October 26, 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, October 26, 2023, at 7:34 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
S. Makropoulos
M. McHugh
P. Purtill
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, J. Stachnik
- City Attorney, A. Vodicka
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- City Engineer, J. Bray
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
City Attorney Vince Cainkar was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Purtill moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Ms. Jennifer Marek
8601 S. Kean
Ms. Marek thanked Building Commissioner John Moirano, Deputy Building Commissioner Marilyn Gabrysiak, and Ordinance Officer Jim Lizzio for their assistance and professionalism for ensuring that a neighboring property’s newly constructed deck met code requirements.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of October 12, 2023, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Fonte pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley presented a Proclamation recognizing November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Mayor Howley read the Proclamation.
Mayor Howley noted that the Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Flag Presentation will take place on November 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Park.
Mayor Howley requested Council approval for cancellation of the November 23 and December 28, 2023 City Council Meetings due to the holidays. Alderman McHugh moved to cancel the November 23 and December 28, 2023 City Council Meetings. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley requested support for a $100 donation for Joe’s Champagne Wishes NFP which provides disadvantaged children with funds to pursue the arts and music. The donation will come from the City’s discretionary fund which is not funded by public tax dollars. Alderman Waight moved to donate $100 to Joe’s Champagne Wishes. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Stachnik reported that the next Blood Drive will be held at the Hickory Hills Community Center on Sunday, November 5th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Clerk Stachnik also reported that the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals October 30, 2023 public hearing has been cancelled.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated July 31, 2023, for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated July 31, 2023. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated August 31, 2023, for approval. Alderman Kman moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated August 31, 2023. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Cainkar was absent. No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #3110, Payment Request 1 – Partial from Everlast Blacktop, Inc. in the amount of $515,670.30. The invoice is for work pertaining to the Police Station’s Permeable Paver Parking Lot Project. Alderman Fonte moved to approve Invoice #3110 in the amount of $515,670.30 to Everlast Blacktop, Inc. Alderman Kman Second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of October 2023 in the amount of $185,737.93. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
No report submitted.
Fonte/Public Safety
Police Chief Bray reported that School District 117’s Board approved the staffing of a school resource officer at Conrady Junior High School. The City of Hickory Hills Police Department will lend an officer and District 117 will pay the officer’s salary while at the school.
Zimmerman/Public Works
No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh reported that the “Thanksgiving Community Dinner” will be held at the Hickory Hills Community Center on November 14, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Alderman McHugh noted that improvements continue to be made at the Community Center including new countertops, new seats, and updates to the woman’s washroom.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor
Police Chief Bray noted that the auxiliary police are appropriately staffed.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
No report submitted.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Waight moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.