April 23, 2009 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, April 23, 2009 at 7:38 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
    L. DeRose
    D. Ferrero
    T. McAvoy
    M. McHugh
    J. Moirano
    J. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk J. Jackson
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • Chief of Police, A. Vodicka
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Building Commissioner, G. Betcher
  • Deputy Public Works Director, R. Rice
  • Deputy City Clerk, D. Catizone

Public Works Director Larry Boettcher was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

Alderman Moirano moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman McHugh moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Szeszycki second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Moirano moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of April 9, 2009 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki aye. Alderman Zimmerman pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Mayor Howley reported he is in receipt of a request from Andy’s Roadhouse for a Class W Entertainment License. He requested to have a DJ or maybe a band in the basement of the Roadhouse. Mr. Opacian, owner of the Roadhouse, was present to answer any questions. There was some discussion on what is needed in this basement. The Council decided to look into this matter further. It was also recommended that Mr. Opacian call the Fire Inspector to inspect the area.

    Mayor Howley presented Resolution 09-08, a resolution urging passage of a comprehensive capital infrastructure program. This is relating to a capital infrastructure program for the State of Illinois in which each local government receives an equitable share. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Res. 09-08. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Ferrero, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mayor Howley presented an Arbor Day Proclamation supporting our City’s urban forestry program.

    Mayor Howley is in receipt of a liquor license request from St. Patricia to hold their Family Fest on August 28th and August 29th. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve a temporary liquor license for St. Patricia Holy Name Society on August 28th and 29th with fees waived. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mayor Howley noted KoKo’s Restaurant is now open for lunch and dinner. They are now requesting a Class B Liquor License. Alderman Moirano moved to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance amending the number of Class B licenses. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mayor Howley reported Phase II of the 95th Street Corridor Enhancement project is the landscaping and street signs. These will be utilized through our half million dollar stimulus grant that the City received from the Federal Government. He has met with Planning Resources and felt they are a nice fit with the City’s ideas. He recommended the City Attorney finalize the contract with Planning Resources. Consensus of the Council was to move forward on this project. Alderman Moirano moved to direct the City Attorney to finalize this contract with Planning Resources. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    It was noted that Phase III of the 95th Street Program could include the pond at 95th Street and Roberts Road.

    Mayor Howley noted Congressman Lipinski will hold a meeting on Saturday to discuss federal appropriations requests. Mayor Howley will review some projects with City Engineer Tom Lang.

    Mayor Howley reported he is waiting for an update on the PACE Bus Routes that will begin in June. PACE is currently holding hearings regarding these new routes. He also noted Route 379 will run on the ½ hour instead of the hour.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Jackson reported on Saturday she attended the Hickory Hills Youth Baseball’s parade along with Alderman McAvoy and DeRose. Later that morning, she attended the Walk Around the Pond at Prairie Pond.

    Clerk Jackson reported last week she and Chief Vodicka attended the Cook County Sheriff’s Senior Medal of Honor Awards at which time resident, Wally Sura, was honored.

    Clerk Jackson informed the Council the Census Bureau is currently going door to door. They will have badges on to identify themselves.

    Clerk Jackson reported the Beautification Committee will be meeting at City Hall on Monday, April 27th.

    CITY TREASURER

    Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report for period ending March 31, 2009. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report of March 2009. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Treasurer Schramm noted the Zoning Board will be using the Council Chamber on Monday, May 11th. The budget meeting will be held at the Community Center.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    No report submitted.

    CITY ENGINEER

    Mr. Lang reported the bids were opened on April 22nd for the 2009 street resurfacing project. Bids were as follows:

    Central Blacktop – $398,033.78

    Crowley Sheppard Asphalt – $425,908.65

    Gallagher Asphalt Co. – $449,188.31

    James D. Fiala Paving – $440,476.00

    Alderman Moirano moved to award the bid to Central Blacktop Co. in the amount of $398,033.78. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

Finding of Fact
McDonald’s

Mayor Howley presented the Finding of Fact for McDonald’s located at 7600-7620 West 95th Street. This hearing was held on April 20, 2009. The following variations were granted:

  1. The height of the pylon sign on the east lot is allowed to exceed the 25’ height limit.
  2. Parking stalls variation from Sec. 4.11 to locate parking within 2’ of the property line.
  3. Variation from Sec. 4.11 a reduction of required parking spaces from 38 to 27 spaces.
  4. Variation from Sec 4.13 to locate parking within 10’ of a residential garage.

The vote at the ZBA was 6 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. Mayor Howley noted he has received confirmation from the developer that he is obligated to build a garage for Mr. Gumbash. Mayor Howley stated a fence should extend from 76th to 78th Avenue. McDonald’s representatives are present to answer questions. One question was if there was any consideration for a sign east of the bridge on 95th Street. Attorney Bridget O’Keefe stated they have no ownership of property east of the bridge. Attorney O’Keefe explained because of the different elevations and viaduct, the sign needs to be very high. At the hearing the Zoning Board did not address the issue of the height of the sign. However, the 92 foot height was approved by the City Council. Attorney Cainkar noted this would not set a precedent for other business in that area.

Alderman Moirano moved to approve the Finding of the Fact for McDonald’s Restaurant subject to removing the message board at the 45 foot mark and adding a 6 to 8 foot fence. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman McHugh moved to approve bills payable for the second half of April 2009 in the amount of $260,363.78. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    Alderman Szeszycki reported he will have a meeting next week with the insurance broker regarding this year’s health insurance increase.

    Zimmerman/Public Safety

    Chief Vodicka received yet another traffic safety award by the Illinois Department of Transportation. This recognizes the police department’s dedication to traffic safety.

    Moirano/Public Works

    Alderman Moirano reported that the Clear Water Program is almost complete for the multifamily structures and most of the commercial establishments. The remaining properties that have failed to schedule an inspection or have not completed repairs after 60 days were posted for water shut off in 14 days. In addition, sanitary manholes are being inspected and repaired if necessary.

    Alderman Moirano noted sanitary flow testing has commenced in the Sycamore and Orchard Drive area. The MWRD set the flow measuring devices this week at the City manholes.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    No report submitted.

    DeRose/Laws & Ordinances Ordinances

    No report submitted.

    Stachnik/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    No report submitted

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory

    Alderman Ferrero reported Arbor Day activities are going as planned for Saturday, May 2, 2009.

    Alderman Ferrero noted she has signed the contract for the 2 bands that will perform at the Street Fair. Currently, there are 30 crafters and 3 food vendors.

    McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

    Alderman McAvoy gave an update on the votes cast at St. Patricia.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Chief Vodicka thanked the Holy Name Society for cooking and serving breakfast at the Blood Drive. It was very successful.

Clerk Jackson reported Com Ed has dropped off the 2008 annual report for review.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Alderman Ferrero moved to convene into executive session for the purpose of discussion on non union employee salaries and pending litigation. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to reconvene into the regular meeting and to adjourn the regular meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Zimmerman second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.