November 10, 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, November 10, 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
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Police Chief, J. Bray
Building Commissioner Moirano was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
POLICE PROMOTION
At this time, Chief Bray introduced Sgt. Adam Gulczynski who is being promoted this evening to Deputy Chief of Police. Mayor Howley administered the oath and Father Mol gave a prayer. A small reception followed.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Stachnik moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh 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 Ferrero 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 October 27, 2022, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Kman pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley presented Resolution #22-05, a resolution endorsing the Greenest Region Impact proposed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and agrees to work to achieve them, both in their own communities and in collaboration throughout the region. Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution #22-05. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Catizone thanked all those who participated in the Trunk or Treat event. She noted it was very well attended.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Vodicka announced Financial Administrator Mary McDonald has submitted her resignation after 31 years of service. He asked the Council to stop by on Wednesday, November 23rd at 1:00 p.m. for cake and well wishes.
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 November 2022 in the amount of $745,825.74. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Alderman Kman moved to approve the ordinary and customary bills payable for the second half of November 2022. Alderman McHugh 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
Chief Bray reported due to the recent retirement of Lt. Wee Sit, he is seeking approval to fill the vacancy that his retirement has created. This would include the hiring of a Probationary Police Officer, the promotion of an Officer to Sergeant, and the promotion of a Sergeant to Lieutenant. If approved, these promotions will occur at the December 8, 2022, council meeting. No objections were noted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported the “Thanksgiving Community Dinner” was held at the Community Center on November 3rd and was attended by approximately 280 residents.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill has one business license application however, it will need to be reviewed by the City Attorney. No action was taken at this time.
Fonte/Health & Environmental Control
Alderman Fonte reported Pizza Castle will open next week.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero noted the “Tree Lighting” will take place on Tuesday, November 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring an ornament for the tree.
Alderman Ferrero also noted the “Children’s Christmas Party” will be on Saturday, December 10th at Krueger Park from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Lastly, Alderman Ferrero reported the “Light of Hickory Hills Contest” will be held on December 13th.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the 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 8:19 p.m.