South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met May 23.

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 Frank Finnegan on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.

Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Brookman.

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

Also present: Elizabeth Attard, City Attorney and Mark Trlak, Public Works Director. 

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal May 9, 2023 Moved by Alderman Zak seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve as published the Journal of May 9, 2023 regular City Council Meeting.

Roll call, the vote was:

AYES: (10) Aldermen Banasiak, Brookman, Acting Mayor Finnegan, Walsh, Grochowski, Barnhouse, Reynolds, Forney, Zak and Kurysz. 

NAYS: (0)

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING 

NONE

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

Office of the Mayor 

Acting Mayor Finnegan stated the benefit for Cathy Casey had a great turn out, many old time Hometown residents, that speaks to what Hometown is. There was a large amount of love and donations for Kevin and Cathy for all they had done for Hometown. We commend the two officers that put the benefit together. Thank you to all that attended and those that donated. Please keep the family in your prayers. The tree program is going well, there are about twenty (20) trees left out of fifty-two (52) we started with. Acting Mayor Finnegan stated he hopes to see everyone at Patterson Park on Memorial Day at 11:11 for the VFW ceremony. Acting Mayor Finnegan commended Public Works and residents for how clean the town is as he receives many compliments from officials from other towns.

Office of the City Clerk: 

City Clerk Mary Jo C. Hacker had no report.

Office of the Treasurer: 

City Treasurer Salvatore Roti had no report.

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL 

City Attorney: Attorney Michael Cainkar had no report.

Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police, was not present. Acting Mayor Finnegan stated there were a few cars gotten in to, 7 total, 6 unlocked, 1 locked that was broken into. Residents are encouraged to lock their doors and turn the porch lights on. Alderman Banasiak asked about the speeding on Corcoran. Acting Mayor Finnegan stated he sat at the intersection and watched car after car blow the stop sign, all were from Hometown, and one was an Alderman. There was discussion regarding speed bumps, types and other means to deter speeding. The Chief is having squads sit there periodically.

Public Works Department: Mark Trlak, Director reported the Splash Pad is open, we planted three new trees in the park. Alderman Forney thanked Public Works for completing the driveway of the resident that came to the last meeting. There was discussion surrounding the curbs on Kolmar, where the street has sunk so low the passenger door will not open.

Building Department: James Forbes, Commissioner was not present.

Health & Safety: Bonnie Gesiakowski, Director has no report.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES 

FINANCE COMMITTEE 

Accounts Payable and Payroll May 23 2023: Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $725,185.54 and payroll vouchers in and the amount of $76,561.12 for a total expenditure of $801,746.66.

Roll call, the vote was:

AYES: (10) Aldermen Banasiak, Brookman, Acting Mayor Finnegan, Zak, Grochowski, Barnhouse, Reynolds, Walsh, Forney and Kurysz. 

NAYS: (0)

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE 

Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman had no report.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE 

Alderman Daniel Walsh, Chairman reported The City of Hometown Ordinance No. 3-1989 provides for passing the Chicago Water and Sewer increase onto the residents of Hometown. The City of Chicago increased the water rate as of June 1, 2023. The current minimum water is $38.16, with the City of Chicago increase of 5% it will bring the new minimum charge to $40.06. So, the minimum bill for water and sewer will now be $64.44 per month. You will see this increase on the July bill, due in August which is for June usage.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE 

Alderman Tom Brookman, Chairman had no report.

CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE 

Alderman Robert Reynolds, Chairman had no report.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE: 

Alderman Rick Banasiak, Chairman had no report.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE 

Alderman Luci Kurysz, Chairman cautioned seniors that Medicare will never call you, there are scam Medicare calls so please be aware. Alderman Walsh stated he has noticed many electric scooters, there was full discussion on scooters.

BUILDING COMMITTEE 

Alderman Brian Barnhouse, Chairman had no report.

LICENSE COMMITTEE: 

Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman reminded residents that the vehicle stickers and animal tags go on sale May 1-June 30th and the price doubles on July 1st.

POLICE COMMITTEE 

Acting Mayor Frank Finnegan, Chairman reported the speeding and stop sign violators are mostly residents.

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES 

Library: Alderman Grochowski, Liaison reported the library will be closed Monday for Memorial Day. The painting is coming along, the children’s room is completed. They have ordered outdoor signs with the logo on them. There was discussion regarding moving the current sign. The next meeting will be June 6th.

Legislation: Alderman Forney had no report.

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds, Liaison, had no report. Acting Mayor Finnegan reported that through the Park Board an AED machine was purchased for the Patterson Park Ball Fields, Chief Duffy is helping secure a grant for the purchase.

Personnel Review: Acting Mayor Finnegan, Chairman no report.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski had no report.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski reported the VFW will be hosting a Cruise Night the first, third and fourth Wednesday of each month from 5-9 p.m. The VFW is having a food collection. Alderman Grochowski sent out congratulations to all the graduates and have a safe Memorial Day. Alderman Kurysz encouraged everyone to go to the VFW to see the Poppy Display that Debbie Kirby built that won her the District award and will send her to the State competition.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Alderman Forney asked about the trophy Case in the hallway. There was discussion regarding the trophy cases. The Sunday Community Bike Ride was well attended, 48 kids! They will ride again on Sunday. Acting Mayor Finnegan reported that the Dispensary is redesigning the interior of the building to accommodate another business. When they did the interior demo, they realized the space was too big for them so there will also be a bakery on the premises. Messages have been left for the owner of the empty grass lot with no return call yet. Blue Tones no longer has a business license and are gone from the shopping center. Mobil has no business license yet for the accessory building. Alderman Grochowski asked if the Community Board will return and Acting Mayor Finnegan stated it depends on the repair that needs to be done there.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

CITIZEN’S HEARING: Jan Forney spoke about the motorized bike in the bike ride, the Police said there is nothing they can do. There was discussion regarding speed bumps and alternatives.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Walsh Seconded by Alderman Kurysz to adjourn the regular meeting of the Hometown City Council.

MOTION STATED CARRIED

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05232023-328