City of Hometown City Council met May 9
Here is the agenda 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 May 9, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Smith.
Roll Call: Roll call indicated that the following were present: Aldermen Banasiak, Reynolds, Acting Mayor Finnegan, Kurysz, Barnhouse, Walsh, Zak, Grochowski and Smith. Absent: Alderman Beyer.
Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Mark Trlak, Public Works Director, Bonnie Gesiakowski, Public Health Director and James Forbes, Building Commissioner.
Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.
Journal April 25, 2023: Moved by Alderman Kurysz, seconded by Alderman Zak to approve as published the Journal of April 25, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (9) Aldermen, Smith, Banasiak, Reynolds, Walsh, Barnhouse, Grochowski, Kurysz, Acting Mayor Finnegan and Zak.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Beyer
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
CITIZEN’S HEARING
Robert Tietz, of 9073 Corcoran Road, addressed the City Council regarding traffic issues at Kostner and Corcoran asking for speed bumps. There was full discussion on the issue with Police Chief Dominguez stating he will investigate it.
Stephanie Rice of 8825 Kilbourn addressed the City Council regarding calling and asking to have asphalt put at the end of her driveway, she stated she has damaged two cars. Director Trlak stated they will go to the plant and get a load of asphalt either this week or next and will put some asphalt down.
Phil Mottl of 9054 Corcoran Road stated he can also say there is an issue at the Corcoran Kostner corner and something to slow cars down would be beneficial. Mr. Mottl asked about the new meters and how that will change what they are charged for water, he was advised they will be charged the same.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Acting Mayor Finnegan stated before the newly elected officials are sworn in, he would like to appoint Rick Banasiak to the office of Alderman Ward two, Rick has agreed to stay. Moved by Alderman Barnhouse, seconded by Alderman Grochowski to approve the appointment of Rick Banasiak to the office of Alderman Ward Two.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (8) Aldermen, Smith, Reynolds, Walsh, Barnhouse, Grochowski, Kurysz, Acting Mayor Finnegan and Zak.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (1) Alderman Beyer
ABSTENTION: (1) Alderman Banasiak
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
Acting Mayor Finnegan turned the meeting over to City Clerk Hacker. Clerk Hacker administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected and appointed officials:
Ward One Alderman Donna Grochowski
Ward Two Alderman Banasiak
Ward Three Alderman John Forney
Ward Four Alderman Luci Kurysz
Ward Five Alderman Tom Brookman
Acting Mayor Finnegan welcomed all the newly elected and appointed Officials aboard and he looked forward to working with them.
Office of the Mayor:
Acting Mayor Finnegan proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and Riding Your Bicycle Month. Acting Mayor Finnegan reported they had a great turnout on the east side of town for the Sunday Community Bike Ride. Acting Mayor Finnegan thanked Public Works for keeping the ball fields in such great shape. We received a quote for the concrete pad for the Shade and the low bid was C&C Concrete. Splash Pad is ready whenever the weather allows for it to be turned on. The flame has been repaired at the Veteran’s Memorial.
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 February 2023 was in the amount of $29,472.23 the amount collected in the month of February 2022 was in the amount of $25,843.21.
City Clerk Hacker reported her office received from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of February 2023 was in the amount of $13,914.80, the amount collected in the month of February 2022 was in the amount of $10,212.71.
City Clerk Hacker stated sticker sales are going well and all are welcome to come in and purchase their stickers.
Office of the Treasurer:
Treasurer Roti stated everyone should have the reports generated from his office. You will notice that there was an increase in the State Income Tax revenue. We received over $175,000.00 in Real Estate Taxes. We just started our new fiscal year and in a few months’ time we will be having our annual audit.
REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL
City Attorney: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney had no report.
Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police reported that one of the two new cars has been delivered and is getting equipped. We have solar radar machines coming. The body cams will be ordered, they are not required currently, but we were able to get a grant for $11,575.00. Mid-May we will have two new officers graduating from the academy. Chief Dominguez explained details of the April 30, 2023 Street take over in the Mosque parking lot. There is an ongoing investigation, we were very lucky there was no damage, no injuries and it was under 30 minutes. The victims were the Mosque. Acting Mayor Finnegan stated he and the Chief spoke with the Mosque leadership, and there was no connection at all to them.
Treasurer Roti reported he worked with Deputy Chief Hoenselaar who has been working on the grant for the body cams, hours of paperwork and a test. Chief Dominguez stated the donation goal this year for Special Olympics is $20,000.00. There are several upcoming events,
Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director reported lawn restoration from the street reconstruction projects is 75% completed. They will be putting the tablets to kill the mosquito larva in the catch basin, which will last for 6 months.
The Branch Pick up Program will be the Mondays in June. The meter replacement will start May 15th in the Co-ops.
Building: James Forbes, Building Commissioner had no report.
Public Health: Bonnie Gesiakowski reminded the residents cut the grass and weeds behind and between the garages.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Accounts Payable Payroll May 9, 2023: Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $224,213.44 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $73,939.02 for a total expenditure of $298,152.46.
(List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal) Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (8) Aldermen, Grochowski, Reynolds, Banasiak, Barnhouse, Acting Mayor Finnegan, Kurysz, Walsh and Zak.
NAYS: (0)
ABSTENTION: (2) Aldermen Forney and Brookman.
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
Alderman Forney 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 Brookman, Chairman had no report. Acting Mayor Finnegan reported the Shade and concrete pad will be installed at Mayors Park.
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the building report.
LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman reminded residents the Vehicle stickers and animal tags go on sale May 1st to June 30th. Chairman Grochowski also announced that you can purchase your stickers over the phone with a credit card and they will be mailed to you.
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, reported the businesses look good at the Shopping Center.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Finnegan, Chairman gave the activity for February 2023. Total incidents 224 State Tickets:99 P Tickets:305 C Tickets: 5 Warnings:22 (46 HT Residents) Arrests 15. Acting Mayor Finnegan also reports Officer Dietz arrested a driver doing 82 mph on Southwest Highway.
REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Library: Alderman Grochowski reported the circulation for April 2023 was 468, April of 2022 was 511. They have received $23,000.00 in Real Estate Taxes, the Reading Program this year will be open to all ages and start June 1, 2023 and run until August. They have begun painting in the library. The next meeting will be June 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Legislation: Alderman Forney had nothing to report.
Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds reported there were 143 runs and they had three new hires. They must buy equipment, they were short for the new hires.
Personnel Review: Acting Mayor Finnegan, Chairman, had no report. Chief Dominguez had no report.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS, ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN.
RES. No. 4-2023: RESOLUTION No.4-2023: A RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE SOUTH SUBURBAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (SSERT) JOINT TASK FORCE. Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (10) Aldermen Grochowski, Reynolds, Banasiak, Barnhouse, Forney, Brookman, Acting Mayor Finnegan, Kurysz, Walsh and Zak.
NAYS: (0)
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
SPECIAL EVENTS: No report.
HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY AWARENESS: Alderman Grochowski reported the VFW will be hosting a Cruise Night, the first, third and fourth Wednesday of the month. May 26 the Beer Garden will be opened. The Memorial Day Ceremony on the 29th will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Patterson Park. Alderman Grochowski asked the City Attorney about the Library Board members delivering books to those unable to come to the library and he responded yes, they are under the Cities Umbrella Insurance Policy.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Clerk Hacker stated everyone has a copy of the summer program packet that will be delivered to every house.
NEW BUSINESS: NONE
CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Reynolds, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to adjourn the regular meeting of the Hometown City Council.
MOTION STATED CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
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