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November 12, 2015 City Council Meeting Minutes

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November 12, 2015 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, November 12, 2015, at 7:32 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
  • D. Ferrero
    B. Fonte
    T. McAvoy
    T. McHugh
    J. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, G. Perlman
  • City Engineer, M. Spolar
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

Retaining Wall – 9009 W. 93rd Street

This item was moved to the beginning of the agenda. Alderman McAvoy explained a retaining wall at the Dellamorte residence at 9009 W. 93rd Street is bowed out and is in danger of eventually collapsing. The project that was undertaken to relieve flooding along 90th Avenue included various homes along 90th Avenue between 92nd Street and near 93rd Street. The Dellamorte’s gave permission to the City to construct the sewer project between their home. The wall began to fail a few years ago but heavy rains accelerated the deterioration. Mr. Dellamorte has obtained four bids for the work that needs to be completed.

Alderman McAvoy is seeking Council approval of an expenditure of $1,867.50 as the City’s 75% share of the cost to repair the retaining wall on the west side of the property owned by Ron and Carol Dellamorte at 9009 W. 93rd Street. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve $1,867.50 as the City’s 75% share of the cost of repairing the retaining wall at 9009 W. 93rd Street. Alderman Fonte second. This would also include a release of responsibility of the City for any future repairs of this retaining wall. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Senior Task Force Presentation

At this time, members of the Senior Task Force (Anita Kieca, Dolores Miklos, Joan Hostynski) presented Mr. Jim Kruse, founder of the Adopt A Platoon program with a plaque in recognition of his dedication to this effort and for also receiving the Senior Citizen of the Year Award from Congressman Dan Lipinski. Mayor Howley also thanked Jim for all of his hard work.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of October 22, 2015 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, Waight pass. So approved.

Com Ed Presentation Mr. Phil Halliburton and Mr. Craig Creamean are here this evening to give a talk on the smart meter program. The City of Hickory Hills will have smart meters installed beginning December 14, 2015 through May, 2016. Mr. Creamean explained that Com Ed is very excited to start this program. They are very proud of this project and will go anywhere in the community to explain this program. He reviewed the installation process and the benefits of the smart meter.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Res. 15-10 – Mayor Howley presented Resolution 15-10, a resolution urging Illinois State leaders to release non-general fund revenues payable to local governments. The City would like to call upon the Governor and General Assembly to take action to immediately release all non-general fund revenues owed to local governments. These funds include revenues from Motor Fuel Tax, Wireless Service Emergency Fund, Use Tax, Local Government Video Gaming Distributive Fund, and casino gaming. Alderman Waight moved to approve Resolution 15-10, a resolution urging Illinois State leaders to release funds to local governments. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

St. Patricia Request – Mayor Howley is in receipt of two liquor license requests from St. Patricia Holy Name Society. 1) HNS Super Bowl Party to be held on Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 2) HNS Fish Fry on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. These events will take place in the Parish Center. Alderman McHugh moved to approve two liquor license requests for the Super Bowl Party on February 7, 2016 and the Fish Fry on February 12, 2016 with fees waived. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone thanked everyone who attended the Veterans Day Ceremony last Saturday – The American Legion, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Jim Kruse, Police Department and Father Joe Mol.

She would also like to thank Lori Szeszycki for the excellent pictures she sent in that are posted on the website. Also, a special thank you to Sue Lehr for all of her assistance setting up for this event.

Clerk Catizone reported the Blood Drive on November 1st had 60 donors and she thanked Alicia Vodicka for all of her dedication to the blood drives as our Blood Drive Coordinator. If not for her, these drives would not take place. Also, a thank you to Chief Al who is always assisting.

Clerk Catizone noted boxing for the Troops will take place on Tuesday, November 17th at the Community Center beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Clerk Catizone stated the Clerk’s office is busy making ornaments for the Brookfield Zoo Tree Trimming which will take place on Saturday, November 21st. Everyone is invited to attend.

Lastly, Clerk Catizone wished everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated October 31, 2015 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated October 31, 2015. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm reported revenues and expenditures are running in line with the budget after six months.

Treasurer Schramm noted each Council member was given a copy of the City’s audit for this FY2015. This had three components, a memo of the audit scope and results, a hard copy City Financial Audit, and TIF District Audit. Treasurer Schramm stated if you can please return the hard copy and keep the memo due to the shortage of hard copies. He also noted this audit was completed by the end of October which is the earliest it has been completed. He thanked Mary McDonald for all of her hard work and dedication to completing this audit process.

Treasurer Schramm mentioned at the December 10th Council meeting he can answer any questions you may have on the City Audit. He would like to bring the Council up to date on the Hickory Hills Police Pension funding and the City’s IMRF funding status of assets and future liabilities.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

Invoice #8581 – Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #8581 from Hasse Construction Company for work done on the 2015 drainage improvements in the amount of $387,931.04 (pay estimate #3 partial). Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Invoice #8581 to Hasse Construction Company in the amount of $387,931.04. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Invoice #8218 – Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #8218 from Len Cox and Sons Pay Estimate #1 (partial) Excavating for work done on 83rd Court and 89th Street Intersection in the amount of $173,169.00 (pay estimate #1, partial). Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Invoice #8218 in the amount of $173,169.00 to Len Cox and Sons Excavating. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Alderman Szeszycki inquired on the status of an issue on the 87th Avenue cul du sac. Mr. Spolar is waiting on a utility before moving forward.

Alderman McAvoy thanked Gary Perlman of the City’s attorney’s office for his work done on the Forest Lane issue.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of November 2015 in the amount of $1,101,926.43. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen Fonte, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki reported on November 23rd he will be meeting with Gallagher Basset to discuss the City’s Workman’s Compensation renewal.
He will update the Council at the December meeting.

Stachnik/Public Safety

No report submitted.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Mr. Boettcher distributed a survey of area water rates to the Council. It shows rates that other cities charge to residents.

Storm Sewer Repairs – Mr. Boettcher reported on the storm sewer on 93rd Street. This historic concrete 42 inch storm sewer had some bad joints leaving holes in the yard at 9020 93rd Street and in need of grouting. In addition, the 36 inch concrete sanitary sewer on Roberts Road needs grouting. Public Works has budgeted funds for repair of storm sewers. After conferring with the Treasurer, Public Works has issued a purchase order to National Power Rodding in the amount of $11,740.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh reported the Thanksgiving Dinner Community Meal went very well on Tuesday, November 10th. It was well attended with 425 people being served. Also that evening, $622.00 was collected for the Adopt a Platoon Program. Les Brothers, Lakeshore Beverage and the Senior Task Force all donated the food.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Children’s Halloween Party on October 24th went very well. She stated the Chamber’s Trunk/Treat was a welcome addition.

Alderman Ferrero noted the upcoming events will be the Tree Lighting on Tuesday, November 24th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. On Tuesday, December 12th the Children’s Christmas Party at Krueger Park from 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The Lights of Hickory Hills will be held on Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m. She will not be at this event, but will need one Alderman from each ward to help judge.

Mayor Howley mentioned the day of the 5K Race everyone really did an excellent job. There were over 300 runners this year and he thanked everyone who helped.

He also noted the Children’s Halloween Party was also a great event this year with the addition of the Trunk/Treat and the Scarecrows all of which were done by the Hills Chamber. He looks forward to this event growing every year.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy reported the Hills Chamber will host a general meeting on November 19th at 12:00 p.m. at Prime Time Restaurant in Hickory Hills. He noted this will kick off a host of meetings relating to social media.

Alderman McAvoy thanked the Chamber for their participation in the Trunk/Treat Program and the Scarecrow Contest.

Alderman McAvoy reported the Sertoma Club has begun a new program, Adopt a Christmas Tree. This is open to area businesses to place a one page ad in the Sertoma Club Holiday Shopping Guide. Alderman McAvoy said this will promote our local businesses. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve $100.00 donation to the Sertoma Adopt a Christmas Tree Program. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Treasurer Schramm stated there was one topic regarding the Water Meter/Radio Read Replacement Program that was not covered at the Committee Meeting earlier. It’s a 5 year program for a total cost of 1.4 million dollars ($200k for commercial replacement and $700k in residential meter only replacement and $100k for radio reads). Treasurer Schramm inquired if it would be beneficial to the City to do all the radio reads on the existing meters at one time. Mr. Boettcher pointed out that if this is done all at one time, you risk the batteries running out all at one time. He feels it is better to stagger installation to avoid this issue. Discussion ensued on replacing water meters and installing radio reads during a 5 year timeline or sooner, and if Public Works should implement this program. Alderman Szeszycki added he has talked with other cities and they mentioned different types of meters that can be installed and how long it took the cities to change their water meters. He mentioned several contractors that could be used to install water meters. Mr. Boettcher stated he is currently installing the new Sensus IPERL water meter to keep the same software package the City currently is using.

Clarification was made that radio reads cannot be installed on older water meters. However, Mr. Boettcher stated you can install the new meters now and radio reads at a later date. The radio reads can be done later because you do not need to go into the residence. Mr. Boettcher noted he has recorded a 3% increase in usage in the test section of the City where the new meters have been installed. Another question raised regarded the different units of measurement for water meters. Mayor Howley noted the Council needs more questions answered before a decision can be made.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Szeszycki asked if a resident can remove a tree from his parkway. Mr. Boettcher stated there is an ordinance in place stating you cannot remove the tree. This can be waived if they replace the tree. The tree removal must be approved by Public Works.

Building Commissioner John Moirano gave an update on the new business, Planet Fitness. He also noted the light stems were installed in the Trotto Subdivision.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.