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June 14, 2012 City Council Meeting Minutes

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CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Howley on Thursday, June 14, 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
    M. McHugh
    J. Stachnik (7:35)
    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
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Aldermen McAvoy and Waight were absent. 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, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mr. Walter Potacki
9304 S. 81st Avenue

Mr. Potacki stated twenty years ago the City started a Utility Tax Fund for capital improvements in the City. He stated residents would like to see new light poles throughout the City. He also mentioned fire hydrants needed painting, residents would like to see the 4th of July Parade reinstated and lastly, to finish the lighting project started in the 1st Ward.

Mr. Joseph Alsahoury
Hickory Tobacco
9514 S. Roberts Road

Mr. Alsahoury is the owner of Hickory Tobacco. He is seeking clarification with regards to the City Attorney’s phone conversation. Attorney Cainkar noted that Mr. Alsahoury is not allowed to smoke tobacco inside of his business per City ordinance.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 24, 2012 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. Alderman DeRose pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Plan of Operation Governance

    Mayor Howley presented the Plan of Operation and Governance for the Electric Aggregation. He noted that two public hearings were held and the following day a rate of 0.498 cents per kwh was obtained. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the Hickory Hills Plan of Operation and Governance for electric aggregation. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Grand Opening

    Mayor Howley distributed an invitation to a grand opening of JAV Insurance Company located at 7667 W. 95th Street. It will be held on June 15th at 10:00 a.m.

    Mayor Howley thanked all who supported his charity golf outing.

    Mayor Howley expressed his condolences to Officer Mark Benaitis on the loss of his father.

    CITY CLERK

    Clerk Catizone reported the newsletters were mailed today to residents.

    Clerk Catizone presented to the Council for consideration a fee for garage sale permits. She noted currently residents are allowed one garage sale per year and no fee. She is suggesting two per year and a $5.00 fee. Consensus of the Council was to have no fee and allow two per year. Also, a fine of $50.00 will be added if the person does not have a garage sale permit.

    MS Donation

    Clerk Catizone is in receipt of a request from the National MS Foundation which was presented by Mrs. Beth Wetzig of Public Works. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve a $100.00 donation to the National MS Foundation. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    CITY TREASURER

    Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2012 for approval. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2012. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    No report submitted.

    CITY ENGINEER

    No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of June 2012 in the amount of $394,269.13. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    Alderman Szeszycki distributed the new medical insurance proposal which includes a 1% increase in premiums. He also reviewed the dental, vision and life insurance. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the new health insurance renewal. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Stachnik/Public Safety

    No report submitted.

    Chief Vodicka congratulated Officer Jason Bray on completing his staff and command program through Northwestern University.

    Zimmerman/Public Works

    No report submitted.

    Mr. Rice gave an update on 88th Avenue reconstruction. He noted the first section of storm sewer underground has been completed. On Tuesday and Wednesday they will be working around 89th Street and 88th Avenue. He also noted they are three weeks behind because of utility problems.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported he is requesting an appointment of a HVAC Inspector. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Mr. James Manuzak as the HVAC Inspector to be effective immediately. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Alderman McHugh also noted that the Community Center can be a cooling center this weekend.

    Waight/Laws & Ordinances

    Alderman Waight was absent. Mayor Howley stated there is one business certificate application to approve. Azteca Catering Company located at 7734 W. 96th Place would like to open as soon as possible. The owner, Mr. Glen Gonzalez, would also like to have a Class X catering liquor license. No objections were noted.

    DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    No report submitted.

    Ferrero/Community Services/Youth Advisory Board

    Alderman Ferrero reported the Street Fair has 93 crafters and 14 food vendors as of today.

    Alderman Ferrero noted that Highlander Grill will be serving food at the Street Fair Concert on Saturday.

    McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

    Alderman McAvoy was absent. No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION / ADJOURNMENT

Alderman McHugh moved to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Public Works and Police Negotiations. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.