April 11, 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, April 11, 2024, at 7:32 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 Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Police Chief, J. Bray
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Building Commissioner, J. Moirano
There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
Police Department Swearing in Ceremony
Andre Showers was given the oath of Probationary Patrol Officer by Commissioner Jones. Father Mol gave a blessing for the new hire. A small reception followed.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, 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, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of March 28, 2024, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte and Waight pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley presented the Finding of Fact for a Variance of Rear Yard Setback on the industrial property located at 9755 South 78th Avenue. A public hearing was held on April 1, 2024. The petitioner requested a variance of rear yard setback from 25 feet to 10 feet and 4 inches. The ZBA approved the setback by a vote of 7 ayes and 0 nays.
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Rear Yard Setback on the property located at 9755 South 78th Avenue. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley read the Arbor Day Proclamation for the record.
Alderman Waight moved to approve the Arbor Day Proclamation. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Stachnik noted that the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation is hosting the Green Drives Conference & Expo on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Alsip, Illinois.
Clerk Stachnik reminded the Council to complete their Statements of Economic Interest that are due to Cook County by May 1st. There are currently 17 crafters, 8 food trucks/vendors, 6 businesses and 13 car show registrations for the 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 April 2024 in the amount of $541,132.46. Alderman Ferrero 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
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Public Works Director Lehr reported that plans for the improvements under I-294 at 87th Street and Roberts Road are complete including the bid documents which were advertised last week. The improvements will consist of earth excavation, the installation of concrete, decorative concrete, poured in place rubber surfacing, a climbing structure, gymnasium equipment, site furnishings, underpass suspended lighting and bird deterrents. Bids will be open on April 19th.
The City entrance sign was re-established at the corner of 87th Street and Roberts Road along with some perennials and rose bushes. All our streetlights are also completed at the intersection. Public Works has removed some weed trees and re-mulched the rain garden area in anticipation of the improvements.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill presented two business license applications for RGD Illinois, Inc. (grocery store) located at 8720 West 87th Street and Royal Retreat Therapy (Swedish massages, hot rock massages) located at 8829 West 87th Street. No objections were noted.
Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor
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, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.