December 8, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes

December 8, 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,
December 8, 2016, at 7:32 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
    M. McHugh
    T. McAvoy
    J. Stachnik
    J. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Clerk, V. Cainkar
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • City Engineer, M. Spolar
  • Police Chief, A. Vodicka
  • Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
  • 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 McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of November 10, 2016 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley presented a request for a temporary liquor license for St. Patricia Parish to hold a “Ho Ho Holy Night” Show on Saturday, December 17th from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. Alderman Waight moved to approve this temporary liquor license to St. Patricia Parish with fees waived on December 17, 2016. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley asked Alderman McAvoy to present the next item on the agenda. Alderman McAvoy stated he has contacted a government representative from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to inquire how best to contribute to efforts to assist the victims of the recent devastating fires that struck that town. At this time, Alderman Ferrero moved to make a donation in the amount of $200.00 to the Sevier County Fire Relief Fund from the Discretionary Fund. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley suggested that the December 22nd Council meeting be cancelled due to the holiday. Alderman Ferrero moved to cancel the Council meeting of Thursday, December 22, 2016. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY CLERK

City Clerk Catizone reported she attended a local election officials workshop hosted by the Cook County Clerk’s office at the Orland Park Civic Center. They reviewed information regarding the upcoming 2017 election cycle.

Highlighted were procedures on accepting nomination papers and other important election deadlines.

As a reminder, candidates filing petitions for the upcoming April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election can file in the Clerk’s office beginning Monday, December 12th to Friday, December 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Then on Monday, December 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Clerk Catizone announced packing for the troops will take place on Tuesday, December 20th at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.

Clerk Catizone noted commercial vehicle stickers are due by January 31, 2017. Renewal notices have been mailed out.

Lastly, Clerk Catizone thanked Mary Boettcher and Marilyn Gabrysiak for holiday decorating of the Chamber, her office and the Community Center. She noted they always do an excellent job. This week the City sent its Christmas cards to all employees and with that news, she wished everyone a very Happy Holiday Season.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated November 30, 2016 for approval. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated November 30, 2016. Alderman Szeszycki second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Schramm noted the City has received the final 2016 Audit Report late this afternoon; it will be presented and discussed at a meeting in January.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar stated the developer had removed Ordinance 16-17, approving the special use for the Sabre Woods Plaza located at 8900 W. 95th Street from the agenda and would like to defer this matter until January, 2017.

CITY ENGINEER

City Engineer Mike Spolar presented Invoice #21318 from AC Pavement Striping Company for work done on the 2016 MFT micro surfacing project (pay estimate #1, partial) in the amount of $96,444.19. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Invoice #21318 to AC Pavement Striping Company in the amount of $96,444.19. Alderman Waight second.

Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #1 from Insituform Technologies, USA for work done on sanitary sewer rehabilitation, CDBG 1506-009, (pay estimate #1, partial) in the amount of $195,931.26. Mr. Spolar noted the City should receive $150,000.00 from the CDBG for this project. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve Invoice #1 in the amount of $195,931.26 to Insituform Technologies, USA. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of December 2016 in the amount of $550,001.29. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the customary and ordinary bills payable for the second half of December 2016. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley noted the customary and ordinary bills for the second half of November 2016 was a total of $43,229.71.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki distributed the latest Video Gaming Report from the Illinois Gaming Board and revenue remains strong. October revenue was the 2nd highest month is 2016. We currently have 15 locations with 63 machines.

Alderman Szeszycki reviewed the Workman’s Compensation Insurance renewal. This came in with a 5% reduction in premium. The lower loss ratio has lowered the premium. He also noted the City will receive an Illinois Public Risk Fund’s Grant Program Safety Grant in the amount of $39,653.00. This reflects an increase over last year’s grant of $31,812.00. AJ Gallagher’s broker fees for Property/Casualty and Workers Compensation is $53,000.00.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Chief Vodicka reminded the Council next Friday, December 16th a small reception will be held for retiring Officer Terry Murphy at the Police Station from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Public Works Director Boettcher is recommending that Mr. Erik Wright be hired to the current 12 man Public Works work force. Mr. Wright has an Illinois Class “C” Water Operators license and a CDL Class A truck driving license. He also has municipal experience. Mr. Boettcher recommends that Mr. Wright be hired at C1 grade of $21.00 an hour, which is the third step of the six step program. No objections were noted.

Mr. Boettcher reported a valued long term employee, Mr. Kevin Farrell, with 35.3 years of service will retire from Public Works at the end of December.

Mr. Boettcher reported Insituform has completed the CIPP lining of our base project which allows the City to claim the CDBG Grant funds of $150,000.00. He would like the contractor to receive payment in 2016.

Mr. Boettcher noted the CVS CIPP 6” Alternate B project for the CVS 6” sanitary force main project was abandoned because of line conflicts. One part remains to be done off of 83rd Court.

Alderman McAvoy asked if Public Works has lost all heavy equipment operators. Mr. Boettcher stated he has lost three heavy equipment operators to retirement. The new employee hired is not a heavy equipment operator and they are in the process of looking for an appropriate candidate to train.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Waight reported he has change of ownership to the following existing businesses: The Fuel Line Gas Station at 8702 Roberts Road new owner is Mr. Mohammad Abdallah. M & M Food and Beverage (pending liquor license) at 8031 W. 87th Street will have new owners, Jose and Maria Castanon. The BP on 95th Street will also have new owners and become a Circle K in January or February.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported a postcard should be going out this week from Waste Management outlining the new “At Your Door Special Collection” Program.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Annual Children’s Christmas Party at Krueger Park will be this Saturday, December 10th at 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Alderman Ferrero noted she will need one Alderman from each Ward for judging the “Lights of Hickory Hills” on Tuesday, December 13th.

McAvoy/Chamber Business Development

Alderman McAvoy distributed the survey from the meeting held on the proposed Sabre Room property.

Alderman McAvoy reported the Sertoma Holiday Season Shopping Guide has been distributed to the Council. He noted it is not as large as last year, but still made a profit.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mayor Howley thanked Building Commissioner John Moirano and the 1st Ward Aldermen for their assistance on a property located at 9642 S. 78th Court. The house has been demolished. Mr. Moirano noted the sealing of the sanitary and water line still needs to be completed.

Dental Ins. Renewal – Mayor Howley noted the employee dental insurance renewal was discussed at the Committee Meeting this evening. Alderman McAvoy moved to approve the renewal of the MetLife Employee Dental Insurance. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McAvoy, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. 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, McHugh, McAvoy, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.