October 25, 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, October 25th, at 7:38 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
  • Chief of Police, A. Vodicka
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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

At this time, Mayor Howley recognized Lance Cpl. Anthony Schmitt who has just returned from Afghanistan.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

Mr. Halpert
9341 S. 84th Court

Mr. Halpert is present to voice his concerns for the safety of residents on 93rd Street. He would like a stop sign placed on this street or a speed bump. Mayor Howley noted the Sign Committee has reviewed this matter and does not feel a stop sign is necessary.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman Stachnik moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Szeszycki 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 October 11, 2012 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. CORRECTION: Page 3, sixth paragraph, “R” added to phrase “oll call”. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman McAvoy pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

    MAYOR

    Welcome Home Ceremony

    Mayor Howley thanked everyone for the welcome home ceremony for Lance Cpl. Anthony Schmitt.

    Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

    Mayor Howley proclaimed the week of October 21st through the 27th as Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to acknowledge the dangers of lead.

    Halloween Trick/Treat Hours

    Mayor Howley stated the hours for Trick or Treating will be 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

    CITY CLERK

    Cook County Health Inspection Agreement

    Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of an agreement with the Cook County Health Department to conduct our health inspections. The cost will remain $60.00 per inspection.

    Alderman Szeszycki moved to accept the agreement with the Cook County Health Department to conduct health inspections at the rate of $60.00 per inspection. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    Summit Rebels Football

    Clerk Catizone is in receipt of a thank you letter from the Summit Rebels for a $100 donation. This will be used to sponsor a child who is unable to pay the registration fee and for the purchase of new helmets this year.

    Christmas cards for the Troops

    Clerk Catizone reported that a basket with Christmas Cards for the Troops is available for signing on the front counter in the Clerk’s Office.

    Veteran’s Day Ceremony

    Clerk Catizone reminded everyone that the City’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony will take place outside on Thursday, November 8th at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The Council meeting will follow.

    CITY TREASURER

    Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated September 30, 2012 for approval. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated September 30, 2012. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmermann aye. So approved.

    CITY ATTORNEY

    Proposed Ordinance amending I-1 Industrial District permitted uses in Zoning Ordinance

    Attorney Cainkar opened the public hearing of the proposed Ordinance amending the permitted principal uses in the I-1 Industrial District to include commercial indoor sporting facility. No one spoke at this time.

    Attorney Cainkar closed the public hearing.

    Ord. 12-19

    Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 12-19, an ordinance amending Section 6.041.9 (b), permitted principal uses in the I-1 Industrial District of the City of Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance 12-19. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen DeRose, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

    CITY ENGINEER

    No report.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of October, 2012 in the amount of $271, 819.34. 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 stated that the Ordinance regarding chronic nuisance properties has been initiated and implemented as of last week with the landlords of the buildings on 87th Street that we have had problems with. These landlords have been fairly receptive, have copies of the Ordinance and will work with us to resolve the problems with these buildings.

    Zimmerman/PublicWorks

    88th Avenue Reconstruction
    Public Works Director Boettcher noted that significant visual progress was made on 88th Avenue with the pouring of curbs and asphalt. The utility relocations have caused delays but Cook County has agreed to pay overtime to the contractor for curb installation. They will also be charged for our City services. Since it is so late in the year, pavement is the priority with street lighting to follow.

    Street Repaving
    Public Works Director Boettcher is ready to move forward with the street repaving and preservation per his proposed list. The street lights at the 89th Street intersection are up and will have a full burn for three days straight to make sure they are working properly. If this goes well, he will contact ComEd to remove their existing lights.

    McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

    Alderman McHugh reported there are two first floor apartments available at Parkview. The Annual Free Turkey Dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 13th from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Like last year, residents are asked to donate to the AdoptaPlatoon program for postage used in sending holiday care packages. Alderman McHugh is also looking for volunteers to work the dinner.

    Waight/Law & Ordinances

    Alderman Waight is in receipt of two business certificate applications. 1) Blue Sky Travel and Services located at 7667 W. 95th Street, 8E. They will offer low rate travel arrangements. 2) Southside Stallions School of Wrestling located at 9831 S. 78th Avenue, Unit E. No objections were noted.

    DeRose/Health & Environmental Control/Recycling

    Alderman DeRose reported that Oak Lawn had a recent death from the West Nile Virus and we still need to be aware and take precautions.

    Alderman DeRose reported the delivery of the electronic recycling container is still on track for November 1st. The hours will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Waste Management is still working on a battery recycling program.

    Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

    Alderman Ferrero stated the Lions 5K Run is set for this Saturday, October 27th. Following that, the Children’s Halloween Party will take place from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at City Hall.

    Alderman Ferrero has contacted the Argo High School choir regarding the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall and is still waiting for a response.

    McAvoy/Chamber/Business Development

    No report.

    UNFINISHED

    Auxiliary Police for 5K Run

    Chief Vodicka stated that the Auxiliary Police are set to work the 5K Run on Saturday. Mayor Howley suggested that volunteers might wear some sort of Halloween costume/mask to carry into the theme for the Children’s Halloween Party.

    NEW

    IML Conference

    Alderman Szeszycki spent the day at the IML Conference. He found it interesting and brought back some brochures from the different vendors.

    Blood Drive

    Chief Vodicka reminded the Council that the blood drive will be on Sunday, November 4th. There will be a Bear’s player in attendance and as soon as he finds out who it is he will e-mail everyone.

    Robinson’s 75th

    Mayor Howley congratulated Tom Lang on Robinson’s 75th Anniversary and how well the party turned out.

    ADJOURNMENT

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

    Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.