April 28, 2016 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,
April 28, 2016, at 7:30 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
- Aldermen, D. Ferrero
B. Fonte
T. McHugh
J. Stachnik
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
- Assist. Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Alderman McAvoy and Public Works Director Larry Boettcher were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
RETIREMENT RECOGNITION
Mayor Howley recognized and read a proclamation honoring retired Public Works employee, Mr. John Ruffolo.
Mr. Ruffolo retired after 35 years with the Public Works Department. Mayor Howley thanked him for his dedicated service to the City of Hickory Hills. A short reception followed.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Alderman Stachnik moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mrs. Caroline Sutor
9418 S. 77th Avenue
Mrs. Sutor voiced her concern regarding a tree that needs to be removed on her property. She stated two trees were removed and planted by the City several years ago when curbs were installed. One of the trees is dead and needs to be removed. She is a senior and unable to do this herself and she is seeking help from the City. Mayor Howley stated we have heard your comments and will investigate this matter.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Ferrero moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of April 14, 2016 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Ferrero pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Municipal Clerks Week – Mayor Howley read a proclamation regarding the Municipal Clerk’s Week which will be May 1st – May 7th. Mayor Howley thanked Clerk Catizone for her services. He stated we are all very proud of her accomplishments.
Executive Session – Mayor Howley reported an Executive Session will be held at the end of this meeting for the purpose of discussing Police Union Contract, Public Works Union Contract and Non-Union Employee increases.
CITY CLERK
City Clerk Catizone read a thank you card for the flowers and good wishes from Public Works Director Larry Boettcher.
Mayor Howley added he has spoken to Mr. Boettcher and he is recovering nicely from his surgery.
City Clerk Catizone reminded the Council a small reception for retiring Lt. Mike Rattigan will be held on May 2nd from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2016 for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2016. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Treasurer Schramm reminded the Council the fiscal year ends tomorrow.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 16-07, an ordinance amending Chapter 34, Alcoholic Beverages, increasing Class E Liquor Licenses by one. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Ord. 16-07. Alderman Fonte second. Discussion followed on the issue of the owner of the strip mall where this establishment is proposed. There are some other City ordinance related matters. Mayor Howley stated a sign needs repair. After some discussion, Alderman Szeszycki withdrew his motion. The owner of the strip mall will be notified. Motion withdrawn no action taken.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar presented an invoice from Len Cox and Sons Excavating in the amount of $17,428.71 for work done on the 83rd Court and 89th Street Intersection (pay estimate #5, final). An inspection was completed on April 15, 2016 and all punch lists have been resolved. Alderman McHugh moved to pay the invoice to Len Cox and Sons Excavating in the amount of $17,428.71. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Spolar presented Invoices #8786, #8828, #8829RET from Hasse Construction Company for work done on the 2015 Drainage Improvement in the amount of $258,981.06.
Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Invoices #8786, 8828, #8829RET to Hasse Construction Company in the amount of $258,981.06 (pay estimate #6, partial). Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Spolar noted MFT Street Resurfacing Program construction will start in May.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of April 2016 in the amount of $492,844.20. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
FCC Agreement – Ms. Lehr presented stated Sensus is requiring an agreement between the City and FCC Agreement that will allow the City to read the radio read water meters. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the FCC Agreement. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley apologized for missing the Committee Meeting this evening due to family commitments. During the Committee meeting, it is his understanding that the tree replacement program was discussed again. He noted this program has had several discussions. He would like to express support for the the 5 Year Tree Planting Program ($36k for the next 5 years). Mayor Howley feels very strongly the importance of a long term plan for the right of ways trees. In light of the revenues received from Video Gaming per month, the $36K per year doesn’t seem unreasonable.
He noted he has introduced this issue before and there seemed to be consensus. Mayor Howley stated his position of support of this program won’t change. Alderman Stachnik stated he was not in attendance at the Committee Meeting and he also supports the tree replacement program.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported plans are complete for the upcoming Arbor Day on Saturday, May 7th. This year bushes are $20.00 and trees are $25.00. The coloring contest has been judged.
Alderman Ferrero updated the Council regarding the Street Fair. The bands have been hired. She will be seeking funds to subsidize the bands from local banks.
Alderman Ferrero reminded the Council, their Statements of Economic Interest are due to Cook County on May 1st.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
Alderman McAvoy was absent. No report submitted.
Mayor Howley noted he has spoken to Alderman McAvoy and his health is slowly returning.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Waight moved to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss Police and Public Works Collective Bargaining Agreements and Non-Union Employee Increases. Alderman Fonte second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.