February 8, 2024 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 8, 2024, 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
S. Makropoulos
M. McHugh
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, J. Stachnik
- City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- City Engineer, J. Bray
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
Alderman Purtill was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
Mayor Howley presented the Hickory/Palos Sertoma Club with a check in the amount of $4,434.00 which was the proceeds from the Howl through the Hills 5K Run that took place in October of 2023.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman McHugh moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Zimmerman moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 25, 2024, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley reported he is in receipt of a letter from Palos Hills requesting annual financial support to the PATSE Bus Service in the amount of $13,881.42. The financial support is based on 1,437 rides for 25 residents of Hickory Hills. Alderman McHugh moved to approve this financial support of $13,881.42 to Palos Hills for the PATSE Bus Service. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley presented the 2024 Street Fair Class E Liquor License for June 29th and 30th, 2024. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve the 2023 Street Fair Class E Liquor License. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley noted that Tequila Mucho Cantina & Grill conducted a nice “soft opening” event yesterday.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Stachnik stated that he secured an Event Lease Agreement from Huntington National Bank for use of their land during the annual Hickory Hills Street Fair.
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 2024 in the amount of $726,245.63. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
No report submitted.
Fonte/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Public Works Director Sue Lehr stated that a Request for Proposal was sent out for sectional tree pruning for approximately 440 City trees with a vendor work deadline of April 1st. The lowest bidder was AM Tree Service in the amount of $20,431. Pruning activities not only improve the appearance but also the health of the tree with crown cleaning, crown thinning, crown raising and structure development. Public Works is on track to complete the first round of the cyclical program in 2025. Public Works will be able to complete the entire City in six years versus an original projection of a ten-year cycle. The tree pruning is a budgeted item.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill was absent. No report submitted.
Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero started preparing for the annual Hickory Hills Street Fair.
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, Makropoulos, McHugh, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.