January 14, 2010 City Council Meeting Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Howley on Thursday, January 14, 2009 at 7:35 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. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
S. Zimmerman - City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Clerk, J. Jackson
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- City Engineer, T. Lang
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
Building Commissioner Gordon Betcher was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
At this time, Mayor Howley presented the Christmas Decorating awards to the following families, extending our congratulations on outstanding efforts:
2nd Ward
1st Place, Smith
9255 S. 86th Avenue
2nd Place, Mastro
8310 W. 91st Street
3rd Ward
1st Place, Lichtneckert
9128 Briarwood Lane
4th Ward
1st Place, Kunz
8145 W. 88th Street
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.
Karen Lucas
9128 Briarwood
She questioned why residents are only eligible to win first place awards every other year. Alderman Ferrero noted they feared that if one person was the winner every year, this might discourage participation. She also asked if there is a more humane way of euthanizing deer after an accident rather than shooting them -Chief Vodicka noted he is not aware of any other way.
Helen Blaszczak
931 W. 93rd Street
Mrs. Blaszczak presented drawings and complained that the condo across the street is pushing their snow from the driveway and parking lot onto her side of the street. She also noted that snow is being pushed from the new street onto their property. She noted this is becoming abuse to their property. Mayor Howley requested that Ingrid McNeff send a letter about this situation.
Gary Hannon
District Manager for Walgreen’s
Mr. Hannon noted he is in attendance to answer any questions the Council might have pertaining to his request for beer/wine licenses for stores in Hickory Hills. This is on the agenda under the Mayor’s report.
Tom Lynch
Attorney-at-Law
Mr. Lynch is in attendance representing Ms. Zizela Mansouri, owner of Musica Cafe who has a pending request for a tobacco license. He gave a little history of this establishment, noting that when she originally opened this business, she did not check the box that she would be selling tobacco. She has invested over $100,000 into this place and most suburbs have closed Hooka Bars.
He noted that her business has been good and if she could operate for even 6 months, this would allow her to recover a good portion of her investment. This will be discussed after the meeting is closed to the public.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman McAvoy 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 Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of December 10, 2009 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Zimmerman second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
OLD BUSINESS
At this time Mayor Howley moved the Musica Cafe up on the agenda.
Discussion continued concerning the request from Musica Cafe for a tobacco license. Attorney Lynch confirmed that she is operating as a Hooka Bar. Chief Vodicka also confirmed that several reports have been filed as well as two citations and they have continued to operate in violation. Even if the Council would approve the tobacco license allowing them to sell tobacco, they still would not be able to smoke inside the bnilding. However, they have been operating in blatant disregard without a tobacco license; concern was expressed they would continue to do the same if granted a license to sell tobacco. Alderman McAvoy suggested the possibility of some sort of outdoor patio that would comply with the Illinois Smoke Free Act. The majority of the Council voted not to issue the tobacco retail license to Musica Cafe at this time. Two aldermen were in favor of issuing the license and six were not.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
PATSE Bus Request
Mayor Howley presented a request from the Village of Palos Hills for financial support in the amount of $11,778.00 to offset the cost to operate the PATSE Bus Service. In the last fiscal year, PATSE provided the elderly and disabled of Palos Township 6,276 rides of which 1,855 of those rides were for residents of Hickory Hills. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve this request in the amount of $11,778.00. Alderman Moirano second.
Medication Take Back Program
Mayor Howley reported we will have a medication takeback program to give people an opportunity to dispose of unwanted or expired medications. It will be on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Community Center. Mayor Howley noted he felt this is a good program but does have some concern since they still have not provided us with the advertising materials they promised.
Specially Called Committee Meeting
Mayor Howley requested motion action regarding an informational meeting for January 21st to discuss proposals for water and sewer increases. Alderman Ferrero moved to schedule a committee meeting for Jan. 21st at 7 :00 pm. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman, DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, aye. So approved. (Alderman Stachnik noted he would not be able to attend).
Walgreen’s Liquor License Request
Regarding Walgreen’s liquor licenses, Mayor Howley noted that our City Attorney is working with their attorney on ownership issues but he has no problem with this request. They are requesting beer/wine license – no liquor. Alderman Moirano moved to direct the City Attorney to draft the necessary ordinance to reflect two Class B licenses for the two Walgreen’s in Hickory Hills. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman, DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh aye. So approved. Mayor Howley noted it would not be necessary for a representative from Walgreens to be present at the next meeting.
McDonalds Grand Opening
Mayor Howley noted that McDonald’s is planning their official grand opening sometime in the spring. Alderman Moirano suggested this be held after the limestone has been placed in front.
PADS Proclamation
Mayor Howley read a proclamation recognizing South Suburban PADS for 20 seasons of service by proclaiming the month of January 20 10 as South Suburban PADS Awareness Month.
St. Patricia Liquor License Request
Mayor Howley noted he is in receipt of two liquor license requests from St. Patricia’s Church for the Super Bowl Party on Feb. 7th and also the Holy Name Fish Fry which will be held on February 19th • Alderman Moirano moved to approve the two liquor license requests with fees to be waived. Alderman Stachnik second.
CITY CLERK
Primary Election
Clerk Jackson reported that the early voting period for the February 2,2010 primary election is January 11 th through 28th . Our nearest voting stations are Oak Lawn Village Hall, Orland Park Village Hall and the Bridgeview Courthouse. Absentee ballots are also available in this office. There was some discussion about the change in precincts and Alderman McAvoy noted there is some confusion at Cook County with regard to Forest Lane and Forest Drive. He plans to advise them of this mix-up. Clerk Jackson also thanked Alderman McAvoy for his election information circulated to the third ward.
Clerk Jackson noted the letter requesting a dog park in Hickory Hills has been forwarded to the Park District.
Clerk Jackson reminded everyone about the retirement of John Roe from North Palos ~ the party will be on January 30th .
Clerk Jackson referenced the latest newsletter from Green Hills Library which has a picture of Mayor Howley on the front page participating in Storytime for the kids.
Clerk Jackson reported she is in receipt of the revisions in the Sunshine Law for 2010. These were effective as of January 1, 2010 and the amendments to the FOIA were expansive. We have already passed the required ordinance designating the Clerk and Deputy Clerk to act as FOIA officers. Clerk Jackson noted they would both be going for the necessary training developed by the Attorney General’s office.
CITY TREASURER
Audit Reports
Treasurer Schramm reported that he did hand out two reports (Annual Financial Report and Report on Internal Control) to the City Council for the year ended April 30, 2009. We are in good shape with a clean audit. We are still about two months behind the projected time frame of October for completing the audit. He noted that we will probably have to purchase software for fixed assets that will greatly speed up this process of closing the books. He also reported that he responded to all their recommendations and will answer any questions the Council may have at the specially called committee meeting next Thursday.
Treasurer Schramm also reported that he will be meeting with the Department heads where weaknesses or deficiencies were noted in their department and will keep the council informed.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Cainkar reported that he did review the Supervisor’s manual and Employee Benefit Handbook that was prepared by Treasurer Schramm in conjunction with some of the Aldermen. He noted that both documents are in compliance with the law. They were previously approved contingent on the review of the City Attorney. No further action needs to be taken.
CITY ENGINEER
Central Blacktop Invoice
Mr. Lang presented Pay estimate #5 and [mal bill from Central Blacktop for Miscellaneous Street Resurfacing in the amount of $18,682.92, MFT 09-00000-01-GM, CDBG C08-021. Alderman McHugh moved to approve this bill to Central Blacktop in the amount of $18,682.92. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zinnnerman, DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy aye. So approved.
Bid Award – Fiala Paving Co.
Mr. Lang noted that bids were opened on December 16, 2009 for 2010 Miscellaneous Street Resurfacing. Mr. Lang recommended that the contract be awarded to James D. Fiala Paving Co., Inc. for the bid amount of $510,603.23. Alderman McHugh moved to award the bid to Fiala Paving Co. for the 2010 Miscellaneous Street Resurfacing in the amount of $510,603.23. Alderman Zimmerman second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Bid Award – Power Rodding
Mr. Lang noted that bids were opened on January 12th for Internal Sewer Televising. After reviewing the bids, Mr. Lang recommended award of the contract to National Power Rodding Corp. for the bid amount of $90,534.60. Alderman Moirano moved to award the bid for internal sewer televising in the amount of $90,534.60 to National Power Rodding Corp. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman, DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh aye. So approved.
Sewer Televising
Mr. Lang noted that the estimate on this project was $330,000 and suggested that the Council give some thought as to extending the services of this contract because of the cheap prices. There was some discussion and it was placed on the agenda for the regular Committee of the Whole on January 28th
91″ Street Lighting
Mr. Lang also reported with regard to lighting for 91 st Street using grant monies that he anticipated the bid letting to be in July.
76th Avenue
Mr. Lang also reported concerning 76th Avenue. This was bid uuder the 70/30 fuuding from 95th Street to l03rd Street. Bridgeview is the lead agency. That came in $200,000 uuder the estimate and it should cost the City of Hickory Hills no more than $40,000 for their share of the improvement. Gallagher was the low bidder.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman McHugh moved to approve bills payable for the fIrst half of January in the amouut of $418,152.10. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Alderman Ferrero moved to ratify Bills Payable for the second half of December in the amouut of$320,800.69. Alderman Szeszycki second. Aldermen Zimmerman, DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Moirano/Public Works
Alderman Moirano reported that public works has responded to over a dozen snow storms with some lasting over 24 hours. He noted we have used about 700 tons of salt with 1,000 tons budgeted. Currently, additional salt is available at the CMS price of $72.00 per ton but is subject to change. With about 1 1/2 months of winter remaining, additional material may be needed depending upon the number of snow fall events. An additional 150 tons would be suggested if snow events re-occur after this warm spell. This would exceed the City’s budgeted amouut for sale by $10,000 but could be reimbursed from IDOT’s MFT program.
Alderman Moirano also reported concerning the Roberts Road antique street lights and concern has been expressed about 24 hours of operations of these street lights. The control box (contactors) failed and Meade Electric had trouble getting these parts. Street lights were set to the on position for night visibility and safety to limit the City’s exposure to liability. There was considerable discussion but they are repaired at this time. However, Attorney Cainkar did note that these street lights are not on a meter but on a tariff.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported there are several apartments available at Parkview. They have been cleaned with new carpet. They have been advertising these units.
DeRose/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board
No report submitted. No report submitted. Alderman Ferrero reported the Ice Cream Social at the Community Center has been scheduled for March 17th . She also thanked everyone who helped in the judging of the Christmas Decorating Contest. Finally, she noted that her special ED students had made a donation of clothing to the PADS Organization.
McAvoy/Chamber
Alderman McAvoy reported that Rep. Brosnahan will not be running in the next election. There will be a Candidates debate at Oakview Center in Oak Lawn on Tuesday, January 19th.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Clerk Jackson reported that she attended Rotary today and they will be sending money to Haiti. The situation there is critical and we should remember these people.
Mayor Howley noted that Lisa Lorek’s Grandmother, Anne Nowak, passed away and the wake will be tomorrow night at Hills Funeral Home.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.