January 14, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes

January 14, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Clerk D’Lorah Catizone on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Clerk Catizone noted Mayor Howley will be late this evening.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Clerk Catizone led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Alderman Ferrero made a motion to approve Mayor Pro Tem Scott Zimmerman. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following were present:

  • Mayor, M. Howley (7:50 p.m.)
  • D. Ferrero
    B. Fonte
    T. McAvoy
    T. McHugh
    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

Alderman Stachnik was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

The Mayor will be late this evening. The Lights of Hickory Hills contest will be moved down on the agenda.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of December 10, 2015 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Ferrero pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley’s report will be moved to the bottom of the agenda.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia School to place signs around the City for their upcoming open house on February 7, 2016. No objections were noted.

Clerk Catizone noted boxing for the Troops will take place on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the Community Center beginning at 6:00 p.m.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm distributed an updated schedule of the funds that were received from the State of Illinois. These were the funds owed to the City.

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Reports dated November 15, 2015 and December 15, 2015 for approval. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the November 15, 2015 and December 15, 2015 Treasurer’s Reports. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm would like to move the discussion on 2016 Water/Sewer rate increase under Unfinished Business.

CITY ATTORNEY

Ord. 16-01 – Attorney Vince Cainkar presented Ordinance 16-01,
amending Chapter 5, streets and sidewalks, by adding Section 5.38, standards for the construction of personal wireless telecommunications services and facilities in the public right-of-way, to the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance 16-01. Alderman Fonte second. This is ordinance was brought forward due to the changes in the telecommunications industry. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of January 2016 in the amount of $770,388.15. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Alderman Szeszycki noted the customary bills payable for the second half of December 2015 in the amount of $668,178.49 were approved at the December 10, 2015 Council meeting.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki distributed a copy of the current Video Gaming revenues. Right now he noted it is pretty strong and running consistent.

Alderman Szeszycki also distributed a Street Fair and Arbor Day 2015 Summary. He would like the Council to review some of the discussion items and place this on the January Committee meeting agenda. Alderman Szeszycki stated a further discussion is needed on the reduction of costs of these events. Alderman Szeszycki questioned if fees should be increased for the vendors. He also reviewed ways to reduce costs.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Howley presented the winners of the “Lights of Hickory Hills” with a small token of appreciation. Below is a list of the 2015 winners:

First Ward:
1st Place
Gloria Ulloa
7830 W. 90th Place

2nd Place
Christian and Linda Arvetis
9324 S. 78th Avenue

Second Ward:
1st Place
Steve Conrad
9154 S. 83rd Court

2nd Place
Krzysztof Kilmowski
9325 S. 83rd Court

Third Ward:
1st Place
James and Linda Cesak (present)
9015 S. Maple

2nd Place
Maola Family
8749 Beechnut Rd.

Fourth Ward:
1st Place
Al Kasper & Janice Mastro (present)
8310 W. 91st Street

2nd Place
Russell Family (present)
8815 S. 83rd Ct.

Mayor Howley presented the Finding of Fact for 9546 S. 78th Court resubdivision. The Hickory Hills Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals conducted a public hearing on December 14, 2015 on a petition by Mr. Michael Gallo. Mr. Gallo, the Petitioner, is requesting to divide a 212 foot frontage x 263 foot depth property into two equally sized parcels each of which will be 106 foot frontage x 263 foot depth. One lot will be vacant and one lot will retain the existing single family residence. The request was recommended for approval by a vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. Alderman Waight moved to approve the Finding of Fact for the property located at 9546 S. 78th Court for a simple resubdivision. Alderman McHugh second. It was also noted Petitioner will comply with all the recommendations of the reviewers. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

PATSE Bus – Mayor Howley reported he is in receipt of a request for the City’s annual contribution to support the PATSE Bus Service. The amount is $14,441.27. This bus service is offered through the City of Palos Hills. The PATSE Bus provided 4,645 rides last year, 2,333 of those rides are residents of Hickory Hills. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the $14,441.27 contribution to the PATSE Bus Service. Alderman Szeszycki second. Treasurer Schramm noted that the amount of $15,000.00 was budgeted this year, so this falls under that amount. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Liquor License Request – Sonny’s Slots & Cafe – Mayor Howley presented a liquor license request from Sonny’s Slots & Café located at 8841 W. 87th Street. This is a request for a Class E liquor license. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Class E liquor license for Sonny’s Slots and Café, and direct the City Attorney to draft the ordinance to increase the number of Class E licenses by one. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Ribbon Cutting – Mayor Howley noted a ribbon cutting will be scheduled soon for the DriveTime on 95th Street. Also, Planet Fitness will have a ribbon cutting in the near future.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Alderman Stachnik was absent.

Chief Vodicka noted the Police Quarterly Report was distributed to the City Council. A second memo was distributed with regards to the Department of Justice deferring payment to all State and Local agencies for forfeited seizures. He noted he will continue to assess this moving forward and this may be a temporary situation.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works has contacted Sensus Manufacturer to inquire about the purchase price of 3,300 Flex Net Readers. The price from Sensus was higher than from our supplier HD, the northern Illinois distributor of their product. A purchase order was issued for the total quantity, (3,300 at $110.00 each) but, unfortunately, delivery would take 3 weeks. To expedite installation, Public Works picked up all Flex Readers for Section 6. As of yesterday, Public Works has installed 750 Flex Readers with 50% programmed.
He noted Public Works expects to have all Flex Readers installed by May.

Mr. Boettcher proposed some language be placed on the outgoing water bills regarding the new Flex Readers.

Mr. Boettcher suggested to the Council to consider raising the turn on fees of water to $75.00 with a progressive increase of $25.00 for repeat offenders.

Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works has inquired about used and demo street sweepers from several manufacturers including Tymco, Schwarze and Elgin. Public Works inquiry into these units showed most to have steel boxes and few have the manufacturers spray on the liners with multiple concerns and problems. Stainless boxes have only been on the market a few years, and no one is ready to trade them. He noted the Tymco 600 Regenerative Air was developed 30 years ago and is still manufactured in Waco, Texas and rusts badly. The Elgin Sweeper has been in business for 90 years and most prolific used sweeper in the area. It is built in Illinois and the City is eligible to purchase this sweeper with a Federal Purchasing Contract. Public Works is recommending purchasing a new 2016 Elgin Cross-Wind with stainless box set of a new 2014 Auto-Car Cab-over Chassis for the amount of $230,000.00. It would take 4 months for the unit to be assembled. Mr. Boettcher stated Public Works would use the existing budget in the equipment fund to purchase this sweeper. There were some concerns on the purchase of the sweeper and this will be placed on the January Committee Meeting Agenda for further discussion.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report submitted.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Waight presented three business certificate applications for the following: 1) Elmwood Auto Sales located at 9831 S. 78th Avenue. Mr. Richard Derdzinski will be selling cars online and a few at the property. 2) Standard Realty located within the Standard Bank building at 7800 W. 95th Street. 3) Lacey’s Place located at 7831 W. 95th Street. This application is pending until approval of a liquor license. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Children’s Christmas Party for next year will have a change in start time. The new time is 1:30 p.m. at Krueger Park.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy reported the Hills Chamber will be hosting the following social media workshops; Facebook Business Growth Strategies on Thursday, January 21st at 7:30 a.m. at Lewis University, 9634 S. Roberts Road. Linkedln For You and Your Business, Tuesday, February 16th at 7:30 a.m. at the Palos Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd Street, Palos Hills, Instagram/Twitter – How to Use, Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:30 a.m. at the Palos Hills Community Center and Content Development- Managing Your Social Media Campaign on Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 a.m. at the Palos Community Center.

Alderman McAvoy noted the Chamber will also host a Business Expo on Saturday, April 16th at the Palos Hills Community Center.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Treasurer Schramm reviewed the seven page proposed 2016
Water & Sewer rate options which would be effective February 1, 2016. These options were reviewed at the last Council meeting. Treasurer Schramm stated any Chicago increase in the water rate will be effective June 1st and not January 1st as in the past. In addition, increases from West Suburban Water Commission would be added to the cost. Treasurer Schramm stated Water Rate Option #1 was to increase the line charge from $4.80 to $5.25 and the water rate from $7.26 to $7.80. With regards to the Sewer Rate, Option #1 was to keep the rates for 2016 with no increase and Option #2 was keeping Option #1 keeping current sewer billing rates in place and adding a sewer monthly surcharge of $2.15 for each billing account or $100,000.00 annually to comply with future MWRD Sanitary Sewer programs. Treasurer Schramm stated within the next 4-5 years the MWRD will require municipalities to have a program in place for lateral lines (residential sanitary sewer lines) and that the City must be prepared. He noted these funds could only be used for future MWRD requirements.

This would be Option #2 of the proposed sewer rate options.

Treasurer Schramm stated his recommendations for sewer and water rates are lower than average. He referred to the survey of area cities rates.

After a lengthy discussion, Alderman Zimmerman moved to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance with regards to Water Turn On Fees to a progressive scale beginning at $75.00 over a two year period. Alderman McAvoy second. Discussion ensued. Alderman Zimmerman amended his motion to have Water Turn On Fees to a progressive starting at $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00 over a two year period. Alderman McAvoy amended his second. Roll call: Alderman Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye.

With regards to the Water Rate increase Option #1, Alderman Ferrero moved to approve Option #1 for the water rate to include increased line charge from $4.80 to $5.25 and water rate from $7.26 to $7.80. Alderman McAvoy second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

With regards to the sewer rate Option #1, Alderman McHugh made a motion to approve Option #1 for the Sewer Rate with keeping the current rates and no increase. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman McHugh and Alderman Szeszycki nay. So approved.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.