March 28, 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, March 28, 2024, at 7:38 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, H. Kman
S. Makropoulos
M. McHugh
P. Purtill
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
Alderman Ferrero, Alderman Fonte and Alderman Waight were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Kman moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Kman moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Purtill moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of March 14, 2024, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley presented the Finding of Fact for KPL Holdings LLC on the properties located at 9555, 9607, 9625 and 9635 South 78th Court. A public hearing was held on March 18, 2024. The petitioner requested that the four lots be divided into ten equal lots, five facing west towards 78th Court and the other five facing east towards 78th Avenue. The ZBA approved the resubdivision of the four lots into ten lots by a vote of 6 ayes and 0 nays. The petitioner has agreed to the comments of the reviewers.
Ms. Agnes Schab and the Hickory Hills East Townhome Association, located at 9549 South 78th Court, expressed concerns regarding street parking, congestion, and the need for an East/West fence on the north end of the subdivision. Attorney Cainkar noted that the Ordinance will include conditions that must be addressed before the plat can be recorded.
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the resubdivision of the properties located at 9555, 9607, 9625 and 9635 South 78th Court from four lots into ten lots. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Mayor Howley is in receipt of a temporary liquor license request from St. Patricia Parish. The Parish is requesting a liquor license for their upcoming Wine Mixer on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Alderman Purtill moved to approve a liquor license for St. Patricia’s Wine Mixer event with fees waived. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Stachnik reported that the Mayors Caucus EV Readiness Program is sponsoring a course for first responders regarding the safety engagement of EVs in hazardous conditions on April 3rd in Warrenville, Illinois. Clerk Stachnik extended an invitation to the North Palos Fire Department. The Hickory Hills Police Department, who will be in attendance, will present the City’s police EV at the event which will provide additional scoring points for the City’s EV Readiness Certification.
The Hickory Hills Spring Newsletter will be mailed to residents by mid-April. Clerk Stachnik also noted that there are currently 14 crafters, 6 businesses and 12 car show registrations for the Hickory Hills Street Fair.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated February 29, 2024, for approval. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated February 29, 2024. Alderman Kman second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
Mr. Cainkar presented Ordinance #24-02, an ordinance adding Section 24.40, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, to Chapter 24 of the Hickory Hills Building Code. The ordinance adopts the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act and provides for permitting, permit fees, signage, and parking requirements. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Ordinance #24-02, adding Section 24.40, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, to Chapter 24 of the Hickory Hills Building Code. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #21013-01, Payment Request #1 – Partial from Lyons Electric Company, Inc. in the amount of $130,778.50. The invoice is for work pertaining to intersection improvements at 95th Street and 76th Avenue. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Invoice #21013-01 in the amount of $130,778.50 to Lyons Electric Company, Inc. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of March 2024 in the amount of $261,532.47. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
No report submitted.
Fonte/Public Safety
Alderman Fonte was absent. Chief Bray presented an Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) for School Resource Officer between the City of Hickory Hills and the Board of Education of North Palos School District No. 117. The IGA provides that a City police officer can be assigned to the District on a contract basis to serve as the School Resource Officer. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for School Resource Officer between the City of Hickory Hills and the Board of Education of North Palos School District No. 117. Alderman Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Zimmerman/Public Works
No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
No report submitted.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill presented a business license application for RGD Illinois, Inc. (grocery store) located at 8720 West 87th Street. Alderman Purtill will confirm that the proposed business will engage in only retail sales and not wholesale transactions.
Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Waight was absent. No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman McHugh moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.