City of Hometown City Council Met May 25.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Call to Order: The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hometown was called to order by Mayor Kevin Casey at 7:00 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Beyer.
Roll Call: Roll call indicated that the following were present: Aldermen Smith, Zak, Grochowski, Banasiak, Finnegan, Kurysz, Beyer, Walsh and Reynolds.
Absent: Alderman Barnhouse
Also present: Elizabeth Attard, City Attorney
Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.
Journal May 11, 2021: Moved by Alderman Grochowski seconded by Alderman Kurysz to approve as published the Journal of May 11, 2021 regular City Council Meeting.
Roll call, the vote was:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Banasiak, Zak, Kurysz, Beyer, Walsh, Smith, Finnegan, Grochowski and Reynolds.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Barnhouse
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
CITIZEN’S HEARING
NONE
PUBLIC HEARIING
Moved by Alderman Reynolds, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to adjourn the regular meeting temporarily for the purpose of the public hearing on Ordinance No. 3-2021 regarding use allowed by special permit at 7:02 p.m. A voice vote indicated a vote of 9-0 in favor of closing the regular meeting temporarily.
Attorney Elizabeth Attard stated this ordinance is incorporating the proposed amendments into the Hometown Zoning Ordinance regarding the operation of pawn shops.
Mayor Casey stated this is being put in place to give the city a say in any future request for expansion of the existing pawn shop.
Mayor Casey announced the public hearing is opened according to the published notice of May 2, 2021 on the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Casey asked if there were any comments from the audience on the proposed ordinance. Mayor Casey stated there were no comments.
Mayor Casey announced the Public Hearing was closed on the proposed ordinance.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds, seconded by Alderman Kurysz that the adjourned regular meeting be re-opened at 7:05.
Roll call, the vote was:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Banasiak, Zak, Kurysz, Beyer, Walsh, Smith, Finnegan, Grochowski and Reynolds. NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Barnhouse
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Office of the Mayor
Mayor Casey stated the VFW will be having their Memorial Day service at Patterson Park beginning at 10:45 and following that we will be dedicating a street in honor of Lt. James Kouski. That service will take place starting at noon at 88th Street and Kilpatrick Lane. The Car Wash has become a reality, closing is June 30th, 2021 and all cars must be gone by then or bulldozers will come. The sale of Advocate is still progressing. Mayor Casey said Go Puff is a reality and he recently saw some commercials for Go Puff. The gaming receipts are increasing nicely, last month we received over 32k. Mayor Casey stated he and Clerk Hacker had conversations with Representative Flowers and Senator Collins regarding no cuts to LDGF and the grant money for streets and both assured us there are funds coming.
Office of the City Clerk:
City Clerk Mary Jo C. Hacker reported she was pleased with the sale of the stickers this year, it seems the signs that were out this year are helping so we plan to use them every year now.
Office of the Treasurer:
City Treasurer Salvatore Roti reported he will not be present at the next two meeting due to foot surgery.
REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL
City Attorney: Elizabeth Attard had no report.
Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief was not present. Mayor Casey stated the Police Department is doing well, they hired 2-3 new officers. The dog is doing well. The department is getting ready for summer, there will be bike patrols and every officer is now mandated to be out of his squad and mingle in the community and document what they did during the 30 minutes.
Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director was not present.
Building: James Forbes, Commissioner was not present.
Public Health & Safety: Director Bonnie Gesiakowski reported the front yards look good, but many backyards need work and she asked residents to call in complaints if they see problems with backyards. Alderman Banasiak asked Director Gesiakowski if she oversees trampolines in the front yard because there is one that is close to the street. Director Gesiakowski stated she will look at it and have it moved off the easement.
Mayor Casey stated there will be an Ordinance Committee meeting soon to look at many things in town that are happening and may need ordinances to regulate.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Accounts Payable and Payroll May 25, 2021 Moved by Alderman Christopher Beyer, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $24,549.63 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $66,217.89 for a total expenditure of $90,767.52.
Roll call, the vote was:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Smith, Zak, Kurysz, Beyer, Banasiak, Walsh, Grochowski, Finnegan and Reynolds.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Barnhouse
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman, had no report.
WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE
Alderman Daniel Walsh, Chairman reported per the City of Hometown Ordinance No. 3-1989 provides for passing the Chicago water and sewer increase onto the residents of Hometown. The City of Chicago increased the water rate as of June 1, 2021. The current water charge per 665 cubic feet is $35.94, with the City of Chicago increase of 1.10% it will bring the new charge for 665 cubic feet to $36.34. So, the minimum bill for water and sewer will now be $60.72 per month. You will see this increase on the July bill, due in August which is for June usage.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Alderman Robert Smith, Chairman reported the board met and discussed the new rubber mulch that has been applied at the playground portion of Patterson Park. They also discussed renting out Hammond Hall and the Patterson Building starting June 1, 2021. Mayor Casey reported the Splash Pad is open and very crowded as well as the Park.
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Alderman Brian Barnhouse, Chairman was absent.
LICENSE COMMITTEE:
Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman reminded residents that Vehicle Sticker price and animal tag price doubles after June 30th.
CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
Alderman Robert Reynolds, Chairman had no report.
INSURANCE COMMITTEE:
Alderman Rick Banasiak, Chairman had no report
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Luci Kurysz, Chairman asked about rules regarding motorized scooters on the public street and she was advised to contact the police when she sees someone driving one on the street or sidewalk.
POLICE COMMITTEE
Alderman Frank Finnegan, Chairman had no report.
REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Library: Alderman Grochowski, Liaison reported they will meet on June 2, 2021.
Legislation: Alderman Christopher Beyer had no report.
Fire Department: Alderman Rick Banasiak, Liaison reported they hope to meet in April.
Personnel Review: Mayor Kevin Casey, Chairman had no report.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN
Ord. No. 3-2021: MOVED BY ALDERMAN BANASIAK, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN ZAK TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO.3-2021: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF HOMETOWN BY ADDING CHAPTER 22, ZONING, ARTICLE 14, SPECIAL USES, SECTION 22.50(G), USES ALLOWED BY SPECIAL PERMIT.
Roll call, the vote was:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Banasiak, Zak, Kurysz, Beyer, Walsh, Smith, Finnegan, Grochowski and Reynolds.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Barnhouse
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski had nothing new to report on the rabies program.
HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski reported the VFW will have a ceremony at Patterson Park on Memorial Day at 10:45 am. and following that ceremony at noon 88th Street and Kilpatrick Lane will be dedicated to Lt. James Kouski. Alderman Grochowski wished Mr. Bill Dunne a Happy 98th Birthday and she wished everyone a happy safe Memorial Day.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS: NONE
CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Beyer Seconded by Alderman Reynolds to adjourn the regular meeting of the Hometown City Council.
MOTION STATED CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm
http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05252021-269
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