September 12, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes

September 12, 2019 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 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Howley lead 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
    P. Purtill
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Attorney, M. Cainkar
  • City Attorney, E. Attard
  • City Attorney, M. Spolar
  • City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
  • Police Lt, C. Hobart
  • Public Works Director, S. Lehr
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC


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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of August 22, 2019 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley presented Ordinance #19-15, an ordinance authorizing disposal by public auction/sale of personal property owned by the City of Hickory Hills. Alderman Waight moved to approve Ordinance #19-15. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone is in receipt of a request for a donation from Ms. Lexi Udaykee and the A.A. Stagg Volleyball team. Alderman McHugh moved to approve a $100.00 donation to the Stagg Volleyball Team (funds from the discretionary fund). Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Clerk Catizone announced “Packing for the Troops”, will be held on Tuesday, September 17th at the Community Center at 6:00 p.m.

Clerk Catizone reminded the Council that on September 17th the Secretary of State’s Mobile Facility will be at City Hall.

Clerk Catizone thanked the Hickory Hills Seniors for the lovely anniversary luncheon which was held on September 5th at the Camelot. She noted they celebrated 48 years as a club.

Clerk Catizone stated the Veteran’s Day Ceremony this year will be held on Saturday, November 9th at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall parking lot.

Clerk Catizone reported the Council should all be in receipt of an invitation from Robinson Engineering to their Municipal Appreciation Event on Friday, September 20th at the Westin Chicago River North.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Vodicka distributed a memo to the Council outlining the options for the Waste Management fuel tax increase. The increase would be $0.21 per month effective
October 1, 2019. After a lengthy discussion, Alderman McHugh moved to have the City absorb the increase (approximately $8,820.00 per year). Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

Ord. 19-13 – Attorney Attard presented Ordinance #19-13, an ordinance amending the site agreement #144 with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LCC and the City of Hickory Hills. Attorney Attard noted this is a favorable renewed lease. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Ordinance #19-13. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Ord. 19-16 – Attorney Attard presented Ordinance #19-16, an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Streets and Sidewalks, Section 5.27, driveways, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. After some discussion, there was general support of this ordinance with some modifications regarding circular driveways. This ordinance was tabled and will be placed on the next meeting agenda.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #HH Col 1 Partial from H. Linden & Sons for work done on the Colonial Storm Sewer (pay estimate #1, partial) in the amount of $584,736.75.

Mr. Spolar noted all the storm sewer work is complete and the next step would be restoring pavement. He noted the residents have been great and the project went very well. Alderman Waight moved to approve Invoice # Col 1 Partial in the amount of $584,736.75 to H. Linden & Sons. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of September 2019 in the amount of $429,325.42. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

Alderman Kman reported he has met with A. J. Gallagher regarding Property and Casualty and Workmen Compensation insurance renewals. The renewal has an 8% decrease in premium for the year and the auto deductible will go from $5000.00 to $500.00. The new insurance carrier will be Liberty Mutual.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Chief Hobart distributed a memo seeking Council approval to promote one officer to the position of sergeant at the upcoming City Council Meeting. This promotion will fill the sergeant vacancy created when Mark Benaitis was promoted to Lieutenant earlier this year. Chief Hobart noted this promotion will help contribute to a more effective and efficient organizational structure and is a budgeted expense. No objections were noted.

At this time, Alderman Waight thanked retired Lt. Tim Stevens for his dedicated service to the residents of Hickory Hills.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Ms. Lehr, Public Works Director reported she has filled an open laborer position with a new hire.

Mr. Marek Galus, has worked as a technician for the last eight years in the telecommunications industry. He has experience in customer service, expanded diagnostics and repair of low voltage systems. Public Works recommends entering the standard probationary period for Mr. Galus who would start out at Grade E utility operator/laborer at 80% of the wage scale. This is a budgeted item. No objections were noted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report submitted.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported Waste Management has sent him information and he is reviewing and sharing with the City Website.

Alderman Fonte noted 2,883 pounds of e-recycling was collected by Waste Management for the month of August, 2019.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Community Affair Committee has begun planning the fall events.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

John Moirano, Building Commissioner, presented a change in the plans for the S & M Motor Sports to be located on 95th Street and 78th Avenue.
The owner is requesting a change in the front roof. They are requesting a slope in the roof instead of a flat roof, just in the front of the building. (drawings were submitted). After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to allow this change in the roof style to a slope.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.