November 12, 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, November 12, 2009 at 7:33 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Howley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Howley led a moment of silence for the victims of the Fort Hood tragedy.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following were present:
- Mayor, M. Howley
- Aldermen:
L. DeRose
D. Ferrero
M. McHugh
J. Moirano
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
S. Zimmerman - City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Clerk, J. Jackson
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar (8:10 PM)
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- City Engineer, T. Lang
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
- Deputy Clerk, D. Catizone
Alderman McAvoy and Building Commissioner Gordon Betcher were 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 DeRose second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Bernie Fly
8926 Sycamore Drive
Mr. Flynn stated his area had another flood and asked the status of this problem. Mr. Boettcher reported this area was smoke tested for the purposes of finding broken pipes or other problems. He also noted Robinson Engineering has prepared a report of the televising in that area. The lining process should be completed by the end of next summer.
Mayor Howley stated that some individual’s lines are contributing to this problem.
Mrs. Debbie Groark
7909 W. 98th Street
Mrs. Goark addressed the issue of having a sidewalk placed on 79th Avenue on the east side. She distributed a map so the Council can view the traffic pattern at Dorn Primary Center. She stated there is no place for the parents to walk to the school safely. Mayor Howley stated Officer Scott Sodaro will review this matter and review the feasibility of this sidewalk.
Iwona Piwowarczyk
9045 S. 85th Court
Mrs. Piwowarczyk expressed her concern regarding a ravine behind her property. Occasionally there is debris and a bad odor coming from 91st Street down into her property. She noted this occurred during the summer. Mayor Howley asked that she call Public Works when this happens again and they can investigate the area.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Stachnik moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of October 22, 2009 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki aye. Alderman Zimmerman pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley reported McDonald’s opened last Thursday and is doing very well. He also noted that the new Les Brothers restaurant will open the first of December.
Mayor Howley noted the stamped leaves for the tollway bridge at 95th Street have been stained and look great.
Mayor Howley reported he and Sharon Marciano are currently working on a medical waste recycling day. More information to follow.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Jackson reported the next Council Meeting will be held on December 10th with a Committee Meeting to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Clerk Jackson noted the Clerk’s office will be decorating the tree at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, November 21st at 10:30 a.m.
Clerk Jackson reported the Veterans Memorial Service which was held on Wednesday was very nice.
Clerk Jackson noted Robinson Engineering will be holding its Holiday Party on December 5th.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated September 30, 2009 for approval. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated September 30, 2009. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Vince Cainkar will be late this evening so his report will appear later.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Lang presented a MFT Resolution 09-12. This appropriates MFT funds in the amount of $100,000.00 to our road program for next year. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Resolution 09-12. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman McHugh moved to approve bills payable for the first half of November in the amount of $363,036.04. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Alderman Moirano moved to approve the customary bills for the second half in November 2009. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Safety
Chief Vodicka reported the police department won the contest at the November Blood Drive. They have won over the Fire Department four out of five years.
Moirano/Public Works
Alderman Moirano reported Public Works has completed smoke testing in the west section of the City. Televising will tell what repairs will need to be completed.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported there will be a community dinner on November 19th from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. At that time a table would be set up to collect donations for the adoptaplatoon.
Alderman McHugh reported a holiday bingo will be held on December 8th. More information will follow.
DeRose/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling
Alderman Stachnik reported the Cook County Health Department is taking appointments to distribute the H1N1 vaccine. Anyone interested can call (708) 836-8600 or (708) 974-6160. The CCHD is requesting that older adults wait to receive this vaccine.
Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported the Children’s Halloween Party went very well.
Alderman Ferrero noted the next planned event will be the Tree Lighting ceremony on Tuesday, November 24th at 6:30 p.m.
Alderman Ferrero also noted the House Decorating Contest will be held on Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m.
McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development
Alderman McAvoy was absent. No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Clerk Jackson congratulated Dee Catizone for receiving her Municipal Clerk Certification through the Municipal Clerks of Illinois.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 09-23, an ordinance levying taxes for the general corporate and other purposes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2009 and ending April 30, 2010, for the City of Hickory Hills. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve Ordinance 09-23. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 09-24, an ordinance amending Chapter 41, traffic, by amending Section 41.24, administrative adjudication of vehicular standing, parking and compliance violations, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. Attorney Cainkar noted all municipalities have received a request from the Secretary of State to review vehicular standing or parking violation programs which allow for the suspension of driving privileges of those persons who have 10 or more unpaid standing or parking violations. Attorney Cainkar reviewed the Municipal Code and made two changes which notifies an individual that they may request a photostatic copy of the original ticket and amended the fine schedule to limit the maximum fine to $250.00 in accordance with State statute. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Ordinance 09-24. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Moirano second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.