November 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, November 13, 2014, at 7:30 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, D. Ferrero
J. Stachnik
B. Fonte
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Aldermen McAvoy and McHugh were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Alderman Ferrero moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Ferrero moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of October 23, 2014 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
5K Race/Walk – Mayor Howley reported the 5K Race went very well.
He noted the race raised over $3,000.00 for the Lions Club. He thanked School District 117 for cosponsoring.
Veteran’s Day – Mayor Howley thanked everyone who participated in the Veteran’s Day ceremony on Saturday.
Community Dinner – Mayor Howley noted the Community Dinner on Tuesday was very well attended. He stated many donations were made to the Adoptaplatoon program.
Boxing For Troops – Mayor Howley reported Boxing For the Troops will take place on Tuesday, November 18th at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
CITY CLERK
Brookfield Zoo – Clerk Catizone reported the Clerk’s Office will be
decorating a tree at Brookfield Zoo on Sunday, November 23rd. Anyone interested in helping can meet at City Hall at 11:00 a.m.
Stagg Craft Show – Clerk Catizone noted Stagg High School will have their annual craft fair on November 15th and 16th.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated October 31, 2014 for approval. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report of October 31, 2014. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Treasurer Schramm distributed the HH Financial Update as of October 31, 2014. As for other funds and operating expenses: Utility Tax revenue is estimated to have a Telecom revenue shortfall of approximately $40,000.00. Telecom tax revenue continues to fall short of the budget due to cell phone contracts and voice over internet replaces land line phone lines.
The Forfeiture Fund revenue looks like it will fall short of budget revenue by approximately $100,000.00, but should be somewhat offset by lower Forfeiture Fund expenditures.
Currently, Water and Sewer revenue is slightly lower than budget, but have been offset by lower Water and Sewer operating expenses. Water and Sewer rate increases for 2015 will be discussed further at our December meeting.
Parkview Apartments revenue continues to stay ahead of budget, and major drainage/foundation repair costs at one of the buildings should be offset by lower operating expenses and capital expenditures. All funds are doing well.
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 November, 2014 in the amount of $418,251.49. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Ferrero, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Customary Bills Payable – Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the customary bills payable for the second half of November, 2014. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki reported at the Committee Meeting he discussed the City’s Health Insurance renewal as of January 1, 2015. His recommendation is to stay with our current PPO/HMO plan options with no changes, and bind the January 1, 2015 annual premium increase of 7.44% or $45,000.00. Also, continue HMO contribution at 20%. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve this recommendation for the Health Insurance renewal with a premium increase of 7.44% and continue HMO contribution at 20%. Alderman Ferrero second.
Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Alderman Szeszycki would like to place Workmen’s Compensation Insurance renewal quotes on the December 11th Committee Meeting Agenda.
Alderman Szeszycki distributed the latest video gaming revenues for the Council’s review.
Stachnik/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works has not received any
requests for modification to the distributed street program from the last Council meeting. Robinson Engineering will proceed with the design required to have the project prepared for an early spring bid. In addition, Public Works will include a few selected areas of pavement surfaces/curbs in extreme deteriorated conditions that need to be ground down or replaced unless there is an expressed concern. He noted an early spring bid usually brings the lowest contractor bids.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh was absent. No report submitted.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight reported he has one business certificate application for, I Care Dental located at 8071 W. 95th Street. No objections were noted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported the Tree Lighting will be
held on Tuesday, November 25th at 6:30 p.m. She noted the Stagg Choir will also be performing.
Mayor Howley thanked Alderman Ferrero and the Community Affairs Committee for their work on the Children’s Halloween Party.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
Alderman McAvoy was absent. No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Howley wished everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.