February 23, 2017 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, February 23, 2017, at 7:41 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
M. McHugh
T. McAvoy
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Clerk, V. Cainkar
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
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 Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Jim Kruse
Kruse’s Krew
Mark Paul John
Artist
Mr. Kruse thanked the City of Hickory Hills for supporting his team and our troops for the past 11 years.
It was 13 years ago that he worked with people to get the names and addresses of some of our troops and started to send them care packages. This started off in his basement which gradually ran out of room. Mayor Howley volunteered the Community Center to store and pack boxes. Since then, the Mayor, all the Aldermen, City Clerk and many City Employees have helped pack care packages. Mr. Kruse stated without the City’s help, they could have not accomplished over 5,100 care packages sent to over 170 units. Mr. Kruse is donating a work of art to the City by Mr. Mark Paul John entitled “Answering the Call”. He thanked the City again for all of their support.
Mr. Kruse introduced Mr. Mark Paul John who has been named the American Freedom Artist and is nationally known for his patriotic works of art. Mr. John is also donating a work of art for the police and fire department as a sign of his respect. At this time, Mr. John presented the paintings to Chief Al Vodicka and Mayor Mike Howley. He also explained the reasons for his patriotic artwork.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman McAvoy moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of February 9, 2017 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman McAvoy pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
PATSE Bus – Mayor Howley reported he is in receipt of a thank you from the City of Palos Hills for the City’s annual contribution to support the PATSE Bus Service.
Legislative Breakfast – Mayor Howley announced Breakfast with your Legislators on Friday, March 24th at the Belvedere Chateau.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone announced the newsletter deadline for articles is March 15th.
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 second half of February 2017 in the amount of $235,037.84. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki distributed the latest Video Gaming Report. The City revenue came in at $230,000 for 2016. January was one of the highest with $20,000.00 for the month.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Chief Vodicka stated that the Des Plaines Valley ETSB Consolidation Application to the State 9ll Board in Springfield was submitted with a tentative approval. At this point in time, the consolidation is moving forward and we should begin dispatching for the City of Hometown by April 1, 2017.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works has been contacted by the Cook County Highway Department (CC) regarding the unsatisfactory work on 88th Avenue. This project was initiated in 2013.
A meeting is scheduled next week to walk the entire project and discuss the deficiencies of the final project. CC will have an independent engineering firm (Ms. Pat Donahue, previously with IDOT) will be the neutral party on these issues. The issues the City has included are sidewalks and drainage.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh stated the City Council Chamber has been painted and the roof repaired. Alderman McHugh thanked Public Works for helping put things back to together and ready for this evening’s meeting.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported Community Affairs has met and the Arbor Day Event is being finalized and Street Fair applications have been mailed.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman Waight is in receipt of a request for a food truck.
He is aware we only have permits for ice cream trucks. Attorney Cainkar noted not many cities allow food trucks. Mayor Howley will investigate this issue and get back to Alderman Waight.
Alderman Ferrero has received a request for assistance from Great Oaks Condo Association with regards to a new parking lot. There was no recommendation at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Howley reported Dunkin Donuts is proposing a second location next to the City Hall in the shopping center. They will make a presentation at the next Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.