February 9, 2017 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, February 9, 2017, 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
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 Lt, T. Stevens
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
Alderman McAvoy and Building Commissioner John Moirano 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 Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Wisam Kashour
8741 Hillside Drive
Mr. Kashour inquired as to the process of participating in the Street Fair. Alderman Ferrero asked for his name and address and she will have an application mailed to him.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Zimmerman 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 January 26, 2017 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
Park District – Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Dan Maier from the Hickory Hills Park District. Mr. Maier announced the Hickory Hills Park District will hold a carnival on May 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2017 at Kasey Meadow Park. Mr. Maier stated the All Around Amusement Company will provide rides and other concessions. He is present this evening to answer any questions the Council may have. The Park District will be using the auxiliary services through the Hickory Hills Police Department. No objections were noted and the Council is in support of this event.
Street Fair – Mayor Howley presented the temporary liquor license for the Hickory Hills Street Fair on June 24-25, 2017. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve a temporary liquor license for the Street Fair and Kick Off Concert on June 24th and June 25th, 2017. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
HH Baseball Request – Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request for support of the Hills Baseball/Softball Association. This has been done for the last several years. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve a $200.00 sponsorship to the Hills Baseball/Softball Association with monies from the Discretionary Fund. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Video Gaming License – Mayor Howley informed the Council a new video gaming facility may be going into the space at the 87th Street Plaza where the Sonny’s Slots never opened. More details to follow at a later date.
Mayor Howley stated at the next Committee Meeting several items will be discussed which include the Sabre Room, a Dunkin Donuts presentation, and Jim Kruse who has an artist who will be donating a patriotic artwork to the City.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported she is in receipt of a request from Stagg Music Boosters to place signs up advertising the Spring Arts and Crafts Show on March 18th and March 19th. The signs will be placed at 87th & Roberts Road, and 95th Street and 88th Avenue. No objections were noted.
Clerk Catizone announced the deadline for the spring newsletter is March 1st. These newsletters will be sent out the first week in April.
Clerk Catizone noted the next boxing for the troops will be held on Tuesday, February 21st at the Community Center.
Clerk Catizone mentioned the painting of the Council Chambers will begin on Monday, February 13th.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm presented the Treasurer’s Report dated January 31, 2017 for approval. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated January 31, 2017. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Treasurer Schramm reviewed the Hickory Hills Financial Summary as of January 31, 2017 with the City Council. He noted based on the nine (9) month actual results and collection timing for Real Estate Taxes, City License Fees, and State Income Tax revenue, the General Fund Revenue should meet the budgeted revenues of $7.2 million dollars.
Treasurer Schramm noted the General Fund Department expenses are doing well. The other funds show no concern. He stated Telecom revenue continues to come in lower every year. Treasurer Schramm commented that several years ago the Utility Tax Fund revenue was collecting one million a year and now we are collecting nine hundred thousand ($900,000.00). There are a number of things causing this to happen. This does take away from future budget spending. Everything is holding well and should meet budget.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
No report submitted.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of February 2017 in the amount of $459,493.44. Alderman Fonte 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
Public Works Director Larry Boettcher noted Public Works has commenced activity for the residential water meter exchange program on July 1st. Budgeted funds for this fiscal year have now been exhausted. To date, 936 water meters have been purchased and most have been installed with the remainders to be completed this month. For Public Works to continue this exchange program until the end of April, a portion of the budgeted $60k for commercial meters will be needed to purchase additional residential water meters.
Mr. Boettcher stated the long range weather forecast is leaning towards an early spring. Trees have already been ordered for both of the spring’s planting programs. For the five (5) year “Tree Canopy Program”, this spring will be the third (3rd) planting of 100 trees. Public Works is still taking names and addresses for properties that are “tree less” from the home to the street. In addition, the “Cost Sharing” trees will be planted this spring with twenty one (21) trees in this program.
Alderman McHugh asked how many water main breaks occurred as of today. He noted he has seen several in his Ward. Mr. Boettcher noted thirty eight (38) as of last week.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh stated Parkview Apartments had five (5) openings and these will be filled by March 1st.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight is in receipt of one business certificate application for L.A. Cutz to be located at 8859 S. Roberts Road. This is a hair salon. No objections were noted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte distributed the “At Your Door Collection” report to the Council. The program is going very well.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
No report submitted.
McAvoy/Chamber Business Development
Alderman McAvoy was absent. No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
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, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.