March 22, 2012 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, March 22, 2012 at 7:35 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. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    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
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

Mr. Mark Donahue
Green Grease Environmental

Mr. Donahue is present to answer any questions the Council may have on his proposed business, Green Grease Environmental which will be located at 7740 W. 99th Street. He also explained that his business would like to offer any assistance to the City.

Mrs. Lynn Paradise
8716 S. 83rd Avenue

Mrs. Paradise would like to start a blue star banner program for veterans in Hickory Hills. She would like families to have a blue star flag in their windows. Mayor Howley acknowledged this is a wonderful program and will put Mrs. Paradise in touch with Mr. Jim Kruse of the adopt a platoon program.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman Stachnik moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of March 8, 2012 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Correction: On Ordinance 12-4, should include water and sewer in this Ordinance. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Ferrero pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Fire Sprinkler Inspector

    Mayor Howley turned this over to Building Commissioner Moirano. Mr. Moirano stated Mr. Jim Groark has all the credentials to become the City’s Fire Sprinkler Inspector. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the appointment of Mr. James Groark as Fire Sprinkler Inspector until May 1, 2012. Alderman McAvoy second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Pepe’s

    Mayor Howley reported Pepe’s may have a new owner. Prospective owners are in negotiations.

    CP Auto

    Mayor Howley noted the tanks are now being removed from the closed CP Auto on 87th Street and Kean Avenue.

    School Dist. 117

    Mayor Howley discussed the article in the newspaper regarding the building of a new junior high school or remodeling Conrady Jr. High School. He noted they are in the preliminary discussions.

    Wendy’s Remodeling

    Mayor Howley noted he will be meeting with the Wendy’s representative in April to discuss their remodeling project.

    Betty’s Bistro

    Mayor Howley reported he has met with the representative of Betty’s Bistro who is interested in locating to Hickory Hills.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Catizone reported last Wednesday she went to the Senior Luncheon and it was very well attended.

    Clerk Catizone noted the Clerk’s Office is selling radon testing kits for $7.00.

    Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of the State Liquor License for this year’s Street Fair.

    CITY TREASURER

    No report submitted.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    Ord. 12-5

    Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance #12-5, an ordinance amending Section 13.13, scavenger service, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code by changing the scavenger service fee. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Ord. 12-5. Alderman McHugh second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    CITY ENGINEER

    Mr. Lang presented Res. 12-3, a resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality under the Illinois Highway Code in the amount of $600,000.00. This would cover the annual street program. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Res. 12-3. Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of March 2012 in the amount of $585,800.81. Alderman Waight second.
Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    No report.

    Stachnik/Public Safety

    Chief Vodicka reported that discussion was held during the Committee Meeting regarding hiring one patrol officer to replace the retiring officer. Alderman Stachnik moved to direct the Fire/Police Commission to hire one patrol officer. Alderman Zimmerman second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Chief Vodicka distributed an article on the federal sting operation that took place January 30th which involved one of the Hickory Hills Police. Also, he distributed a memo regarding the deadly force incident. He noted as of today based upon his assessment, both officers were justified in their response and no charges are pending.

    Zimmerman/Public Works

    Mr. Boettcher reported he gave an overview at the Committee Meeting of the 88th Avenue reconstruction.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported on the purchase of a new generator for the Community Center. Bids have not been finalized and he will have further information at the next Council meeting.

    Waight/Laws & Ordinances

    Alderman Waight is in receipt of two business applications 1) Green Grease Environmental located at 7740 W. 99th Street. 2) Healing Hands Massage located at 7834 W. 95th Street. No objections were noted.

    DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    Alderman DeRose reminded everyone to file their Statement of Economic Interest with Cook County by May 1st.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

    Alderman Ferrero reported the Street Fair has 34 crafters and 4 food vendors as of today.

    Alderman Ferrero noted Arbor Day Sale plans are going very well and she expects to have the flower baskets from Fairplay again this year.

    McAvoy/Chamber

    Alderman McAvoy distributed a memo with the unofficial results of the election on Tuesday. He also reported the electric referendum has passed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman DeRose stated he would like it noted for the record that Chief Vodicka has received a merit paycheck in the amount of $3,750.00 paid on February 29, 2012 per recommendation of the Committee.

Alderman Stachnik stated he would like it noted for the record that the refuse rate increase was a flow through in accordance with the vendor contract.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.