South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met June 8

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 at 7:00 P.M.

Pledge of The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Alderman Reynolds.

Allegiance:

Roll Call: Roll call indicated that the following were present: Aldermen Kurysz, Reynolds, Banasiak, Beyer, Grochowski, Barnhouse, Zak and Walsh.

Absent: Aldermen Smith and Finnegan.

Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Bonnie Gesiakowski, Director of Public Health and Safety, Mark Trlak, Director of Public Works and James Forbes,

Building Commissioner.

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal Moved by Alderman Kurysz, seconded by Alderman Beyer to approve as published the Journal May of May 25, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting.

Roll Call Indicated:

AYES: (7) Aldermen Zak, Reynolds, Walsh, Beyer, Grochowski, Banasiak and Kurysz.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (2) Aldermen Finnegan and Smith.

ABSTENSION: (1) Alderman Barnhouse.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING

NONE

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor:

Mayor Casey stated IDOT has approved everything with the Car Wash, but they must put a left turn lane at the cost of the new owner. Nothing new on the Church sale, I contacted the archdiocese to make sure someone keeps the property until the sale goes through. A new business opened at the Shopping Center, Lucky Dogs. Advocate moving, anticipate a Fall opening. The Mobil has submitted Architects drawing to make the Car Wash a drive thru business. As of today, there are only 2 vacant units in the Shopping Center not spoken for. The Splash Pad has been crowded.

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 January 2021 was in the amount of $14,722.65 the amount collected in the month of January 2020 was in the amount of $14,584.24.

Clerk Hacker reported that her office received notification from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of January 2021 was in the amount of $12,584.24 the amount collected in the month of January 2020 was in the amount of $13,382.37.

Office of the Treasurer:

Treasurer Roti was absent.

June 8, 2021 PAGE 10 REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL

City Attorney: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney had no report.

Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police, absent.

Public Mark Trlak, Director reported Branch Pick-up was going well, there are three more Mondays. Director Works: Trlak asked that the Hi-Lites please publish that we would like the branches out by 8:00 a.m. The Memorial Flame is back up and running.

Building: James Forbes, Building Commissioner had no report.

Public Health and Safety: Bonnie Gesiakowski had no report.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Moved by Alderman Beyer, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the Payable accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $51,973.35 and payroll vouchers in the amount of Payroll $65,354.73 for a total expenditure of $117,328.08.

June (List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal) 8, 2021: Roll Call Indicated:

AYES: (8) Aldermen Zak, Reynolds, Walsh, Beyer, Barnhouse, Grochowski, Banasiak and Kurysz.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (2) Aldermen Finnegan and Smith.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

Alderman Beyer acknowledged receipt of the City Treasurer’s Report and the Clerk Collector’s Report for May.

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman had no report.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE

Alderman Walsh, Chairman had no report.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Alderman Smith, Chairman was absent.

Mayor Casey stated we hope to have some activities at the park this summer.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the Building Report.

LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman reminded residents that vehicle stickers and animal tags will be on sale May 3, 2021 until June 30, 2021.

CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:

Alderman Bob Reynolds, Chairman had no report.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE: Alderman Rick Banasiak, Chairman had no report.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE: Alderman Luci Kurysz, Chairman had no report.

June 8, 2021 PAGE 11 POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Finnegan, Chairman was absent.

Mayor Casey stated the Police Department has been busy. One of our Officers that works with DEA was part of a huge bust and the City of Hometown will receive a percent of the bust.

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski reported the circulation for May 2021 was 399, last year was 62. They have some funds left from the grant that they will use for something in the library. There will be a Summer reading Program starting June 14.

Legislation: Alderman Beyer reported they passed the budget June 1, 2021 in Springfield and they reserved the LDGF. They increased the non- home rule municipalities charge per gaming machine from $25.00 to $250.00 per year. Mayor Casey stated they increased the amount of Cannabis Licenses from 75 to 150, this bill has not been signed by the Governor yet.

Fire Department: Alderman Rick Banasiak reported they will meet next week. The Mayor will talk to them about the trailer blocking the sidewalk.

Personnel: Mayor Kevin Casey, Chairman had no report.

Chief Dominguez had no report.

Alderman Beyer had no Review: report.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS,

ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN

Alderman Kurysz thanked everyone for coming to the Memorial Day ceremony, it was the biggest crowd in over 40 years.

Special Events: Alderman Grochowski reported she would like to have a 9-11 memorial ceremony again this year.

Health, Welfare & Community Awareness: Alderman Grochowski reported on upcoming events.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mayor Casey stated the Memorial Service this year by the VFW was excellent. Mayor Casey stated the dedication of the street for Lt. Kouski was well attended and very nice, Channel 9 covered the event. The ceremony was video taped and sent to Jim’s family.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE

ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Beyer, seconded by Alderman Kurysz to adjourn the regular meeting of the Hometown City Council.

MOTION STATED CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm

http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06082021-271