April 10, 2014 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, April 10, 2014, at 7:30 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, B. Fonte
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 Chief, A. Vodicka
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
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 McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Ms. Beth Medeiros
9112 S. 88th Avenue
Ms. Medeiros voiced her concern over a dog bite she received while walking her dog along 88th Avenue. She asked why the owner wasn’t issued a ticket.
She noted there are a lot of stray dogs running loose. Chief Vodicka noted he will look into this matter and call Ms. Medeiros.
Mr. Zelek
Integrys
Mr. Zelek is a representative from Integrys. He gave an overview on the City’s options moving forward when the contract expires in May 2014. He explained the options to the Council that they can consider. The City can opt out, file for an extension, go out to bid or reverse auction. The first Integrys year of our contract the rate was 0.0498. Last year the rate was 0.0593. Com Ed rates will be released in the last week of May. Mr. Zelek will update the Mayor on the options for an extension contract through email.
Mr. Vince Azzozino
Navigate Energy
Mr. Azzozino was present to give information on an electricity supplier auction. He will present a video at the upcoming specially called Budget Meeting on April 16, 2014.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Ferrero moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, 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 27, 2014 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley read a thank you note from Ms. Mary McDonald (Finance Administrator) for the City’s recent donation to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported the MWRD is hosting a household hazardous waste collection at Moraine Valley Community College on May 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Items that residents may bring include unwanted medicines, chemical cleaners, aerosol and oil based paints, antifreeze, and weed killers.
Clerk Catizone reminded the Council their Economic Interest Forms are due to Cook County on May 1st.
Clerk Catizone along with Deputy Building Commissioner Marilyn Gabrysiak attended a mapping presentation at Lyons Township. It was presented by the Cook County Tax Assessor’s Office.
Clerk Catizone noted the next boxing party for the troops will be held on April 15th at the Community Center starting at 6:00 p.m.
Clerk Catizone announced the Hickory Hills Blood Drive will be held on Sunday, April 27th at the Community Center. The St. Patricia Holy Name Society will be providing breakfast.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Cainkar presented Resolution 14-5, a resolution of the City of Hickory Hills authorizing the execution of a Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement and the existence and formation of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System by Intergovernmental Cooperation. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve Res. 14-5. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Lang presented Resolution 14-6, a resolution appropriating the sum of $400,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the purpose of maintaining streets and highways under the applicable provisions of the Illinois Highway Code from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Res. 14-6. Alderman McAvoy second.
Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of April, 2014 in the amount of $745,264.26. Alderman McAvoy questioned the $1,500.00 to the Hickory Hills Kiwanis. Chief Vodicka stated it’s a donation from the Forfeiture Fund to aid local students on a field trip. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Alderman Stachnik reported the Chief has distributed the Quarterly Report for the Police Department as well as a Community Report and Property Nuisance Quarterly Report. Any questions can be directed to Chief Vodicka.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Mr. Boettcher reported the County held another meeting on April 4th to discuss drainage causing flooding in Justice from 79th Street to 85th Street. In attendance was MWRD to look into the possibility of detention. Also present was Patrick Engineering who authored the Roberts Road 2006 Drainage Study which depicted the deficiencies of drainage on Roberts Road for the length of the project. Hickory Hills expressed concern with additional water at the 79th Street outlet, that our Prairie Pond lift station pumps cannot operate, and then the surplus water backs onto 87th Street. MWRD stated t hat at this time they could not help in storm water detention. The County expects the drainage project of one million dollars could be bid as early as 2016, and will address street repaving from the south to the north by next spring.
Mr. Boettcher noted the annual Water Leak Survey, a lump sum proposal, is usually performed in early spring but will be delayed because of the unusual weather conditions. It will be performed in April and invoiced for this fiscal year.
Mr. Boettcher stated spring tree plantings will start the week of April 21st, weather permitting. At the new St. Pat’s sidewalk, three trees that were removed will be replaced with appropriate trees for under electrical wires.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight reported he is in receipt of one business
certificate application for Hickory Hills Tropical Sno located at 8719 W. 95th Street. No objections were noted.
Fonte/ Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte gave an overview on the Waste
Management negotiations. He wanted the Council to review the four proposals. These negotiations are ongoing. Alderman Fonte is recommending Proposal 2 with a counter offer. A lengthy discussion ensued. More details to follow with a decision on April 24th.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported she has spoken to
Golden Gate Nursery and due to the bad winter there is a limited supply. He will do his best to find the City the best plants for the Arbor Day Tree Sale on May 3rd.
She also noted she has booked one band for the Street Fair as of today.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
Alderman McAvoy distributed an invitation to the
Hills Chamber Networking Luncheon on April 30th at Prime Time Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Donna Venezia at 364-7739.
Alderman McAvoy reported the grand Re-Opening of the Camelot was very nice and well attended. He congratulated the owners.
Alderman McAvoy would like to discuss the curb replacement issue at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 24th.
Alderman McAvoy has information on the new mapping of state legislative districts that is being proposed. If anyone is interested they can talk with him.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Clerk Catizone reported one banquet hall has come forward for the later liquor license
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn into Executive Session
for the purpose of discussing non-union employee raises. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.