South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met Feb. 25

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 25, 2025 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 Forney, Zak, Grochowski, Reynolds, Brookman, Rivas, Kurysz and Barnhouse.

Absent: Alderman Banasiak.

Also present: Elizabeth Blood, City Attorney, Salvatore Roti, City Treasurer, and Code Enforcement Director, Chris Gatch.

Press: Kelly White, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal January 14, 2025 Moved by Alderman Zak seconded by Alderman Rivas to approve as published the Journal of February 11, 2025 regular City Council Meeting.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Banasiak.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING

NONE

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor

Mayor Finnegan stated Public Works has been working on water breaks, they have also had some truck issues. They were chasing a leak they found today; they had to outsource some of the breaks because there were more than the crew could manage. They have a good handle on it now.

There have been some truck issues that are repaired. Mayor Finnegan stated he signed the business license for the Affordable Pet Care Clinic that will be located at 4126 Southwest Highway, they will open soon, please look them up when you need their services. Mayor Finnegan reported he will be meeting with Build Up Cook to go over the scope of work which will include City Hall exterior doors, manhole covers, and hydrants. Mayor Finnegan stated he reached out to the Federal Railroad Administration and there is an electronic form to fill out, the Clerk will have the link, and anyone can fill it out. The big issue is the first responders.

Office of the City Clerk:

Deputy Clerk Harland had no report.

Office of the Treasurer:

City Treasurer Salvatore Roti had no report, he reminded everyone there will be a Finance Committee meeting after the Council Meeting.

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, was not present.

Code Enforcement: Chris Gatch had no report.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Payable Payroll January 28, 2025: Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Walsh to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $110,409.40 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $85,952.02 for a total expenditure of $196,361.42.

On the question, Aldermen Forney and Grochowski had questions regarding the Orkin bait boxes. Mayor Finnegan explained there are boxes on reserve and the QR code is in the interior of the box, so weekly the field rep. must open each box to check the bait and scan the code, that technology we liked.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Banasiak.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman had no report.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE

Alderman Daniel Walsh, Chairman thanked Director Trlak and his crew for fixing the water breaks.

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.

LICENSE COMMITTEE:

Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman had no report.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE:

Alderman Rick Banasiak, Chairman was absent.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Luci Kurysz, Chairman had no report.

POLICE COMMITTEE

Alderman Rivas, Chairman had no report. Mayor Finnegan stated the department has had some bad luck with the cars, they had some minor accidents so you will see some repair bills. They are doing some great things, great investigating and great follow-up.

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski, Liaison to the Library, reported that on Saturday March 8th and 22nd, there will be a Story Hour at noon. Crafts on March 10 from 2:00 to 3:00. Noon-4:30 pm. Fridays are Game Night 3:30-5:00. The next meeting is March 4, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Legislation: Alderman Banasiak was absent.

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds reported the next meeting is March 10, 2025.

Personnel Review Committee: Mayor Frank Finnegan, Chairman Chief Dominguez (Member) Alderman Rivas had no report.

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

RES. No. 2-2025: MOVED BY ALDERMAN WALSH, SECONDED BY ALDERMAN KURYSZ TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2-2025, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO SIGTHE APPLICATION AND VARIOUS FORMS REGARDING THE CDBG APPLICATION FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2025 TO RECONSTRUCT 88TH PLACE FROM BUCKLEY ROAD TO KOSTNER AVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000.00.

Roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (1) Alderman Banasiak.

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

Special Events Committee: Liaison Donna Grochowski reported we are still waiting to hear back from the band.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski reported the VFW is having an Italian Feast March 9, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 the cost is $10.00. Our Lady of St. Germaine is having a Fish Fry on Fridays from March 3rd to April 11th, 2025.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Alderman Barnhouse asked about the sewer issue on Keeler. Mayor Finnegan stated we are meeting with the City Engineer and putting a plan together. There was a discussion regarding Orkin.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

CITIZEN’S HEARING: Phil Mottl reported early voting at Oak Lawn Library starting March 17, 2025.

Mayor Finnegan stated he met with Congressman Casten regarding the $300,000.00 for our sewer repair and four junctions. We will meet again regarding the water lines. We want a long-term solution.

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 was adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

https://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02252025-382