January 25, 2018 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, January 25, 2018, at 7:34 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
H. Kman
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - Acting City Clerk, M. Doherty
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Chief Engineer, M. Spolar
- 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 Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mrs. Joann Uznanski
8645 S. Kean
Mrs. Uznanski voiced her concern with the massive amount of leaves coming into her yard from the forest preserve. She noted she paid $300 for removal of these leaves last year but cannot continue to do so. The fences that were installed are not blocking them. She stated her house collects most of the leaves on this block. Mrs. Uznanski has called several places including Stagg High School looking for volunteers but there were no responses. Alderman Ferrero stated students are not allowed to do this type of work. Alderman Fonte will follow up with volunteer programs including the forest preserve and if necessary, a cheaper lawn service option.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Zimmerman moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 11, 2018 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley reported the Tollway meeting on Monday, January 22nd went well. It was attended by several Tollway officials but less attended by residents. Those that did attend seemed satisfied with the presentation.
May’s Grand Opening – Mayor Howley stated May’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, February 2nd at 2:00 p.m. All are invited.
SW Conference of Mayors – Mayor Howley reported he will be attending the Southwest Conference of Mayors meeting on Wednesday, January 31st.
McDonald’s Corp. – Mayor Howley shared an email from McDonald’s regarding their Global Sustainability Program. They aim by 2025 to use 100% recycled products for their packaging and to recycle 100% of their packaged goods.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone received a request from Stagg High School Music Boosters to place signs at 98th & Roberts, 95th & Keane and 95th & 88th Avenue for their annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show on March 17th & March 18th. No objections were noted.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated December 31, 2017 for approval. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated December 31, 2017. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report.
CITY ENGINEER
No report.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of January 2018 in the amount of $286,828.22. Alderman Fonte second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Alderman Stachnik reported the Council should be in receipt of the memos from the Police Department regarding the Quarterly Reports (October, November and December) and the Chronic Nuisance Property Report for the 4th Quarter 2017.
Zimmerman/Public Works
No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported that the heat at Parkview has been fixed. There is one vacant apartment. Out of 72 apartments, 16 have not been refurbished. He stated these could possibly be completed in the next year or two.
The blood drive will be held this Sunday, January 28th.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight reported he is in receipt of two business certificate applications. 1) Retail Services WIS Corporation located at 7667 W. 95th Street. 2) Ultimo Motors located at 7725 W. 98th Street. No objections were noted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
No report submitted.
Kman/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Kman reported that the developer at Hickory Hills Plaza at 87th Street & 88th Avenue reached out to him and Alderman Fonte requesting a meeting. Besides improving the façade, he is considering adding other buildings like a medical facility, drive-thru bank or office building in the green space area. The developer would like this meeting to take place next week.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman McHugh mentioned the status of car stickers for Public Works vehicles. This matter will be looked into.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
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, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.