December 10, 2015 City Council Meeting Minutes

December 10, 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, December 10, 2015, at 7:47 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
  • B. Fonte
    T. McAvoy
    T. McHugh
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Attorney, J. Cainkar
  • City Engineer, M. Spolar
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Aldermen Ferrero and Stachnik were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

Police Department Swearing In and Recognition
Chief Vodicka introduced the new police officer recruit, Peter Trzeciak. Police/Fire Commissioner Robert Runowski swore in the new officer at this time. Father Joe Mol gave a blessing to the new officer and his family.

At this time, Chief Vodicka introduced Police Commissioner Robert Runowski who is retiring after serving 18 years on the Police Commission. Chief Vodicka presented Mr. Runowski with a plaque for appreciation of his service to the Hickory Hills Police Department.

Mayor Howley called for a short break for a small celebration.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of November 12, 2015 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley reported two new gaming establishments have applied for liquor licenses and these will be reviewed at an upcoming meeting.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a request from the Hills Baseball/Softball Association to place signs around the City for their upcoming registration. No objections were noted.

Clerk Catizone noted boxing for the Troops will take place on Tuesday, December 15th at the Community Center beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Clerk Catizone announced that Camelot Banquets will be hosting a Christmas party for all City employees on January 8th at 6:00 p.m.

Clerk Catizone wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm distributed a memo regarding the State of Illinois releasing the monies owed to the City and a schedule of when these funds will be disbursed.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Joe Cainkar presented Ordinance 15-10, amending Section 37.04, fees, of Chapter 37, vehicle license, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. The current commercial vehicle sticker will be increased by $50.00 for each classification. These fees have not been increased in the last sixteen years. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve Ordinance 15-10. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Aldermen McHugh and Szeszycki nay. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Invoice #1109-1953 – Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #1109-1953 from Utility Dynamics Corporation in the amount of $12,104.60. This is for work done on the 93rd Street lighting project. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Invoice #1109-1953 to Utility Dynamics Corporation in the amount of $12,104.60 (pay estimate #4, final). Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Invoice #8633 Pay Estimate #4 (partial) – Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #8633 from Hasse Construction Company for work done on the 2015 drainage improvements in the amount of $412,328.41 (pay estimate #4, partial). Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Invoice #8633 in the amount of $412,328.41 to Hasse Construction Company. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Invoice #1202-1953 – Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #1202-1953 from Utility Dynamics Corporation in the amount of $383.28 for payment of anchor bolts for street lighting in the Park Hill subdivision. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Invoice #1202-1953 to Utility Dynamics Corporation in the amount of #383.28. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Invoice #8268 Pay Estimate #2 partial – Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #8268 from Len Cox and Sons Excavating for work done on the 83rd Court and 89th Street intersection project in the amount of $113,150.54. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Invoice #8268 in the amount of $113,150.54 (pay estimate #2, partial) to Len Cox and Sons Excavating. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of December 2015 in the amount of $467,806.42. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the customary bills payable for the second half of November 2015 in the amount of $682,081.35. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki reported on November 30th he met with A.J. Gallagher to discuss the City’s Workman’s Compensation renewal. The increase of 9% will bring our annual premium to $447,350.00. This includes a higher payroll of 6% over the current year and 3% due to the claims experience over the last 5 years. The 6% higher payroll estimates are due to more accurate estimating of payrolls by class codes.

Alderman Szeszycki reported the City has received an IPRF grant in the amount of $31,812.00. This grant is used by the Public Works Department.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Alderman Stachnik was absent. No report submitted.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Mr. Boettcher announced the retirement of Mr. John Ruffolo, an employee for the last 36 years. Public Works will have a large void after his retirement at the year end. John’s credentials include State Certified Water Operator and Heavy Equipment Operator. He has held one of two highest union positions. He was frequently called upon to be a lead man. John’s extensive knowledge of our City’s utility systems and personal persona will be truly missed. Mr. Boettcher noted replacing a person with his Public Works knowledge, dedication and positive attitude will be difficult.

Mr. Boettcher stated with the union contract allowing 4 workers to be off for the holidays, John retiring, and one person on injury, staffing is short for snowplowing. Mr. Boettcher proposed the hiring of Mr. Marks Hernandez, a seasoned Public Works employee with over 15 years of experience. Public Works will start him at 80% by contract of Utility “Grade B” at a wage of $22.68 with a start date of January 18, 2015. No objections were noted.

Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works is acquiring additional proposals on new and used sweepers. He hopes to bring this to the Council in January.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report submitted.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Waight presented three business certificate applications for the following: 1) DriveTime Car Sales located at 7717 W. 95th Street. They plan on opening January 8, 2016. 2) Prestige Home Health Care located at 7667 W. 95th Street, #306. 3) Sonny’s Slot and Café located at 8841 W. 87th Street. This license is pending the approval of a liquor license. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy reported he has distributed the 3rd Ward resident survey results.

Alderman McAvoy noted Sertoma Club has raised approximately a $1,000.00 on their Adopt a Christmas Tree Program. He also presented a certificate of appreciation to the City Council for their participation.

Alderman McAvoy reported Sertoma Club is also sponsoring a raffle and he has tickets this evening for purchase.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Treasurer Schramm stated this topic is a continuation
the Water Meter/Radio Read Replacement Program presentation that was given at the Committee Meeting earlier. He felt the Council has reviewed the three options and discussed at length. He is seeking direction from the Council at this time. After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to go with Option 3 (install radio reads only throughout the City). At budget time, the data received will be reviewed and how to proceed with Option 1 or 2 (replacing water meters by a contractor or Public Works).

Mr. Boettcher noted Public Works can complete installation of the radio reads by May, 2016. He stated he will move forward with this installation. Mr. Boettcher will also be completing Section 6 with new water meters (360). No objections were noted. This will take 9 months for installation. Public Works stated they could stop this installation if the City chose to go with an outside contractor at a later date. The Council supported this program and will continue to discuss the water meter replacement for the rest of the City at budget time.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.