February 11, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes

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February 11, 2021 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, February 11, 2021 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
    J. Stachnik
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Attorney, E. Attard
  • City Engineer, M. Spolar
  • City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
  • Police Chief, C. Hobart
  • Public Works Director, S. Lehr
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

There being a quorum present the telephone meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 28, 2021 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley reported he is in receipt of two thank-you letters. The first from Palos Hills thanking the City for their recent contribution to the PATSE Bus Program. The second, from School District 117, thanking the Public Works Department with snow removal.

Mayor Howley expressed his appreciation to the Police Department and Public Works Department for all of their efforts during the recent cold weather.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone announced the City Hall has reopened to the public on Monday, February 8th.

Clerk Catizone reported the Blood Drive was held at the Community Center on January 31st and had seventeen (17) donors.

Clerk Catizone noted two (2) security cameras are in need of replacement at City Hall. They have been ordered.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated November 30, 2020 for approval. Alderman Kman moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated November 30, 2020. Alderman Stachnik second. Treasurer Vodicka mentioned on the Parkview Apartment Fund is doing very well. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Attard presented an intergovernmental agreement with Cook County for improvements at the intersection of 87th Street and Roberts Road. The sidewalks would be maintained by the City, as well as the emergency vehicle detection system, street lighting, and City entrance sign once all have been moved/replaced. Construction for the 87th Street and Roberts Road intersection will be done in 2023. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve an intergovernmental agreement for maintenance with Cook County as outlined in this agreement. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Spolar gave an update on the projects in the City. He noted the 2021 MFT road program will go out to bid in early March. Also, the lift station project will begin shortly.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of January 2021 in the amount of $435,485.63. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

No report submitted.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Chief Hobart extended his condolences to the family of Fred Hostney. He was a retired member of the Illinois State Police and a former member of the Hickory Hills Police Department.

Chief Hobart reported two new baby girls were born this month to police officers in the department. He noted the officers were very excited.

Chief Hobart described the new wellness program the police officers have joined. This is an outreach program for officers which connects them to other officers via a phone app. One of Hickory Hills officers is now trained for this program.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Director Lehr reported Public Works has sent out a request for proposal for sectional tree pruning for 450 trees. As was discussed previously, Public Works believes sectional tree pruning received a better unit price than individual streets. The lowest proposal received at $19,708.00, this is a budgeted item. The work will be completed by April 15, 2021.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh reported there is 1 vacancy at Parkview Apartments.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill presented one business for approval. Starbucks Coffee to be located at 7737 W. 95th Street. They plan on opening June 3, 2021. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported for the month of January 2021 the City has recycled 2,519 pounds of e-waste. This included 24 stops.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Committee is still considering options for the City’s Arbor Day Celebration. One idea they are discussing is a food drive. More details will follow as they become available.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.