Alderman Michael McGrogan was not happy with Republic Services’ garbage pickup services and wanted more future discussion but the Palos Heights city council voted 5-3 to renew five-year contract with the Crestwood-based company Tuesday night. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)

Alderman Michael McGrogan was not happy with Republic Services’ garbage pickup services and wanted more future discussion but the Palos Heights city council voted 5-3 to renew five-year contract with the Crestwood-based company Tuesday night. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)

Palos Heights renews garbage contract after debate

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By Jeff Vorva

Things got a little chippy Tuesday night when it came to renewing garbage and chipper services in Palos Heights.

After some debate, the Palos Heights City Council voted 5-3 to renew a five-year contract with Crestwood-based Republic Services.

Aldermen Michael McGrogan, Jerry McGovern and Jack Clifford voted “no.”

The current five-year deal expires Aug. 31 and McGrogan had a few issues with the company and wanted to express his concerns at a future Finance Committee meeting.

“I have about a half a dozen items,” McGrogan said. “I also think this should be broken into two contracts. One, because the city benefits in some ways, which could be a separate contract. Second, the residents can be a second part of that contract.”

McGrogan added Republic did a “crappy job on their service” after a storm in the winter. Mayor Bob Straz said that was a one-time event and Alderman Don Bylut added that despite that one event, the company has been easy and cooperative to work with.

After a little arguing, the council voted 6-2 not to have the item go to the Finance Committee and 5-3 to renew the contract.

Rec and roll

Alderman Jeffrey Key, the head of the Recreation Committee, said that the city’s 5K Chocolate Chase will take place at 9 a.m. April 16 at the Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St.

He added that the Farmer’s Market will begin May 11. The market takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday at the Municipal Parking Lot, 12217 S. Harlem Ave.

Key said the Recreation Department is looking for a Pace driver and applicants do not need a special license because it is a large van and not a bus or truck. Anyone interested in applying should call 708-361-1807.

Parade is coming

The council approved a special event permit for the Palos Baseball Association and Palos Power Girls Softball organizations to hold their Opening Day parade from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. May 30 on a designated route from Palmer Park to Memorial Park.

The council also approved to waive parade fees of $1,501.15 for the two organizations.

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