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May 28, 2009 City Council Meeting Minutes

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CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Howley on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Howley led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following were present:

  • Mayor, M. Howley
  • Aldermen
    L. DeRose
    D. Ferrero
    T. McAvoy
    M. McHugh
    J. Moirano
    J. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, J. Jackson
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, J. Cainkar
  • Chief of Police, A. Vodicka
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Building Commissioner, G. Betcher
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Deputy City Clerk, D. Catizone

There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

Alderman Moirano moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Beehn
8150 W. 91st Place

Mr. and Mrs. Beehn voiced their concerns regarding a renovation project that has taken longer than his building permits allow. He started this project in 2005. The contractor did not complete the work. Mr. Beehn noted he had legal problems with the contractor and is now doing all the work himself. Mayor Howley noted progress has been seen and with the state of Mr. Beehn’s difficulties, the City can work with him.

Sandy Johnson
Editor
Hickory Hills Trib Online Newspaper

Mrs. Johnson is a resident who has started a local newspaper online. The website is HHTRIB.com. This online newspaper has announcements, local garage sales and an event calendar. She stated the membership is free and invited all to subscribe.

Chuck Bosgraff
Dirty Sock

Mr. Bosgraff, owner of the Dirty Sock has a request to have a beer garden on the day of the Street Fair. Mr. Bosgraff would like to clarify time to open the beer tent so all establishments begin selling liquor at the same time. Alderman Ferrero noted the bands will play until 7:00 p.m. at the City’s tent so all their festivities should not start before at 7:00 p.m.

Jim Corrigan
9418 77th Court

Mr. Corrigan asked if the City has any ordinances prohibiting satellite dishes or the placement of dishes. Mayor Howley noted the Attorney for the City has advised him that City cannot prohibit satellite dishes.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman Szeszycki moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Moirano moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 14, 2009 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

FINDING OF FACT

Mayor Howley stated at the last Council meeting it was determined that Les Brothers Prime Time Bar and Grill would need to submit a revised site plan with the proposed changes in the driveway on 77th Court.
This was done and a copy given to the Aldermen and the residents that were present.

Again, the following residents expressed their views on this issue. Jim Corrigan, 9418 77th Court; Vince Rollberg, 9423 S. 77th Court; Ann Mari Jezuit, 9424 S. 77th Court; Joseph Slack, 9428 S. 77th Court and Claudette Baubel, 9424 S. 77th Court.

Mayor Howley explained that since this site plan was presented, discussions were held and it was decided to include parallel parking on the side of the existing Les Brothers Restaurant on 77th Court and a sidewalk be installed. After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to wait until the site plan is revised and have the exact variations on the proposed ordinance which the attorney will draw up for the Council meeting of June 11, 2009.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley presented Ordinance 09-09, an ordinance approving a ground site lease agreement between the City of Hickory Hills and ClearWire for the property located at 8652 W. 95th Street. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Ord. 09-09. Alderman Stachnik second. Alderman DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, Moirano, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley noted the Mayor’s Caucus’s 2019 Regional Coordinating Committee is requesting Mayors to celebrate Olympic Day on Tuesday, June 23rd. To celebrate, the Mayor is going to investigate having an Olympic athlete at our Street Fair.

Mayor Howley reported PACE has made some change to the routes in Hickory Hills and he has distributed these changes to the Aldermen and posted to our website.

Mayor Howley was excited to report McDonald’s signed their lease on Friday and will break ground in June at the 95th Street location.

Mayor Howley has met with representatives from Planning Resources to review plans for the 95th Street Corridor Enhancement Project. He will keep the Council informed on further details.

Mayor Howley reported the new artist for City Hall will be Bob Gramberg. He will display his artwork in June at City Hall. He will be present at the June 11th Council meeting.

Mayor Howley attended a grand opening on Saturday of the Upper Cervical Institute at the Hickory Hills location.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Jackson reported she has given the Council a report on the conference she attended last week in Chicago.

Clerk Jackson noted the deadline for newsletter articles is June 5th. The newsletter needs to be sent out before the Street Fair.

Clerk Jackson is in receipt of a request from the Reporter Newspaper to place an ad in a special section that will be sent out to celebrate Oak Lawn’s 100th Anniversary. Alderman Moirano moved to approve the amount of $117.00 for an ad. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Clerk Jackson thanked Sue Lehr, Public Works Arborist, for the new plants at City Hall.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the 2009-2010 Budget for approval contingent with two adjustments. 1) Senior contribution ($8,000.00); 2) Capital improvements projects that were listed in the utility tax should be reclassified under sewer and water capital fund. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the 2009-2010 budget with the two adjustments as listed. Alderman Ferrero second. Discussion followed on the investment policies. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve a $1,200.00 annual increase to all full-time non-union employees. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the following part-time non-union employees; police part-time clerks – 25 cents, part-time office clerk in Treasurer’s office – 35 cents. Director and Assistant Director at Parkview – 50 cents. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm detailed the City’s current investment policy procedures while stating the four main principles; legal, safe, liquid and investment yields. He stated the City will have to be very conservative and not invest longer than 1 year. He would continue to investigate options in order to yield a better rate of return. He also noted with regards to the loan on Parkview Apartments, in his opinion it would be best to leave the loan as is and not pay the balance. His reasoning was due to the fact he anticipates a large amount of repairs on this property. Lastly, he noted he will be moving one million dollars from the Bridgeview Bank to a Hickory Hills’s institution.

At this time, Mayor Howley commended Mr. Erwin Ernst and the entire Zoning Board for their work on the Les Brothers project.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar presented Ord. 09-08, an ordinance amending Chapter 34, alcoholic beverages, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code by placing conditions on a Class W, entertainment license. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ord. 09-08. Alderman Szeszycki second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman McAvoy moved to approve a refund of an overpayment from the Cook County Treasurer for Special Service Area #1 in the amount of $223,609.57 which is also included in bills payable. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved. Alderman Moirano moved to approve bills payable for the second half of May 2009 in the amount of $820,213.75. Alderman Szeszycki second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    No report submitted.

    Zimmerman/Public Safety

    Chief Vodicka submitted a request to hire one patrol officer as a replacement of resigning Lt. Mark Zvokel. He noted given the current financial situation of the City, rather than requesting immediate promotions of one Sergeant and one Lieutenant along with the entry level replacement, he is requesting that an entry level position be filled. In early March of 2010 he will be requesting the promotions be filled. Chief Vodicka and Deputy Chief Murphy will be supervising the Detective Division for the time being. If the Ctiy Council agrees with the request, the City ordinance needs to be temporarily changed from nineteen Patrol Officers to twenty and from six lieutenants to five. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the hiring of one patrol officer and change the ordinance to reflect this change. Alderman McAvoy second. Discussion ensued on the necessity of another officer and how long it would take to get this officer on the street. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. Alderman DeRose nay. So approved.

    Chief Vodicka reported during the Click It or Ticket campaign the City issued 600 tickets and collected $30,000.00 in revenue.

    Moirano/Public Works

    Alderman Moirano reported on the Clear Water Program inspections on commercial and multifamily buildings. They are almost complete with a few refusals in spite of the fact of being stickered for water shutoff. Properties that have already been stickered for shutoff but have failed to comply include one commercial and eight residential properties. Water will be terminated next week. It must be noted that 30 commercial accounts have been found in violation but have yet to comply. These properties will be stickered for shutoff next week.

    The City continues to flow test isolated areas to determine which areas contribute significant storm water inflow.

    Alderman Moirano noted street renovation has commenced. The contractor has started in the east portion of town and will work to the west.

    Alderman Moirano reported the City owned decorative street lighting installation has been completed in the first ward. The Contractor informed Public Works that the new pole lights have been turned on today. The landscaping remains to be completed. Alderman Moirano thanked everyone involved in this project.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    No report submitted.

    DeRose/Laws & Ordinances

    Alderman DeRose presented two business licenses for approval. 1) Fox Valley Steel Rule Die, Inc. located at 9831 S. 78th Avenue. This is a manufacturing steel rule cutting facility that was currently in business. 2) Elite Laser located at 8080 W. 95th Street #103. This is located within Salon Max and is for body treatments and hair removal. No objections were noted.

    Stachnik/Health &Environmental Control/Recycling

    No report submitted.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

    Alderman Ferrero reported the Street Fair plans are set and asked if Bingo is still a go. Alderman McAvoy noted he will start to gather volunteers soon.

    McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

    Alderman McAvoy reminded the Council that the Chamber’s breakfast meeting is on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:30 a.m. at Koko’s.

    Alderman McAvoy noted the business directory is at the printer. The Hills Chamber has donated $500.00 to print this directory. He will be seeking the balance from the City.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman McHugh reported he has placed the order for the beer tent from Hayes. He also noted tents need to be ordered.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman DeRose reported he has a resident in his Ward that would like to extend his driveway to the rear of the property.

Mayor Howley noted it would be in the best interest if the neighbors would sign off on this matter.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved

Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.