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August 25, 2011 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, August 25, 2011 at 7:30 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:
    D. Ferrero
    T. McAvoy
    M. McHugh
    J. Moirano
    J. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher

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

Chief Vodicka at this time presented awards to the following Officers.

Officer Heidi Sonntag received an award for her outstanding performance on June 21, 2011. Officer Sonntag responded to an armed robbery on 87th Street. Her efforts led to an arrest of the suspects. Her actions reflect positively on the Hickory Hills Police Department. State Representative Kelly Burke presented a certificate to Officer Sonntag.

Sgt. Gary Kollner was recognized for his efforts during the armed robbery on June 21, 2011. His actions enhanced the safety of the area residents. State Rep. Kelly presented this certificate to Officer Kollner.

Officer John Boehning was presented a certificate of appreciation for his efforts on June 21, 2011 which demonstrated professionalism in law enforcement.

Det. Adam Gulczynski also was commended for his efforts during the armed robbery of June 21st. Chief Vodicka noted his outstanding efforts bring credit to the Hickory Hills Police Department.

Lastly, Chief Vodicka presented an certificate of appreciation to Ms. Constance Schultz. Her actions on June 21st directly resulted in the arrest of one of the arm robbery suspects. Again, State Rep. Kelly Burke presented a certificate to Ms. Schultz on behalf of the City for her actions taken on June 21, 2011. Chief Vodicka thanked the Council for allowing him to present these awards to the Officers and have their families present.

Mayor Howley noted we will take a 5 minute break at this time.

At this time Mayor Howley introduced State Representative Kelly Burke. She is visiting cities in her district to answer any questions and to give an overview of her first session in Springfield. She highlighted some of the issues that were discussed and stated the budget for Illinois is on a better fiscal path. She also noted the passing of Senate Bill #7, an educational reform bill, which asks for accountability for teachers and also gives school boards more flexibility on the length of the school day. She mentioned a worker compensation reform bill that when signed would save the State of Illinois 5 to 7 million dollars.

Mayor Howley thanked Rep. Burke for coming to our City and taking the time out of her busy schedule. He also thanked her for her legislative updates that are emailed to her district.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of August 11, 2011 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki aye. Aldermen McAvoy and Zimmerman pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Utility Service Partners, Inc.

    Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Oscar Arras, Regional Account Manager for Utility Service Partners, Inc. Mr. Arras gave a presentation on a service line warranty program. If accepted by the City Council, it would be offered to the residents. This program is a low cost program that would cover repairs on broken outside water or sewer lines typically not covered by homeowners insurance. After some discussion, the City Attorney will review the agreement.

    IDOT Intergovernmental Agreement.

    Mayor Howley presented the Master Agreement for Illinois Department of Transportation. This is a standard agreement that covers energy cost sharing with IDOT for signaled intersections. They include 76th and 78th Avenue. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Interagency between the City of Hickory Hills and the Department of Transportation pursuant to the “Intergovernmental Cooperation Act” in accordance with the IDOT rules at 92 Ill. Adm. Code 544. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh aye. So approved.

    St. Patricia Request.

    Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia Church for a temporary liquor license on Saturday, October 15th for an Octoberfest event. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve this temporary liquor license on October 15, 2011 with fees waived. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Tom Davia, Pro Wrestling Blitz, LLC. He is requesting to hold Pro Wrestling Events in our City. They are looking at the Sabre Room or Lexington House. He is present to ask if the City would grant permission to hold these events. Mr. Davia invited the Council to an event he is holding in Joliet on September 3rd. After some discussion, no objections were noted but the City Council would like to review the matter in 6 months. The Attorney was directed to review ordinances to see if this is allowed, and if so, if there are any fees required.

    Mayor Howley reported he has met with the owners of Chase Bank and he now has pictures of the proposed building.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Catizone reported the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito District will be spraying this evening from 8:00 pm to midnight north of 87th Street. South Cook County Mosquito District will also be spraying this evening, everything south of 87th Street.

    Clerk Catizone reminded the Council that the Blood Drive will be held this Sunday, August 28th at the Community Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chief Vodicka will be barbequing lunch for all donors.

    Clerk Catizone announced the Clerk’s Office is now selling postage stamps by the book as an additional service to our residents.

    CITY TREASURER

    No report submitted.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    No report submitted.

    CITY ENGINEER

    No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Moirano moved to approve bills payable for the second half of August 2011 in the amount of $448,107.72. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance
    Zimmerman/Public Safety

    Chief Vodicka reported the Police Department has recently received 3rd Place in the Illinois Traffic Challenge. They competed in the Championship Class. An eagle trophy will be placed in the case downstairs.

    Moirano/Public Works

    No report submitted.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported that due to his recent illness, our electric inspector, Ed Griso, had to resign. Alderman McHugh will temporarily appoint Mr. Rick Stiegal. No objections were noted.

    Stachnik/Laws & Ordinances

    Alderman Stachnik reported he has one business certificate application for Mack Towing, Inc. located at 9851 S. 78th Avenue. Mr. Mike Contreraz, Jr. will be the sole owner. He will have one tow truck and will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. No objections were noted.

    DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    Alderman DeRose was absent. No report submitted.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

    Alderman Ferrero reported Community Affairs is currently working on the Children’s Halloween Party which will be held on Saturday, October 22nd.

    McAvoy/Chamber

    Alderman McAvoy reported the Chamber will hold its golf outing on September 21, 2011.

    Alderman McAvoy noted the Chamber will also hold a business networking evening on Wednesday, August 31st at 5:30 p.m. at Archer Bank. The Chamber’s Open House will be held on November 2, 2011.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman Szeszycki inquired on the ownership of the streets in the Trotto Subdivision. Mr. Boettcher noted this would be a City street after the developer completes the work that needs to be done and turns it over to the City.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn into Executive Session for purpose of discussion on the Radio Operator’s Agreement until the next scheduled or specially called meeting.

Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.