June 14, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes

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June 14, 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, June 14, 2018, at 7:33 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor 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. Szeszycki
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • Acting City Clerk, C. Doherty
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • City Treasurer, D. Schramm
  • Sergeant, G. Tienstra
  • Chief Engineer, M. Spolar
  • Public Works Deputy Director, L. Boettcher
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Alderman Stachnik was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

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

No one was in attendance.

CLOSE TO PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 24, 2018 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved. Alderman McHugh pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Memorial – Mayor Howley noted that the memorial for former Mayor Ray Kay will be held at St. Patricia Church on Friday, June 29th, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and a Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m.

HH Senior Club – Mayor Howley read a thank you letter from the Hickory Hills Senior Club President, Geraldine Witkowski, acknowledging the City’s generous financial support for their organization and the club’s appreciation.

CITY CLERK

Acting City Clerk Chris Doherty noted the Packing for the Troops will be on Tuesday, June 19th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.

CITY TREASURER

No report.

CITY ATTORNEY

Ord. 18-07 – Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 18-07, an ordinance Amending Section 6.10, Water Rates, of Chapter 6, Water Service, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code by Changing Water Rates. Alderman Waight moved to approve Ord. 18-07. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Ord. 18-08 – Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance 18-08, an ordinance Amending Section 7.09, Basis for Wastewater Service Charges, of Chapter 7, Sanitary Sewer Service, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code by Changing Sanitary Sewer Rates. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve Ord. 18-08. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Ord. 18-09 – At this time (7:40 p.m.), Mayor Howley opened the meeting to the public hearing relative to Ordinance 18-09, an ordinance Adding Section 4.11.5, Drive-Thru Facilities and Windows to the City of Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance. Public notification regarding this public hearing was published in the area newspaper. Since there were no comments, Mayor Howley closed the public hearing (7:44 p.m.) and requested a motion to approve the Ordinance. Alderman Waight moved to approve the Ordinance Adding Section 4.11.5, Drive-Thru Facilities and Windows to the City of Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of June, 2018 in the amount of $524,357.45. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Szeszycki/Finance

Alderman Szeszycki reported the City’s health insurance renewal is October 1st. Because of projected health insurance increases, the City will be looking to Vista National who will be quoting Blue Cross/Blue Shield and United Health Care, and our current broker, Mesirow/Alliant, who will be quoting Aetna along with all other markets. We should have renewal quotes ready to present to the Council at the second meeting in August for the September open enrollment period.

The City’s Property & Casualty Insurance renewal is also on October 1st and the Worker’s Comp. on January 1st. We will get quotes from our current broker, A.J. Gallagher, and the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association. We should have these quotes by late August and be able to present it to the Council at the first meeting in September.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Alderman Stachnik was absent. Sgt. Tienstra reported on the large number of car burglaries occurring in unlocked cars in Chicago and the surrounding areas. He also reminded everyone to lock their cars while pumping gas. There are IRS telephone scams happening too. Sgt. Tienstra asked that if these calls are received, the resident should get a name & telephone number and call the police department to report it.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Public Works Director Boettcher stated he will need the direction of the City Council regarding the responsibility split between the City and the Property Owners Association for the Colonial Complex work. He feels the Association will need to provide all easement access for the project and agree to temporary locations for vehicle parking. They must also agree to accept and maintain the lot at the end of the project. The City must decide how extensive the parking lot will be rehabbed and the local drainage upgraded/reinstalled.

Director Boettcher also advised the Council of his plans to retire effective July 20, 2018. He thanked everyone for their assistance in his 25 years of service to the City.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh stated all the buildings at Parkview are doing well. He also mentioned if anyone would like to volunteer some time working the Street Fair on June 24th, it would be appreciated.

Waight/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Waight reported he is in receipt of two business certificate applications. 1) China Garden located at 8839 W. 87th Street. This is a change of owner. 2) SilverSun Industries located at 9903 S. 78th Avenue. This is a warehouse facility for environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported that he received Waste Management’s May Recycling Report for At Your Door. The amount was 5,000 lbs. of electronic waste with 44 stops.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported as of this date, we have 53 crafters, 8 businesses and 12 food vendors for the Street Fair. Also, the bands are set for Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

Kman/Chamber Business Development

Building Commissioner Moirano reported he has been in contact with Mr. Koziarz (Sabre Woods owner) regarding his contractor following through with the SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan). To date, it has not been taken care of along with grass cutting maintenance. Mr. Moirano stated he has the authority to start issuing tickets.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman Ferrero asked for an update on S & M Auto Brokers located at the old George’s Steakhouse and the gas station at 87th & Roberts Road. Building Commissioner Moirano stated only inside work is being done at the car dealership. Outside work will not be allowed until they receive approval from MWRD. The gas station is ready to start construction.

Mayor Howley questioned Sgt. Tienstra on the limousine parking at the 87th Street Plaza. Citations are being issued.

Alderman Fonte reminded Mayor Howley that the Girl Scouts will be in attendance at the next Council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Howley wished all the fathers a Happy Father’s Day.

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, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.