South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met March 26

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, March 26, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.  

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

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

Absent: Aldermen Grochowski and Reynolds. 

Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, Salvatore Roti, City Treasurer, Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police, Bonnie Gesiakowski, Director of Public Health and Safety and Sharon Harland  Deputy City Clerk. 

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites. 

Journal March 12, 2023 Moved by Alderman Forney seconded by Alderman Zak to approve as published the Journal of March 12, 2024 regular City Council Meeting. 

Roll call, the vote was: 

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

NAYS: (0) 

ABSENT: (2) Aldermen Grochowski and Reynolds, 

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED 

CITIZEN’S HEARING 

Jan Forney of 8765 Kilbourn asked for an update on Home Rule. Chief Dominguez stated we are at a stand still right now because of a Bill in Springfield. We have an Officer that has taken classes and is certified. Mrs. Forney then asked about increasing the gaming machine fees. Mayor Finnegan stated we can do that in the future but not right now. Phil Mottl of 9054 Corcoran Road asked about  licensing the owners of rental properties. Mayor Finnegan stated we will have to wait and see what  happens with the Bill in Springfield. There was full discussion regarding the gas tax. 

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

Office of the Mayor 

Mayor Finnegan had no report. 

Office of the City Clerk: 

City Clerk Mary Jo C. Hacker was absent. Deputy Clerk Harland had no report. 

Office of the Treasurer: 

City Treasurer Salvatore Roti stated the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for tonight has  been rescheduled for April 2, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL 

City Attorney: Attorney Michael Cainkar had no report. 

Police: Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police reported the speed sign is installed at 88th Street and Kostner and  it is helping. The solar panels are out on the street. They are looking for a new location for the evacuation of the school when necessary. 

Public Works Department: Mark Trlak, Director had no report. 

Building Department: James Melnik, Commissioner had no report. 

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 Brookman to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $114,224.49 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $81,891.87 for a total expenditure of $196,116.36. 

Roll call, the vote was: 

AYES: (8) Aldermen Barnhouse, Walsh, Forney, Zak, Rivas, Brookman, Banasiak and Kurysz.  NAYS: (0) 

ABSENT: (2) Aldermen Grochowski and Reynolds. 

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. 

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE 

Alderman Tom Brookman, Chairman had no report. 

BUILDING COMMITTEE 

Alderman Brian Barnhouse, Chairman had no report. 

CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE 

Alderman Robert Reynolds, Chairman was absent. 

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 Library will be closed  on March 29th for Good Friday. National Library week runs from Sunday April 7th to Saturday  April 13th. The Library has a variety of projects planned for April. For information on the projects, you can check the website or call the Library. For grades 5 -12 every Tuesday in April at 5 pm the  Library is planning, creative and explore new technology, learn how to make your own motion to  share with others. For the eclipse on April 8th the Library has books, information and free glasses  to watch it. The Library Board will meet next on Tuesday April 2, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. 

Legislation: Alderman Banasiak reported Governor Pritzker wants to eliminate the 1% grocery tax for  residents.  

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds, Liaison was absent. 

Personnel Review: Mayor Finnegan, Chairman no report. 

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS,  

ORDERS AND ORDINANCES BY ALDERMEN 

SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski was absent. 

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE 

NEW BUSINESS: NONE 

CITIZEN’S HEARING: Brian Ramel of 4509 W. 90th Place reported there is trash in the open field by the soccer  nets, Mayor Finnegan stated that area is owned by the Mosque, advised Mr. Ramel to knock on the door and talk to  them, they are nice. 

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

MOTION STATED CARRIED 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.  

https://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03262024-356