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June 17, 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, June 27, 2013, at 7:36 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
    B. Fonte
    M. McHugh
    J. Stachnik (7:53 p.m.)
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • Police Department, A. Vodicka
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Alderman Tom McAvoy and City Engineer Tom Lang were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

Police Presentations

Chief Al Vodicka recognized Lt. Thomas Dietz for 30 years of service to the Hickory Hills Police Department. Chief Vodicka noted only 6 other Officers have reached this milestone.

Chief Vodicka introduced Officer Ryan Bajt. He recognized Officer Bajt for Commendable Performance on May 12, 2013. Officer Bajt was investigating a report of smoke at the Camelot Banquets located at 8624 W. 95th Street. Officer Bajt had knowledge that the owners occasionally stayed overnight in the building. He contacted them and they escaped the building without injury. Chief Vodicka presented Officer Bajt with the “Life Saving” honor bar. After the presentation, the owners of the Camelot thanked him.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

Mary Fontana
Hickory Heights Condo President

Ms. Fontana would like the City Council to review the drainage issue on the Camelot property. She also noted a broken sidewalk in front of her building. Ms. Fontana would also like to see the property of the old McDonald’s on 95th Street be cleared of the overgrowth of weeds.

Debbie Groark
7909 W. 98th Street

Mrs. Groark distributed pictures of the conditions at the Shopping Center at 95th Street and Roberts Road. She felt the property is not maintained as it should.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of June 13, 2013 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Ferrero, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Stachnik pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley noted volunteers are needed to work the Bingo Tent at the Street Fair so if you are available, please contact Alderman McAvoy.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported the Clerk’s Office is busy preparing for the Street Fair.

Clerk Catizone noted a new part time employee has been hired in the Clerk’s Office. His name is Matt Norris and he started June 6, 2013.

Clerk Catizone also noted she had visited Shady Drive and Kean Avenue where the power was out due to the storm on Monday.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2013 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report date ending May 31, 2013. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mr. Schramm noted he will give a report on the City’s investments at the next meeting.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar presented the agreement between the City of Hickory Hills and the Hickory Hills Radio Communication Operators Association for the wage scale for the fiscal years beginning May 1, 2013 and May 1, 2014. This agreement will include a 2% increase for the two years. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the agreement for the Radio Communication Operators. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Lang was absent. No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of June, 2013 in the amount of $439, 684.84. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki reported the employee health insurance renewal, it will remain the same with a 9.3% increase in premium. He stated there will be 5 options for the employees in December. He noted 60 days prior to the December new renewal date, options will be reviewed.

Stachnik/Public Safety

No report submitted.

Chief Vodicka distributed a copy of the Street Fair Incident Action Plan to the Council which was prepared by Lt. Tim Stevens.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works in accord with this year’s budget will order a truck load of PVC pipe for insertion for side yards on 85th Court. This budgeted amount will be approximately $26, 000.00.

Mr. Boettcher noted on 88th Avenue the continual rainfall events have delayed the completion of this project. IDOT will be in on Friday to approve traffic signals at 95th Street and 88th Avenue. There will be two left turn signs,

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report submitted.

Waight/Law & Ordinances

Alderman Waight is in receipt of two business certificate applications. 1) Home Dialysis Services, located at 7831 W. 95th Street. This is a medical office with 3 employees. 2) Enercentric Engineering Services, located at 7667 W. 95th Street #303. This is an engineering consulting business. The owner, Mr. Ashraf Hayek, was present at the meeting and introduced himself. No objections were noted.

Alderman Waight had a business that was previously submitted now needs a revision. Aladdin’s Palace located at 8821 W. 87th Street is requesting adding a kitchen to their banquet facilities business application request. After some discussion this needed some more clarification. Mayor Howley suggested a meeting with the Alderman and the owner of this proposed business.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported he is in receipt of the recycling rebate from Waste Management with a total amount of $693.77.

Alderman Fonte noted a new battery recyclable program has started in City Hall and the Community Center.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero noted the Street Fair currently has92 crafters and 22 food vendors.

McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

Alderman McAvoy was absent. No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman McHugh reported the Beer Tent for the Street Fair is ready to go. Prizes are also coming in for the raffle in the Beer Tent.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Howley noted Highlander Grill is asking for a liquor license. This will be voted on at the next meeting. They will need to review their application for the type of license they are requesting.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn into Executive Session.

ADJOURNMENT

for the purpose of discussing an employee stipend. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.