South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met Feb. 27.

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 Frank Finnegan on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

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

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

Absent: Alderman Grochowski.

Also present: Elizabeth Attard, City Attorney, Bonnie Gesiakowski, Director of Public Health and Safety.

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal February 13, 2023 Moved by Alderman Brookman seconded by Alderman Zak to approve as published the Journal of February 13, 2023 regular City Council Meeting.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING

NONE

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor

Mayor Finnegan stated we are going to be more diligent on building issues, if any residents have questions, concerns or issues with contractors or building issues, please call City Hall and ask for Sharon or Jim Melnik. If you have any concerns or questions about anything, call City Hall. Mayor Finnegan stated with Com Ed calling for 50-60 mph winds, please check on your family and friends.

Office of the City Clerk:

City Clerk Mary Jo C. Hacker had no report.

Office of the Treasurer:

City Treasurer Salvatore Roti stated the Finance Committee met last week and went over the anticipated revenue; the next meeting will be March 12, 2024 after the City Council meeting.

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL

City Attorney: Attorney Elizabeth Attard had no report.

Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police, was not present.

Public Works Department: Mark Trlak, Director was not present.

Building Department: James Melnik, Commissioner was not present.

Health & Safety: Bonnie Gesiakowski, Director reminded residents to clean up around their garages.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Payable Payroll February 27, 2024 Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Zak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $88,161.44 and payroll vouchers  in the amount of $73,130.07 for a total expenditure of $161,291.51.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman had no report.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE

Alderman Daniel Walsh, Chairman had no report.

Alderman Walsh asked residents if they have family or friends working in nurseries, the city is looking for trees to put by the railroad tracks in Mayors Park.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Alderman Tom Brookman, Chairman had no report.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Brian Barnhouse, Chairman notified the City Council of the result of the Zoning Hearing 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. The Board tabled the meeting subject because Mr. Tietz is going to modify his plans.

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 had no report.

LICENSE COMMITTEE:

Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman was absent.

POLICE COMMITTEE

Alderman Rivas, Chairman had no report.

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski, Liaison was absent. Alderman Forney reported the circulation for January 2023 was 978, 2024 was1086. The budget was approved and will be given to the Treasurer. They applied for the per capita grant and are planning another Open House in June.

Legislation: Alderman Forney had no report.

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds, Liaison stated the January meeting was cancelled.

Personnel Review: Mayor Finnegan, Chairman no report.

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

RES. No. MOVED BY ALDERMAN BROOKMAN, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN RIVAS 1-2024: TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO.1-2024 AN IDOT RESOLUTION APPROVING ENGINEERING FEES FOR THE 89TH PLACE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

RES. No. 2-2024 AN IDOT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ENGINEERING FEES FOR THE CORCORAN ROAD RECONSTRUCTION KOSTNER TO DUFFY PROJECT.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Grochowski.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski was absent.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski was absent. Alderman Forney reported on upcoming events.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Alderman Banasiak asked about the progress on the Pickle Ball Courts. Mayor Finnegan stated he walked the area with our Engineer, Mark Volk and he has submitted renderings which we will give to the School District for approval. Mayor Finnegan stated he has a few contractors he will be speaking to about the courts.

Mayor Finnegan reported there is movement on the dispensary, there are workers there daily. There was an inquiry about putting a donut shop in the old Mobile Car Wash. Patterson Park will be busy this summer, we already have five (5) teams scheduled for games and we are getting more inquiries.

NEW BUSINESS: Alderman Forney asked Mayor Finnegan when he said we will be more diligent about building does that mean there are problems. Mayor Finnegan stated no, we have no problems we just want people to call us if they are hesitant or feel they are having problems with contractors.

CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE

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

MOTION STATED CARRIED

The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. 

https://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02272024-353