March 12, 2015 City Council Meeting Minutes

March 12, 2015 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, March 12, 2015, at 7:32 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
    B. Fonte
    T. McAvoy
    M. McHugh
    J. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight (7:53 p.m.)
    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, S. Lehr
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Sherry Rybczyk
Chris Rybczyk

Sherry and Chris shared information regarding an upcoming fundraiser for their sister, Sandy. Sandy passed away in October and her children are in need of educational assistance. “A Night Out for the Neiheisels” is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st from 5-11pm at the Chieftain Irish Pub located at 6906 W. 111th Street in Worth.
Alderman Ferrero moved to approve $200.00 from the discretionary fund. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Cesar Romero
8901 S. 83rd Court

Mr. Romero is present to get an update on the sewer project in his area. City Engineer Mike Spolar stated they have done some work and will be in this area next week to look at the existing drainage. More fieldwork is needed and then information will be given to the Council. Mayor Howley stated the next step is to review the engineer’s recommendations. Public Works has televised the sewers in the area this week.

Mrs. Dolores Conoboy
8907 S. 83rd Court

Mrs. Conoboy voiced her concern regarding flooding in her backyard. Her opinion is the sewers are not large enough in this area. Mayor Howley explained that the problem is being reviewed and the City is looking at options.

Ian Chafee
8137 W. 90th Street

Mr. Chafee expressed his appreciation to Public Works for the excellent snow plowing efforts this winter.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of February 26, 2015 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Res. 15-02 – Mayor Howley presented Resolution #15-02, a resolution
urging the Governor and General Assembly to protect full funding of Local Government Distributive Fund Revenues. Mayor Howley noted the proposed reduction in local share of the income tax could reduce the City’s revenues by over $600,000. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Res. 15-02. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Overhead Sewers – Mayor Howley noted Resolution 99-3, establishing a policy of assistance to residents with sanitary line back up problems, is in need of review. Consensus of the Council was the safeguards in this resolution are fine. The installation cost which the City would share would be raised to $3,000.00 from $1,500.00. Treasurer Schramm stated an increase would not have a great impact on the budget. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the change to Resolution 99-3 with the adjustment of $3,000.00 to the cost of the overhead sewer or check value. Alderman McHugh second. A question was discussed, Section 3, homeowner will contact Clerk’s Office or Building Department. This will be changed to Representative of the City. Motion would include amount change ($3,000.00) and Representative of the City. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Proclamation – Mayor Howley presented a proclamation raising awareness of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Action Day on April 19, 2015. Mayor Howley noted this proclamation was also done last year. Hickory Hills resident, Barb Noel, has a grandchild who has this disease and has brought this to the City’s attention.

Radio Operator Contract – Mayor Howley stated Treasurer Schramm and Alderman Szeszycki will be on the negotiating committee with Attorney Mike Cainkar. Meetings will begin in April.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported the Adopt a Platoon will be boxing for the troops on Tuesday, March 17th at the Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Clerk Catizone announced Stagg High School will be holding their annual Spring Craft Show on March 21st and March 22nd.

Clerk Catizone reported early voting will begin on March 23rd through April 4th for the April 7, 2015 consolidated election. The nearest locations are the Bridgeview Courthouse and the Oak Lawn Village Hall. Cook County Clerk David Orr is the sole election authority, so please go to the County website at www.cookcountyclerk.com for more information.

Clerk Catizone distributed a Veteran’s Newsletter to the Council. This newsletter is from the Cook County Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Please forward information to any veterans you may know. The Silver Star application is also included.

Clerk Catizone also noted the City’s Newsletter was delivered this week.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated February 28, 2015 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated February 28, 2015. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm reported he will be proposing the upcoming budget meeting schedule at the next Committee of the Whole meeting in March.

CITY ATTORNEY

Res. 15-3 – Attorney Cainkar presented Resolution 15-3, a resolution
approving a grant application for the 2015 Cook County Community Development Block Grant Program. This is for sewer rehabilitation in the amount of $175,000.00. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution 15-3. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mike Spolar reported a bid opening for the 2015 Street Resurfacing was held today and will be awarded at the next Council meeting.

Mr. Spolar noted the 93rd Street lighting program is out to bid and the opening will be April 6th.

Mr. Spolar stated the NPDES report will be given at the next Council meeting.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of March, 2015 in the amount of $415,857.84. Alderman Ferrero second. Alderman McAvoy raised a question on Page 1, American Express Credit. Treasurer Schramm stated the $5,500.00 is the City’s reward credit for the year. Alderman McAvoy would also like to investigate the option of using the City’s credit card for water purchase. Treasurer Schramm stated the West Suburban Water Commission will not accept credit cards. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki distributed the video gaming revenues.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Chief Vodicka reported earlier this evening the Mayor and himself received a plaque of recognition from Moraine Valley Community College for the years of exceptional service to the Criminal Justice Program. He noted the Police Department has been an internship site for over 28 years.

Zimmerman/Public Works

No report submitted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh shared photos of the Parkview Apartment basement repairs.

Alderman McHugh and the Council expressed their condolences on the passing of Mrs. Peggy Balducci’s mother.

Treasurer Schramm asked if the new generator is completely installed now. Alderman McHugh stated yes, the installation is complete.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Waight is in receipt of one business certificate application from Clover’s Garden located at 87th Street and 88th Avenue. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

No report submitted.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Clerk Catizone reported the State liquor license has been received for the upcoming Street Fair.

Alderman Stachnik questioned with regards to the video gaming revenues, “Can the State adjust our revenues?” Attorney Cainkar stated the State can adjust these revenues.

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, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.