November 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,
November 8, 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
H. Kman
M. McHugh
J. Stachnik
J. Szeszycki
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Treasurer, D. Schramm
- City Treasurer, M. Spolar
- Police Chief, A. Vodicka
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Alderman Fonte 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 Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mr. Dean Ilkanic
8034 W. 93rd Street
Mr. Ilkanic voiced his concern regarding a water issue on his property. Building Commissioner Moirano noted he was at this address to inspect post holes for a new fence. The fence post holes are filled with water and they are unable to complete this job. City Engineer, Mike Spolar stated he understands that he is the first flat house on the block and needs assistance. He is looking for some relief.
Mr. Spolar said there is something the City can do to help, but it will not get all the water off his property but some. Mr. Ilkanic said he was present at a meeting with the City and they informed him on their recommendations. This will help him keep his yard a little drier and he really appreciates the City’s assistance.
CLOSE TO PUBLIC
Alderman Kman moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of October 25, 2018 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman McHugh pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Proclamation Chief Al Vodicka – Mayor Howley read into the record the Proclamation for retiring Chief of Police Alan Vodicka. He thanked Al for his unsurpassed management expertise, dedication to public safety, and community building while leading HHPD during a lengthy period of improved community wide public safety, and reductions in crime that has made Hickory Hills one of the safest municipalities in the south suburbs. Indeed, we all proudly acknowledge his successful career of public service and we are extremely pleased to wish you a well-deserved retirement with time to enjoy your family, grandchildren and other personal interests and activities. Mayor Howley noted a small reception will follow the meeting this evening.
Chief Al Vodicka thanked the City for the kind words and he noted his life and career have been blessed.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone announced the 2019 Hickory Hills Blood Drive dates as follows: January 27th, March 31st, August 18th and November 3rd.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
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 November 2018 in the amount of $589,341.37. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Customary Bills – Alderman Szeszycki moved to approve the normal and customary bills payable for the second half of November, 2018. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Szeszycki/Finance
Alderman Szeszycki reported the dental/vision/life employee insurance renewals as of January 1, 2019 were discussed at this evenings Committee Meeting. Alderman Waight moved to approve changing to Principal Insurance for dental/life employee insurance subject to the recommendation of the employee insurance committees (this is due by November 26th). Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Alderman Stachnik reported the Police Productivity Report was distributed to the Council.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Ms. Lehr proposed the hiring of Mark Reid, who has a certification in welding and currently repairs and maintains flushing systems to a standard probationary period. Mr. Reid will start out at Grade E Utility Operator/Labor at 80% of the wage scale. No objections were noted.
Ms. Lehr thanked Chief Al Vodicka for his spirit of cooperation he has always showed to the Public Works Department and wished him well.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Waight/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte was absent. No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reminded the Council of the upcoming events; The Annual Tree Lighting will be on November 20th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
On December 8th the Children’s Christmas Party at Kruger Park from 12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Alderman Ferrero mentioned the Veteran’s Day Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 10th at 9:00 a.m.
On December 11th the Lights of Hickory Hills Contest will be held at 6:30 p.m. No need to register, just put your holiday lights on at this time.
Alderman Ferrero noted the Community Dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 13th from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Kman/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Howley presented a proposal of a stipend to Sharon Marciano and Mary Esposito for all their efforts on the Howl Through the Hills 5K Run. No objections were noted.
Mayor Howley is in receipt of a request from the Stagg Dance Team for a donation. This request is from Lexi Udaykee. Alderman McHugh moved to approve $100.00 to the Stagg Dance Team. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next meeting or specially called meeting. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh Stachnik, Szeszycki, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 p.m.