June 9, 2011 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 9, 2011 at 7:31 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
  T. McAvoy
  M. McHugh
  J. Moirano
  J. Stachnik
  J. Szeszycki
  S. Zimmerman
• City Clerk, D. Catizone
• City Treasurer, D. Schramm
• City Attorney, V. Cainkar
• Police Chief, A. Vodicka
• City Engineer, T. Lang
• Deputy Public Works Director, R. Rice

Alderman Ferrero, Building Commissioner Gordon Betcher and Public Works Director Larry Boettcher 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 McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mike Kincinas/Kristen Pirelli
8827 Lotus Drive

Mr. Kincinas voiced their concerns with a drainage issue in their back yard. They have standing water and it never seems to dry completely. They are asking what they can do to end this water issue. Mayor Howley stated that when the 88th Avenue street improvement project starts this may alleviate some of the water. He noted Cook County will go out for bid on this project in June.
City Engineer Tom Lang stated this project calls for a larger sewer that may help these residents. Another option is to connect to the larger drain in Mr. Vaci’s backyard.

Mr. Angelo Vaci
89th Street

Mr. Vaci explained that he has a problem with water in his backyard whenever it rains. Mayor Howley stated that he feels that the improvements of 88th Avenue and the installation of a larger sewer may relieve some of Mr. Vaci’s concerns.

Ms. Mary Fontana
President, Hickory Heights Condo Assoc.
8610 W. 95th Street

Ms. Fontana expressed her concern on several issues. First, the grass has not come back along the 95th Street area where the pavers were installed. Also, grass is coming up through the pavers. She noted when this work was being done, the sprinkler system was damaged. City Engineer Tom Lang noted she should contact the contractor and he will provide the phone number. Mayor Howley noted the grass should be restored by the contractor and this work was placed on the list for repairs.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman Zimmerman moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, 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 May 26, 2011 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Stachnik pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley reported he is in receipt of a request from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation to place a manned attendant collection trailer at Hillcreek Shopping Center. This will be discussed at the next Council meeting.

Welcome Home Proclamation

Mayor Howley read a Welcome Home Proclamation honoring the Veterans returning home from the military.

Newsletter

Mayor Howley reported the newsletter was completed today and is at the printer.

Banner Program

Mayor Howley noted the banners will be installed along 95th Street in July.

Shell Grand Opening

Mayor Howley announced the Shell on 95th Street is planning an open house towards the end of the month. The owner has planned to raise an American Flag and the City Flag.

Charity Golf Outing

Mayor Howley thanked everyone who participated in the Golf outing. Mr. George Les won the tournament. He noted the outing raised $6,000.00 for the Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported the City has officially requested to be a passport facility. She is waiting for a response from the Secretary of State’s Office.

Clerk Catizone noted there was a problem with the desk chairs in the Clerk’s office, but they were still under warranty and were repaired.

Clerk Catizone stated the Clerk’s office along with the Treasurer’s office is having a new server installed. We are a week or so away from all employees receiving an email address.

Clerk Catizone reported a Safety Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd at 10:00 a.m. These meetings will be held twice a year to review and address any safety concerns.

Clerk Catizone is in receipt of one block party request for 94th Street between 83rd Court and 84th Avenue on July 9th from 4:00-11:00. No objections were noted.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2011. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report for May 31, 2011. Alderman Moirano second. Treasurer Schramm stated on Page 2, the EPA/MSD Fund you will notice has been around for many years and is gradually being reduced to cover operating expenses. This will be zero and done away with. On Page 4, The Special Service Area #4 Bond Sinking Fund will be closed out soon and has a balance of $19,000.00. Finally, on Page 5, the 911 Service Fund will need a transfer of funds from the 911 Capital Fund. Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Lang reported the work being done on the corners of Roberts Road should be completed by the Street Fair. The contractors were delayed by the rain but they assure him the work will be finished by the end of June.

COMMUNICATIONS

Alderman Stachnik moved to approve bills payable for the first half of June 2011 in the amount of $377,372.82. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

BILLS PAYABLE

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki reported he has met with the Employee Insurance Committee and they have decided to go with the Option 1 and the VSP vision insurance. Treasurer Schramm stated they have not yet settled the life insurance. The City is considering changing the tiers from five to two. In regards to the supplemental life insurance, this will remain the same.

Zimmerman/Public Safety

No report submitted.

Chief Vodicka reported next Friday is the Park District’s Annual bike rodeo and the Police Department will be helping out at this event.

Chief Vodicka noted the Police Department will hold a beverage alcohol seller and servers training and education seminar for all liquor licensees and their staff. A representative from the Secretary of State’s Operation Straight ID Program will also teach age-verification techniques and how to detect fake identification. The seminar will be held on Friday, June 17th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hickory Hills Community Center.

Chief Vodicka reported the Police Department received third place in the Championship Division for this year’s Traffic Safety Award.

Moirano/Public Works

Alderman Moirano reported Public Works has picked up the new pickup truck. Mr. Rice noted it was purchased at the State Purchase Price from a local dealer.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh reported Parkview had no problems with the recent rain. He also noted it is at full capacity.

Stachnik/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.

McAvoy/Chamber

No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.