February 10, 2022 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 10, 2022 at 7:32 p.m. by a telephone conference call.
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 Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Police Chief, C. Hobart
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
There being a quorum present the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The City Clerk had not received any comments from the public.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
Also on phone conference call were Mr. Tom Reedy and Mr. Jeremy Newton from Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc (Stifel) and Ms. Mary McDonald, Police Pension Board Member.
STIFEL PRESENTATION
Mr. Reedy and Mr. Newtson began their presentation. Prior to the meeting the Council received a 23-page handout to follow. The Stifel Company is presenting two scenarios to the City for Pension Management Financing. They noted Pension Funding Bonds are when entities issue long-term debt to reduce the unfunded liability of a pension fund at interest rates that are lower than the projected return threshold, effectively locking in payments that can reduce the unfunded liability. This strategy can be used to smooth out annual budget obligations of pension funding. They reviewed the history, mechanic and security of these bonds. The Council questioned the Council’s flexibility with pension payments and is there a time consideration if the City were to move forward. Alderman Stachnik voiced his concern if the General Assembly may change the mandate of 90% funded by 2040. After the presentation the Mayor asked the consensus of the Council if they are comfortable drafting an ordinance to start this process as it may take several months. Treasurer Vodicka added the Pension Board’s investment firm supports this proposal. The City Attorney was directed to prepare the required ordinance for the next meeting.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 27, 2022 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley was notified by Senator Jackie Collins that the City has received a $1,075,000.00 grant for several capital projects. These projects include Kean Avenue resurfacing from 87th Street to 95th Street, Detention Pond expansion of 1- acre foot located behind pump house #2, Parkview Apartments boiler replacements and parking lot resurfacing,
CITY CLERK
No report submitted.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
No report submitted.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of February, 2022 in the amount of $1,158,301.75. Alderman Ferrero 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
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Public Works Director Lehr announced the City will receive Tree City USA recognition for our 2021 activities. This will be the 26th year being named Tree City USA town. We will also receive the growth award for the 6th year for accomplishing a tree inventory.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill reported he is in receipt of two business license applications.
1) Good Earth Greenhouse located at 8801 W. 87th Street.
This is a temporary greenhouse that will open in April. 2) Ultra Clean Laundromat located at 8080 W. 95th Street. This is a 2,500 square feet space. No objections were noted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero reported she has talked with the Park District and their dates for the Carnival are August 25-28, 2022. She is seeking direction as to when to hold the Street Fair. Some discussion followed, no decision on date was reached. The Community Affairs Committee will be asked to attend the next Committee Meeting to discuss options for the Street Fair.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman McHugh reported the HH Seniors will meet again at the Community Center on Wednesday, February 16th.
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 9:02 p.m.