February 23, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

February 23, 2023 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, February 23, 2023, 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, J. Bray

Building Commissioner Moirano was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Alderman Stachnik moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight 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 Ferrero moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight 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 February 9, 2023, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley presented the Finding of Fact for the North Palos School District #117. He noted a public hearing was held on February 13th on a petition for Special Use Variance of the property located at 7900 W. 97th Street and 9642 S. 78th Court. The petitioner, North Palos School District #117 has purchased the properties mentioned above with the intention to convert the properties into an 1st floor portion
of east classroom addition, a driveway entrance to the new east parking lot, and 80+ parking spaces in east parking lot. Mayor Howley noted the School District is here to make a presentation of the project. Mayor Howley read into the record the vote of the Zoning Board. 5 nays and 2 ayes. The Zoning Board did not approve the Special Use Variation.

At this time, the School District presented drawings and a more detailed outline of their plans. The public were then allowed to ask any questions.

Mr. Joseph Piccioli who resides at 7836 S. 78th Court expressed his concern about the water drainage when it rains. He is also concerned with his property values.

Mr. Thomas Bain who resides at 9620 S. 78th Court voiced his concerns about the lighting on the parking lot. He distributed a map with a better location for the parking lot in his opinion. He is also concerned the parking lot will be 40 feet away from his bedroom window.

A resident at 7840 W. 78th Street voiced her concerns at looking at a parking lot and also losing green space.

Mayor Howley noted this is a difficult issue because of the greater good to the community.
He mentioned School District 117 is a great school district with many awards.

After some discussion, Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve School District 117’s request for a Special Use Variance. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Zimmerman aye. Aldermen Ferrero and Waight nay. So approved.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone announced the Stagg High School will hold their craft show on March 18th and 19th.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending November 30, 2022. Alderman Kman moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated November 30, 2022. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of February 2023 in the amount of $206,926.05. 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

No report submitted.

Zimmerman/Public Works

No report submitted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh distributed pictures of the new railings at the Community Center and noted this project will be completed in the next few weeks.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill presented one business license application for a Pharmacy located at 7831 W. 95th Street. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

No report submitted.

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 9:05 p.m.