September 22, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Howley on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Howley led 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 Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- City Clerk, D. Catizone
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Police Chief, C. Hobart
Building Commissioner Moirano was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
POLICE PROMOTIONS
At this time, Mayor Howley turned the meeting over to Police Chief Hobart to present the promotions.
Chief Hobart thanked the audience for attending the following promotions: Sgt. Joseph Rosetti to Lieutenant and Officer John Boehning to Sargent. Police Commissioners Mark Cavalieri and Bill Turner were present to administer the oaths. Father Mol gave a blessing to the officers. A small reception followed.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Purtill moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of September 8, 2022, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Fonte pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley announced his recommendation for the new Chief of Police appointment is Lt. Jason Bray. Mayor Howley provided his resume to the Council earlier. Alderman Stachnik moved to approve the appointment of Lt. Jason Bray as Hickory Hills Police Chief as of October 1, 2022. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley noted the Farmers Market will take place on Friday, September 23rd and runs through October 14th.
Mayor Howley extended condolences to Attorney Gary Perlman on the passing of his father.
Mayor Howley presented the agreement with School District 117 for the Howl Through the Hills 5K Race.
Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the agreement with the School District. Alderman Waight second. There were no changes in this agreement from previous years. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone announced the Consolidated Election will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. This election is for the offices of Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer, and one (1) Alderman from each Ward. Circulating of petitions can begin on September 20, 2022. The filing period is December 12th through December 17, 2022.
Clerk Catizone noted Police Officer applications will be available in the Clerk’s Office from September 26, 2022, through October 7, 2022. Deadline to return applications is October 14, 2022.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance #22-13, an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Streets and Sidewalks, Section 5.27 (d), Driveways, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code. This change was requested by the Building Commissioner. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance #22-13. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Attorney Cainkar presented Ordinance #22-14, an ordinance approving a real estate purchase and sale agreement for the property located at 9755 S. 78th Avenue. Between the City of Hickory Hills and Chicago Title Land Trust Company, as Trustee under Trust Agreement dated November 11, 2008, and known as Trust number 08-3067. This was previously discussed during an executive session. Alderman Waight moved to approve Ordinance #22-14. Alderman McHugh 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 September 2022 in the amount of $231,517.82. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
Alderman Kman presented the General Insurance Summary and Renewal for 2022/2023. After receipt and discussion of general options with the city’s broker A. J. Gallagher, the following insight and recommendations were conveyed to representatives of the finance committee. During an initial review, A.J. Gallagher indicated an estimated premium increase between 5% to 20%. This increase is based on the current national marketplace. Nationally clean insurance accounts have seen premium increases due to natural disasters, cost of goods due to inflation and significant increase in cyber-attacks. With respect to cyber-attacks many insurance companies are requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for login purposes, off-site record backup and ransomware training. He noted the city is reviewing these recommendations. The new policy will incur an 8% premium increase to the city. The required information for renewal was supplied by Monika Wojturska and Mary McDonald of the City of Hickory Hills. Their thorough and prompt response played an invaluable part in this renewal, and they should be commended. After review, the representatives for the city have agreed to this policy recommendation and renewal effective October 1, 2022.
Stachnik/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported there are three vacancies at Parkview.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte reported for the month of August, Waste Management “At Your Door” Service collected 3,287 pounds of recycling with 44 stops.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero stated the Children’s Halloween Party plans are underway. The event will be held on Saturday, October 29th.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Council all wished Chief Hobart well wishes on his retirement and thanked him for his service.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Waight moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte. Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:09 p.m.