October 27, 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, October 27, 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:
L. DeRose
D. Ferrero
T. McAvoy
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
Alderman Moirano was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Alderman McHugh moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Stachnik moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of October 13, 2011 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
St. Patricia Liquor License Request
Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia’s Parent’s Club to hold a Wine Tasting Event on November 18th. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve this temporary liquor license for the St. Patricia’s Parent Club Wine Tasting Event on November 18th with fees waived. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Children’s Halloween Party
Mayor Howley thanked Alderman Ferrero and the Community Affairs Committee for an excellent event held on Saturday, October 22nd at the Halloween Party. He noted it was very well attended.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported Stagg High School will hold a craft show on November 12th and 13th.
Clerk Catizone noted on November 7th the Clerk’s Office will receive training on the new online paying system. Soon after residents will be able to pay water bills online.
Clerk Catizone also noted on November 10th the City will hold a Veteran’s Day Ceremony in the park at City Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m. The American Legion Post 1993 will again participate in this event.
Lastly, Boxing for the Troops will be held on November 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
No report submitted.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of October 2011 in the amount of $299,119.79. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Safety
Chief Vodicka reported the Police Department has won the 2011 IACP National Law Enforcement Challenge Awards in the Occupant Protection Award Category. He noted they were presented with a plaque which Chief Vodicka presented to the City Council to view. He also noted that his department was competing with police departments throughout the United States and not just locally.
Moirano/Public Works
Alderman Moirano was absent. Mr. Boettcher noted the street renovation that was discussed at the last meeting will move forward. Mr. Boettcher also noted next week Insituform will be in town doing sewer lining.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported of the basements was repaired at Parkview Apartments. He also noted Comcast wires were updated.
Alderman McHugh noted the Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be held on November 15th at 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The City will also be collecting donations for the “adopt a platoon”. These donations will be used to offset the mailing costs.
Stachnik/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Stachnik reported that he is in receipt of one business license application for Audio Visual Productions, Inc., located at 7705 W. 98th Street. This is a company that rents audio visual equipment. No objections were noted.
DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling
Alderman DeRose reported the Electronic Recycling Event will be held on Saturday, November 4th from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board
Alderman Ferrero reported that Community Affairs did an excellent job at the City Halloween Party on Saturday, October 22nd. Alderman Ferrero noted this was the largest crowd we have had and they enjoyed the outside activities.
Alderman Ferrero noted the upcoming events are the Tree Lighting on November 22nd, the Children’s Christmas Party on December 10th and the Lights of Hickory Hills Contest on December 13th. Alderman Ferrero mentioned the 5K Run was very nice and 140 runners participated.
McAvoy/Chamber
Alderman McAvoy reported that Chamber Night will be on November 2nd at which time Mayor Howley and Mayor Bennett will be speaking from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sabre Room.
Alderman McAvoy noted on Wednesday, November 9th, the Cook County Board of Review will hold a property tax appeal seminar in Palos Township. This will be held at the Hickory Hills Country Club in Hickory Hills at 6:30 p.m. For further information you may call the Palos Township Assessor’s office at 598-4418.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Chief Vodicka reminded the Council the Blood Drive will be held on Sunday, November 6th at the Community Center from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Executive Session
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn into executive session to discuss Police Personnel and Public Works Personnel. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.