May 12, 2011 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, May 12,2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
COLOR GUARD
Boy Scout Troop 728 presented the colors. At this time Alderman McAvoy recognized the Boy Scouts for their outstanding efforts during the recent election. He mentioned a polling place was changed at the last minute and the Boy Scouts delivered information to all the residents that tills change affected. Certificates were given to the following Boy Scouts: Gioacchino Fasullo, Robert Shamasko, Gabriel Sanchez, Xavier Sanchez, Thomas Matonis, Vincent Matonis and Andrew Vollinger. Abigail
Fasullo from Girl Scout Troop 60484. Alderman McAvoy also thanked the Troop Leaders Karen Shamasko, David Eppenstein, Jason O’Brien, Karen Fasullo and Linas Matonis.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY
Mayor Howley welcomed all the newly elected officials to the City Council.
At this time, Mr. Neil Kuenn administered the oath of office to 1st Ward Alderman Mike McHugh and 2nd Ward Alderman John Szeszycki.
Retired Clerk Joann Jackson administered the oath of office to 3rd Ward Alderman Tom McAvoy.
Judge James Riley administered the oath of office to 4th Ward Alderman Scott Zimmerman.
Mr. Neil Kuenn administered the oath of office to Treasurer Dan Schramm.
Judge James Riley administered the oath of office to City Clerk D’Lorah Catizone.
Retired Clerk Joann Jackson administered the oath of office to Mayor Mike Howley.
Mayor Howley thanked his family for all their support and sacrifice.
Service Recognition
Mayor Howley recognized Ms. Marilyn Gabrysiak, Deputy Building Commissioner, for her 20 years of service. Mayor Howley thanked Marilyn for her many years of dedicated service.
A short break was taken for a reception in the Clerk’s
Office.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Howley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following were present:
- Mayor, M. Howley
- Aldermen:
D. Ferrero
T. McAvoy
M. McHugh
J. Moirano
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Attorney, G. Perlman
- City Engineer, T. Lang
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
Alderman DeRose and Building Commissioner Gordon Betcher were absent. 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 Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mrs. Maria Konstantopoulos
7920 W. 91 st Street
Mrs. Konstantopoulos voiced her concerns regarding cars parking in front of her mailbox and she is not receiving her mail. The 1st Ward Aldermen and Chief Vodicka will review this matter.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman McAvoy moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen 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 April 28, 2011 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley presented the 2011 appointments for approval. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the following list of the 2011 appointments. Alderman McHugh second.
City Attorney & City Prosecutor – Vince Cainkar
City Engineer – Tom Lang, Robinson Engineering, Inc.
Chief of Police – Al Vodicka
Building Commissioner – Gordon Betcher
Director of Public Works – Larry Boettcher
City Collector – D’Lorah Catizone
ESDA Director – Christopher 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
Building Inspector – Ed Mack
Zoning Board of Appeals (7 Year Term)
Sandra Gallagher – 09/25/03-4/30118
Auxiliary Police Officers (1 Year Term)
Betty Soprych, Anthony Luna, Tomislav Radoicic, Valentine Zilinskas, Sandra Wood, Carol Lynch, Steve Makropoulos, Anthony Alexander, Nichola Janeteas, Brian Trapp, Alberto Sanchez, Raymond Cicenas
Police Pension Board (2 Year Term)
Mary McDonald – 01101-04/30113
Board of Fire & Police (3 Year Term)
Hemy Kman – 07/23/09-4/30/14
Emergency Telephone Board (3 Year Term)
Chief Alan Vodicka – 07/23/09-04/30/14
Hearing Officer (I Year Term)
David E. Eppenstein, Jr. – 06/01106-04/30112
Community Affairs Commission (3 Year Term)
Sandy Wcislo – 02/25/99-04/30/14
Human Rights Commission (3 Year Term)
Seema Imam – 11/21/96-04/30/14
Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Zimmerman, aye. Alderman Szeszycki nay. So approved.
Mayor Howley presented a proclamation recognizing May 15,2011 as National Police Week 2011. He thanked our Police Department for all their efforts.
Mayor Howley reported a walk around the park is scheduled for this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Prairie View Pond.
Mayor Howley noted the sales of the banners are going very well and 30 are currently sold.
Mayor Bowley stated Shell gas station on 95th Street will be opening very soon.
Mayor Howley reported a meeting was held downtown regarding the income tax distribution from the State of Illinois. He noted this would impact the City if this distribution is reduced as suggested. The Illinois Municipal League is working very hard and has hired a marketing agency to get the word out to contact your state legislature.
Mayor Howley announced his annual charity golf outing will be held on June 4th. All proceeds will help the Helping Hands Rehabilitation Center.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported the deadline for the newsletter articles is May 31st.
Clerk Catizone noted the Blood Drive had an excellent turn out.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm distributed the final draft for the budget dealing with wage increases. The last item to be discussed is the part time employee increase of$.25 per hour increase. He would like to discuss the meter reader in the City. The position has not received an increase in 20 years. After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to increase the meter reader position by $.05 and $.25 to all part time employees. Treasurer Schramm would like to discuss the other funds for the budget at the May 26th Committee Meeting.
Treasurer Schramm reported that at this evening’s meeting we will be discussing the water and sewer proposals. He reviewed the proposal of increasing the wastewater from $.77 for one thousand gallons to $1.00. Discussion on the sewer fund totals with regards to actual revenues and operating expenses. Treasurer Schramm stated that this fund has a $94,000 shortfall. Treasurer Schramm stated this increase would cover this shortfall.
CITY ATTORNEY
Ord. 11-02
Attorney Perlman presented Ord. 11-02, an ordinance amending Section 13.13, scavenger service, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code by changing the scavenger service fee to $23 .20 effective June 1, 2011. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Ord. 11-02. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Ord. 11-03
Attorney Perlman presented Ord. 11-03, an ordinance amending Section 7.09, basis for wastewater service charges, of Chapter 7, sanitary sewer service, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code by changing sanitary sewer rates from $.77 to $1.00 per thousand gallons. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Ord. 11-03. Alderman McHugh second. Alderman McAvoy moved to amend the
amount of the increase from $1.00 to read $.90. Motion fails due to lack of second. Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. Aldermen McAvoy and Stachnik nay. So approved.
Ord. 11-04
Attorney Perlman presented Ord. 11-04, an ordinance amending Section 28.07, sign permit fees, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code.
The permit fee for a sign shall be $1.00 per square foot, but in no event shall the permit fee be less than $50.00. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ord. 11-04. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Ord. 11-05
Attorney Perlman presented Ord. 11-05, an ordinance approving a reimbursement agreement between the County of Cook and the City of Hickory Hills for improvements of 88th A venue. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Ord. 11-05. Alderman Ferrero second. The Attorney noted a clean copy of the agreement was received today and will be attached to the Ordinance. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye.
So approved.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Lang presented Invoice #6391 from Len Cox and Sons Excavating for work done on the 94th Street Storm Sewer (CDBG 08-204-R pay estimate #3 final) in the amount of $18,619.00. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Invoice #6391 to Len Cox and Sons Excavating in the amount of $18,619.00. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve bills payable for the first half of May 2011 in the amount of $377,249.90. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki reported he attended a meeting with Mesirow Financial to review the health insurance rates. He stated the City can go with a grandfather plan or a non grandfather plan.
Currently, the rate went down by 8%. He also noted there are several options and he is seeking some direction from the Council. He would like the Council to review this over the next few weeks. Treasurer Schramm would like to schedule a meeting with the employee insurance committee. This will be on the agenda for the Committee meeting in May.
Zimmerman/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Chief Vodicka distributed a memo commending three detectives.
Moirano/Public Works
Alderman Moirano reported the City received the revised reimbursement agreement from Cook County Highway Department. CCHD has accepted the City’s STP claims against our financial obligations. The County is working hard to prepare for the letting that should occur this summer if funding is available for this $11.7 million dollar project.
Alderman Moirano noted Public Works recommends that the City enter into a service agreement with a contractor for lining services. This is a two year contract with Insituform Inc. for lining services as needed with minimum call out of $100,000.00 to upgrade our sanitary system. No objections were noted.
Alderman Moirano reported the Street Fair is fast approaching and the need for property and electricity is always a concern. Evans Cleaners has been gracious in assisting the City in this endeavor. Public Works received a recommendation to replace the broken driveway apron as a token of the City’s appreciation. No objections were noted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling
Alderman DeRose was absent. No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board
Alderman Ferrero noted the Arbor Day Tree Sale went very well.
McAvoy/Chamber
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.