January 28, 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, January 28, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. by telephone conference and Clerk Catizone 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, V. Cainkar
- 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.
The following was an email that was sent in by a resident.
Hello, Mr Mayor and council members.
I’m James Lederer a 30 plus year resident of our great city and I’m very concerned about the installation of small cell wireless facilities currently going up in other city’s and I want to bring awareness and get your help to protect our city.
These poles would be put in our front yards and be emitting radiation 24/7 Information has been given to the mayor for the city attorney to review hopefully this will prove helpful in protecting our city.
5G stands for fifth-generation: Wireless service with a higher frequency and closer to the ground and buildings.
The rollout of 5G small wireless infrastructure poses multiple problems, including:
• cyber security and privacy risks,
• adverse impacts to home property values,
• adverse impacts to village aesthetics,
• severe restrictions through the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act (SB1451) on local municipalities in Illinois to govern 5G wireless technology,
• data mining and surveillance,
• health risks to animals, plants and humans.
• There are ZERO safety studies done on 5G.
• The last time the FCC updated its guidelines for general public radiation exposure was 1996, 24 years ago.
• Stop5GTogetherillinois.com has more information.
This is the end of the email which was submitted for public comments.
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 Ferrero moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 14, 2021 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley thanked the Public Works Department on their efforts during the last snowfall.
Mayor Howley expressed his appreciation to Chief Hobart on receiving timely updates on the recent apartment fire on 95th Street.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone announced the City Hall will reopen to the public on Monday, February 8th.
Clerk Catizone reported she and her staff have begun calling residents regarding unpaid water bills. They are offering payment plans if residents are having problems. As of March 1, 2021 the collection and shut offs will begin again. During the pandemic there were no late charges assessed or shut offs.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Vodicka informed the Council that the November and December Treasurer’s Reports are not available at this time. They are tying up loose ends with the auditor. They should be available at the next meeting.
Treasurer Vodicka reported a Blood Drive will be held this Sunday at the Community Center.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Cainkar presented the option to establish a 6-month moratorium on licenses being issued in the I-1 Industrial District for “rental and sale of motor vehicles and equipment” to allow the City Council time to determine if such use is proper in that zoning district in light of changes over time in the operation of such businesses. Attorney Cainkar noted the City has received three applications for used car dealerships in the Industrial District.
After some discussion, Alderman McHugh moved to approve establishing a 6-month moratorium on licenses being issued in the I-1 Industrial District for car dealerships or equipment. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ENGINEER
No report submitted.
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 requested approval of the Police Supervisors Manual changes that were discussed at the Committee Meeting this evening. These changes include a $50.00 increase in uniform allowance, $100.00 increase for degree incentive and an additional holiday. These small increases would be absorbed into the existing budget. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the changes in the Police Supervisors Manual as stated above. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Director Lehr reported on 98th Place and 78th Avenue, North Palos Fire Department caused a water break while fighting a fire at an area building. Both end mechanical isolation valves failed in the open position during our repair efforts.
Quotes have been obtained for this valve install. This is not a budgeted item and she is seeking approval to move forward with this repair for $5,047.00. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the repair of this valve at a cost of $5,047.00. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Director Lehr reported she attended a pre-construction meeting for IDOT’s 95th Street ADA sidewalk improvements. This project will make the curb ramps compliant with current ADA requirements on 95th Street from Kean Avenue to 76th Court in Hickory Hills. The contract calls for similar improvements in neighboring Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Worth, Palos Hills, Palos Heights, and Palos Park on state routes. The estimated start date is March 1st and the completion date is set for July 2021.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported there is 1 vacancy at Parkview Apartments.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill presented two businesses for approval. 1) Big Ryan located at 9831 S. 78th Avenue, Unit C. This is a general and clothing warehouse. 2) A.Q.M. Inc. located at 9831 S. 78th Avenue, Unit E. This is a carpentry and cabinet making warehouse. No objections were noted on these two applications.
Alderman Purtill mentioned Easter Seals will be renting part of the Pillars Building located at 8020 W. 87th Street. Mayor Howley suggested obtaining a letter from Pillars to include their permission.
Discussion on a request for an additional parking lot for Par Towing. This matter will be investigated further.
Alderman Fonte reported for the 2020 year the City has recycled 42,897 pounds of e-waste. This is the most since program started.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero is seeking ideas for the City’s Arbor Day Celebration.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Waight reported the Chamber is sponsoring a snowman building contest. More information can be found on their website.
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 8:12 p.m.