South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met May 14

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 May 14, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

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

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

Absent: Alderman Barnhouse.

Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, James Melnik, Building Commissioner, Mark Trlak, Director of Public Works, Director of Public Health and Safety, Bonnie Gesiakowski and Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police.

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal April 23 26, 2024: Moved by Alderman Zak, seconded by Alderman Rivas to approve as published the Journal of April 23, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.

Roll Call Indicated:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Barnhouse.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor:

Mayor Finnegan stated he hoped everyone had a great Mother’s Day and were able to spend time with their mothers. Mayor Finnegan commended Chief Dominguez, Director Gesiakowski, Director Trlak and Director Melnik, all of us have been dealing with resident issues you never see or hear about.

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 November 2023 was in the amount of $22,688.87 the amount collected in the month of November 2022 was in the amount of $29,472.23.

City Clerk Hacker notified the City Council her office received from the Department of Transportation that the MFT collected in the month of November 2023 was in the amount of $14,477.68 the amount collected in the month of November 2022 was in the amount of $16,950.91.

Clerk Hacker stated her office received a request for a foursome and a hole sponsor from the District 123 Educational Foundation Annual Golf Outing.

Moved by Alderman Kurysz, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve a foursome and hole sponsor for the District 123 Educational Foundation Annual Golf Outing.

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Barnhouse.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

Office of the Treasurer:

Treasurer Roti stated with the fiscal year ending, the annual audit will be coming up. We will be passing the appropriation in June.

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL

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

Police Department: Louis Dominguez, Police Chief commended Lt. Gesiakowski for spearheading the memorial for our fallen officers. Officer John Patterson was the first officer in Hometown killed in the line of duty, his family was very happy with the recognition. Chief Dominguez also recognized Carol Lynch for her 18 years of service as a crossing guard as she retires. Carol’s husband Mike was presented with a plaque as her health did not allow her to be present. Chief Dominguez reported some cameras were installed and they are awaiting permission from Chicago and the Car Wash for permission to install at 87th Street. Chief Dominguez stated he will be meeting with the manager of the dispensary tomorrow. Friday will be the Cop on Top 5:00 am-Noon at the Dunkin at 90th & Cicero.

Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director reported the street sweeper came through last night. The street reconstruction will begin on Corcoran Road and 89th Place.

Building: James Melnik, Building Commissioner reported he performed a final inspection on the dispensary and found a few things that needed fixing.

Public Health: Bonnie Gesiakowski reminded residents to keep an eye on their grass, they need to cut the front and rear grass.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Payable Payroll May 14, 2024: Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for  payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $86,654.80 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $66,876.04 for a total expenditure of $153,530.84. (List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal)

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Barnhouse.

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 was absent. Alderman Walsh gave the building report

LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Donna Grochowski reminded residents that vehicle stickers and animal tags are on sale until June 28, 2024 at the regular price, the price doubles after June 28, 2024.

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 reported there is no known Covid in Hometown.

POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Rivas gave the police report.

C Tickets: 7 P Tickets: 219 State Tickets: 118 Verbal Warnings: 182

Written Warnings: 29 Total Traffic Stops 427 Hometown Residents: 60

Arrests: 29 Felony 1

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski reported there will be an Open House on Tuesday June 4, 2024 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, there will be snacks, drinks and local authors. They have added the history wall.

Their next meeting will be June 4, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Alderman Kurysz reported the Library will be offering help for seniors, details coming soon. Mayor Finnegan stated the Oak Lawn Library went to Hometown School to let them know what programs they have available, he asked will the Hometown Library be sending someone? Alderman Grochowski stated yes someone will be going to the school.

Legislation: Alderman Banasiak reported the session ends May 24, 2024 and several bills are expected to be passed. Mayor Finnegan stated the LGDF was 10% and is now down to 6.47%, which is a loss of billons of dollars in funds for all Illinois municipalities. There will be a press conference Monday to push for it, the Governor is also trying to take the grocery tax away from the municipalities.

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds gave the monthly report of 149 runs, 2 assists to Oak Lawn. Mayor Finnegan stated we had two bad accidents on Cicero Avenue, he was present at the one on 87th Street and he commends the first responders from all the surrounding municipalities for remaining calm, and working together. They were on the scene from 6:30 p.m. to midnight and there were hundreds of spectators.

Personnel Review: Mayor Finnegan, Chairman, Chief Dominguez and member Alderman Rivas had no report.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski reported plans are underway for the 9-11 service.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY AWARENESS: Alderman Grochowski reported on upcoming events, branch pick up every Monday in June, Clean-up weekend June 8th -9th, dumpsters will be in the City Hall parking lot. Cook County and Worth Township will have a seminar on June 4th for seniors regarding Property after Death Forum.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mayor Finnegan stated we will start our outdoor concerts at Mayor’s Park on June 9th and then June 23rd

.NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Finnegan congratulated all the graduates.

CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE

ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Reynolds, seconded by Alderman Walsh 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/_05142024-363