South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met Feb. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOMETOWN JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

February 13, 2024

Call to Order: The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hometown was called to order by Mayor Finnegan on Tuesday February 13, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

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

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

Absent: Alderman Grochowski.

Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, James Forbes, Building Commissioner, Mark Trlak, Director of Public Works and Bonnie Gesiakowski, Public Health Director.

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal January 23, 2024: Moved by Alderman Zak, seconded by Alderman Rivas to approve as published the Journal of January 23, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.

Roll Call Indicated:

AYES: (8) Aldermen Walsh, Forney, Rivas, Zak, Barnhouse, Reynolds, Kurysz and Brookman.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski

ABSTENTION: (1) Alderman Banasiak

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING: Gary Dolan of 4609 W.88th Street addressed the City Council regarding speeding on 88th Street. Mr. Dolan was advised there is a new solar sign that came in for 88th Street. Mr. Dolan asked if they could please have a squad parked on 88th Street and he was advised that a squad sits in front of his house during many shifts. Chief Dominguez again asked residents to call if they see anything, including speeding vehicles.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor: Mayor Finnegan stated we are losing a good one, Jim Forbes is retiring as Building Commissioner. Mayor Finnegan stated we will have an abbreviated meeting to allow us to close the meeting to celebrate James Forbes 33 years of service to the City of Hometown. Mayor Finnegan stated with Jim Forbes retiring from the Office of Building Commissioner he would like to appoint James Melnik to fill that position.

Moved by Alderman Barnhouse, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve the appointment of James Melnik to the Office of Building Commissioner.

Roll Call Indicated:

AYES: (9) Aldermen Walsh, Forney, Rivas, Zak, Barnhouse, Banasiak, Reynolds, Kurysz and Brookman.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

City Clerk Hacker administered the Oath of Office to James Melnik.

Mayor Finnegan turned the meeting over to Chief Dominguez. Chief Dominguez asked Phillip Leibas to step forward, Chief Dominguez stated Officer Leibas was here to be sworn in as the new Deputy Chief. Officer Leibas worked in Chicago for 32 years. He was a Sgt., LT. and Captain and worked the Tac unit. He brings all those years of experience to our department, and we welcome him. City Clerk Hacker administered the Oath of Office to Deputy Chief Leibas.

Office of the City Clerk:

City Clerk Hacker notified the City Council her office received from the Department of Revenue Sales Tax collected in the month of August 2023 was in the amount of $24,300.85 the amount collected in the month of August 2022 was in the amount of $24,128.02.

City Clerk Hacker notified the City Council her office received from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of August 2023 was in the amount of $17,095.93 the amount collected in the month of August 2022 was in the amount of $15,519.49.

Clerk Hacker notified the City Council her office will be closed Monday in observance of President’s Day.

Office of the Treasurer:

Treasurer Roti reported everyone should have a copy of the reports from his office. We are moving the Finance Committee meeting to next week.

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL

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

Police Department: Louis Dominguez, Police Chief reported the 2nd offender from the Pantry robbery has been indicted, thanks to the investigating work of Sgt. Coffman. They recently had a big drug arrest, they confiscated 2 kilos of cocaine and a substantial amount of cash, and the two offenders were arrested.

Alderman Banasiak asked if the felons were residents and Chief Dominguez responded, no they were from out of state.

Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director reported they are doing routine maintenance, filling potholes and IDOT will be filling the holes on their streets.

Building: James Melnik, Building Commissioner had no report.

Public Health: Bonnie Gesiakowski had no report.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Payable Payroll December 26, 2023: Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $26,747.64 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $93,441.88 for a total expenditure of $162,804.94. (List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal)

Roll Call Indicated:

AYES: (9) Aldermen Walsh, Forney, Rivas, Kurysz, Reynolds, Banasiak, Barnhouse, Zak and Brookman.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman 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.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE

Alderman Daniel Walsh, Chairman had no report.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Alderman Brookman, Chairman had no report.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the building report. Chairman Barnhouse notified the City Council that a public hearing will be held at the request of Robert Tietz of 9073 Corcoran Road at 7:00 P.M on February 21, 2024 regarding the denial of his building permit for a garage measuring 24’x 36’ at the City Hall, 4331 Southwest Highway, Hometown, Illinois.

LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski was 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 had no report.

POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Rivas gave the police report.

C Tickets: 6 P Tickets: 285 State Tickets: 165 Verbal Warnings: 134

Written Warnings: 76 Hometown Residents: 46 Arrests: 25 Misdemeanor 4

Total incidents 249

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski was not present. Mayor Finnegan reported the next meeting will be on March 5, 2024.

Legislation: Alderman Forney had no report.

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds reported in January there were 155 runs, 55 EMS. There were three promotions made and they are still chasing 80k in tax revenue. The next meeting will be on March 18, 2024.

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: As we celebrate Jim’s 33 years, we know he meant so much to our community as well as the Building Department. Jim’s family has had many generations in Hometown and tonight as he resigns to enjoy some time with his family. I know his family and they are here tonight supporting Jim, that is Hometown. Jim gave so many years to Hometown, he raised his kids here and was so very active in our community.

Jim will be missed, and we wish him many years to enjoy his family as he retires. Jim did recommend Jim Melnik so we will have a smooth transition as Jim Melnik has been part of the Building Department.

Mayor Finnegan read a Retirement Proclamation for Jim Forbes.

NEW BUSINESS: John Forney asked if we could put Meals on Wheels on the signs to get the word out. Clerk Hacker stated she has added the flyers to the website, placed them on her window counter and gave some to the Library.

CITIZEN’S HEARING: Jan Forney of 8765 Kilbourn stated she picks up meals for her mother in-law daily at the nutrition center and maybe the senior bus can take people for meals that can’t afford the bus ride. Clerk Hacker stated seniors that can’t afford the $1 ride can call City Hall and Community Chest can pay for the ride. Clerk Hacker stated the bus also has flyers so the seniors riding the bus are aware of the events and daily meals.

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

MOTION STATED CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm

https://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02132024-350