City of Hometown City Council met Oct. 11

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Dec 9, 2022

City of Hometown City Council met Oct. 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 Grochowski

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

Absent: Alderman Walsh

Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Bonnie Gesiakowski and James Forbes, Building Commissioner.

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal September 27, 2022: Moved by Alderman Kurysz, seconded by Alderman Zak to approve as published the Journal of September 27, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting.

Roll Call Indicate:

AYES: (9) Aldermen Kurysz, Grochowski, Beyer, Barnhouse, Smith, Finnegan, Reynolds Zak, and Banasiak.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Walsh

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING

NONE

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor:

Mayor Casey reported the streets are being done, major construction, sewer replacement, sidewalks, not just skimming the top off and replacing. Mayor Casey stated he did a tour on the Car Wash, they are awaiting product to complete, glass, steel all on back order. They are shooting for opening in mid November; he is still waiting the IDOT permit for the third lane. Mayor Casey recently spoke with the new owners of the shopping Center; the Dispensary is all set, and we are waiting to hear a start date. Mayor Casey stated Director Trlak will not be here tonight, it is his birthday. Chief Dominguez had a previous engagement and will not be here tonight. Chief Dominguez was elected President of the Chief’s Organization and is being installed October 26, 2022 at a dinner. The Police Department is busy, it is shocking what is going on, but we are managing it. Hiring is tough right now in the Police world, Evergreen Park just approved lateral hiring, starting pay 75k, Cicero starting 90k with a 10 k signing on bonus. Security jobs are now paying $45 an hour, Lou is struggling but as always is plugging away. Alderman Grochowski asked the Halloween Hours, 2pm to 6 pm was agreed upon. Alderman Banasiak asked about the people interested in the Go Puff location. Mayor Casey stated he spent two to three hours showing them the property with the money guy, now just waiting to hear back.

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 August 2022 was in the amount of $25,682.57 the amount collected in the month of August 2021 was in the amount of $22,671.36.

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 August 2022 was in the amount of $14,248.44, the amount collected in the month of August 2021 was in the amount of $15,692.05.

Office of the Treasurer:

Treasurer Roti was absent.

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL

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

Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police not present.

Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director, not present.

Building: James Forbes, Building Commissioner had no report.

Public Health: 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 $230,897.76 and payroll vouchers in the amount of Payroll $83,933.05 for a total expenditure of $314,830.81.

October (List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal) 11, 2022: Roll Call Indicated:

Roll Call Indicate:

AYES: (9) Aldermen Kurysz, Grochowski, Smith, Beyer, Barnhouse, Finnegan, Reynolds, Zak and Banasiak.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Walsh.

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

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE

Alderman Walsh, Chairman absent.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Alderman Smith, Chairman had reported Fall Fest is October 15, 2022, 1-4 pm is for kids and 5-8 pm there will be a band. The concession stand will be open and there will be hayrides.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the September Building Report.

Chairman Barnhouse notified the City Council of a Zoning Board of Appeals to be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. at the request of Julian Hernandez of 8909 S. Komensky to appeal the rejection of his permit for an oversized garage of 24’x24’.

LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman

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 moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County Health for the Provision of Environmental Health Inspectional Services from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023.

Roll Call Indicate:

AYES: (9) Aldermen Kurysz, Grochowski, Smith, Beyer, Barnhouse, Finnegan, Reynolds, Zak and Banasiak.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Walsh.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Finnegan, Chairman gave the activity for September 2022. State Tickets:96 P Tickets:418 C Tickets: 9 Warnings:140 (104 HT Residents)

331 Incidents 27 Arrests Misdemeanor Arrests: 4 Felony Arrest 5.

Chairman Finnegan moved, seconded by Alderman Beyer to Authorize the Mayor to sign the contract between A.R.M. & Associates, Inc. the City of Hometown for the Collections Services on our Red Light Ticket Fines.

Roll Call Indicate:

AYES: (9) Aldermen Kurysz, Grochowski, Smith, Beyer, Barnhouse, Finnegan, Reynolds, Zak and Banasiak.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Walsh.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski reported the circulation for September 2022 was 370, September 2021 was 359. They have begun a major project of weeding out books. The next meeting will be November 1, 2022.

Legislation: Alderman Beyer had no report.

Fire Department: Mayor Casey reported they are moving along.

Personnel Review: Mayor Kevin Casey, Chairman, had no report. Chief Dominguez absent.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS, ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Reported on upcoming events.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY AWARENESS: Alderman Grochowski reported on upcoming events.

October 11, 2022 PAGE 45 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE

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

MOTION STATED CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm