July 22, 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, July 22, 2021 at 7:31 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, V. Cainkar
- City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- Police Chief, C. Hobart
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
Alderman Stachnik, City Engineer Mike Spolar, Building Commissioner John Moirano were absent. There being a quorum present the meeting was called to order.
At this time, Rev. Edie Lenz, Pastor of Hickory Hills Presbyterian Church gave an invocation.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Purtill moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley explained the procedures for the open to the public portion of the meeting.
Chief Hobart gave an update on what the City’s response was to the fatal single car accident that happened on July 17, 2021.
He reported he held an informal meeting with residents on traffic safety on Wednesday, July 21st at 6:00 p.m. There were approximately 79 residents in attendance. All had concerns regarding excessive speeding on side streets. The overall message from this group besides traffic complaints was the need for traffic calming devices such as speed bumps. Chief Hobart reviewed the current traffic laws regarding traffic stops. Lastly, the steps the Police Department will begin with is on August 1st a traffic unit will begin. He also noted the Police Department will use media outlets to get the word out on traffic safety.
Mayor Howley reviewed procedures for talking during the open to the public portion of the meeting. He encouraged the residents to email the Chief with concerns and suggestions.
The following residents spoke to the Council regarding excessive speeding in Hickory Hills and their support of speed bumps.
Sophia Newman
8400 W. 85th Street
Ms. Newman stated she is a long time resident of Hickory Hills. She voiced her concern with traffic safety. She noted cars travel very fast on 85th Street. Ms. Newman noted Bridgeview has speed bumps and she would like Hickory Hills to investigate what their procedures are to install speed bumps. She also wrote a letter to the City Council. Mayor Howley acknowledged the letter was received.
Janel Henderson
8749 82nd Avenue
Ms. Henderson wanted to know the procedures for getting speed bumps. Mayor Howley stated the Council is not taking direct action this evening, however, the City will be gathering information that will be presented at the next meeting and also to look at certain locations and traffic patterns. The City is looking at traffic calming options.
Myriam. Romero
8901 S. 83rd Court
Mrs. Romero voiced her concern regarding an increase of cars with loud mufflers.
She noted she supports the Police Department and is willing to assist or help along with neighbors.
Steve Karstrand
8823 W. 89th Street
Mr. Karstrand noted his street is a through street or a short cut to bypass 87th Street. He wants to be sure not to forget 89th Street west of 80th Avenue. He is in favor of temporary speed bumps.
Katiria Johnson
8851 S. 83rd Court
Ms. Johnson stated she has young children and she fears for their safety. She supports speed bumps.
Genevieve Doyle
9400 S. 85th Avenue
Ms. Doyle voiced her concern on brush that is overgrown and blocking the view of drivers on this side street. Mayor noted this information will be given to the Ordinance Officer to investigate.
Elzbieta Wachowska
8524 Colette Lane
Ms. Wachowska stated she walks along 85th Avenue and for the last few years she has noticed increased speeding. She is very fearful of the traffic and cars do not stop at the stop signs. She is also concerned with car burglaries.
Tomasz Tylka
8825 S. 85th Avenue
Mr. Tylka is concerned about traffic safety and small children riding their bikes. Mayor Howley stated drivers ignoring stop signs is a problem.
Elizabeth Pawlikowski
8821 S. 85th Court
Ms. Pawlikowski supports speed bumps. She also noted kids in the park after hours.
Tomasz Naglak
8524 W. 89th Street
Mr. Naglak stated he lives at the house where this accident occurred. He noted he supports the Police Department and thanked them. Mr. Naglak noted he heard the noise of this accident and witnessed this horrific sight. He watched the first responders try to rescue the accident victims. He supports increased traffic safety and speed bumps. Mr. Naglak noted this car was spotted twice before the accident. He will be installing security cameras soon. He also noted residents all need reminders. The memorial in front of his house has become a concern. Is there a plan on when this will be taken down? Mayor Howley expressed his loss for words on what your family has been through. The City will be respectful and will let him know when the correct time to remove this memorial.
Laura Pawlowski
9100 S. 77th Avenue
Ms. Pawloski thanked the City and Police for what they are doing and reading her letter she sent to the City. She also supports speed bumps.
Claudia Kowalkowski
9106 91st Place
Ms. Kowalkowski is present to voice her concern with speeding cars on 91st Place near the butterfly garden. She supports speed bumps. She also suggested cameras by the butterfly garden.
Mayor Howley noted another meeting for residents will be held at the Community Center later next month. Mayor Howley suggested all concerned residents should contact Chief Charles Hobart. He noted the City is very concerned with traffic safety and will investigate ways to improve this matter.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of July 8, 2021 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Kman pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
No report submitted.
CITY CLERK
No report submitted.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Vodicka distributed information regarding the American Rescue Plan Act. This outlines how municipalities can spend ARPA Funds.
Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated June 30, 2021 for approval. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated June 30, 2021. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar was absent. Ms. Lehr reported the letting of July 15, 2021. The bidder with the respective bid is as follows:
SKC Construction, Inc. $38,709.00
The Engineer’s estimate of cost for this project was $54,450.00.
Therefore, Mr. Spolar recommends awarding the contract to SKC Construction, Inc. for the bid amount of $38,709.00. Alderman Zimmerman moved to award the 2021 MFT Crack Sealing Contract to SKC Construction, Inc. in the amount of $38,709.00. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of July 2021 in the amount of $524,897.61. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
Alderman Kman reported he has reviewed the latest water bill collection with Clerk Catizone and the numbers are going down significantly.
Stachnik/Public Safety
Alderman Stachnik was absent. No report submitted.
Mayor Howley thanked Chief Hobart for his handling of the meeting last evening.
Zimmerman/Public Works
No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported the new doors at the Community Center will be installed by the next meeting.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill presented one business license application for Jane Beauty and Spa located at 9525 S. 79th Avenue. He noted this business is going into the space vacated by Accurate Translation. No objections were noted and the license will be issued.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte reported for the month of July, 2021 2723 pounds with 32 stops were collected through the Waste Management’s At Your Door Services. He also provided a report of the recycling for the last 4 years. It is still very popular with residents.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported she has been in touch with TCF Bank to use their field for the upcoming September Fest that is currently in the planning stage. She has what the bank needs from the City.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Ferrero voiced her concerns regarding a property in her Ward that has been in construction for over a year.
Mayor Howley noted Building Commissioner Moirano is working with owner.
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, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.