City of Hometown City Council met Oct. 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 Mayor Finnegan on Tuesday October 10, 2023 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 Banasiak, Barnhouse, Kurysz, Forney, Zak, Rivas and Walsh.
Absent: Alderman Brookman, Grochowski and Reynolds.
Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Mark Trlak, Public Works Director, James Forbes, Building Commissioner, Bonnie Gesiakowski, Public Health Director and Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police.
Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.
Journal August 22, 2023: Moved by Alderman Banasiak, seconded by Alderman Zak to approve as published the Journal of September 26, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.
Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (7) Aldermen Barnhouse, Banasiak, Walsh, Kurysz, Rivas Zak and Forney.
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (3) Alderman Grochowski, Brookman and Reynolds.
MOTION DECLARED CARRIED
CITIZEN’S HEARING
Jennifer Owen, the Director of the Nutrition Center addressed the City Council regarding her organization. The Meals on Wheels program served over 1 million meals over four counties. There is a Nutrition Café at the building behind the Mosque, you can have a hot lunch for $2.00, they offer many activities for residents over 60 years old. They are looking for volunteer drivers for the Meals on Wheels. Jan Forney of 8765 Kilbourn asked about Crime Free Housing. Chief Dominguez explained he has personnel being trained on the program; it is much more than we originally thought. The Mayor was asked how many rentals we have, and he responded 210.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Office of the Mayor:
Mayor Finnegan reminded everyone about the Fall Fest October 21, 2023 noon-4 pm. Alderman Forney inquired about an update on the dispensary, Mayor Finnegan stated we received plans and permit applications from a new business. Mayor Finnegan stated he has been in contact with the shopping center owner regarding bringing new businesses in. The Mayor was asked if the Library could still use the trophy case in the hallway and Mayor Finnegan stated yes, they can.
Office of the City Clerk:
City Clerk Hacker reported that her office received from the Department of Revenue that the Sales Tax collected in the month of May 2023 was in the amount of $24,521.20 the amount collected in the month of May 2022 was in the amount of $25,338.95.
City Clerk Hacker reported that her office received from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of May 2023 was in the amount of $16,291.07 the amount collected in the month of May 2022 was in the amount of $15,155.06.
Clerk Hacker reported her office is no longer working on tables, we have moved to desks. Clerk Hacker thanked Public Works for their time and work getting her office updated.
Office of the Treasurer:
Treasurer Roti reported everyone should have a copy of the reports from his office. You will notice a fluctuation as we pay for the meters. I received a call from the Auditor, and he will be coming in two weeks to start the annual audit. Treasurer Roti thanked Clerk Hacker in advance for the work she does assisting the auditor.
REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL
City Attorney: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney had no report.
Police Department: Louis Dominguez, Police Chief reported the body camera training should be completed tomorrow. We recently had a relocation drill with Hometown School, and it was well done. We plan to increase training on an active shooter. We have been meeting about the Safety Act and it is not so bad. We had a financial case in town, and we were able to charge the person with 8 counts.
Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director reported the Street Sweeper came through last night, the branch pick-up yesterday went well. We will be back on potholes.
Building: James Forbes, Building Commissioner reported we received permits for a small addition.
Public Health: Bonnie Gesiakowski reminded residents with the weather changing, to clean up behind the garages and make sure everything is off the ground. If you have any holes in your house or garage fix them.
REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Accounts Payable Payroll September 12, 2023: Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $222,234.50 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $85,678.94 for a total expenditure of $307,913.44.
(List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal) Roll Call Indicated:
AYES: (7) Aldermen, Barnhouse, Banasiak, Reynolds, Walsh, Kurysz, Zak, Rivas and Forney
NAYS: (0)
ABSENT: (3) Alderman Brookman, Reynolds and Grochowski.
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.
STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman had no report.
WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE
Alderman Daniel Walsh, Chairman had no report.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Alderman Brookman, Chairman was absent.
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the building report. Chairman Barnhouse Notification there will be a Zoning Hearing Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. to resume the tabled hearing that was held on August 23, 2023 regarding a fence permit application for 4224 W. 90th Place.
LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski was absent.
CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE: Alderman Bob Reynolds, Chairman was absent. INSURANCE COMMITTEE:Alderman Rick Banasiak, Chairman had no report.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE: Alderman Luci Kurysz warned seniors to not give money to people sending flyers to them in the mail.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Rivas gave the police report.
C Tickets: 21 P Tickets: 366 State Tickets: 198 Verbal Warnings: 134
Written Warnings: 80 Total stops:799 Hometown Residents: 70 Arrests: 26 Felony Arrest: 1 Misdemeanor:24 Total incidents 237
REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Library: Alderman Grochowski was absent.
Legislation: Alderman Forney had no report.
Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds was absent. Mayor Finnegan reported they applied to the State for a loan due to no tax funds coming in.
Personnel Review: Mayor Finnegan, Chairman, had no report. Chief Dominguez had no report.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS RESOLUTIONS, ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN
SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski was absent.
HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY AWARENESS: Alderman Grochowski was absent.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mayor Finnegan reported attending the Worth Township Golf Outing and realizing they have programs for all ages and help many of our residents. He remembers going for his school shots there as a child. We can not underscore enough what they do for our community, and he wishes more people utilized the services.
Mayor Finnegan stated a former resident has set up a meeting for us with the Township Assessor regarding the way Hometown Taxes are charged. Mayor Finnegan is meeting with Commissioner Daley as he wants to discuss other grants, we may be able to use. Maureen Finnegan report Doctor Hayes, former Principal of Hometown school passed away, he was 90 years old. There will be a memorial on November 6. Bonnie Gesiakowski reported the VFW is looking for middle school and high school students needing service hours to volunteer.
NEW BUSINESS: NONE
CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Kurysz, seconded by Alderman Rivas to adjourn the regular meeting of the Hometown City Council.
MOTION STATED CARRIED
http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10102023-343
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