City of Hometown City Council met Jan. 10.
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 Acting Mayor Finnegan on Tuesday January 10, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Walsh.
Roll Call: Roll call indicated that the following were present: Aldermen Banasiak, Reynolds, Smith, Beyer, Walsh, Kurysz, Acting Mayor Finnegan, Zak, Barnhouse and Absent: Alderman Grochowski.
Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police, Mark Trlak, Public Works Director, Bonnie Gesiakowski and James Forbes, Building Commissioner.
Press: Jan Forney, Hometown Hi-Lites.
Journal December 13, 2022: Moved by Alderman Kurysz, seconded by Alderman Beyer to approve as published the Journal of December 13, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen, Barnhouse, Walsh, Kurysz, Beyer, Smith, Zak, Reynolds, Banasiak, Acting Mayor Finnegan and Beyer.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
CITIZEN’S HEARING
NONE
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Office of the Mayor:
Acting Mayor Finnegan stated he had no appointments. Acting Mayor Finnegan thanked Chief Dominguez for everything he did on behalf of the City of Hometown for Mayor Casey’s procession, it was very impressive. Acting Mayor Finnegan thanked Clerk Hacker and Treasurer Roti and everyone else involved for keeping things going during this difficult time. Acting Mayor Finnegan stated there was a water break on Christmas and he commended Director Trlak for his effort, the town appreciates you and your crew.
Office of the City Clerk:
City Clerk Hacker reported her office received from the Department of Revenue that the Sales Tax collected in the month of November 2022 was in the amount of $41,128.02 the amount collected in the month of November 2021 was in the amount of $22,417.14.
City Clerk Hacker reported her office received from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of November 2022 was in the amount of $17,578.06, the amount collected in the month of November 2021 was in the amount of $15,261.92.
Office of the Treasurer:
Treasurer Roti stated the real estate taxes have started coming in, we received over 91k in December. Everyone should have a copy of the budget memo with the calendar, and all are welcome because it’s hard to catch up at the later meetings before we pass the budget. The Audit has been completed and John Hoffman from Wagner Sim will be at the next meeting to give the report, Treasurer Roti thanked Clerk Hacker for assisting the auditor. Acting Mayor Finnegan encouraged everyone to attend the budget meetings,
REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL
City Attorney: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney had no report.
Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police reported the department is participating in some of the mandatory training, active shooter drills at Hometown School, rifle training. Last month the Department did a “Shop with a Cop” program, many officers and the Community Chest donated money, $1,100.00 total. The officers then took some disadvantaged children Christmas Shopping. There is a lawsuit regarding the Safe-T-Act, there will be oral arguments in March.
Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director reported they were doing routine jobs in town.
Building: James Forbes, Building Commissioner reported the Car Wash plans to open mid-February.
Public Health: Bonnie Gesiakowski reported we are getting better with complaints; the rodents are here to stay. We just must control the population, continue to snap trap on your properties. Starting January 2023 only 1 warning will be given for garbage cans. Acting Mayor Finnegan stated he wants to meet with the Exterminator and Director Gesiakowski and tweak the program.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Accounts Payable Payroll January 10, 2023: Moved by Alderman Beyer, seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $448,640.96 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $66,592.85 for a total expenditure of $515,233.81.
(List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal)
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen, Barnhouse, Walsh, Kurysz, Beyer, Smith, Zak, Reynolds, Banasiak, Acting Mayor Finnegan and Beyer.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski
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. Acting Mayor Finnegan reported he attended the meeting and worked with the board to get times in place for the use of the baseball fields. He discussed the doors and ceiling tiles at Hammond Hall, this facility is a revenue source and should be kept up. There was discussion on the lease for the Ice Machine at the Patterson Building. Acting Mayor stated he will investigate that.
BUILDING COMMITTEE: Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the December Building Report.
LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman Absent.
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.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Finnegan, Chairman gave the activity for October 2022. State Tickets:71 P Tickets:268 C Tickets: 2 Warnings:127 (48 HT Residents)
REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Library: Alderman Grochowski was absent, and she asked Acting Mayor to give her report. Circulation for 2022 November was 890, 2021 November was 403. They are putting new policies in place for employees, they are seeking two board members.
Legislation: Alderman Beyer had no report.
Fire Department: Acting Mayor Finnegan reported he will be attending their meeting in two weeks.
Personnel Review: Acting Mayor Finnegan, Chairman, had no report. Chief Dominguez had no report.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS, ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN.
ORD. No. MOVED BY ALDERMAN BEYER, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN BANASIAK TO APPROVE 1-2023: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19, MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES, ARTICLE 6, ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION OF NON-VEHICULAR CODE VIOLATIONS, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF HOMETOWN
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen, Barnhouse, Walsh, Kurysz, Beyer, Smith, Zak, Reynolds, Banasiak, Acting Mayor Finnegan and Beyer.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski
ORD. No. MOVED BY ALDERMEN BEYER, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN ZAK TO APPROVE 2-2023: ORDINANCE NO.2-2023, AN ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19, MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 9, CRIME-FREE RESIDENTIAL RENTAL HOUSING, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF HOMETOWN
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen, Barnhouse, Walsh, Kurysz, Beyer, Smith, Zak, Reynolds, Banasiak, Acting Mayor Finnegan and Beyer.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski
SPECIAL EVENTS: No report.
HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY AWARENESS: NONE.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Acting Mayor Finnegan stated he wanted to publicly thank everyone that had a hand in Mayor Casey’s funeral luncheon. There was tremendous community support bringing food to the VFW. Acting Mayor Finnegan also stated the day after Kevin’s passing it was wonderful to see everyone at City Hall making sure the kids were able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Santa. Alderman Walsh reported his toy drive helped over 300 children have a Merry Christmas. Chief Dominguez reported the Police Department recently started a Facebook page.
NEW BUSINESS
Acting Mayor Finnegan reported he will hold a Facts not Facebook meeting Saturday at noon at the Patterson Park building.
CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Reynolds, seconded by Alderman Beyer 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/_01102023-315
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