March 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, March 8, 2018, 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
H. Kman
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - Acting City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Attorney, G. Perlman
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Chief Engineer, M. Spolar
- Public Works Director, L. Boettcher
Building Commissioner John Moirano was 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, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Dean Ilkanic
8034 W. 93rd Street
Mr. Ilkanic voiced his concerns regarding an ongoing water problem. He noted his backyard continually floods after heavy rainfall. He would like to see this problem solved as he has gone through several sump pumps. Mr. Ilkanic suggested curbs and storm water sewers be installed on his street. After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Howley asked the City Engineer Mike Spolar to investigate this water issue and report back to the City Council for review.
Mr. Sam Matarieh
Mr. Matarieh explained that he recently received a parking ticket for parking his limousines at Aladdin’s Palace on 87th Street. He noted they are family and the limousines are referred to their customers. Mayor Howley stated parking of commercial vehicles is against the City zoning ordinance. He also noted that a decision could not be made this evening because this is a zoning matter. Mr. Matarieh questioned if there is any way to seek a variance to this ordinance. Mayor Howley noted the ZBA Chairman, Mr. Syed Imam, is in the audience if he would like to exchange telephone numbers. This would need to go through the Zoning Board.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of February 22, 2018 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Ferrero and Alderman Fonte pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Finding of Fact – Mayor Howley presented the Finding of Fact for Proviso Petroleum Company DBA Falcon Fuel located at 8702 S. Roberts Road, Hickory Hills. The petitioner is seeking permission to build a gas station which requires a special use, rear setback variance of 15 feet, a convenience store and a studio apartment. Also, 8 parking spaces are required and only 4 are shown on the plans. This is a C-2 zoned property. A public hearing was held on February 26, 2018. The Zoning Board recommended approval with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays with 2 board members absent. Mr. William Stefan, owner of the property, is present this evening.
At this time, Mr. Stefan gave a short presentation of these plans and distributed a site plan. He noted he has submitted plans to the building department which include 10 required parking spaces. Mayor Howley explained he has some concerns that the City has no other gas stations in the City with residential use and it would set a precedent. Mayor Howley stated he is not aware of any other gas station with an apartment but he does realize the tax benefits to the property owner. A discussion ensued as to the need for an apartment. Mayor Howley noted the Council is supportive of a gas station, but not including an apartment. A question was asked if Mr. Stefan would complete the project if the apartment was not approved. Mr. Stefan answered that is a difficult question and he does not have a definitive answer, if this could work out economically. Alderman Zimmerman moved to direct the attorney to draft an ordinance for the next meeting to approve the request submitted for a special use, parking variance and setback variance, but without the proposed apartment, with a sunset agreement added for 6 months. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley thanked the Zoning Board Chairman and the members who worked on this zoning issue.
St. Patricia Request – Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from St. Patricia Parish for a temporary liquor license for the Ladies Night Out Bunco Party on April 27, 2018. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve a temporary liquor license for St. Patricia’s Ladies Night Out Bunco Party on April 27th with fees waived. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Municipal Expo – Mayor Howley reminded everyone the Municipal Expo will be this weekend in Palos Hills.
Boy Scout #4728 – Mayor Howley thanked Boy Scout Troop #4728 for the wonderful Blue & Gold banquet which he attended last week.
CITY CLERK
City Clerk Catizone thanked everyone for the get well wishes and glad she is back.
Clerk Catizone reminded the Council of the March 15th deadline for newsletter articles.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Schramm noted he would like to move the budget meeting schedule discussion to “New Business”.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar presented Resolution 18-02, a resolution requesting Cook County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Program Year 2018 in the amount of $260,000.00. This will be used for storm sewer lining on 94th Street. He noted the City did not receive this last year and he is hoping for positive news this year. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Res. 18-02, requesting CDBG funds in the amount of $260,000.00. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of March, 2018 in the amount of $482,495.37. Alderman Waight second. Roll Call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
No report submitted.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Chief Al Vodicka distributed the Hickory Hills Police Department 2017 Annual Report. He requested the Council review the report and if there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Chief.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Public Works Director Larry Boettcher reported Public Works along with Robinson Engineering submitted to MWRD Phase II Storm Water Management Program to request grant funds to expand the detention pond. Public Works noted that this water detained is one (1) acre foot and tributary to flooding on Roberts Road at 102nd Street from the Hickory Hills Golf Course.
Mr. Boettcher noted City Attorney Mike Cainkar has sent out the second letter to property owners. The Attorney reported he has since received two responses and it seems positive.
Mr. Boettcher reported he has received necessary approval from the State and County Permit applications to burn Prairie Grasses at the Detention Pond when weather conditions become favorable. Burnt grasses provide nutrient for deep rooted prairie grasses and flowers while eliminating the shallow rooted weeds. He noted Roberts Park Fire Department provides the Fire Brush Buggy and Public Works has the sewer rodder truck to provide safety.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight reported a new fast food restaurant will open at 9348 S. Roberts Road in April. No objections were noted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte reported he has received the Waste Management “At Your Door” Report for the month of February 2018. They have collected 2,500 pounds of recycling with 22 stops.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported the coloring sheets have been delivered to all the schools for the Arbor Day Coloring Contest. She has also contacted the supplier of the trees and shrubs for the Arbor Day Tree Sale in May.
Alderman Ferrero noted she has signed one band for Saturday night before the Street Fair. She also noted this year the committee would like to add to the Street Fair Flyer that no dogs are allowed. She is also having signs made to be placed at the Street Fair.
Kman/Chamber Business Development
No report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
BUDGET MEETINGS
Treasurer Schramm and Finance Chairman Szeszycki distributed a schedule for three budget meetings. After some discussion, the budget meetings will be held on April 12th at 6:00 p.m., April 18th at 6:30 p.m. and April 19th at 6:00 p.m.
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, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.