September 27, 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, September 27, 2018, 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, D. Ferrero
H. Kman
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Chief Engineer, M. Spolar
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Alderman Brian Fonte was 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 Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Cesar Romero
8901 S. 83rd Court
Hickory Hills
Mr. Romero thanked the Council for all their assistance with the flooding issue in his area. The problem was resolved and he wished to thank everyone involved in this project. He also thanked the Council for all the wonderful things they do for the residents of Hickory Hills.
Mayor Howley thanked Mr. Romero and his neighbors for bringing the information to the Council.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of September 13, 2018 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Kman pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Trick/Treat Hours – Mayor Howley recommended the Trick and Treat Hours be 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the recommendation of Trick or Treat Hours 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Block Party – Mayor Howley noted the Darrah’s Block Party this last weekend was very nice.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a request from the Stagg Music Boosters to place signs up advertising the Arts & Craft Show on November 10th and 11th. No objections were noted.
Clerk Catizone announced the Consolidated Election will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. You can begin circulating petitions on September 18th. The filing period will be December 10th through December 17th.
Clerk Catizone noted for the Howl though the Hills 5K, 116 has signed up along with 25 sponsors.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated August 31, 2018 for approval. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated August 31, 2018. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar updated the City Council on the meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 19th for the property owners of Colonial Apartments. He noted it went very well and 5 or 6 property owners were present. The next step will be easement acquisitions.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of September, 2018 in the amount of $155,235.97. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki distributed a memo with the video gaming revenues.
Stachnik/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Ms. Lehr reported the Public Works current mechanic is retiring this month. Mr. Dale Christensen has been Public Works’ mechanic for eight years and has always serviced our vehicles with a smile on his face. The PW department will be having pie at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28th at the PW garage, all are welcome.
Public Works proposes to move a current employee, Mr. Marks Hernandez into the Mechanics Grade 1 position. Mr. Hernandez has over 19 years of experience being a municipal mechanic. No objections were noted.
Ms. Lehr also proposed the hiring of Mr. Larz Stanford as a full-time employee in the utility operator classification. Public Works is recommending entering the standard probationary period for Mr. Stanford. He will be starting out as Grade E utility operator/laborer. No objections were noted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte was absent. No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported the decorations have been ordered for the holiday season.
Alderman Ferrero reminded the Council of the following event dates; October 20th, is the 5K Run and Children’s Halloween Party.
November 20th is the tree lighting ceremony and December 8th, is the Children’s Christmas Party. Lastly, December 11th is the Annual Lights of Hickory Hills Contest.
Kman/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Kman thanked the Police Department with their recent cooperation with residents’ complaint of speeding.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Building Commissioner Moirano led a discussion on fence permits, corner lots and side yards. No decision was made at this time. Attorney Cainkar will review are current fence ordinance.
Building Commissioner Moirano also mentioned the new development on 87th Street of townhomes and fences. They would like to place a 6’ foot fence with lattice on top to divide each townhome. Mr. Moirano will talk with the Aldermen of this Ward to determine if contractor can move forward.
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, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 p.m.