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September 22, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes

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September 22, 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, September 22, 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
    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
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Alderman McAvoy and Alderman McHugh were absent. 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 Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mrs. Linda Oskroba
7949 W. 97th Street

Mrs. Oskroba expressed her concerns with a tree that is scheduled to be planted in her parkway by Public Works per a letter she received from them. She noted for safety and personal reasons, she would not like the tree planted. Mayor Howley stated this matter will be reviewed and she would be notified.
Mrs. Oskroba asked if the sidewalks along Roberts Road could be shoveled in the winter because several children walk to school. Mayor Howley suggested she call the school district regarding this matter.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of September 8, 2016 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Correction: Under City Clerk – date to begin submitting petitions is December 12th. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley presented the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Hickory Hills and North Palos School District 117. Mayor Howley noted this is for the co-sponsorship of the Howl through the Hills 5K Run/Walk. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with District 117. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley expressed his condolences to Mr. Jim Murphy from the Hickory Hills Park District on the recent passing of his father.

Mayor Howley also expressed his condolences to the family of Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy who passed away this week.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone presented the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Cook County Public Health Department. This allows the CCPHD to conduct the City’s Health Inspections on all food service establishments and retail food stores in the City. The cost will remain the same. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with CCPHD for Health Inspections. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Clerk Catizone is in receipt of a request from Stagg High School Music Boosters for permission to place signs in the City for their Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Show on November 12th and November 13th. No objections were noted and permission will be granted.

Clerk Catizone noted the Girls Scouts are seeking permission to begin selling their Fall Products from October 1st through October 23rd and their Cookie Program January 1st through February 22nd. Arrangements for cookie booths are made directly with our local merchants and will take place February 5th through May 1st. No objections were noted and permission will be granted.

Clerk Catizone announced the City newsletters are being printed and will be mailed to residents by October 1st. She thanked everyone for their timely submittals of articles.

CITY TREASURER

No report submitted.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Spolar presented two invoices to Hasse Construction. Invoice #8940 and Invoice #8896 in the amount of $108,754.44 for work done on the 2015 drainage improvements (pay estimate #9, final). A final inspection was completed and a punch list with an exception of 3 items that would be completed. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the Hasse Construction Invoices #8940 and #8896 in the amount of $108,754.44. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. It was noted, the check would be held until waivers are received.

2016 MFT Resurfacing – Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #16-0044-02 from D. Construction for work done on the 2016 MFT resurfacing project (pay estimate #2, final) in the amount of $39,033.48. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve Invoice #16-0044-02 in the amount of $39,033.48 to D. Construction.

Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of September 2016 in the amount of $126,661.07. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki distributed the current Video Gaming Revenue Report. He noted Lacey’s Place opened in August and we have 15 locations with 63 machines.

Alderman Szeszycki reported he and Treasurer Schramm have met with AJ Gallagher regarding the property casualty insurance renewal. This line of coverage includes package, automobile, umbrella, cyber liability and pollution liability. They have reviewed the program proposal and are recommending Catlin Indemnity Company with $46,000.00 savings to the City. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve accepting Catlin Indemnity Company at a premium of $161,124.00 for the year. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Alderman Szeszycki noted the City has extended the insurance broker agreement for one additional year on the current three year agreement (which has only 2 years remaining) with AJ Gallagher. The minimum fee is $47,000.00 with a maximum fee of $53,000.00. The broker fee is a percentage of the premiums.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Chief Vodicka reported the swearing in of the new police officer that was scheduled for this evening was rescheduled for this Saturday at the Police Department. He will start Friday, September 30, 2016.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Mr. Boettcher proposed the full time hiring of Mr. Nicholas Knieps who has been working with the Village of Evergreen Park as a part time employee. Mr. Nick Knieps will be hired at Union Grade E. No objections were noted.

Mr. Boettcher noted Mr. Ray Baldovin has resigned his position at Public Works. Mr. Boettcher is conducting interviews for his replacement.

Mr. Boettcher gave a status on the Kean Avenue Pond at 91st Place. Public Works requested Robinson Engineering’s presence when the City met with the Forest Preserve District (FPD) and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) last Tuesday. At this meeting, Public Works explained the motorist endangerment when avoiding the pavement pond. Also, a first floor home at the corner is only 13” above water when the water is at the center of the street. The adjacent two subdivisions only have one exit from subdivision on Kean Avenue which is Woodland and Christina. MWRD proposed this winter to excavate a ditch using floatation mats from 87th Street south to meet the problem drainage structures near 91st Place, leaving all material on site. FPD must approve any activity on their property. FPD understands the need for cleaning the drainage way because the water will continue to build. Concerns were expressed for the manner in which MWRD would perform the task, and resultant damage to FPD eco system. The FPD will discuss this matter further in their offices and they are requesting the City to file for the region maintenance permit with the Corp. of Engineers. Mr. Boettcher stated more details will have to be worked out and he will keep the Council updated. Mayor Howley noted Kean Avenue becomes a one way street when the street floods during rainfall.

Mr. Boettcher reported Public Works delivered notices and tree information to property owners who will have trees planted in their barren parkway next week, weather permitting. Each Ward will receive 25 trees for a total of 100 trees to be planted. Thirty-two homeowners requested trees after reading about this program in the City’s newsletter. Since this is a five year tree planting program, the 3rd year will be in the spring of 2017. Mr. Boettcher received 4 or 5 calls that did not want the trees planted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh was absent. Mr. Moirano reported he is still working on the house that will be demolished in the 1st Ward.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported a meeting was held today on the 5K Run/Walk. She noted the Chamber has increased the number of Scarecrows to 75, which is up from the number last year. The Halloween Party, Trunk and Treat and the Scarecrow Contest will take place on Saturday, October 22nd.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy was absent. Mayor Howley noted the Chamber held a meeting last week and they are working on the Trunk or Treat with local businesses.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Treasurer Schramm updated the Council on the employee health insurance open enrollment. Last Thursday packets were sent to all employees and the open enrollment ends tomorrow. All is going well.

Alderman Stachnik distributed an informational link that a resident passed on to share with the Council.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Howley recently took a last look around at the Sabre Room with his son. They saw people from all over carrying out pieces of the building they had purchased. It was quite an experience to walk through all the banquet rooms and the large kitchen.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.