July 14, 2016 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 14, 2016, at 7:35 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, B. Fonte
T. McAvoy
T. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki - Acting City Clerk, C. Doherty
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Assist. Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Asst. Public Works Director, S. Lehr
Aldermen Ferrero, Waight and Zimmerman and Public Works Director Boettcher 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 McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, aye. So approved.
Joan Hostynski
9030 Shady Drive
Mrs. Hostynski questioned the Police Chief if Commercial vehicles and trucks can park on the grass next to the driveway and can large commercial vehicles be parked on a driveway. Chief Vodicka noted vehicles can’t be parked on grass, when notified the Police would issue a citation. He also noted there is a moratorium on truck parking citations over a D plate at this time.
Mrs. Hostynski voiced her concern of a neighbors garage door that was left open all night. She asked if a Police Officer was on patrol and do they notify the property owner when this occurs. Chief Vodicka stated when Officers see a garage door open they notify the owner.
Mrs. Hostynski noted she likes her new street. But she was not notified when her street would be started and completed. She thanked the Public Works for coming out to her house.
Mrs. Hostynski commented on the property upkeep of neighbors. Mayor Howley stated she should call the City’s Ordinance Office, Ingrid McNeff and let her know the address.
Mrs. Ursula Przybycien
9100 Primrose Lane
Mrs. Przybycien expressed her concerns on cars parking on the sidewalk or blocking the driveways. Residents then have to walk around cars or go into the street. Dogs that are on retractable leashes and the dogs are now on your property. Some dogs are walked without leashes. Some residents in her area are placing their garbage in front of the resident for long periods of time. These are items such as TV’s. Mayor Howley noted the police should be notified if the garbage is placed at curb not is not an allowable item. If it is a frequent offender they may be ticketed.
The Council stated there is an ordinance you can park blocking the sidewalk from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Joe Kunnengode
8124 W. 89th Street
Mr. Kunnengode presented a request to rent two chickens and a chicken coop (10 foot by 3 foot) on a trial or social experience for one month. He is requesting to keep chickens on his property. He noted ten children will be included in this educational experience. Mayor Howley stated this request was discussed in some recent emails with the Council. After some discussion, the Council agreed on a one month trial period for the hens and the coop.
Ed Sullivan
9319 81st Avenue
Mr. Sullivan expressed his concerns for the fireworks over the 4th of July weekend. He found debris in his yard and on his roof. The fireworks that are being used now are very large and loud. He stated many dogs in the area do not handle the fireworks well and suffer during this time. Several neighbors were also present concerned about the fireworks. Mr. Sullivan also noted that a neighbor was given a citation for a firework show and has a court date of August 2, 2016. He concerned what will happen next year.
Mr. Sullivan also has noticed cars speeding down 94th Street and 93rd Street along 81st Avenue. Chief Vodicka acknowledged enforcement will be heightened in this area.
Council members discussed ways they can educate the residents of laws governing fireworks, with the hope that residents know the consequences for fireworks in Hickory Hills.
Mrs. Lorraine Zuehlke
9145 89th Avenue
Mrs. Zuehlke would like to fireworks to stop. She noted a fireman in her area has his own firework show and damaged the street by digging a hole for his fireworks. She suggested the Police fine the residents with fireworks. Mayor Howley acknowledged the high level of fireworks this year. He was surprised no one was injured.
Mrs. Kupka
9141 89th Avenue
Mrs. Kupka explained the fireworks were way beyond the usual. She has never complained before but the level of fireworks is quite different then in the past.
Mr. Larry Kral
9317 S. 81st Avenue
Mr. Kral voiced his concern with fireworks on the 4th of July weekend. He stated he felt he was held hostage in his home for the weekend. Also, the speeding cars on 81st Avenue are bringing more the loud cars. He has noticed in the last four or five years he has picked up empty baggies on his street possibly containing drugs.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Szeszycki moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of June 9, 2016 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Fonte and Alderman McAvoy pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Dietz – Mayor Howley reported the City has received correspondence from Elaine Dietz thanking the City for the sympathy flowers for her husband Jerry Dietz.
HH Sr. Club – Mayor Howley read a letter from the Hickory Hills Senior Club thanking the City for financial support.
Red Cross Smoke Alarms – Mayor Howley noted Roberts Park Fire Department and the American Red Cross are supplying fire alarms to residents. The information will be on the City website.
Vacation Check – Mayor Howley has received an email from a resident thanking
CITY CLERK
No report.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm distributed a summary of the 2016 Street Fair revenues and expenditures. Also included, Arbor Day results of this year and last year. He noted things have been turned around with a surplus this year.
CITY ATTORNEY
Ord. 16-14 – Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 16-14, an ordinance adopting the 2015 International Building Code, the 2015 International Residential Code, the 2015 International Mechanical Code, the Illinois Plumbing Code, the 2015 International Fire Code, Chicago Electrical Code and the Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance 16-14. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, aye. So approved.
CITY ENGINEER
No report.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of July 2016 in the amount of $681,002.25. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll Call: Aldermen Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki reported the video gaming is holding steady. He distributed the latest video gaming revenues.
Alderman Szeszycki noted Mesirow, the City’s insurance broker has recently jointed Alliant Insurance Services. He hopes this will be a smooth transition.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Alderman Stachnik reported the Council should be in receipt of the memos from the Police Department regarding the ETSB Consolidation, the Quarterly Reports (April, May and June) and the Chronic Nuisance Property Report for the 2nd Quarter 2016.
Chief Vodicka informed the Council with regards to the ETSB Consolidation the application to form the new consolidated ETSB has been extended to the end of August.
Chief Vodicka reported he has sent information regarding personnel retirement.
Chief Vodicka thanked the Council for the expression of congratulations on the recent birth of his grand-triplets.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Alderman Zimmerman was absent.
Ms. Sue Lehr reported Public Works had posted a vacancy for HEO trainee. Mr. Chris Pearson was the most qualified senior employee to apply for the vacancy.
Public Works recommends that Mr. Pearson be accepted to fill this vacancy with a promotion to the new classification of water plant operator trainee initiated during the SEIU contract negotiations. Mr. Pearson will be promoted to this classification unless there is an expressed concern by the Council. No concerns were noted. Mayor Howley and the City Council extended their congratulations to Mr. Chris Pearson.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight was absent. No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte inquired it the proposed Waste Management E-Recycling Program be placed on the next agenda for further discussion. Alderman Fonte is also collecting seeking information on a one day e-recycling event.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
Alderman McAvoy expressed his appreciation for all the volunteers (73) at this years’ Street Fair Bingo Tent. He mentioned a special thank you to Mayor Howley, Alderman McHugh, Fonte and Stachnik, Eric and Niko Carson, 9251 S. Roberts Road who paid $200 for bingo license and did not want reimbursement. Mrs. Debbie Chafee, Community Activist, Mike & Carla Blazys from the Chamber.
Alderman McAvoy distributed the financial summary for the Street Fair Bingo Tent proceeds. As in the past, Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the disbursement of $606.00 to the three organizations (Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220, St. Patricia Drama Club and the Hills Chamber of Commerce) that participated in the Bingo Tent. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley thanked Alderman McAvoy for all his efforts in the bingo tent at the Street Fair.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman McHugh thanked all the people who helped at the Street Fair Beer Tent.
Building Commissioner John Moirano reported he has done a site inspection of the Buttercrumb Bakery. It is coming along fine.
Mr. Moirano gave an update on a vacant property and he will be in court on August 31, 2016.
Mayor Howley acknowledged the Grand opening of Rainbow International. The operation was quite impressive.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Fonte moved to adjourn the meeting until the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.