City of Hometown City Council met Jan. 11.
Here are 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 Casey at 7:00 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Banasiak.
Roll Call: Roll call indicated that the following were present: Aldermen Kurysz, Banasiak, Grochowski, Beyer, Reynolds, Zak, Smith, Barnhouse and Walsh.
Absent: Alderman Finnegan,
Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Louis Dominguez Chief of Police, Mark Trlak, Director of Public Works, Bonnie Gesiakowski, Director of Public Health and Safety and James Forbes, Building Commissioner.
Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.
Journal December 14, 2021: Moved by Alderman Walsh, seconded by Alderman Finnegan to approve as published the Journal of December 14, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (6) Aldermen Banasiak, Beyer, Walsh, Kurysz, Barnhouse and Grochowski.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Aldermen Finnegan
ABSTENSION: (3) Aldermen Reynolds, Zak and Smith.
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
CITIZEN’S HEARING
NONE
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Office of the Mayor:
Mayor Casey turned the meeting over to Chief Dominguez. Chief Dominguez reported that two long serving officers had retired, Lt. Blitek and Officer Storcz. Tonight, we have Sgt. Pratt being promoted to Lt. Pratt and we have hired two new officers, Donald Knor and Robert Doherty, they will be sworn in also and will be starting the Police Academy. Clerk Hacker administered the Oath of Office to the three officers.
Mayor Casey stated, he hopes everyone had a nice holiday. The Christmas event went well with Santa on the Fire Truck and then pictures with Santa. He thanked everyone involved in the events. We have much to be thankful for. Sadly, we lost some people very recently that participated in the city for many years, Sue Heda, Brian Heuss and Gail Zak. All three of these people participated in many aspects of the city and it is a scary thought that no one will step up to help keep the city going. Our condolences to the families. Our plan is to plant a tree in Gail Zak’s honor in the park, Gail loved trees.
The Car wash demo is scheduled for March. The Real Estate for the church has not returned calls so there is no update. The Governor has not released the license, so the recreational deal is at a standstill. Go Puff is close to opening, no date yet but there will be a Grand Opening. No license issued in December for gaming in Hometown. We did send a letter asking for clarity on the pending so we know if they should move forward with the units for other businesses if they will not be granting anymore to the Shopping Center applicants. Pizza Plus has new owners, the mayor stated he visited one of the other businesses this father and son team has and toured the establishments, and it was clean, organized and the reviews on yelp etc. were exceptionally good. The closing of the deal was suspended because the whole family came down with Covid.
Office of the City Clerk:
City Clerk Hacker notified the City Council the Clerk’s office received from the Department of Revenue that the Sales Tax collected in the month of November 2021 was in the amount of $22,417.14 the amount collected in the month of November 2020 was in the amount of $16,429.22
City Clerk Hacker notified the City Council the Clerk’s office received from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of November 2021 was in the amount of $15,261.92 the amount collected in the month of November 2020 was in the amount of $13,893.72.
City Clerk Hacker thanked her Deputy Sharon Harland for attending the last two meetings in her absence.
Office of the Treasurer:
Treasurer Roti stated everyone should have the reports generated from his office. The funds are strong. The annual audit is completed, and the Auditor will be in end of month or early February to submit the report and your audit books. Treasurer Roti stated the audit went well and he thanked Clerk Hacker for assisting the Auditor. Everyone was given a budget calendar, there have been some minor changes made, moving some meetings to our City Council meeting nights, we will have time to hold the finance meetings after the general meeting.
REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL
City Attorney: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, had no report.
Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police, had no report.
Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director, reported they have been out for snow related issues four (4) times. He asked that residents be reminded that there is no parking on the street after two (2) inches of snow. There is no throwing, pushing, or blowing of snow onto the street, violators will receive citations. They have been doing routine maintenance of equipment and some meter replacement work. They are also replacing street signs.
Building: James Forbes, Building Commissioner, reported Nicor will be on Komensky, 90th Place and Main Street replacing gas lines.
Public Health andd Safety: Bonnie Gesiakowski reminded residents to keep the garbage in their cans and watch for small footprints, that could be a bunny, opossum, or rodent. If you see footprints make sure your home and garage have no holes they could come in through.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Accounts Payable Payroll December 28, 2021: December Moved by Alderman Beyer, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $90,657.84 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $65,589.90 for a total expenditure of $156,247.74. (List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this JournalRoll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Barnhouse, Walsh, Beyer, Grochowski, Reynolds, Zak, Smith, Banasiak and Kurysz
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Finnegan
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
Accounts Payable Payroll January 11, 2022: Moved by Alderman Beyer, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $211,713.48 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $72,439.49 for a total expenditure of $284,152.97.
(List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal) Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Barnhouse, Walsh, Beyer, Grochowski, Reynolds, Zak, Smith, Banasiak and Kurysz
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Finnegan
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
Alderman Beyer acknowledged receipt of the City Treasurer’s Report and the Clerk Collector’s Report.
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 had no report.
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 had no report.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE: Alderman Luci Kurysz, Chairman
Reminded everyone to be safe.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Finnegan, Chairman gave the activity for October 2021. State Tickets:48 P Tickets:202 C Tickets: 3 Warnings:129 (51 HT Residents) Incidents:262
REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Library: Alderman Grochowski reported the circulation for December 2020 was 568, for December 2021 it was 349. There was money left over from the donation in Shirley Sears name which will be used to purchase books. They had the PC fixed; the per capita information was sent to the State. Judy is looking into programs for the seniors. The next meeting will be held February 2, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Legislation: Alderman Beyer had no report.
Fire Department: Alderman Rick Banasiak had no report because the meeting was cancelled.
Personnel Review: Mayor Kevin Casey, Chairman, had no report. Chief Dominguez had no report.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS, ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN
ORD. NO. 1-2022: MOVED BY ALDERMAN REYNOLDS, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN ZAK TO APPROVE ORDINANCE No.1-2022, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11, LICENSES, ARTICLE 2, ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR DEALERS, BY AMENDING SECTION 11.31, LICENSES, SECTION 11.35 CLASSIFICATION FEES, SECTION 11.37 NUMBER OF LICENSES, AND BY DELETING SECTION 11.59.1 LICENSE FOR LIMITED CONSUMPTION ON PREMISES; FEE, TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF HOMETOWN.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen Barnhouse, Walsh, Beyer, Grochowski, Reynolds, Zak, Smith, Banasiak and Kurysz
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Finnegan
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
SPECIAL EVENTS: NONE
HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY AWARENESS: The VFW is hosting a Valentine Dinner on February 12, 2022 from 4-7 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Casey stated there is someone planning on opening a Covid Testing site in the Advocate Building but that is all up to the Shopping Center owners to vet and approve.
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 7:40 pm
http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01112022-287
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