June 27, 2019 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, June 27, 2019 at 7:31 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Howley introduced Ms. Madeline Purtill to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Madeline is celebrating her 12th birthday today and is the daughter of Alderman Pat Purtill. Alderman Purtill wished his daughter a very Happy Birthday.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following were present:
- Mayor, M. Howley
Aldermen, D. Ferrero
B. Fonte
H. Kman
M. McHugh
P. Purtill
J. Stachnik
B. Waight - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Attorney, B. Attard
- City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- City Engineer, M. Arnold
- Police Lt, T. Stevens
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Alderman Zimmerman was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Stachnik moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, aye. So approved.
Mr. Mike Walsh
8610 W. 92nd Street
Mr. Walsh stated he attended a Council meeting last year regarding the issue he would like to discuss.
Mr. Walsh is concerned regarding the property located at 8620 W. 92nd Street. He noted the property’s landscaping is in worse condition. There is construction material in the driveway. There is also a ditch in the backyard for new electrical service that is open since last fall. He realizes city staff is working on this but he thought the City could take more steps going forward. Mayor Howley noted the City has issued 9 citations on this property. The City has taken the steps and have involved the City attorneys. Building Commissioner Moirano stated he met with the bank lender at the property. She noted a crew will be out to the property to mow the lawn possible next week. The Building Department have given her licensed contractors. All these issues on the property were noted to the bank lender. Mayor Howley stated this has been an eyesore for far too long. Mayor Howley would like to arrange a meeting with the bank lender, City attorney, Building Commissioner and Aldermen.
Mr. Walsh suggested if any permits are issued, the drainage issue should be addressed at this time. The drainage problem can be worked into any building permits issued at a future date.
Kathy Eckert
9335 S. 82nd Court
Mrs. Eckert is present to receive an update on the flooding issue she brought to the Council’s attention last meeting.
Mayor Howley stated the City Engineering firm will be conducting an analysis of that area. Ms. Lehr stated she has been to the property and discussed the water pattern. Ms. Lehr noted all the catch basins were vacuumed and the sewers were televised to make sure the infrastructure is working properly. She noted there is no quick fix. The City engineering firm will complete the analysis.
Mrs. Eckert is also concerned with illegal fireworks. Lt. Stevens noted the Police will go to a property and give a verbal warning followed by a ticket.
Mrs. Eckert voiced her concern with a Cook County Sheriff car being parked on the street overnight.
Alderman McHugh stated the Cook County Sheriff’s staff have a general order to keep their cars on the street in case they are called out.
Darlene Demonbreun
8616 S. 85th Court
Mrs. Demonbreun voiced her concerns with a drainage issue she feels is caused by neighbors. She noted she has called the building department in the past. She stated due to the new construction Public Works Director Lehr will investigate and get back to Mrs. Demonbreun.
Mrs. Anna Grzesiak
9345 S. 82nd Court
Mrs. Grzesiak is a neighbor of Mrs. Eckert’s (9335 S. 82nd Court) and she voiced her concerns with flooding on her street.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of June 13, 2019 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley congratulated resident Max Strus. He was recently drafted by the Boston Celtics Basketball team. He is a local who attend A.A. Stagg and DePaul University. He has already designated a charity he will be supporting.
The charity is the Andrew Weishar Foundation, they work with pediatric patients with cancer. Alderman McHugh moved to approve a $200.00 donation from the discretionary fund to the Andrew Weishar Foundation. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley extended his thoughts and prayers to former Alderman Lou DeRose who has been recently hospitalized.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a block party request on Maple Lane for Saturday, August 3rd. They are requesting the street be closed off from Oakwood to 89th Street. No objections were noted.
Clerk Catizone distributed results of the “At Your Door” satisfaction survey.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Vodicka reported he attended a Treasurer’s Conference in Utica and obtained 12 hours towards certification.
Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2019 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2019. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Ms. Arnold presented Invoice #21860A, an invoice from AC Pavement Striping Company for work done on the 2019 MFT Microsurfacing (pay estimate #1, partial) in the amount of $74,779.53. Alderman Waight moved to approve Invoice #21860A in the amount of $74,779.53 to AC Pavement Striping Company. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight aye. So approved.
Ms. Arnold reported Robinson Engineering has reviewed the bids submitted at the letting on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. A tabulation of the bids are as follows:
H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water Inc. $860,963.00
Archon Construction Co., Inc. $916,819.00
M&J Underground Inc. $1,046,323.00
Steve Spiess Construction Inc. $1,116,833.00
The Engineer’s estimate of cost for this project was $878,286.00. Therefore, she is recommending awarding the contract to H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water Inc. for the bid amount of $860,963.00. Alderman Purtill moved to approve the contract to H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water Inc. in the amount of $860,963.00. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight aye. Alderman McHugh nay. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of June 2019 in the amount of $575,547.42. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
Alderman Kman noted he had a meeting with the City’s insurance carrier and he will have quotes in August.
Alderman Kman reported he is still collecting prizes for the bingo at the Street Fair.
Stachnik/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Public Works Director Lehr reported the area where the Street Fair Beer Tent is located has been sprayed for insects. This application lasts for 30 days.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported Parkview is running well and there are 2 vacancies. However, these will be rented soon.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte reported the bingo vendor for the Street Fair is requesting a small tent of advertising on the day of the Street Fair. No objections were noted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported currently there are 53 crafters, 21 businesses and 18 food vendors who have committed to the Street Fair and plans have been completed.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman McHugh requested the Building Department investigate a tree removal on 89th Street near the Parkview Apartments.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Ferrero requested the City look into the shopping mall on 87th Street and 88th Avenue. She noted the maintenance of the property needs to be improved.
Mayor Howley stated he has spoken to the new management company and they are aware of the situation.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.