July 26, 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, July 26, at 7:37 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, M. 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.

Police Swearing In Ceremony

At this time Chief Vodicka introduced Probationary Police Officer Brian Nelligan. Mr. Henry Kman and Mr. Robert Runowski of the Fire/Police Commission administered the Oath of Office to Officer Brian Nelligan. A small break was taken at this time.

State Rep. Kelly Burke

State Representative Burke gave a brief overview of what the legislature is doing in Springfield. She noted the budget is balanced and passed. The pension issue is still in discussion and no decisions have been made but moving forward. Lastly, she noted electric aggregation is happening is almost all of her cities.
If there is anything she could help with, please don’t hesitate to give her feedback. They are also working on gas aggregation for the future.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

Mr. Nick Pounovich
8608 S. 84TH Court

Mr. Pounovich voiced his concerns regarding the apartment building located at 8241 S. 84th Court, which is at the end of his block. He has also brought some neighbors with him. He noted there is a problem because the police are constantly present and more people are living there then should be. He would like to hear what solutions the City may have for this problem. Chief Vodicka hopes to have a recommendation for the Council shortly.

Mr. Charles Volanti
8620 S. 84th Court

Mr. Volanti voiced his concern about the apartment building at 8241 S. 84th Court. He also noted that another apartment building on 82nd Court needs to be addressed.

Mrs. Kathy Karpowicz
8800 S. 85th Court

Mrs. Karpowicz explained she has been at several Council meetings to talk about a very large sink hole in her rear yard. She would like the City to keep her informed as to their plans to repair this sink hole. Mr. Boettcher explained what steps have and will be taken.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh 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 July 12, 2012 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight aye. Aldermen Stachnik and Zimmerman pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Shell Gas Station

Mayor Howley stated the Grand Opening at Shell was very well attended and went smoothly.

Wendy’s

Mayor Howley noted Wendy’s is shut down due to remodeling.

Charlie Bock

Mayor Howley extended a birthday wish to Charlie Bock who turned 100. A small reception was given to Charlie yesterday at the Senior Meeting.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone announced the Adoptaplatoon is having a sock drive in September. They are asking for white, brown, and black socks of the crew type. Donations can be dropped off at City Hall.

Clerk Catizone reminded everyone to respond to the Robinson Engineering 75th Anniversary Celebration which will be held on Saturday, October 20th at Navy Pier.

Clerk Catizone reported the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement will be spraying this evening north of 87th Street.

Clerk Catizone is very pleased to report she has been awarded a scholarship to attend the 2012 Municipal Clerks of Illinois Academy in Springfield in September.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated June 30, 2012. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated June 30, 2012.

Alderman Ferrero second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

Ord. 12-13

Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 12-13, an ordinance amending Section 24.15, automatic sprinkler systems, of Chapter 24, building code, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. This is updating our current ordinance. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ord. 12-13. Alderman Szeszycki second. Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Ord. 12-14

Attorney Mike Cainkar presented Ord. 12-14, an ordinance approving the 88th Avenue Subdivision of Lots 12 and 13 in Park Hills Estates Subdivision, Hickory Hills, Illinois. Mayor Howley noted the owner of the subdivision, Mr. Trotto, and his attorney are present for any questions. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ord. 12-14. Alderman Waight second. Mayor Howley explained the City will be deeded Lot A. Lots 3 and 4 will be buildable lots on 88th Avenue. The developer will also meet with our arborist to review the trees on the out lot. Some discussion followed. Mr. Steve Trotto stated he will be doing as little as possible to the out Lot A. Mayor Howley noted the dead trees would have to be removed but the arborist will determine the final decision. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman, Mayor Howley aye. Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki nay. So approved.

Public Works Bargaining Agreement

Attorney Cainkar stated the Public Works Bargaining Agreement will be on the next Council Meeting agenda of August 9th.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of July 2012 in the amount of $501, 055.09. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

    Szeszycki/Finance

    Alderman Szeszycki reported he has received a note from our liability insurance and he will meet with the agent in September.

    Stachnik/Public Safety

    Alderman Stachnik noted everyone should be in receipt of a memo regarding the quarterly report from the Police Department.

    Chief Vodicka reported the Department is following up on the two individuals that were taken into custody yesterday.

    Zimmerman/Public Works

    Alderman Zimmerman deferred the report to Mrs. Boettcher.

    88th Ave. Reconstruction
    Mr. Boettcher stated that the Contractor has made significant progress with the underground installation. Nicor and AT&T are now handling conflicts at a higher priority scale. In Hickory Hills, excavation and grading should start for the sub-base stone, curbs and sidewalks next week. In Palos Hills, asphalt placement could start by the end of this week. The Contractor is still three weeks behind schedule.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported that the Community Center has been busy with its use as a Cooling Center. As of Monday, all units in Parkview are rented.

    Waight/Law & Ordinances

    Alderman Waight presented the license for Jimmy Johns on 95th Street. No objections were noted.

    DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling Recycling

    No report submitted.

    Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

    Alderman Ferrero reported Mr. Boettcher will be ordering more snowflake decorations for the street poles.

    McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

    No report submitted.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    None.

    NEW BUSINESS

    Alderman McAvoy is in receipt of a request from Craven’s Pub to hold an outdoor fundraising event on August 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. No objections were noted.

    Chief Vodicka noted the National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 7th at 6:30 p.m.

    ADJOURNMENT

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

    Meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.