December 12, 2013 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, December 12, 2013, at 7:40 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Mike Howley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, the following were present:
- Mayor, M. Howley
Aldermen, D. Ferrero
B. Fonte
T. McAvoy
M. McHugh
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Attorney, J. Cainkar
- City Engineer, T. Lang
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Alderman Stachnik was 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 Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Gil Marek
9320 S. 79th Avenue
Mr. Marek voiced his concerns regarding several issues. He is very upset with a neighbor that is repairing trucks in his driveway until very late in the evening.
He is also concerned that he is washing these very old trucks and truck parts and the grease is going into the sewer system.
Mr. Marek explained that he has another problem regarding an ordinance violation that he received. Mayor Howley asked if he is going to the hearings regarding this matter. Mr. Marek said no he missed the hearing. Mayor Howley stated this is a matter that would be handled by the Hearing Officer.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Zimmerman moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Ferrero, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of November 14, 2013 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman McAvoy pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia for a temporary liquor license. This is for their Super Bowl Party on February 5th from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. with fees waived. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley thanked Mary Boettcher and Marilyn Gabrysiak for all the beautiful Christmas decorations in the Clerk’s Office, Council Chambers and the Community Center.
Mayor Howley extended a welcome to the Hot Stuff Pizza (Shell Gas Station) which held its grand opening this morning.
Mayor Howley reported he has received a request from the banquet halls to extend their hours on New Year’s Eve. This has been done in the past with no problems.
No objections were noted from the City Council.
CITY CLERK
No report submitted.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated November 30, 2013 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending November 30, 2013. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, 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 December 2013 in the amount of $455,181.43. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the customary and ordinary bills payable for the second half of December, 2013. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
It was noted the amount for the bills payable during the second half of November 2013 was $277,278.98.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Alderman Stachnik was absent. No report submitted.
Zimmerman/PublicWorks
Mr. Boettcher reported the MWRD requires the City to continue activity to eliminate infiltration in our system.
He noted during rain storms, lift stations at Blue Ridge and the CVS must receive significant infiltration because the stations max out pumping rapidly. Public Works is proposing a grouting program for pipe and house service. Mr. Boettcher stated the Sanitary Sewer Rehab is exhausted. Public Works will issue a purchase order for $50,000.00 to National Power Rodding for this area (Blue Ridge) to be grouted. No objections were noted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported Mr. Bill Spatz, Community Center Director, is returning to work this week.
Alderman McHugh noted there are vacancies available at Parkview Apartments. So please pass the word around if anyone is interested to call 237-4150.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight is in receipt of four business certificate applications; 1) O’Reilly’s Auto Parts located at 8603 W. 95th Street.2) Volina’s Beauty Salon located at 8859 S. Roberts Road. 3) Alliance Shippers, Inc. located at 7707-7709 W. 99th Street. This is a warehouse. 4) Subway located at 8615 W. 95th Street will have new owner, Mr. Patel. No objections were noted on these businesses.
Fonte/ Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte presented a check from Waste Management in the amount of $744.94 for October recycling.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported the Children’s Christmas Party will be this Saturday, December 14th at Krueger Park.
Alderman Ferrero noted the Lights of Hickory Hills judging will take place on Tuesday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
Alderman McAvoy acknowledged Mr. Wally Potacki was in the audience and thanked him for his many years of service to the City.
Alderman McAvoy reported he attended the grand opening of the Hot Stuff Pizza inside of the Shell Gas Station on 87th Street and 88th Avenue.
Alderman McAvoy noted the business directory is going to press and should be available very soon.
Alderman McAvoy announced a raffle is being held by the Sertoma Club and he has them available if anyone is interested.
Alderman McAvoy reported the Liberty Tax Service will be hosting an after-hours on January 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Alderman McAvoy commented that he is always the last report and some day he would like to change, if possible, in the future.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.