February 13, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes

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February 13, 2014 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, February 13, 2014, at 7:39 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, B. Fonte
    T. McAvoy
    M. McHugh
    J. Stachnik
    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 Ferrero was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

Girl Scout Troop #60089

Mayor Howley introduced Girl Scout Troop #60089. The Girl Scouts came to the Council for support to paint and redecorate their room at the Community Center. They are seeking donations of money and supplies for this project if approved by the City Council. The girls presented posters of what the room would look like and why they need to update this area. Mayor Howley suggested if they summarize their project it can be placed in the newsletter in March. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve a $250.00 donation to this project from the discretionary fund. Alderman McHugh second.

Alderman Szeszycki questioned the amount of the donation. Mayor Howley added this would benefit our Community Center. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved. Mayor Howley congratulated the Girl Scouts on an excellent presentation.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

Alderman McAvoy moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, 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 January 23, 2014 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. CORRECTION: UNDER OLD BUSINESS: Alderman Szeszycki inquired if the results were available for the old water meter testing. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from the Hickory Hills Kiwanis Club to place an ad for their upcoming Showcase of Talent which is March 1st and March 2nd. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve $160.00 for the Kiwanis Ad Book. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley asked for a motion to approve the Liquor License for the upcoming Annual Street Fair. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Liquor License for the Street Fair to be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 and Sunday, June 29, 2014. Alderman Fonte second.
Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley presented the finding from the Zoning Board of Appeals which held a hearing on January 20, 2014 for consideration to pass an ordinance incorporating the proposed amendments into the Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance. This is for defining medical cannabis facilities as a special use in the I-1 Industrial District, but prohibiting their operation in residential and commercial districts; and providing for regulations governing locations, distance, parking, operation and other matters pertaining to medical cannabis facilities.

Mayor Howley congratulated Public Works on the snow removal. He read two emails from residents.

CITY CLERK

No report submitted.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated
January 31, 2014 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the January 31st Treasurer’s Report. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm requested the following items be placed on the Committee Meeting of February 27, 2014 agenda: 2014-2015 Budget Meeting Schedule, Financial Update after 9 months, 2013 Video Gaming and Sales Tax Update.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance #14-4 (Revised), an
Ordinance amending the Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance Ord. 14-4 by providing for the Regulation of Medical Marijuana Facilities. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance #14-4. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Lang presented an invoice for D. Construction in the amount of $13,200.42 (2013 miscellaneous resurfacing MFT 13-00000-01-GM, pay estimate #2 final). This is the existing retention on the project.

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve this invoice to D. Construction in the amount of $13,200.42. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of February, 2014 in the amount of $616,533.51. Alderman McHugh second. Alderman Szeszycki has two inquiries. First, the new name for Justice Water is West Suburban Water District. Second, he asked why Pete’s Lawn invoices were being paid in January. Treasurer Schramm noted this was for retention pond lawn mowing. These invoices should have been paid several months ago. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

No report submitted.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Chief Vodicka stated the Police Officers that were injured in the car accident are fine and back to work.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works’ 2005 Meter Van has over 100K miles and in need of expensive repairs. He is recommending that a new Meter Van be purchased at State purchase price from Hawk Ford. This vehicle is not budgeted, but the savings from the recently purchased backhoe and new pickup truck will cover the cost. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the purchase of a new Meter Van at the cost of $17,500.00. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mr. Boettcher noted Cook County held a meeting today regarding the rehab of Roberts Road from 79th Street to 111th Street. At this stage, the drawings have not been completed. This was a brainstorming meeting and he will give further updates when available. Also at this meeting, STP projects were discussed.

Mr. Boettcher reported ESDA Director Chris Knights has been working with IEMA to qualify our City for access to FEMA funds after a disaster. He is going to need assistance with this project. Mr. Boettcher distributed a flyer “How Do Natural Disasters Affect You?” They are asking people to fill out a survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/CookCountyHaxzMit.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh reported on some heating issues at Parkview but these have been taken care of.

Alderman McHugh also reported 6 vacancies at Parkview are available. They are all one bedroom. If interested, please call Bill Spatz at 237-4150.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Waight has one business application for Clover’s Garden located at 87th Street and 88th Avenue. This is a temporary greenhouse from April thru July. No objections were noted.

Fonte/ Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported the City has received a check
from Waste Management in the amount of $544.93 for the month of December.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy would like to discuss the trash survey results at the Committee meeting in February.

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki inquired when the City would be
receiving contract information from Waste Management.
Mayor Howley noted this would be in the next week or so.

Alderman Waight reported he attended the meeting at Stagg High School for elected officials. The main reason for the meeting was to explain the District’s pension fund is
receiving their payments. Some tax bills reflected that this wasn’t the case.

Clerk Catizone noted she and Marilyn Gabrysiak attended the Grand Opening of Aladdin’s Palace.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman McAvoy announced a meeting of District 230
including elected officials will take place on Wednesday, February 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He noted he will attend.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.