June 12, 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, June 12, 2014, at 7:35 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, B. Fonte
D. Ferrero
T. McAvoy
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Attorney, G. Perlman
- City Engineer, T. Lang
- Police Lt, C. Hobart
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Chief Vodicka was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Alderman Stachnik moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mrs. Debbie Groark
7909 W. 98th Street
Mrs. Groark expressed her concerns regarding her driveway that had work done by the City. She noted it was not done to the profile and the quality was not very good. Mr. Boettcher will review this matter.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Szeszycki moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 22, 2014 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman McAvoy and Alderman McHugh pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
Fonte/ Health & Environmental Control
At this time, Mayor Howley noted we will move down on
the agenda to the Waste Management contract discussion.
Mr. Mike Morley
Waste Management
Alderman Fonte reported that the City and Waste Management have been reviewing the proposals and have presented what they felt was best for the residents of Hickory Hills. Highlights reviewed are: reduce resident’s rates to $21.75 effective June 1, 2014 at a 22% price reduction that will save residents $60.00 in the first year. Provide for 3% annual escalators and weekly recycling collection. Waste Management will give the City a check for $7,500.00 per year instead of our current recycling program. Also they will provide a 50% recycling rebate when the commodity price for Old News Print #8 exceeds $130.00/ton. Alderman Fonte noted that this proposal represents a mutually beneficial compromise in consideration of the additional services the City is seeking. Alderman Szeszycki suggested Waste Management not include the port-a-potties in the contract and give the City a stipend instead. After a lengthy discussion, Alderman Szeszycki moved to accept Waste Management’s revised proposal for waste services per review of the contract by our City Attorney. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved
MAYOR
Mayor Howley reported the City newsletter is currently at the printer and will be sent to residents by July 1st.
Mayor Howley extended his good wishes to all the fathers on Father’s Day this Sunday.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone is in request for a block party on July 19th at 8753 Sycamore Court (in the cul de sac). No objections were noted.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2014. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2014. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
No report submitted.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of June, 2014 in the amount of $469,475.52. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Mr. Boettcher distributed a summary sheet of the twenty residential water meters that were recently sent out for testing. In addition the AWWA accuracy test standard is depicted at the lower portion of the summary sheet. A major concern for meter water loss is usually in the low flow reading.
Low flow testing results are better than anticipated. Low flows at ¼ gpm: only 5 out of 20 meters did not meet the required 90% AWWA standard but 3 read at 80% range, 1 at 76% range and one at 64% range. Any questions on this summary can be directed to Public Works Director Boettcher.
Mr. Boettcher noted the residential concerns about privacy and security were addressed by moving the sidewalks on 91st Street closer to the curb. Most residents were willing to forgo existing landscaping and trees to relocate the sidewalk a further distance from their home. The City will have to replace one stamped concrete driveway. The driveway replacements have commenced. Public Works had requested the contractor forgo sodding activity until September. The contractor indicated that by IDOT specs, he has the right to sod the construction areas up to the last day of June. They will attempt to meet this goal.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh is in receipt of a request from the Dirty Sock to convert their parking lot into a beer garden on Sunday, June 29th for the Street Fair. The will have live music and sell adult beverages. No objections were noted. Alderman McHugh also noted the Roadhouse will have an outdoor beer garden and bean bags during the day. They both will have Auxiliary Police.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Report earlier in the meeting.
Treasurer Schramm stated currently there is a balance in the recycling fund. Some discussion followed on a rebate to the residents. This will be discussed after the first year of the waste contract.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported there are 70 crafters and
14 food vendors for this year’s Street Fair. She noted she has not been able to find a food vendor for Saturday night. She will continue asking City restaurants.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
Alderman McAvoy reported he is currently working
on the bingo tent for the Street Fair. He noted he has obtained a sponsor for the bingo tent. The Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 will sponsor bingo.
Alderman McAvoy said he will also have a spilt the pot this year and not a gas raffle. He also has rented the tent from AH Rental for quite a bit of savings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.