CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Howley on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 7:30 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. Szeszycki
  S. Zimmerman
• City Clerk, D. Catizone
• City Treasurer, D. Schramm
• City Attorney, V. Cainkar
• City Engineer, T. Lang
• Police Chief, A. Vodicka
• Public Works Director, L. Boettcher

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

Business Recognition

Mayor Howley welcomed Mr. Paul Nirchi of M’Lords Barber Shoppe and Mr. Rico Salerno of Rico’s Styling Salon. Mayor Howley presented each with a proclamation which congratulated them on over 40 years in business in Hickory Hills. At this time, a short break for a small celebration was taken.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 26, 2012 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Moirano second. Correction: Page 4, fifth paragraph, add Alderman McHugh to the aye vote. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Clover’s Garden

Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from Clover’s Garden for a temporary garden center to open on April 1, 2012 until July 1, 2012 at 87th Street and 88th Avenue. No objections were noted.

CITY CLERK

Hickory Hills Kiwanis request

Clerk Catizone received a request from HH Kiwanis Club to place an ad in their upcoming Showcase of Talent Show to be held on March 3rd and March 4th. It was the consensus of the Council to make the same donation as last year which was $160.00.

Boxing for Troops

Clerk Catizone noted the next boxing for the Troops will be on February 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.

Newsletter

Clerk Catizone reminded the Council the newsletter deadline is February 15th.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm requested a financial update be added to February 23rd Committee Meeting Agenda.

CITY ATTORNEY

CDBG Public Hearing

Alderman Moirano moved to open the Public Hearing of the City of Hickory Hills concerning the 2012 Cook County Community Development Block Grant Program at 8:11 p.m. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Ferrero, Moirano, 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, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved. The Public Hearing was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

Res. 12-01

Attorney Cainkar presented Resolution 12-01, a resolution approving a Grant Application for the 2012 Cook County Community Development Block Grant Program. This grant is in the amount of $80,000.00 for sanitary sewer repairs. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Resolution 12-01. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Zimmerman. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Lang presented an invoice from Central Blacktop in the amount of $24,517.73. Alderman Moirano moved to approve Invoice #90745 to Central Blacktop in the amount of $24,517.73 (2011 miscellaneous resurfacing, MFT 11-00000-01-GM, pay estimate #4 final). Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of February 2012 in the amount of $360,921.38. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

No report.

Zimmerman/Public Safety

No report.

Moirano/Public Works

Alderman Moirano reported that the area between 93rd Street to 95th Street & Roberts Road west to 85th Court is the most in need of eliminating infiltration into the sanitary sewer system. Public Works has proposed that 3,945 LF of sanitary sewer be lined in sizes from 8-12” inches with an estimated cost of $156,400 from Robinson Engineering. This above project is included in the CDBG 2012 application.

Alderman Moirano noted Public Works is conducting an onsite survey of store front properties for existing cross connection devices. For other properties, Public Works proposes an insert into the upcoming newsletter. A copy of this insert was distributed to the Council. If there are any concerns, they should be addressed before the newsletter deadline.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh reported the rents have been increased by $20.00 at Parkview and will be reflected when the leases are expired.

Stachnik/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Stachnik was absent. No report.

DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

Alderman DeRose noted he is in receipt of a check from Land and Lakes in the amount of $5,314.63. This check is for the months of October, November and December 2011. Alderman DeRose explained the rates on recyclable materials did increase a small amount in December.

Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

Alderman Ferrero reported that Community Affairs is currently working on plans for the Arbor Day Tree Sale.

Alderman Ferrero also mentioned she is working on contracting the bands for the Street Fair.

McAvoy/Chamber

Alderman McAvoy reported the Chamber Business After Hours Event will be held on March 8th at Green Hills Library from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman McAvoy asked if the Council would make a donation to the “Stand Dan Benefit”. Mr. Dan Stopka is a 20 year old young man who has suffered a spinal cord injury. He is a resident of Hickory Hills. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve a $200.00 donation from the discretionary fund to the Dan Stokpa Benefit. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Moirano, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Building Commissioner

Mayor Howley thanked Marilyn Gabrysiak for the fine job she has done in the Building Department since the passing of our building commissioner, Gordon Betcher.

Mayor Howley recommended Alderman John Moirano as part time Building Commissioner. He noted he has helped out on numerous times in the building department. Several Aldermen also voiced their support. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the appointment of Mr. John Moirano as Building Commissioner. Alderman McHugh second. Salary and stipends will be reviewed at budget time. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Moirano abstained. So approved.

Alderman Moirano announced he is resigning as Alderman of the 1st Ward and accepting the appointment as Building Commissioner.

1st Ward Aldermanic Appointment

Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Brian Waight as his choice for Alderman of the 1st Ward until April of 2013. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Brian Waight for the office of 1st Ward Alderman. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley called forward Mr. Waight for the swearing in ceremony.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.