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April 12, 2012 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, April 12, 2012 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. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    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
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of March 22, 2012 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

E-Recycling

Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Barney Boss from Land and Lakes. Mr. Boss noted he has been working with other towns placing containers in their communities for e-recycling. The usual container is a 22 foot long “c” container. It is also labeled with hours of operation and e-waste allowed and some rules. Mr. Boss is working along with Vintage Tech. They will empty these containers when they are full. He asked if the City is interested in this program along with the e-waste recycling events. It would be the Council’s decision on where to place this container and when it is open and closed. It was the consensus of the Council to have Alderman DeRose work with Mr. Boss and bring some options back to the Council.

Pepe’s New Owner

Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Juan Hurtado, new owner of Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant. Mr. Hurtado addressed the Council and noted he would like to reopen on April 16th. Mayor Howley welcomed Mr. Hurtado to Hickory Hills.

Arbor Day

Mayor Howley presented an Arbor Day Proclamation. This proclaims April 27th as Arbor Day in the City of Hickory Hills.

Electric Aggregation

Mayor Howley asked Attorney Cainkar to give us an update and what the next steps in the electric aggregation process are. Attorney Cainkar explained the City would now need to choose a consultant. He also suggested looking for a two year contract. Mayor Howley also agreed with moving forward with a two year contract and choosing a broker the City is comfortable with.

Mayor Howley noted Clerk Catizone attended a meeting at ComEd and distributed information on ComEd’s operations.

Wendy’s Remodeling

Mayor Howley noted he met with the Wendy’s representative and they are going to start their remodeling toward the end of May.

HHYB Opening Day

Mayor Howley reminded the Council that Opening Day of Baseball will be on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

Thank You

Mayor Howley shared a thank you card he had received from Rico’s Barber Shop thanking the City for their recent celebration of 40 years in business. Mayor Howley thanked Clerk Catizone for suggesting this recognition to the Council’s attention.

Discipline Policy

Mayor Howley noted this item was brought up at a previous meeting with conversations with the City’s Attorney. Alderman DeRose had distributed a summary that Attorney Mike Cainkar prepared. This policy would be for Public Works employees and possibly the Clerk’s Office. Attorney Vince Cainkar has noted he is not in favor of this policy. Alderman DeRose would like to discuss this further at a Committee Meeting. There was some discussion on different discipline policies, for example, the differences in comparative and progressive policies. This will be discussed further at a later date.

HH Police Dept.

Mayor Howley reported there are residents in the audience related to some police activity in the City. He moved Alderman Stachnik’s report to this portion of the meeting. Chief Vodicka stated he has distributed a memo regarding the recent residential burglaries. This summary provides the date of occurrence, location, point of entry and items taken. Chief Vodicka reported the Police Department has also passed out flyers that request residents to be aware of any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area and report such activity to the Police Department right away. Chief Vodicka noted in each instance a neighborhood canvas was conducted and evidence was collected from the scene. Detectives have developed and continue to investigate leads. A reverse 9-1-1 message is also being developed to be distributed over the next few days.

Residents were also encouraged to contact the Police Department if they would like an officer to conduct a security assessment of their home. Mayor Howley asked if the residents had any questions at this time. One resident mentioned that she sees the City is aware of these activities.

Finding of Fact
Trotto (Park Hill Development)
Resubdivision Request

Mayor Howley presented the Finding of Fact for the Paul A. Trotto resubdivision request. He noted this was first brought to the Council in 2004. The property was rezoned R-3 to R-4 in order to reduce the lot sizes to accommodate more houses. The builders are requesting to subdivide Lots 12 and 13 into five lots. A meeting of the Zoning Board was held on March 21, 2012. The Zoning Board recommends approval of this resubdivision with a vote of 7 ayes and 0 nays. Mr. Steve Trotto added that this is a proposed redevelopment and it was approved by the Zoning Board. It was submitted to Cook County for approval and was also approved. At this time, Larry Baker of 9029 Park Hill Court, voiced his concerns of this resubdivision. He is concerned about his property values and the buffering of the trees on 88th Avenue.

AT THIS TIME, THE ATTORNEY’S REPORT AND THE CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT WERE DONE WHILE WAITING FOR SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE FINDING OF FACT.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Lang report a bid opening took place on April 3, 2012 for the 89th Street Lighting contract and the bills were as follows:

Elmund & Nelson Co. $187,087.00
Utility Dynamics Corp. $189,228.00
Lyons Electric Co. $228,700.00
Thorne Electric $230,439.50
Meade Electric $241,131.98

Mr. Lang recommends award of the contract to Elmund & Nelson for the bid amount of $187,087.00.

Alderman Ferrero moved to award the contract for the 89th Street Lighting in the amount of $187,087.00. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

FINDING OF FACT
TROTTO
(CONTINUED)

Mayor Howley stated that Lots 12 and 13 were the larger lots and now are being divided into 1 and 2 with lots 3, 4, and 5 along 88th Avenue. Mayor Howley asked if the hammerhead driveways could be explained. This would be a safer entry and exit. Mr. Trotto explained the prices have come down and are now in the $300,000.00 range. He stated the reason for subdividing is that each lot was almost an acre and the smaller sized lots would have more appeal. The Council voiced their concerns with this proposed resubdivision. Elevation was an issue along with the amount of homes in this subdivision. It was noted that this developer has come before the Council several times. Also, a concern was the density of this subdivision and removing the buffer of trees along 88th Avenue. Mr. Boettcher, Public Works Director, had several recommendations with this proposal. (See attached Finding of Fact with all reviewers comments). The Council also reviewed these comments. Mr. Trotto noted final engineering drawings are not complete because he was waiting for the City’s approval first. After a lengthy discussion, Alderman McAvoy moved to reject the Finding of Fact for the resubdivision of 9022 & 9024 Park Hill Court. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll Call: DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Motion to reject is approved.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported the Boxing for the Troops will be on April 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.

Clerk Catizone noted she has received a very nice thank you from Rico’s Barber Shop for recognizing them at the February 8th Council Meeting.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2012 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2012. Alderman Waight second.
Treasurer Schramm explained some of the interfund transfers occurred in March. Roll Call: DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm requested the Committee Meeting of April 26th begin at 6:00 p.m. and place the budget on the agenda. He noted if the meeting runs longer it can be continued after the Council Meeting.

COMMUNICATIONS

Bills Payable

Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of April 2012 in the amount of $610,751.55. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszcyki reported the City’s Health and Dental renewals are July 1, 2012. He has completed the census that the broker will need to go out for bid. More information will be obtained in May.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Alderman Stachnik presented the Quarterly Productivity Report that was prepared by Chief Vodicka.

Chief Vodicka noted that the arrests in the winter months were quite high.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Mr. Boettcher reported a meeting was held last week regarding the 88th Avenue reconstruction program. He noted District 117 expressed no concerns regarding the south bound only traffic for either the buses, delivery trucks or pickup of students. The contractor still does not have County approval to construct concrete storm chambers needed for installation adjacent to St. Pat’s Pond. This meeting resolved the outstanding issues and the chamber that will be built. Mr. Boettcher also noted that Palos Hills has hired the County’s underground contractor to install a new 8” water main along 88th Avenue. Public Works has requested the County’s contractor submit a quote to install the interconnect pipe to Palos Hills.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh distributed a draft of proposed building permit fees. After some discussion, these will again be reviewed at the Committee Meeting or next Council meeting in April.

Waight/Law & Ordinances

Alderman Waight is in receipt of two business owner changes: 1) Pepe’s switched to Mr. Juan Hurtoda. 2) King Spa has also changed owners to a Ms. Ping Liu. There is one new business, SunLight-Tech Inc. This is an engineering firm to be located at 9525 S. 79th Avenue. Owner is Mr. Grzegorz Kowobilski. No objections were noted.

DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

Alderman DeRose reported the house that exploded on Barberry is demolished.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Street Fair has 39 crafters and 4 food vendors as of today.

Alderman Ferrero noted she is waiting for the proposal from Golden Gate Nursery for the Arbor Day Tree Sale. She has also ordered 30 hanging baskets from Fairplay.

McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

Alderman McAvoy distributed flyers for the upcoming Chamber events. On Tuesday, April 17th, the Chamber will sponsor a business open house at Marquette Bank from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, April 25th, a networking breakfast will be held at Koko’s Kafe at 7:30 a.m.

Lastly, Standard Bank is sponsoring a neighborhood shred event on Saturday, April 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Clerk Catizone reminded the Council the Hickory Hills Blood Drive will be held on Sunday, April 15th at the Community Center. The St. Pat’s Holy Name Society will be making breakfast for the donors.

Alderman DeRose again reminded the Council their Statements of Economic Interest Forms are due on May 1st.

Alderman DeRose noted it was his understanding that a written agreement for the position of Building Commissioner would be available by May 1st. It was the consensus of the Council this matter will be investigated during the upcoming budget discussions.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn until the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman
Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.