September 13, 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,
September 13, 2018, at 7:30 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
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Attorney, G. Perlman
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Chief Engineer, M. Spolar
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
Alderman Henry Kman and Building Commissioner John Moirano were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Alderman Ferrero moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Stachnik moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of August 23, 2018 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
5K – Mayor Howley reported the Hickory Hills 5K Race already has 82 participants from Oak Ridge School registered and plans are underway.
Senior Luncheon – Mayor Howley noted he attended the Hickory Hills Senior Club’s 45th Anniversary Luncheon. They are very supportive of the City’s donation to this organization.
Thank You – Mayor Howley thanked Lt. Tim Stevens and Public Works Director Sue Lehr for their assistance with compliance issues.
Colonial Apts. Meeting – Mayor Howley stated a meeting will be held with the property owners of Colonial Apartments. Further details will be given under the City Engineer report this evening.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone reported last evening she attended a Citizen Planner Workshop hosted by the Southwest Conference of Mayors. This seminar was offered to Zoning Boards and elected officials. It covered many topics, such as responsibilities of members of the Zoning Board and other helpful tools. It was held at the Orland Park Police Station and she congratulated the City’s Zoning Board for all being in attendance. The City of Hickory Hills was very well represented.
Clerk Catizone noted the City will be participating in the 2018 Brookfield Zoo’s Community Tree Trim Program. We will decorate the tree on Sunday, November 18th. If anyone is interested in helping please contact the Clerk’s Office.
Clerk Catizone announced the newsletter is in the final stages of publication and will be mailed to residents the first week of October.
Clerk Catizone extended well wishes to all who are living in and or near the looming path of Hurricane Florence. The City of Hickory Hills sends best wishes to all those who may be impacted in any way by this fierce storm. We hope everyone, their families, co-workers and communities, will stay safe and when the storm has passed, may the losses be minimal and your peace restored.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar announced on Wednesday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. a meeting will be held at City Hall for the property owners of Colonial Apartments. Invitations to affected property owners were sent out this week. The meeting will explain the proposed storm sewer project between 85th Court and 84th Court through the Colonial Apartments.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of September, 2018 in the amount of $1,182,795.80. Alderman McHugh second. Mentioned was the $600k payment, which is the City’s contribution to the Police Pension Fund. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki distributed a memo outlining the Property & Casualty (P & C) and Workers Compensation (W/C) Insurance renewal. He noted as you all are aware, this year the City again did a market competitive bid for our P & C and W/C Insurance renewals.
Due to overall increased liability risk exposure and the $40k savings from current premiums, the Finance Committee is recommending increasing limits on two of our programs as follows: increasing umbrella/excess liability coverage by $5 million for and additional $9,000.00 premium. Also increasing our Cyber Liability limits from $1 million to $2 million for a $1,200.00 added premium. They are also recommending to renew our current program with A.J. Gallagher through Travelers Insurance and IPRF with a premium cost of $357k. Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve this recommendation with A.J. Gallagher for the City’s Property & Casualty Insurance. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Treasurer Schramm updated the Council on the employee health insurance renewal that will begin October 1st.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Chief Vodicka expressed his sympathy on the recent passing of retired Police Officer John Delia. He worked for the City for 26 years.
Zimmerman/Public Works
No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported all is running well at Parkview Apartments.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Waight presented one business certificate request from Silwady Trucking to be located at 8711-C W. 95th Street. This is a remote office and calling center/dispatch for a trucking company. Not open to the public. No objections were noted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte reported he is in receipt of the August report from the e-recycling. He noted with 39 stops 4,500 pounds was collected.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported the following event dates; October 20th, is the 5K Run and Children’s Halloween Party. November 20th is the tree lighting ceremony and December 8th, is the Children’s Christmas Party. Lastly, December 11th is the Annual Lights of Hickory Hills Contest.
Kman/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Kman was absent. No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman McHugh noted the City Hall parking lot has been completed and looks great. The new roof looks great on the City Hall garage.
Alderman Szeszycki thanked Public Works for installing a light at City Hall garage.
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 7:57 p.m.
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