South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met Sept. 24

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, September 24, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

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

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

Absent: Alderman Zak.

Also present: Elizabeth Blood, City Attorney, Salvatore Roti, City Treasurer,

Press: Kelly White , Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal September 10, 2024

Moved by Alderman Rivas seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve as published the Journal of September 10, 2024 regular City Council Meeting.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Zak

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING

NONE

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor

Mayor Finnegan thanked everyone for holding down the fort while he was under the weather. The Fall Fest will be on October 12, 2024 from Noon to 4 pm. I have to report another senior resident was preyed upon and fell to a scam for a large amount of money. Please pass along to all your family and senior friends, don’t fall for it. Alderman Rivas had a family member called the same day it happened. Alderman Rivas told a story about a relative receiving a phone call that used AI technology to make the caller sound exactly like a young relative that needed money, they were able to stop the scam.

Office of the City Clerk:

City Clerk Mary Jo C. Hacker reported her office received a request from Salvation Army to conduct their annual Red Kettle Campaign, Monday-Saturday November 1, 2024 through December 24, 2024. 

Moved by Alderman Grochowski, seconded by Alderman Brookman to approve the Salvation Army request.

Upon voice vote of 9-0 the motion declared carried.

Clerk Hacker reminded everyone that they are invited to participate in the Oak Lawn Community High School Homecoming Parade on September 25, 2024. It is a nice fun event, let me know if you want to participate.

Office of the Treasurer:

City Treasurer Salvatore Roti had no report

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIAL

City Attorney: Attorney Elizabeth Blood 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 had no report.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Payable Payroll September 24, 2024:

Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Banasiak to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $400,466.59 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $143,989.54 for a total expenditure of $544,456.13.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Zak

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman was absent.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE

Alderman Daniel Walsh, Chairman thanked the residents for their patience during the recent water

break, he applauded Public Works for their hard work.

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 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 had no report.

POLICE COMMITTEE

Alderman Rivas, Chairman had no report.

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski, Liaison to the Library Board reported on October 7, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 pm the Library is hosting crazy crafts, after 5 pm on Tuesday’s students from 5th grade through 12th grade can make their own magnets, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm on Thursday October 21, 2024 there will be a book discussion. The next board meeting is on October 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Legislation: Alderman Banasiak reported as of January 2025 the Building Codes of Municipalities must meet or surpass the Illinois Codes.

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds reported the Board of Trustees met last night, they had 129 runs, 42 EMS calls and 67 Fire calls. They have received almost all their tax money and are doing well financially; they will start their budget next week. They are still discussing moving their dispatch to Oak Lawn. They are so well staffed they will do a two-month experiment of staffing a 4-man crew.

Personnel Review Committee: Mayor Frank Finnegan, Chairman Chief Dominguez (Member) Alderman Rivas.

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

Alderman Kurysz reported there was a mail glitch in with some senior freeze documents. Seniors are advised to call Worth Township to check on their freeze.

Special Events Committee: Liaison Donna Grochowski had no report.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski reported the Fall Branch pick up will only be two days, Monday, October 7 and Tuesday October 15, branches must be at the curb. Touch a Truck will be at Hometown School on October 10, 2024. The Annual Steven Walsh Toy Drive kicks off October 12, 2024 at the VFW from 5:00 pm -10:00 pm. Oak Lawn Community High School will present the play Sisters Act in November.

The Hometown Police Department continues to sell their raffle tickets raising funds for Special Olympics, tickets are $ 10.00 the grand prize is a Harley Davidson Motorcycle and additional prizes of five big screen tv’s. The Hometown Fire Protection District will have an Open House on October 20, 2024 from Noon to 2 pm.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE

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 was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. 

https://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09242024-372