City of Hometown City Council Met Nov. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Call to The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hometown was called to order by Order: Mayor Casey on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 8:00 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Barnhouse.
Roll Call: Roll call indicated that the following were present: Aldermen Kurysz, Reynolds, Smith, Grochowski, Barnhouse, Finnegan, Zak and Walsh.
Absent: Alderman Banasiak.
Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Bonnie Gesiakowski, Director of Public Health and Safety, Mark Trlak, Public Works Director and James Forbes, Building Commissioner.
Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.
Journal October 27, 2020: Moved by Alderman Grochowski seconded by Alderman Smith to approve as published the Journal of October 27, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (7) Aldermen Zak, Smith, Reynolds, Grochowski, Walsh Barnhouse and Kurysz.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Banasiak
ABSTENSION: (1) Alderman Finnegan
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
CITIZEN’S HEARING
NONE
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Office of the Mayor:
Mayor Casey stated he had an appointment. Mayor Casey stated he was appointing Chris Beyer to the office of Alderman Ward Three. Chris is married to a lifelong resident Stacy, they have two children that attend Hometown School and they live by former Alderman Touchie who has offered to help him in any way he can.
Appointment Ward 3 Ald.: Moved by Alderman Kurysz, seconded by Alderman Finnegan to approve the appointment of Chris Beyer to the office of Alderman Ward Three.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (8) Aldermen Zak, Smith, Reynolds, Grochowski, Walsh Finnegan, Barnhouse and Kurysz.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Banasiak
Clerk Hacker administered the Oath of Office to Chris Beyer and he joined the meeting as Alderman Ward Three.
Mayor Casey stated Duffy Avenue is a mess but is coming along, the section from Southwest Highway to Main Street may have to wait until Spring as Metra is having issues with the project being near the rail road tracks. The sale of the church is moving slowly. There is nothing new from Springfield on awarding the cannabis license.
There is a new Hot Dog place opening soon, which for now will have to be carry-out. Halloween went great, it was one of the best trick or treating in a long time, many families out and the weather was beautiful.
Office of the City Clerk:
Clerk Hacker reported that her office received notification from the Department of Revenue that the Sales Tax collected in the month of June 2020 was in the amount of $14,973.93 the amount collected in the month of June 2019 was in the amount of $ 18,057.43.
Clerk Hacker reported that her office received notification from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of June 2020 was in the amount of $ 8,092.96 the amount collected in the month of June 2019 was in the amount of $ 8,042.36.
Office of the Treasurer:
Treasurer Roti stated everyone should have a copy of the reports generated by his office. You will see the Video Gaming was up, this month it was over $22,000.00. The Investment Account is down due to paying Liability Insurance and some of the reimbursable contractor payments on grants.
REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL
City Attorney: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney had no report.
Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police absent. Mayor Casey reported the Chief had a hip replacement surgery and is up and walking with a cane and has been in constant contact with his department.
Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director reported the contractor on the ADA Ramps will be back in town to make some repairs, they are almost complete. They have repaired 3-4 catch basins. Director Trlak thanked Alderman Walsh for coming out to look at a tree and finding it was still in good condition.
Building: James Forbes, Building Commissioner had no report.
Public Health and Safety: Bonnie Gesiakowski had no report.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Accounts Payable: Moved by Alderman Reynolds, seconded by Alderman Grochowski to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $ 293,124.86 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $62,491.68 for a total expenditure of $355,616.54.
Payroll November 10, 2020: (List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal)
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Zak, Smith, Reynolds, Finnegan, Barnhouse, Grochowski, Walsh, Beyer and Kurysz.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Banasiak
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
Alderman Reynolds acknowledged receipt of the City Treasurer’s report and the Clerk Collector’s report for October.
STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman had no report.
November 10, 2020 PAGE 48
WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE
Alderman Walsh, Chairman reported he drove around during the heavy rain and there was no standing water.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Alderman Smith, Chairman had no report. Mayor Casey reported they ordered new benches that will be installed in a couple days.
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the Building Report.
LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman had no report.
CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
Alderman Bob Reynolds, Chairman had no report.
INSURANCE COMMITTEE:Alderman Rick Banasiak, Chairman absent.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE: Alderman Luci Kurysz, Chairman stated this virus is still around and is no joke.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Finnegan, Chairman gave the report for September:
Incident Reports 269 P Tickets 330 State Tickets 22 Written Warnings 75 Verbal Warnings 88 Compliance 12
REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Library: Alderman Grochowski reported the October 2020 circulation was 508 and the September 2019 was 491. The audit is complete. They will be ordering the desk and mail box. They will be closed November 26 & 27 and the board will meet again on December 2, 2020.
Legislation: No report.
Fire Department: Alderman Rick Banasiak absent. Mayor Casey stated he spoke with them and things are going good.
Personnel Review: Mayor Kevin Casey, Chairman had no report.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS, ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN
Special Events: Alderman Grochowski reported there will be no Breakfast with Santa this year. The VFW is currently closed. Santa will be on the truck and there will be some other event for Christmas, details to follow.
Health, Welfare & Community Awareness: Alderman Grochowski reported that Timmy’s Angels Coat Drive is starting November 16, coats can be dropped off at the Co-op office or St. Germaine. The Hometown Tree in the gazebo will be lit and this year the tree trimming will be for residents to do as families when they want to. The Real Estate Tax appeal is now open at the Worth township building. Alderman Walsh reported the Annual Steve Walsh memorial Toy Drive has begun and there are donation boxes at City Hall and the VFW.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Treasurer Roti stated he will have the Tax Levy to the attorney and it will be on the first agenda in December.
NEW BUSINESS: None
CITIZEN’S HEARING: None
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Reynolds, seconded by Alderman Zak to adjourn the regular meeting of the Hometown City Council.
MOTION STATED CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm
http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11102020-252
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