October 10, 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, October 10, 2013, at 7:31 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Mike Howley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following were present:
- Mayor, M. Howley
Aldermen, D. Ferrero
B. Fonte
T. McAvoy
M. McHugh
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
- Deputy Public Works Director, R. Rice
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Alderman Stachnik was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Alderman McHugh moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Dan Riley
9211 S. 85th Court
Mr. Riley stated he is acting as the self-appointed spokesman for his neighbor at 9225 85th Court. This item is on the agenda for a 10 foot height garage door variance.
He noted his purpose is to supply the Council with more information. At this time he distributed a petition signed by his immediate neighbors supporting this variance. Mr. Riley also stated that the owners will comply with the Council’s decision. Mr. Riley thanked the Council for their attention.
Barney Boss
Waste Management
Mr. Boss is present to address issues over garbage pick-up over the last month particularly 80th Court near the alley. He has addressed these issues with the drivers. Mr. Boss assured the Council he will assist with any problems that arise.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman McAvoy moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of September 26, 2013 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Correction: Page 2 name should read Mike O’Carroll. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley presented the variance request for 9225 S. 85th Court. This variance is to waive Section 24.12 (height not to exceed 8 foot) of the building code to allow a 10 foot garage. Alderman Ferrero moved to waive Section 24-12 and to allow the 10 foot garage door. Alderman Zimmerman second. Alderman Szeszycki suggested the ordinance be changed and not allow variances. He asked who misread the plans and it was a mistake to approve them. Building Commissioner Moirano noted the City missed this but the building code does say the owner and contractor must comply with all ordinances.
Building Commissioner Moirano doesn’t see a problem with this variance but would like to see the ordinance changed to 9 foot garage. Mayor Howley added he had no objection on this variance. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Szeszycki nay. So approved.
Mayor Howley suggested the November and December Council meetings be addressed because of the holidays. It was the decision of the Council to have a Committee and Council meeting on November 14th and December 12th. Second meetings in November and December will be cancelled. No objections were noted.
Mayor Howley discussed the trick/treating hours. It was decided 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Howley reported the Flying High Gym will have a ribbon cutting on October 19th at noon.
Mayor Howley noted on November 9th the City will hold its Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
Mayor Howley thanked City Clerk Dee Catizone and her staff for welcoming all the SW Mayors on Monday, September 30th. He also thanked Debbie Ferrero for the beautiful centerpieces.
Mayor Howley announced the Community Center is hosting the Bears game this evening along with St. Patricia’s Holy Name Society. Chili will be provided.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported the City and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission provided a free beverage alcohol sellers and servers education and training seminar today from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All our liquor establishments were invited and it was well attended. She thanked Officer Heidi Sonntag for her assistance.
Clerk Catizone is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia School. They are seeking permission to post signs for their upcoming Super Bingo on November 17th. Signs will go up on November 1st. They are also requesting signs for the Craft Show to be held on November 24th from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
No objections were noted and permission will be granted.
Clerk Catizone is also in receipt of a request from Ashley Udaykee (daughter of Brian Udaykee) for sponsorship of their upcoming A.A. Stagg Dance Invitational which will be held on November 23rd. Last year the City donated $100.00. Alderman McHugh moved to approve a donation of $100.00 from the City’s discretionary fund to the Stagg Dance Invitational. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
No report submitted.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of October, 2013 in the amount of $776,163.39. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Chief Vodicka distributed the Police Quarterly Report to the City Council for July, August and September.
Chief Vodicka reported that three vehicles were auctioned off last Saturday which brought in approximately $12,000.00.
Zimmerman/PublicWorks
Mr. Rice reported that the tree removal RFP will be awarded to Benitz Tree Removal in the amount of $6,150.00. This is to remove 20 trees and 17 stumps. This is a budgeted item.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported Mr. Bill Spatz, Community Center Director has had surgery and will be out for 5 to 6 weeks. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
Alderman McHugh stated the Community Center will hold a Thanksgiving Dinner on November 12th.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight is in receipt of one business certificate request for North American Title Company to be located at 9632 Roberts Road. No objections were noted.
Fonte/ Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported plans are underway for the Halloween party.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman Szeszycki stated Public Works has worked on the water breaks on 93rd Place after the residents complained of standing water. Mr. Rice reported they have repaired 4 small leaks.
Mayor Howley stated tickets may now be issued to the Hickory Palos Square for ordinance non-compliance.
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, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.