October 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, October 14, 2010 at 7:32 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, V. Cainkar
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, G. Betcher
  • Deputy Clerk, D. Catizone

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

Police Recognition

At this time, Police Chief Vodicka made a presentation to Sgt. Gary Kollner and Lt. Thomas Dietz. Sgt. Kollner was given a 20 year service pin and Chief Vodicka outlined his career in the police department. Lt. Dietz received a plaque for his dedication as a master fire arm instructor for the past 20 years and also noted he is a 27 year veteran on the police force.

Beautification Awards

The Mayor along with two members of the Beautification Committee presented awards to the winners of this year’s 2010 Residential Beautification Contest:

  • 1st Ward – First Place
    Shadle Residence
    9417 77th Court
  • 2nd Ward-First Place
    Drag Residence
    9249 S. 85th Court
  • 3rd Ward-First Place
    Styrczula Residence
    8660 Blue Ridge Avenue
  • 4th Ward-First Place
    Dickman Residence
    8776 Pleasant Avenue

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

Angelo Vaci
8818 W. 89th Street

Mr. Vaci expressed his concern and asked if he would be receiving any assistance from the City with his flooding problem. Mayor Howley noted the City has considered different options from laying pipe, to a pump or to having a swale installed. The swale option would require neighbors’ permission. After some discussion, it was decided the two aldermen along with Mr. Vaci would approach the neighbors.

Frank Halper
9341 S. 84th Court

Mr. Halper would like speed bumps installed on 92nd St. & 84th Court. He would also like to see a 4-way stop at 91st Street in addition to a crosswalk for residents at 95th Street and 84th Avenue. Alderman Szeszycki read a statement by Officer Scott Sodaro which states speed bumps would not be effective.

Joseph Cantele
8950 S. 84th Avenue

Mr. Cantele expressed his concern for the City to respect the American Flag and gave the City a review of some flag guidelines. The City will investigate and correct the lighting on the flag in front of City Hall.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman McAvoy moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Szeszycki 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 September 23, 2010 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki aye. Alderman Zimmerman pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Richard Grabowski, a candidate for the November 2nd election. He is running for State Rep of the 36th District.

    Mayor Howley welcomed Julie Schbes, a new reporter from the Village View newspaper.

    Mayor Howley reported Mr. Uzzardo from the Lions Club is present to give an update of the 5K Run. Mr. Uzzardo noted they currently have 32 runners and he has met with Chief Vodicka and Larry Boettcher. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help can come to City Hall on Saturday, October 23rd at 7:30 a.m. He also noted there would be a volunteer meeting at the Roberts Park Fire Department on Friday, October 22nd.

    Res. 10-16

    Mayor Howley presented Resolution 10-16, a resolution supporting the re-opening of an off-ramp from I-294 at 88th Avenue and the opening of a new northbound on-ramp to I-294 at 88th Avenue. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Res. 10-16. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    PATSE SUPPORT

    Mayor Howley reported the City of Palos Hills is requesting financial support in the amount of $10,220.00. These funds will offset the cost to operate the PATSE bus service. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the contribution of $10,220.00. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    St. Patricia Shed Request

    Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia Church to erect a second shed. This shed would be south of the existing shed. Alderman Moirano moved to approve the shed request at St. Patricia Church. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    November Meeting Schedule

    Mayor Howley noted the second meeting in November would fall on Thanksgiving and would need to be rescheduled. After some discussion, Alderman Szeszycki moved to cancel the November 25th meeting and the November Committee meeting will be scheduled on a need be basis. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mayor Howley offered his sympathy to Honey Moran on the recent loss of her mother. Mayor Howley also extended condolences to the Muzzarelli Family on their loss of Marie Muzzarelli.

    Hickory Palos Square

    Mayor Howley informed the Council the Hickory Palos Square is for sale. He stated he has called the owners to let them know the City welcomes any potential business owners.

    76th Avenue

    Mayor Howley reported IDOT has reached an agreement with McDonald’s concerning the 76th Avenue turning lane. Currently, McDonald’s engineer is reviewing the site plans.

    Chase Bank

    Mayor Howley distributed plans for the Chase Bank, which will be moving into the Blockbuster on Roberts Road.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Jackson reported the City has received a very lovely plaque from the 2010 Census.

    Clerk Jackson thanked everyone who attended the Clerk’s Dinner on October 8th at Primetime.

    Clerk Jackson reported in the IML Magazine was an article on limitations on the local regulation of political signs and recommended the Council review.

    Clerk Jackson has received a request from Stagg Music Boosters to place signs at various sites for their upcoming Craft Fair on November 13th and 14th. No objections were noted.

    Clerk Jackson reported the Palos Township will hold a Health and Resource Fair on October 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A flyer was distributed with more information.

    Clerk Jackson noted Green Hills Library will hold a Candidate’s Forum for the 35th and 36th Illinois House Districts on Tuesday, October 19th at 7:00 p.m.

    Lastly, Clerk Jackson noted early voting began on October 12th.

    CITY TREASURER

    No report submitted.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    Attorney Cainkar stated a bond issue notification act public hearing is opened. The purpose of the hearing is to explain the reason for the issuance of bonds. At this time, Attorney Cainkar explained the City would like to move forward and refund or refinance the December 1, 2011 through December 1, 2014 maturities of the Series 2002 Bonds. Currently, these bonds bear interest at rates of 4.3% to 4.6% which is above current interest rates. The total bond issue would be $990,000.00. No one spoke during the public hearing. With no objections, an ordinance will be voted on at the next Council meeting.

    CITY ENGINEER

    Mr. Lang presented Invoice #90403 from Central Blacktop Company in the amount of $160,496.59. This is for the project done on the 91st Street reconstruction (MFT 09-0059-00-FP, ERP Job No. C/D-91-114-10, pay estimate # 2, partial). Alderman Moirano moved to approve Invoice #90403 to Central Blacktop in the amount of $160,496.59. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mr. Lang reported he is waiting to be notified by IDOT regarding the crosswalks on 95th Street. IDOT has rejected the change in materials used so it will go back to the colored stamped concrete with the work starting next week. Further details will follow.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman McHugh moved to approve bills payable for the first half of October in the amount of $803,098.76. Alderman McAvoy second.

Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    Alderman Szeszycki reported there will be a meeting for the employees and their spouses on October 20th at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of explaining the new Veba and FSA plans that will be offered by the City.

    Zimmerman/Public Safety

    No report submitted.

    Moirano/Public Works

    Alderman Moirano reported the 88th Avenue project is still scheduled for 2012.

    Alderman Moirano has distributed the proposed street program for the Aldermen’s review. If you have any recommendations, please contact Public Works.

    Alderman Moirano reported the mechanic at Public Works has now completed his probationary period and should receive permanent mechanic pay on the next payroll. No objections were noted.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported a Thanksgiving dinner will be held at the Community Center from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on November 9th.

    Alderman McHugh noted two new benches will be installed at the park next to City Hall.

    Alderman McHugh reported that Parkview is coming along fine and it really looks nice.

    Stachnik/Laws & Ordinances

    No report submitted.

    DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    Alderman DeRose reminded the Council of the Palos Township Health and Resource Fair on October 27th.

    Alderman DeRose presented the Intergovernmental Agreement for the provision of environmental health inspectional services from Cook County. This is a standard agreement between the City and Cook County. The rate shall remain the same at $60.00 per inspection. Alderman McHugh moved to approve this agreement. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

    Alderman Ferrero reported all arrangements have been completed for the Children’s Halloween Party on Saturday, October 23rd.

    Alderman Ferrero noted the tree lighting ceremony will be on November 23rd at 6:30 p.m. The Children’s Christmas Party will be on December 11th and the House decorating contest will be judged on December 14th.

    McAvoy/Chamber

    Alderman McAvoy reported the Chamber’s Fall Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 27th at the Sabre Room. Mayors from Hickory Hills and Palos Hills will be the speakers.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

The Veterans Day service will be held on Thursday, November 11th at 6:00 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman DeRose suggested that Public Works employees only drive their City vehicle to and from work. Alderman Moirano suggested this be discussed at the Committee Meeting in October.

Alderman Szeszycki proposed looking into the City Clerk’s salary and the Deputy Clerk’s position and look at job descriptions and he also suggested this be placed on the committee agenda. Mayor Howley noted that the decision would have to be made at this meeting and he would like a concrete proposal in writing and given to the Aldermen for review before this meeting. Treasurer Schramm will do a quick financial update at this committee meeting and also suggested the meeting start at 6:00 p.m.

Executive Session

Alderman DeRose moved to convene the meeting into Executive Session for discussion regarding Police Personnel. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki Zimmerman aye. So approved.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to reconvene into regular session and 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 11:15 p.m.