February 8, 2018 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 8, 2018, 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
H. Kman
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - Acting City Clerk, M. Marciano
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Chief Engineer, M. Spolar
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
No one from the public was in attendance.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
No one from the public was in attendance.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 25, 2018 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Hills Baseball/Softball Association – Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request for support of the Hills Baseball/Softball Association. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve a $200.00 sponsorship to the Hills Baseball/Softball Association. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
“At Your Door” – Former Alderman Tom McAvoy distributed copies of his report on the first full year (2017) of the “At Your Door” Special Collection Service Program. Residents responding to the post card survey had favorable replies. Mr. McAvoy would like to see the City be more aggressive with marketing this program. He also acknowledged Mr. David Shipyor for his help in compiling this report.
SW Conference of Mayors Breakfast – Mayor Howley reported he will be attending the Southwest Conference of Mayors Breakfast on Saturday, March 10th, at the Belvedere Chateau in Palos Hills. Replies can be made to the Mayor or Clerk Catizone.
Congratulations to Ald. Ferrero’s daughter – Mayor Howley extended his congratulations to Alderman Ferrero regarding a Stagg Legacy Award which will be awarded to her daughter, Heather, this April.
May’s Ribbon Cutting – Mayor Howley reported the ribbon cutting ceremony for May’s will be held tomorrow, Friday, February 9th, depending on the storm, at 3:00 p.m.
S.W. Conference of Mayors – Mayor Howley reported he attended the Southwest Conference of Mayors meeting on January 31st in Justice.
Catholic School Week – Mayor Howley also reported he attended a Mass at St. Patricia’s ending the celebration of Catholic School Week. It was a very nice ceremony.
CITY CLERK
Acting City Clerk Sharon Marciano reported the deadline for the spring newsletter is March 15th. Newsletters will be mailed out the first week in April.
CITY TREASURER
No report.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report.
CITY ENGINEER
No report.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of February 2018 in the amount of $372,156.66. Alderman McHugh second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Chief Vodicka distributed a memo regarding a progress report for the 911 Consolidation. A significant change involves raising the salaries of part-time dispatchers which will match Bedford Park. These salaries will be paid out of the ETSB Fund not the City’s budget.
Chief Vodicka reported a Code Red message was sent out today pertaining to the snow storm and parking restrictions.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Public Works Direct Boettcher thanked Chief Vodicka for sending out the Code Red snow message today, especially the no parking statement.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported he has received complaints from the Parkview residents regarding snow shoveling. He has taken care of the problem.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight reported he is in receipt of a business merger request from Pillars Community Health which combines Community Nurse Health Center in LaGrange with Pillars Community Services located at 8020 W. 87th Street. No objections were noted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
No report submitted.
Kman/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Kman reported he and Alderman Fonte met with the owner of the strip mall at 87th St. and 88th Ave. He has distributed proposals which show possible improvements and new businesses on the grassy area behind CVS. These could possibly include a bank, restaurant with a drive-thru and a medical building. The owners are working on the façade and new signs. Attorney Cainkar advised that the parking would have to be recalculated and permitted uses checked for new businesses.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman McHugh noted that the St. Patricia Super Bowl Party was well attended. A beautiful memorial was held honoring Mike Pryal.
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, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.