September 13, 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,
September 13, 2012 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. Stachnik
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Attorney, J. Cainkar
- City Engineer, T. Lang
- Police Lt., T. Stevens
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
Aldermen Ferrero and Szeszycki, Chief Vodicka and Building Commissioner Moirano were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Alderman McHugh moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mary Burke
8833 Parkview Lane
Mrs. Burke voiced her concern with the construction on 88th Avenue. She noted today they had removed the ramp to get into her street. Both of her cars have sustained damage. Mrs. Burke noted it is very dark on 88th Avenue and she is unsure an emergency vehicle can come up her street.
Now there is a one foot ditch on either side of this ramp into her street. She has called Cook County and the contractor, K-5, to report her concerns.
Richard Burke
8833 Parkview Lane
Mr. Burke stated he is disappointed in the contractor K-5, and the City of Hickory Hills with regards to the 88th Avenue reconstruction. He has spoken to the engineer of the project and is disappointed in his answers. He feels the City should be monitoring this construction more closely.
Mr. Burke expressed safety concerns for residents on Parkview Lane and all residents of Hickory Hills. Lastly, he noted he realizes construction issues happen, but he feels the City is not responding to his concerns.
Maria Waaso
9412 77th Ave.
Ms. Waaso voiced her concerns with McDonald’s on 95th Street and the barricade on 76th Avenue. She stated there is a lot of traffic and garbage on 77th Avenue. All the traffic from 76th Avenue is being diverted to 77th Avenue. She noted the traffic has increased significantly since the opening of McDonald’s. Ms. Waaso is also concerned for the safety of children on her block. She suggested a traffic pattern change. Alderman McHugh suggested some change in direction of 77th Avenue. He will review this matter and look into different traffic patterns along with the Police Department.
Mrs. Carolyn Sutter
9418 77th Avenue
Mrs. Sutter is also present to voice her safety concerns on 77th Avenue due to increased traffic.
Carol Siepka
9236 S. 85th Avenue
Ms. Siepka thanked the police for apprehending the suspects in the recent burglaries in Hickory Hills.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of August 23, 2012 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
5K Race
Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Vince Uzzardo from the Lions Club who will update the Council on the 5K Run. Mr. Uzzardo announced the 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk Race on Saturday, October 27th. He thanked the various departments of the City who helped out at the race last year. They are seeking sponsors at this time. Mr. Uzzardo would also like to see some spectators along the course to urge the runners on. He stated this is a great course and encourages everyone to register to run or walk this race.
St. Patricia Request
Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request for a temporary liquor license and parade permit for St. Patricia to hold their Homecoming Bonfire on October 6th from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. that same evening. No objections were noted.
No Text Proclamation
Mayor Howley proclaimed September 19th “No Text on Board” Day in Hickory Hills to encourage all drivers to take the pledge to never text and drive again.
Thank you
Mayor Howley thanked the Police Department for their fine work with the recent residential burglaries.
Wendy’s Grand Opening
Mayor Howley thanked the Council for attending the re-grand opening for Wendy’s.
He noted he has spoken to the Wendy’s management who stated their business is up 70% since the remodeling.
They have also donated $500.00 to a local food pantry.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone is in receipt of a request for a block party at 7800 W. 90th Place on Saturday, September 15th from Noon until Midnight. No objections were noted.
Clerk Catizone presented a request from the Rebels Football and Cheer Organization. They are seeking donations for their program. Alderman McHugh moved to approve $100.00 from the discretionary fund to the Rebel Football and Cheer Organization. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Lang presented Invoice #50530 from Crowley Sheppard Asphalt Company in the amount of $54, 857.33 for work done on miscellaneous resurfacing. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Invoice #50530 (2012 miscellaneous resurfacing, MFT 12-00000-01-GM, pay estimate #2 partial) to Crowley Sheppard Asphalt. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Lang reported he has sent a number of items on smoke testing and flow monitoring of the sanitary sewers to the Council. He noted this is a sample of all the data collected. He stated inflows have improved since it was done in 2008-09 and 2011. The smoke testing has identified between 800 and 900 defects. The majority of these are on private property. He noted the City may have to determine what has to be done in the future with this issue. Unfortunately, the IEPA loan at this time would not fund anything in the private sector. A program incorporating televised data along with an accurate estimate of storm sewer main lines has to be done quickly to make it eligible for any kind of construction loan for the 2013-2014. Mr. Lang is now obtaining more information on the IEPA loan requirements.
Mr. Lang reported the MWRD has been meeting with regards to the new storm sewer and sanitary sewer ordinances. He will keep the Council informed on their decisions.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of September, 2012 in the amount of $570, 734.99. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki was absent. No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Alderman Stachnik commended the Police Department in the apprehension of four individuals who are believed to be responsible for most of the burglaries that have been reported from February through the end of August. He noted some proceeds have been recovered but the majority of items have been sold at various locations in the City.
Mayor Howley thanked Lt. Tim Stevens for his presentation to the Senior Club.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Alderman Zimmerman deferred the report to Mr. Boettcher.
88th Ave. Reconstruction
Mr. Boettcher stated the concrete curb south of 87th Street should be installed this week. The asphalt paving should follow next week. The County engineer is hopeful both lanes of traffic will be open this fall.
Insituform
Mr. Boettcher reported Insituform will be lining sanitary sewers in the City next week. Regarding sanitary lift stations, the force main is a 6” cast iron pipe that after 50 years of service numerous breaks have occurred particularly on 92nd Street. Public Works has already replaced 550 linear feet of the pipe but has requested a price from Insituform to line the balance of the pipe.
The price is $45, 000.00. This is a budgeted item and funds will be taken from the sanitary relining fund. No objections were noted.
Forest Preserve
Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works has contacted by the Cook County Forest Preserve to inquire about the status of tree removal near the adjacent condos on 95th Street. The Forest Preserve stated that tree endangerment to the condo’s is on private property and will not be removed by the Forest Preserve District. The condo Associations have been notified.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported that Parkview Apartments has 3 first floor apartments available. Please contact him if anyone is interested.
Waight/Law & Ordinances
Alderman Waight is in receipt of four business certificate applications. 1) Hickory Truck Repair located at 7709-11 W. 98th Street. This is a truck repair but they are waiting on financing. 2) Chiropractic Health Group located at 9324 S. Roberts Road. This is a new owner to the Chiropractic office. 3) Dar Asunnah Learning Center located at 9525 S. 79th Avenue #6. This is a non-profit teaching Arabic to students. 4) Cignot located at 8829 W. 87th Street. They will be selling electronic cigarettes. No objections were noted. Alderman Waight noted the Stallion Wrestling School is still pending due to the zoning issue.
DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling
Alderman DeRose reported more cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.
McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development
Alderman McAvoy reported the Hills Chamber will hold their annual golf outing on September 19th. Please plan on attending if you are available.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Waight distributed a flyer on the “Care For Sinclair” Benefit which will be held on November 16th at Gaelic Park. He noted Mr. Dave Sinclair is a resident of Hickory Hills who is suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Alderman Waight moved to approve a $150.00 donation to this benefit. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley reminded the Council the Walk Around the Pond will be held on Saturday, September 15th at 9:30 a.m. This year the walk will be around Martin Park and the nearby pond.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Waight moved to adjourn until the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.