Home › Meeting Minutes › May 27, 2010 City Council Meeting Minutes

May 27, 2010 City Council Meeting Minutes

Posted on Posted in Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Howley on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 7:40 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:
    T. McAvoy
    M. McHugh
    J. Moirano
    J. Szeszycki
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, G. Betcher
  • Deputy Clerk, D. Catizone

Clerk Jackson, Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, Stachnik and Zimmerman were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

POLICE PRESENTATION

Officer Scott Sodaro presented a “Save By The Belt Award” to Ms. Samantha Gallagher who was in an accident on April 23, 2010 and received no injuries because she was wearing her seatbelt.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 13, 2010 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    2010 Appointments

    Mayor Howley presented the following 2010 appointments for approval.

    City Attorney & City Prosecutor – Vincent Cainkar
    City Engineer – Tom Lang (Robinson Engineering, Ltd.)
    Chief of Police – Al Vodicka
    Building Commissioner – Gordon Betcher
    Director of Public Works – Larry Boettcher
    City Collector – Joann Jackson
    ESDA Director – Chistopher Knights
    Elevator Inspector – Bernie Flynn (Thompson Elevator)
    Community Resource Officer – Ingrid McNeff
    Plumbing Inspector – Dan Powers
    Electrical Inspector – Ed Grisco
    Fire Inspector – Lt. Don Huenecke
    HVAC Inspector – Timothy Uher
    Building Inspector – Ed Mack

    Zoning Board of Appeals (7 Year Term)
    Gary Young – 04/03/99 – 4/30/17

    Auxiliary Police Officers (1 Year Term)
    Betty Soprych, Charles Kozar, Tomislav Radoicic, Donald Proffit, Valentine Zilinskas, Anthony Luna,Carol Lynch, Steve Makropoulos, Sandra Wood, Brian Trapp, Anthony Alexander, Kevin McNamara, Alberto Sanchez, Raymond Cicenas, Nichola Janeteas, Matthew Bajt

    Police Pension Board (2 year Term)
    James Kardelis – 03/18/04 – 04/30/12

    Board of Fire & Police (3 Year Term)
    Robert Runowski – 01/22/98 – 04/30/13

    Emergency Telephone Board (3 Year Term)
    Don Jerenberg – 05/28/98 – 04/30/13
    Christopher Knights – 09/13/07 – 04/30/13

    Hearing Officer (1 Year Term)
    David E. Eppenstein, Jr. – 6/01/06 – 4/30/11

    Community Affairs Commission (3 Year Term)
    Debbie Zimmerman – 2004 – 04/30/13
    Sharon Chorzempa – 05/07 – 04/30/13

    Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the above 2010-2011 appointments. Alderman McHugh second. Alderman Szeszycki questioned if the fire inspections were going ok? Building Commissioner Gordon Betcher stated everything is fine. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano aye. Alderman Szeszycki nay. So approved.

    Trotto Request

    Mayor Howley presented a backyard setback variation for Lot #7 at Park Hill Estates. Lot #7 is the parcel with the backyard abutting the houses on the east side of Park Hill Estates subdivision. This request is for a 23 foot backyard setback for Lot #7. Per Mr. Ernst’s recommendation, this request could be made directly to the City Council bypassing the zoning board hearing. If approved, this would require a change of Ordinance 04-16. Mayor Howley noted this is a seven foot variance. The owners of the Trotto subdivision were present and submitted signatures of surrounding residents. These residents had no objections. Alderman McHugh moved to direct the attorney to amend Ordinance 04-16 to reflect the change to a 23 foot setback from the rear lot line and a single family residence constructed on Lot 7. Also, the building commissioner shall issue permits to allow the developer to begin construction provided the developer acknowledges in writing not to begin until the ordinance is passed. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Mayor Howley aye. So approved.

    Res. 10-09

    Mayor Howley presented Resolution 10-09, a resolution of sympathy and condolence for the Honorable Lech Kaczynski, President of Poland. Ms. Iwona Klimowska and her father, Kazimierz Fryzowicz , residents of Hickory Hills, will be traveling to Poland and will present this resolution to the family. Mr. Fryzowicz also ran a half marathon in Palos Heights in memory of President Lech Kaczynski. Alderman McAvoy thanked them for attending this meeting and for also going to Poland and delivering this resolution.

    Public Hearing
    Musica Café

    Alderman Moirano moved to open the public hearing in order to discuss the appeal of revocation of Musica Café’s business license. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki aye. So approved. It was noted a public hearing was held on April 8, 2010 at which time Mayor Howley revoked the Musica Café’s business license based on the violations of Section 31.05 (c) and Ordinance 09-20.

    At this time, Mr. James Fabrini, attorney for the Musica Café’, presented his request for a temporary business license or a stay of the revocation and to remain open for 4 months to recoup some of their costs. The owners have spent quite a deal of money to open this business and only being open for 6 months, they are in dire straits. He noted that no alcohol is served and minors are not served. They would only be smoking fruit favored tobacco or hookah. Attorney Cainkar asked if the owner would sign a waiver of appeal if the Council agrees to a stay until the end of September. The owners agreed. Alderman Moirano moved to close the public hearing. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki aye. So approved.

    Alderman Moirano moved to approve a stay of revocation of the Musica Café business license which would allow the Musica Café to remain open until September 30, 2010, after which this business would close. Alderman McHugh second. Alderman Moirano amended the motion to have Musica Café sign a waiver of appeal. Alderman McHugh second. Alderman McHugh inquired if this is tobacco? Attorney Fabrini stated yes; it is a fruit favored tobacco. Mayor Howley inquired if there were any disturbances at Musica Café other than smoking citations. Chief Vodicka indicated there were no other disturbances. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki aye. So approved.

    Chief Vodicka would like to be notified when the stay is over exactly. Attorney Cainkar will notify the chief as to when their closing date would be.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Jackson was absent. Deputy Clerk D’Lorah Catizone reported currently 71 crafters and 6 food vendors have signed up for the Street Fair.

    Walk Around Prairie Pond Park

    Mayor Howley noted the “Walk Around the Park” was very well attended by the seniors on Saturday. He also thanked Land and Lakes for the donation of the port-o-potty.

    St. Patricia Recycling Fair

    Mayor Howley reported he attended the St. Patricia School Recycling Fair last week. It was very creative and well attended.

    SWCM

    Mayor Howley attended the Southwest Council of Mayors meeting last night and he learned that the shared revenue from the State is on solid ground.

    Medical Waste Disposal Day

    Mayor Howley noted on June 23rd, the City will hold a medical waste disposal day at the Community Center. It is now the same day as the senior meeting.

    Roberts Road

    Mayor Howley reported Cook County has approved our design plans for Roberts Road.

    Charity Golf Outing Mayor Howley invited all to attend his charity golf outing with all proceeds going to Helping Hands Rehabilitation Center.

    CITY TREASURER

    Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated April 30, 2010. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report for April 2010. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Mayor Howley aye. So approved.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    Attorney Joseph Cainkar asked for a motion to open the public hearing concerning the proposed appropriation ordinance. Alderman Moirano moved to open the public hearing. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki aye. So approved.

    Public Hearing
    Appropriation

    Hearing commenced at 8:40 p.m. No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

    Alderman McAvoy moved to close the public hearing at 8:42 p.m. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki aye. So approved.

    CITY ENGINEER

    Mr. Lang noted a bid opening was held on May 26, 2010 for the Emergency Repair Program/91st Street Reconstruction (MFT 09-00059-00-FP). The list of bidders with their respective bids are follows:

    Central Blacktop Co. – $327,427.25
    Crowley-Sheppard Asphalt – $344,027.00
    Abbey Paving – $350,990.84
    Gallagher Asphalt – $366,453.80
    Len Cox & Sons – $373,109.50
    James D. Fiala Paving Co. – $387,709.70
    Schwartz Excavating – $404,350.50

    Mr. Lang recommended award of the contract to Central Blacktop Co. Alderman Moirano moved to award the contract to Central Blacktop Company in the amount of $327,427.25. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki aye. So approved.

    Mr. Lang reported he attended a pre-construction meeting in Schaumburg for the 95th Street project. He noted they would begin on June 16th and they would complete this project in the fall.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman McHugh moved to approve bills payable for the first half of May in the amount of $629,862.24. Alderman Szeszycki second. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Mayor Howley aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    Alderman Szeszycki reported he will be having a meeting with the employee insurance committee next week and would like some direction from the Council. It was the consensus of the Council to lay out the changes in benefits to the insurance committee and solicit feedback.

    Zimmerman/Public Safety

    Alderman Zimmerman was absent. Chief Vodicka reported the City has been awarded first place in the State Traffic Safety Challenge.

    The Police Department is now eligible to win a new Chevy Tahoe, a Speed Trailer, or a 14 foot Traffic Safety Trailer.

    Moirano/Public Works

    Alderman Moirano reported the City had a report of an open fire hydrant on 85th Court. He noted this cost the City lost water and a loss of pressure.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported that Parkview Apartments are all rented.

    DeRose/Laws & Ordinances

    Alderman DeRose was absent.

    Stachnik/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    Alderman Stachnik was absent. No report submitted.

    Mayor Howley reported he has spoken to Land and Lakes and they noted recycling revenues are rising.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

    Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.

    Alderman Moirano reported the letters were sent to the area banks for donations to the Street Fair to defray costs of the bands.

    McAvoy/Chamber

    Alderman McAvoy reported Alderman Moirano will be retiring from the Carpenter’s Union and he wished him well.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mayor Howley noted McDonald’s will have its grand opening on June 19th at which time the stone façade will be completed.

Alderman McAvoy asked when 76th Avenue would be completed. Mr. Lang noted this would be completed in a couple of weeks.

Mayor Howley noted there is a September closing date for the Shell property at 95th and Roberts Road.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.