July 11, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes

July 11, 2013 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, July 11, 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 Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Police Department, Lt. Tim Stevens
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Alderman Brian Fonte and Police Chief Al Vodicka were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

Beth Medeiros
9112 S. 88th Avenue

Ms. Mederios voiced her concerns regarding overgrown bushes at 88th Avenue and 91st Street.
Also, she noted some street signs were missing on 88th Avenue. Lastly, she is concerned with the number of loose dogs in Hickory Hills. Public Works Director, Larry Boettcher, noted the street signs will be replaced by the contractor.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman McHugh moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, 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 June 27, 2013 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye.
So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley was pleased to announce Flying High Gym may be moving into Hickory Hills and will be submitting a request for business application.

Mayor Howley reported he has spoken to the owner of the Hickory Palos Plaza regarding maintaining the property. He will be talking to them again.

Mayor Howley noted O’Reilly’s Auto will be breaking ground in August on 95th Street.

Mayor Howley clarified the Highlander’s Grill is requesting a Class E Liquor License. There were some questions at the last meeting regarding what Class they were seeking.

Mayor Howley attended a Com Ed Storm Response Drill in Palos Heights today. He found it very informative.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported she has received the Local Emergency Energy Plan from Com Ed. If anyone would like to review, it will be in the
Clerk’s Office.

Clerk Catizone noted Moraine Valley Community College will hold an Adult College Success Fair on Saturday, July 20th from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated June 30, 2013 for approval. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report date ending June 30, 2013. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm distributed a memo regarding the City’s Investment Recap as of June 30, 2013 with Standard Bank and Archer Bank. If anyone has questions they can contact him.

Treasurer Schramm also noted Archer Bank is merging with four of their sister banks and will now be North Community Bank.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance #13-8, an ordinance amending Chapter 34, alcoholic beverages by changing the number of Class E liquor licenses (Highlander Grill). Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance #13-8. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Lang reported the 91st Street sidewalk project has been sent to IDOT and will have a September 20th letting.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of July, 2013 in the amount of $391,379.45. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

No report submitted.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Alderman Stachnik presented the Police Quarterly Productivity Report. Any questions can be directed to the Chief.

Zimmerman/PublicWorks

Mr. Boettcher reported the 88th Avenue project is delayed due to the rain events. IDOT does not allow sod to be placed down after the end of June. The contractor will resume activity in the fall.

Mr. Boettcher noted Insituform Lining Company has commenced sanitary sewer lining from 93rd Street south to 95th Street and 85th Avenue east to Roberts Road.

Mr. Boettcher reported with the extended sick leave of the Public Works mechanic, Public Works will need to find someone for maintenance on small mowers and other equipment. Hickory Hills Park District has someone but an agreement must be signed. Council consensus was to sign this agreement with the Hickory Hills Park District for use of their mechanic.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report submitted.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

Fonte/ Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte was absent. No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero thanked Public Works, Police, Community Affairs Committee, Clerk’s Office, Aldermen McAvoy and McHugh and Mr. Jim Doig for all their help on the Street Fair. She also thanked Clerk Catizone and the Clerk’s Office.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy thanked everyone for their assistance with this year’s Street Fair Bingo Tent. This included Alderman Ferrero, Public Works, Police Department and the businesses who donated prizes.

He also thanked his 63 bingo volunteers and especially Pete Catizone for joining the fun and calling a few games.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Commissioner Moirano noted he has met with the owners
of the Aladdin’s Palace. They have added a kitchen to their design. No problems were noted and a business certificate will be issued.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.