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June 25, 2009 City Council Meeting Minutes

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CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Howley on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 7:32 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
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Building Commissioner, G. Betcher
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Deputy Clerk, D. Catizone

There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

Police Presentation

Chief Vodicka recognized Mr. Tom Jensen who has served on the Fire & Police Commission for several years. He will be moving to Orland Park and will be missed. Chief Vodicka presented Mr. Jensen with a token of our appreciation for his years of service to the City. Mayor Howley also made a presentation to Mr. Jensen.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

Alderman Moirano moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero 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 McAvoy moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Stachnik 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 June 11, 2009 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Correction: Page 4; sentence should include a report from the Fire Prevention Officer along with ESDA Director. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. Aldermen DeRose and McAvoy pass. So approved.

Health Care Benefits Discussion

Alderman Szeszycki reported he and Treasurer Schramm have done all they can to bring in the best health care benefits to the City. He reviewed the budget numbers stating the City is trying to accomplish an annual cost reduction without temporary lay offs or terminating any City employees. He noted 60 employees are eligible to take health insurance. Out of this 60, 42 are on a PPO, 5 on a HMO and 13 waive health benefits. The July 1st premium would have a 5.22% increase. Alderman Szeszcyki reviewed the recommended change from 90-10 to 80-20 and an increase in prescription co-pays. This change would reflect an approximate savings of $24,000.00. He also reviewed the changes in premiums from past years and noted there was only one decrease and the rest were increases. This change is recommended to balance the budget due to current economic conditions. Alderman Szeszycki moved to accept the recommendation to change the health benefits from 90/20 to 80/20 with a 1% increase in premium. Alderman Moirano second.

At this time, Mayor Howley noted anyone can speak to the Council. Sue Lehr, Public Works, spoke on behalf of the insurance committee stating they would like to have the insurance remain the same. She noted there have been double digit increases in the past. Officer Glenn Tienstra from the Police Department also voiced that the police would like to remain the same because there are some major changes in the proposed plan. Sgt. Jason Bray spoke stating he has insurance for a reason and he would like it to remain the same. These changes would directly affect everyone and it is not representing the best interest of the employee. Treasurer Schramm stated there was an unexpected shortfall in the revenues last year. If the City doesn’t do anything, the deficit will grow.

He noted that the 47 employees need to share in this cost reduction goal by accepting the proposed change in health benefits. Officer Bray asked if the City has looked at the insurance incentive and if this could be reviewed. Also, he suggested for the future that union contracts be negotiated for shorter lengths. Alderman Moirano noted all comments are well received and he would like everyone to work together.

Mayor Howley thanked all the employees for attending the meeting and their willingness to share ideas. He also thanked Treasurer Schramm and Alderman Szeszycki for all their work on this matter. Mayor Howley expressed his concern for difficult budget times but would not recommend changing benefits at this time. He doesn’t know if this same opinion will hold to next year.

Roll on the motion to change health benefits. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, Szeszycki aye. Aldermen McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Zimmerman nay. Motion fails.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Mayor Howley presented an Olympic Day Proclamation. This proclaims June 23, 2009 as Olympic Day.

    Mayor Howley presented Res. 09-09, a resolution declaring Sunday, August 23rd as Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller MSpS in the City of Hickory Hills. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Res. 09-09. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mayor Howley noted he will be meeting next week with Mr. Danos regarding 76th Avenue along with the 1st Ward Aldermen and Larry Boettcher.

    Mayor Howley reported the Beautification Committee is seeking new members. They would like two members per ward. If anyone knows of anyone, please contact him.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Jackson reported she visited Officer Tom Dietz who is recovering from injuries from a fall.

    Clerk Jackson thanked Alderman McAvoy for his 3rd Ward newsletter.

    Clerk Jackson reported BP will hold a special promotion event on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

    Clerk Jackson noted she has a request from a resident who is having a party with a band at 9020 79th Avenue. No objections were noted.

    Clerk Jackson is in receipt of a block party request for 90th Street between the 81st Avenue intersection and the 82nd Avenue intersection. No objections were noted.

    Clerk Jackson has also received a request for a graduation party on July 18th where they would like to close a segment of 92nd Street. No objections were noted.

    Clerk Jackson is in receipt of a request from PLOWS Council on Aging for a donation. Consensus of the Council was to give it to the Senior Task Force with a cap of $200.00.

    Clerk Jackson has a request from St. Patricia for their upcoming golf outing. This request was denied.

    Clerk Jackson reported the IML conference will be held September 24-26, 2009 in Chicago. She has more information for anyone who plans on attending.

    CITY TREASURER

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

    CITY ATTORNEY

    Public Hearing
    Proposed Appropriation

    Mayor Howley opened the public hearing for the proposed appropriation ordinance.

    No one spoke during this public hearing.

    Mayor Howley closed the public hearing.

    Ord. 09-15

    Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 09-15, an ordinance providing for a budget and appropriation for corporate and other purposes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2009, and ending April 30, 2010, for the City of Hickory Hills, Cook County. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve Ord. 09-15. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Ord. 09-16

    Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 09-16, an ordinance authorizing disposal by public auction/sale of personal property owned by the City of Hickory Hills. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Ord. 09-17

    Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 09-17, an ordinance amending Section 6.06, turning on water; seals, of Chapter 6, water service, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. This will clear up some matters of the past ordinance. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ord. 09-17. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszcyki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Ord. 09-12

    Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 09-12, an ordinance approving a franchise agreement between the City of Hickory Hills and Comcast of Illinois/Indiana, a Florida General Partnership, for a ten-year period until June 24, 2019. This franchise agreement has changes from the original one proposed by Comcast and incorporates changes from the Wilmette Comcast franchise agreement. Aldermen McHugh moved to approve Ord. 09-12. Alderman Zimmerman second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    CITY ENGINEER

    Tom Lang presented Invoice #08-018.01 from Crowley Sheppard Asphalt Co. for final payment in the amount of $25,870.63 (MFT 08-00000-01-GM, CDBG 07-005 pay estimate #6 final). Alderman Moirano moved to approve Crowley Sheppard Invoice #08-018.01 in the amount of $25,870.63. Alderman McAvoy second.

    Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Stachnik moved to approve bills payable for the second half of June in the amount of $280,051.95. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    No report submitted.

    Zimmerman/Public Safety

    No report submitted.

    Chief Vodicka reported he has given a status report on Officer Dietz to the Council.

    Moirano/Public Works

    Alderman Moirano reported he has been contacted regarding lane closures on 87th Street and Roberts Road. Public Works has requested a meeting with IDOT for clarification.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    No report submitted.

    DeRose/Laws & Ordinances Ordinances

    Alderman DeRose is in receipt of one business license request for Life Lessons Learning Center located at 7667 W. 95th Street, Unit 209. This is an office with one employee for now. No objections were noted.

    Stachnik/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    Alderman Stachnik reported that he has received communication for a recall on ground beef. For more information you can contact USDA at (773) 622-1400.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory

    Alderman Ferrero reported that plans for the street fair are set and we have 110 crafters and 16 food vendors.
    Board

    McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

    Alderman McAvoy reported the Chamber held it’s breakfast meeting on June 4th.

    Alderman McAvoy noted he has 60-68 volunteers for the Street Fair Bingo Tent and also has prizes valued at over $3,000.00.

    Alderman McAvoy thanked Marc Matteson for his assistance in placing the business directory on the City’s website.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    Alderman McHugh questioned if the streets in the 1st Ward can be looked at because grass is growing through the cracks. Mr. Boettcher noted he doesn’t have the personnel at this time. He noted he can spray for weeds. Mr. Boettcher will review this matter.

    Mayor Howley noted the City now has laminated signs for PACE route changes.

    Mayor Howley also noted he has a request from Andy’s Road House for the Street Fair events. Aldermen will contact Andy.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Alderman Moirano moved to convene into executive session for the purpose of collective bargaining. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszcyki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Alderman Ferrero moved to convene back into the regularly scheduled meeting. Alderman DeRose second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Andy’s Roadhouse

Council consensus to approve the building permit for Andy’s Roadhouse as long as he follows all building codes and guidelines.

Leaf Program

Also, after some discussion it was determined that the leaf pick-up by the City would be terminated due to budget constraints.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.