March 25, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes

March 25, 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, March 25, 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
    J. Stachnik
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Attorney, B. Attard
  • City Engineer, M. Spolar
  • City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
  • Police Chief, C. Hobart
  • Public Works Director, S. Lehr
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

Mayor Howley read into the record an email from Mrs. Millie Mendez. Mrs. Mendez is a resident who voiced her concern regarding pet owners who don’t pick up after their dogs. Mayor Howley will share this email with our ordinance officer. (email attached)

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of March 11, 2021 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

No report submitted.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone presented changes to the Employee Handbook as discussed during the Committee Meeting this evening. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the proposed changes in the Employee Handbook. This includes an increase in the degree incentive and an additional ½ day holiday. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Clerk Catizone noted the Election will be held on Tuesday, April 6th and early voting began March 22nd.

Clerk Catizone announced Police Applications will be available in the Clerk’s Office on Monday, April 5th through April 16th at a cost of $30.00.

Clerk Catizone reported the next Blood Drive will be held on Sunday, April 11th at the Community Center from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Vodicka congratulated the Building Department on 25% over budget in permit revenues.

Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated February 28, 2021 for approval. Alderman Kman moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated February 28, 2021. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Spolar reported a bid opening for the 2021 95th Street/76th Avenue Intersection Improvement held on March 18, 2021. Fourteen contractors picked up the bidding documents but only two bids were received. The following
bids were submitted.

Lyons Electric Company $434,435.00
D Construction, Inc. $454,212.22

Mr. Spolar noted the City is receiving at least 50% of the funding for this project from Cook County through an Invest in Cook Program Grant.

Mr. Spolar recommends awarding the contract to the low bidder, Lyons Electric Company, for the bid amount of Four Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Four Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars and No Cents ($434,435.00). Alderman Waight moved to award the contract to Lyons Electric Company in the amount of $434,435.00. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mr. Spolar presented Resolution #21-03, a resolution authorizing and directing to submit the 2020 Cook County Development Block Grant Program #2006-066. This authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute any and all additional documents necessary to carry out this grant. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Resolution #21-03. Alderman Waight second.
Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of March 2021 in the amount of $308,616.96. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

Alderman Kman distributed a memo regarding the June 1, 2021 refuse increase. He noted the annual Waste Management increase of $0.78 will take effect on June 1, 2021. Currently the City continues to pick up last year’s increase of $0.76, plus the $0.21 fuel charge, and the $0.04 At Your Door Service. The Council reviewed three (3) options. Consensus of the Council was to go with option 3. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Option 3 which is to pass the increase of $0.78 to the residents, however the City will continue to provide aid regarding the previous increases. Alderman Fonte second. The cost to the City will remain approximately $41,000.00 and this would be less of an impact on the residents. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Stachnik/Public Safety

No report submitted.

Zimmerman/Public Works

No report submitted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh extended his sympathies on the passing of a long time resident of Parkview, Mr. Geno Borgo.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill was absent. No report submitted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported for the month of February, 2021 At Your Door collected 2,633 pounds of recycling with 35 stops.

Alderman Fonte also reported he had received an email from a resident thanking Waste Management for going above and beyond. This email was forwarded to Waste Management.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Community Affairs Committee has distributed the coloring contest forms to the area schools. She noted they are also working on a flyer for the Hickory Hills Food Drive.

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, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.