April 11, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes

April 11, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by City Clerk D’Lorah Catizone on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

MAYOR PRO TEM

Alderman Stachnik moved to appoint Alderman Zimmerman as Mayor Pro Tem due to the absence of Mayor Howley. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Pro Tem Zimmerman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following were present:

  • Aldermen, D. Ferrero
    B. Fonte
    T. McAvoy
    M. McHugh
    J. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, J. Cainkar
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Police Cheif, A. Vodicka
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

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

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Pro Tem Zimmerman announced the Executive Session will be moved to the end of the meeting.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a request from the National MS Society for their upcoming walk on May 5th. Beth Wetzig from Public Works will have family walking. Alderman McHugh moved to donate $100.00 to the MS Walk. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll Call: Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Clerk Catizone noted a National Prescription Take Back Day will be held on April 27th at Walgreen’s (95th Street & Roberts Road) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
beginning at 6:00 p.m.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2013. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2013. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Lang reported he and Larry Boettcher will have a pre-construction meeting next week on the paving program.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of April, 2013 in the amount of $402,291.92. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

No report submitted.

Stachnik/Public Safety

No report submitted.

Chief Vodicka reported the Blood Drive had over 70 donors and went very well.

Zimmerman/PublicWorks

Mr. Boettcher reported the contractor proposes to start pouring concrete next week for sidewalks and driveways, and sub-base concrete for S/W block installation at 95th Street. Public Works brought up some issues at their construction meeting which was held this week with regards to drainage that county must address especially at the lowest home. Next week Public Works will meet with the County engineer to inspect all structures for construction debris and integrity of their frame adjustment. The fencing at St. Pat’s pond was partially removed by the contractor for drainage installation. The County will remove the balance of fence because it is on City property, but proposed a new guard rail and sidewalk steel handrail will provide safety. Public Works will remove the west fence and scrubs. The west slope can now be graded effectively to enhance appearance and provide long term maintenance. At 95th Street left turn on turn signal only, the local CCHD office has not heard any response to the Hickory and Palos letter sent to the Superintendent.

Mr. Boettcher reported for “Clear Water Program” to remove inflow/infiltration the City was informed that City activity progress reports will need to be submitted bi-annually.

Mr. Boettcher noted Public Works contacted the JWS regarding the DesPlaines Valley News article of March 21st in which they stated they would be absorbing 50% of Chicago’s rate increase for its customers. The JWS attorney later e-mailed the following response: “The rate charges to the City of Hickory Hills is governed by the intergovernmental agreement between the parties. The JWS has no authority to deviate from its terms. The per thousand gallon rate charged to Hickory Hills is lower than the rate charged to the businesses and residents located within its boundaries.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh reported there are some vacancies at Parkview.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

Fonte/ Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy reported despite what was noted
in the newspaper he is not leaving his position.

Alderman McAvoy distributed unofficial results of the April 9th election to the Council.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Stachnik moved to adjourn the meeting into Executive Session to discuss a Collective Bargaining Agreement and salary structure of non- union employees. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.