s city towing services agreement was renewed.
Freeze Doesn’t Stop Chicago Heights City Council From Taking Care of Business
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