September 23, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes

September 23, 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, September 23, 2021 at 7:33 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
    H. Kman
    M. McHugh
    P. Purtill
    J. Stachnik
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, D. Catizone
  • City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
  • City Attorney, V. Cainkar
  • Police Chief, C. Hobart
  • City Engineer, M. Spolar
  • Public Works Director, S. Lehr
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

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

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

As no one was present, so therefore there was no Open and Close the meeting to the Public portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of September 9, 2021 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

No report submitted.

CITY CLERK

No report submitted.

CITY TREASURER

No report submitted.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance #21-11, an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Streets and Sidewalks, Section 5.27 (d), Driveways, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. This was drawn up by the request of the Building Commissioner. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance #21-11. Alderman Ferrero second. A discussion on the driveway setback ensued. One Alderman felt it should stay at 3 feet and not 1 foot. Building Commissioner explained the need to leave this at 1 foot from the adjoining property. It was the consensus of the Council to change this last sentence to read: 3 foot from adjoining property; provided that the Building Commissioner can allow an administrative deviation, after consultation with the Aldermen of the Ward. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance #21-11 with change recommended. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

No report.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of September 2021 in the amount of $328,379.79. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

Alderman Kman reported after receipt and discussion of General Insurance Liability options with A. J. Gallagher the following recommendation was conveyed to the finance committee. The new policy will incur a 13.2% premium increase to the City. The City’s 2021/2022 budget review in March of 2021 anticipated the increase regarding General Insurance Liability and Workers Compensation. The long term continued partnership between the City and the Insurer was also taken into consideration. Most of the required information provided to the broker for renewal was supplied by Monika Wojturska of the Clerk’s Office. Monika’s thorough and prompt response played an invaluable part in renewal, and she should be commended. No objections on this General Liability Insurance. Alderman Kman also reported the insurance is recommending training for Cyber Attacks.

Alderman Kman distributed a video gaming revenue sheet. He noted as of August 2021, the City received $277,629.39.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Alderman Stachnik noted a memo was distributed by the Chief updating the Council on the traffic issues. The Chief stated another meeting was held for residents and they appreciated the City’s response to their concerns.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Public Works Director Lehr reported Public Works is replacing a 2003 F150 pickup truck that has 113,000 miles on it. They have acquired a quote from Hawk Ford, who can meet State purchase price locally. Due to the shortage of new vehicles, they will place an order for this F150 pick up which may take a few months. The price is $26,000.00. This is a budgeted item and if no objections this will be ordered. No objections were noted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

No report submitted.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill presented one business application for Stride Autism Center located at 9620 S. Roberts Road. This is a healthcare center for children with autism. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte was absent. No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported the Committee is working on the Children’s Halloween Party which be held on Saturday, October 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Building Commissioner Moirano reported the property located at 8620 W. 92nd Street has made some progress with their remodeling. After some discussion, Building Commissioner Moirano will issue building permits month to month as long as there is progress. He will keep the Council updated on this property.

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, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.