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March 14, 2013 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, March 14, 2013, at 7:31 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. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Chief of Police, A. Vodicka
  • Deputy Public Works Director, R. Rice
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

    • Treasurer Schramm and Public Works Director Larry Boettcher were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

    Proclamation

    At this time Mayor Howley read the Proclamation for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness. This was brought to his attention by Hickory Hills residents Mr. and Mrs. Bob Noel whose grandson, Preston, suffered from this congenital defect. Preston, along with his parents, is in the audience. Mayor Howley proclaimed April 19, 2013, as “A Day of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness” in the City of Hickory Hills. Raising awareness of this congenital defect will help bring about acceptance and support for those suffering with it and will help advocate for urgently needed medical research and advances.

    School District 117 Presentation

    Present at this evening’s meeting is Superintendent Jeannie Stachowiak, Business Manager Brian Stachacz, Donald Moss and Jim Hook. Also, School Board Members Tom Kostes, Ian Chafee, Ron Moran, Debbie Groark, Kelly Pavloski and Chris Slowik.

    Superintendent Stachowiak outlined the referendum that will be on the April 9th ballot. She stated the cost of a new Junior High is $39 million and for renovation/addition $41 million. One issue at Conrady Jr. High is overcrowding. This is the reason for the mobile units. The Bond issue is for 30 million dollars. The approximate cost to the resident is $83.00 per $100, 000.00 of assessed evaluation.

    Alderman McAvoy thanked the District for their appearance at this meeting and the updating. He has toured this facility and stated the building is obsolete. He would like the District to review other locations. The current location is on prime commercial property and he would like the District to explore all options. A sale of the current property can lower the cost to the tax payers. He would like to ask if the District is committed to this piece of property. Ms. Stachowiak stated this property was looked at because they currently own it. They have not looked at other options until this referendum passes. President Tom Kostes stated the children come first and the Board will look at safety first.

    Mayor Howley commented he has toured the building and he supports the passing of this referendum.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar presented a sample of a Commercial Store Front Appearance Standard Ordinance. He noted this ordinance prohibits security gates on the outside of any exterior which faces parallel to the public street. There was some discussion at our last meeting regarding a security shudder at an existing business. This matter is under review by the City Council.

Ord. 13-3

Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 13-3. This is an ordinance amending Chapter 34, alcoholic beverages, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code by changing the number of licenses by adding Class L and changing the number of liquor licenses. Attorney Cainkar noted this provides Class L to close at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve Ordinance 13-3. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Mayor Howley aye. Aldermen Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman nay. So approved.

Attorney Cainkar had to leave at this point in the meeting.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of February 28, 2013 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Ferrero pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    St. Patricia Bunco Party

    Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia Church for a temporary liquor license for the upcoming Bunco Party on April 12, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

    Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve a temporary liquor license for St. Patricia Church on April 12, 2013 with fees waived. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    City Signs

    Mayor Howley reported the City will be obtaining a quote for touching up the existing City signs and replacing the down sign on Roberts Road. He will share this quote at a later date.

    Treasurer’s Office

    Mayor Howley noted Treasurer Schramm informed him a person has been interviewed for the part-time position in the Treasurer’s Office. This has been a much needed position.

    St. Patricia’s HNS

    Mayor Howley announced the Holy Name Society will have a meeting at the Community Center on April 4, 2013. Present will be a Chicago Blackhawk veteran.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a request for a donation to the Patricia Battle. This is a fundraiser for a nurse at the Loyola Medical Center in Hickory Hills. Council asked for more information on this item.

    Clerk Catizone noted Stagg High School will be holding its Arts and Crafts Festival on March 23rd and March 24th.

    Clerk Catizone reported she attended a meeting at the Hickory Hills Park District at which time they explained plans for a grant they will be submitting in June. This would include renovations at Kasey Meadow Park.

    Clerk Catizone thanked the Hickory Hills Seniors for the wonderful lunch at the Community Center yesterday.

    CITY TREASURER

    Treasurer Schramm was absent. No report submitted.

    CITY ENGINEER

    Mr. Lang reported a bid opening was held on March 12th for the street resurfacing. The list of bidders with their respective bids is as follows:

    D. Construction $235, 198.59
    K-Five Const. Company $259, 310.00
    Chicagoland Paving $259, 968.05
    Crowley-Sheppard Asphalt $261, 792.00
    Central Blacktop Co. $261, 924.51
    Gallagher Asphalt $263, 788.11
    James D. Fiala Paving Co. $283, 550.60

    Mr. Lang recommends awarding the contract to D. Construction for the bid amount of $235,198.59. Alderman Zimmerman moved to award the contract to D. Construction. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of March, 2013 in the amount of $467, 271.90. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    No report submitted.

    Stachnik/Public Safety

    No report submitted.

    Zimmerman/PublicWorks

    No report submitted.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    No report submitted.

    Waight/Law & Ordinances

    No report submitted.

    Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

    Alderman Ferrero reported all the Arbor Day Coloring Contest forms have been given to the schools.

    Alderman Ferrero noted the Street Fair applications have been mailed.

    McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

    Alderman McAvoy reported the Chamber’s Spring Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:30 a.m. at KoKo’s Kafe.

    Alderman McAvoy also noted the Chamber will hold a Business Networking after Hours on Wednesday, March 27th at Marquette Bank from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    None.

    NEW BUSINESS

    None.

    ADJOURNMENT

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

    Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.