South Cook News

City of Hickory Hills City Council met June 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Howley on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 7:31 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Howley introduced Ms. Madeline Purtill to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Madeline is the celebrating her 12th birthday today and is the daughter of Alderman Pat Purtill.

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

City Clerk, D. Catizone

City Attorney, B. Attard

City Treasurer, A. Vodicka

City Engineer, M. Arnold

Police Lt, T. Stevens

Public Works Director, S. Lehr

Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Alderman Zimmerman 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 Zimmerman second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

The following residents spoke to the Council regarding flooding in their area after the storm on Memorial Day weekend.

Mr. Chris Kulach

8045 Flamingo Terrace

President – Condo Assoc.

Mr. Joseph Wrobel

8045 Flamingo Terrace

Residents voiced their concern regarding recent flooding at the condos located at 8045 Flamingo Terrace. Mr. Wrobel stated there is severe damage to the condo. He noted this issue has been happening for several years.

Resident – A tenant who lost her car to water damage was in attendance.

Mayor Howley stated this is a long standing issue and the City has notified the Forest Preserve. The City may be able to assist with the problem, but the Forest Preserve is not allowing anyone on their property. The City has been at this location and have identified improvements which have not been addressed by the condo association. Mayor Howley suggested the owners meet with the City and investigate what can be done by all parties involved.

Kathy Ekert

9135 S. 82nd Court

Mrs. Ekert is also present to voice her concern regarding flooding in front of her home. She stated this needs to be addressed. She also stated she is at a low spot. She noted the sewers are filled with stone. Public Works Director Lehr stated this is a catch basin.

Mr. Przemck (Gryglak)

9130 W. 92nd Place

This resident noted the last 5 years he has standing water in the street during storms. It was 5 feet away from his property. He would like the city investigate if there is any blockages.

Alicja Mazur

9136 W. 92nd Place

Mrs. Mazur stated she is very concerned with the rain on her street, it doesn’t drain well. She would like this area checked.

All the residents at this time gave their phone numbers to Public Works Director Lehr. A meeting will be set up with the Flamingo owners and the City.

Philip Kolar

9401 S. 85th Avenue

Mr. Kolar mentioned the need to have his ditch in front of his house cleaned out so water can flow. He has been a resident for many years and noted he could give the Council the history on many things that happened on his street. He noted his foundation is cracking and he is taking in water. The City will look at this ditch matter.

Genevieve Doyle

9400 S. 85th Avenue

This resident voiced her concern regarding large rocks on the side of Coey Lane and flooding. She has standing water but it is not effecting her home. But, she has holes by the sewer near her home. Ms. Doyle also mentioned the rocks on Coey Lane and brush near the apartments. These rocks are in front of the apartment buildings so cars can’t park. She noted two cars can’t get through. Mayor Howley noted the City would look into the ditch drainage and the rocks.

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 Kman moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 23, 2019 as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Aldermen Fonte and McHugh pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley introduced Mr. Tom Seminara for appointment to the Zoning Board vacancy. He is recommending this appointment. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Tom Seminara to the Zoning Board. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, McHugh, Kman, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley announced the Relay for Life will be held on June 22nd in Oak Lawn. He will send an email invite to the Council.

Mayor Howley reported he attended the Hills Chamber Meeting at which time he gave a state of the City address along with Mayor Bennett of Palos Hills. This event was held at the Hickory Hills Community Center.

Mayor Howley thanked everyone who participated in his recent charity golf outing. They raised over $10,000.00 for pediatric cancer.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Catizone reported she and Public Works Director Sue Lehr met with Phil Halliburton from ComEd. The purpose of the meeting was to review the 2018 Annual Report and 2019 Load Shed Plan. This report reviews outages and the causes. Copies of this report are available in the Clerk’s Office.

Clerk Catizone announced the newsletter will be mailed to residents the week of June 17th.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Vodicka presented the final budget for FY2019-2020 for approval. Treasurer Vodicka reported a question was raised regarding the compensation for the Zoning Board after the budget was reviewed at the June 3rd specially called budget meeting. It was suggested raising the compensation from $50.00 a meeting to $100.00 per meeting.

The Chairman compensation increase to $400.00 per month. These salaries have not been raised since 2001 and 2004. Alderman McHugh moved to approve the 2019/2020 budget with the adjustment to the Zoning Board adjustments. Alderman Stachnik second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved. The budget will be sent to the City Attorney to prepare the appropriation ordinance.

CITY ATTORNEY

Attorney Vince Cainkar presented Ordinance 19-03, an ordinance granting a special use for an automated car wash on the property located at 8800 & 8856 W. 87th Street. Attorney Cainkar noted the old car wash will be demolished and a new one built on the property and the newly purchased piece of property behind the current building. Alderman Kman moved to approve Ordinance 19-03. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of June 2019 in the amount of $429,358.97. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

Alderman Kman reported he has collected over $1,300.00 in prizes for the bingo at the Street Fair. He is seeking a donation from the discretionary fund of $100.00 for the bingo.

Alderman Waight moved to approve a donation of $100.00 for bingo prize money at the Street Fair. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Stachnik/Public Safety

Chief Hobart reported the online overnight parking reporting is going well.

Zimmerman/Public Works

No report submitted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh reported Parkview is running well and there are no vacancies. A new sound system is being investigated for the Community Center.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill presented one business certificate application for Elite Ambulance located at 7715 W. 99th Street. This is not for dispatching, only ambulances stocking up and parking at night. No objections were noted.

Fonte/Health & Environmental Control

Alderman Fonte reported for the month of May 2019, At Your Door had 25 stops in Hickory Hills.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero reported currently there are 42 crafters, 14 businesses and 5 food vendors who have committed to the Street Fair.

Alderman McHugh mentioned the tents have been ordered for the Street Fair along with the tickets for beer.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Building Commissioner Moirano reported he has an adjustment for the current fence permit form. He is removing the word “privacy” which refers to the fence and replace with wording that is in the current ordinance.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Stachnik, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

http://hickoryhillsil.org/2019/06/june-27-2019-city-council-meeting-minutes/