January 13, 2011 City Council Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Clerk Joann Jackson on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 7:32 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Alderman Moirano move to appoint Alderman Scott Zimmerman, Chairman Pro Tem. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Alderman Zimmerman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following were present:

  • 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
  • City Engineer, T. Lang
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, G. Betcher
  • Deputy Clerk, D. Catizone

Mayor Mike Howley was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

Lights of Hickory Hills Decorating Contest Winners

At this time, Chairman Pro-tem Zimmerman presented the Christmas Decorating Awards to the families in attendance, extending our congratulations on outstanding efforts. A complete list of all winners is as follows:

First Ward

1st Place
Cordoba Gustavo
9026 S. 79th Avenue

2nd Place
Marek Tomeczkowicz
7911 W. 89th Place

Second Ward

1st Place
Janice Mastro
8310 W. 91st Street

2nd Place
Frank Scelfo
8540 W. 92nd Street

Third Ward

1st Place
Dennis Stewart
9028 Forest Lane

2nd Place
S. Leja
9017 W. 89th Street

Fourth Ward

1st Place
Karpowicz Residence
8800 S. 85th Court

2nd Place
Gary & Chris Kubis
8800 S. 83rd Avenue

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

Kathy Karpowicz
8800 S. 85th Court

Mrs. Karpowicz expressed her concern regarding the sewer sink hole in her rear yard and the sanitary sewer repair that was done in her area. She noted the horses that surround the hole are now sinking. Mr. Boetther noted in April they will be regrading this area. He also noted Public Works will televise the area and investigate the options for repair of this sanitary sewer pipe.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman Moirano 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 December 9, 2010 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Stachnik second. Correction: Page one, first paragraph, dated should read December 9, 2010. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Chairman Pro-tem Zimmerman presented a request for two temporary liquor licenses for St. Patricia Holy Name Society. 1) Super Bowl Party to be held on Sunday, February 6th and 2) Holy Name Society Fish Fry on March 11, 2011. Alderman Moirano moved to approve the two liquor licenses for Feb. 6th and March 11th with fees waived. Alderman Stachnik second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Jackson is in receipt of a request from the Stagg Music Boosters to place signs on 95th Street and Roberts Road and 88th Avenue and 95th Street, advertising their upcoming craft show on March 19th and March 20th. No objections were noted.

    Clerk Jackson is in receipt of a letter from the Census Bureau noting the release of the census numbers will be in February or March.

    Clerk Jackson thanked everyone who participated in the Lights of Hickory Hills Contest.

    Clerk Jackson reported the Blood Drive will be on Sunday, January 30th.

    CITY TREASURER

    Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated November 30, 2010 for approval. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the November 30, 2010 Treasurer’s Report. Alderman McAvoy second. Alderman McAvoy noted that the general fund seemed to be getting lower.

    Treasurer Schramm noted that the City has received a large portion of the taxes in December and January and will reflect as much in the next report. Treasurer Schramm also noted the State income taxes are very late usually 6 months behind. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Treasurer Schramm reported the city audit was completed in December and he will have a report by the next committee meeting.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    Alderman Moirano moved to open the Public Hearing of the City of Hickory Hills concerning the 2011 Cook County Community Development Block Grant Program. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved. Minutes are attached.

    Alderman Moirano moved to close the Public Hearing. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved. The Public Hearing was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

    Attorney Cainkar presented Resolution 11-01, a resolution of the City of Hickory Hills authorizing the execution of a subrecipient agreement for the project number 10-021 under the County of Cook Community Development Block Grant Program. Attorney Cainkar noted this grant is for $60,000.00 for reconstruction of 93rd Street from 82nd Avenue to Roberts Road and the north-south alley lying between 80th Court and Roberts Road from 93rd Street to 95th Street. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Resolution 11-01. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    CITY ENGINEER

    Mr. Lang presented Invoice No. 90478 from Central Blacktop Co. for work done on 91st Street Reconstruction (MFT 09-00059-00-FP ERP Job No. C/D-01-114-10 pay estimate #3 partial) in the amount of $95,201.78. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Invoice 90478 in the amount of $95,201.78. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Mr. Lang presented Invoice No. 09499 from City Lights Ltd. for work done on the 91st Street Lighting – 88th Avenue to Roberts Road (pay estimate #1 partial) in the amount of $237,556.88. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Invoice #09499 in the amount of $237,556.88. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman McHugh moved to approve bills payable for the first half of January 2011 in the amount of $787,036.36. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved

Alderman Moirano moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of December 2010 in the amount of $269,415.25. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    Alderman Szeszycki requested the sewer and water rates discussion be placed on the January 27th Committee Meeting along with the Radio Operators contract. He is also suggesting the meeting start at 6:00 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m. Treasurer Schramm would like to add a city financial update on the Committee Agenda. No objections were noted and the Committee Meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

    Zimmerman/Public Safety

    Chief Vodicka reported the annual report will be completed and handed out next month. Tonight, he distributed a quarterly productivity report. He noted for Oct/Nov/Dec, the police had 2509 calls for service. He reviewed this memo with the Council which included 932 state tickets, 737 parking tickets, 284 warning tickets with a total of 1698 tickets.

    Chief Vodicka noted the Hickory Hills Blood Drive will be held at the Community Center on January 30th.

    Alderman Zimmerman announced the Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church has opened a food pantry and they will be open on Wednesdays from 4 to 6. Any questions, you may call Debbie Zimmerman.

    Moirano/Public Works

    Alderman Moirano reported sanitary lining was completed by Insituform Company. Also, sewer joint grouting was suspended until warmer weather. In addition, some partial sewer lining patches were made to eliminate the need for Public Works to perform deep excavation for point repairs. Additional grouting and partial lining will be performed next spring with budgeted funds.

    Alderman Moirano reported the SCADA Phase I radio system is now in full operation for both water pump stations.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported the item on the agenda for the building code change is currently addressed in our code book and will not be addressed this evening. He also noted Marilyn Gabrysiak, Deputy Building Commissioner has complied information on steel buildings which was distributed to the Council.

    Alderman McHugh reported a meeting was held at Parkview today and this project is almost done.

    DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    No report submitted.

    Stachnik/Laws & Ordinances

    Alderman Stachnik presented two business license applications. 1) Folk Noda Studio located at 8617 W. 95th Street. This is a clothing store with 1 employee. 2) Ann’s Travel Center Corp and Income Tax Services located at 9525 S. 79th Avenue. This is a travel agency and income tax services with one employee. This approval will be pending Alderman Stachnik contacting the owner. No objections were noted.

    Alderman Stachnik noted Performance Auto Spa will have a new owner as of December. They are located at 9701 S. 78th Avenue.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

    Alderman Ferrero thanked everyone who helped judge the Lights of Hickory Hills Contest.

    McAvoy/Chamber

    No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman Szeszcyki asked if the SCADA program is complete. Mr. Boettcher noted the work is 99% complete.

Mr. Boettcher noted with the 88th Avenue project crosswalks has come into the conversation. If anyone has any input, please contact Mr. Boettcher.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

Executive Session

Alderman Stachnik moved to convene the meeting into Executive Session for discussion regarding personnel termination. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to reconvene into regular session and 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 9:15 p.m.