South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met Sept. 9

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 9, 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 Rivas, Reynolds, Zak, Weber, Kurysz, Grochowski, and Barnhouse.

Absent: Aldermen Forney, Brookman and Dolan.

Also present: Michael Cainkar, City Attorney, James Melnik, Building Commissioner, Chris Gatch, Director of Code and Ordinance and Louis Dominguez, Chief of Police.

Press: Emma Wills, Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal August 26, 2025: Moved by Alderman Barnhouse, seconded by Alderman Kurysz, to approve as published the Journal of August 26, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.

Roll Call Indicated:

AYES: (5) Aldermen Barnhouse, Rivas, Weber, Grochowski, and Kurysz.

ABSTENTION: (2) Aldermen Reynolds and Zak

ABSENT: (3)Alderman Forney, Brookman and Dolan

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING

Josie Murphy, 4623 W. 89th Pl. spoke to the Orkin tech and was told there was no activity in her box, but her and her neighbor have caught 10 rats in traps. Mayor Finnegan said it’s not guaranteed the rats will eat the bait plus there are other boxes in the area. Josie asked if Orkin is weekly and Mayor Finnegan responded yes, they started the weekly service on September 4. This is not a preventative service; it is a reactive service. Homeowners need to take responsibility and keep their property clean. Monica Zarycki, 4604 W. 88th St. had her vehicle hit by a speeder in her co-op parking lot. Asked about speed bumps and that the speed signs don’t work. Mayor Finnegan responded that we’ve looked into speed bumps. There are several factors as to why we do not have them; cost, damages emergency vehicles, causes drivers to drive on the sidewalk causing even more danger. Chief Dominguez said the speed signs do work, people do slow down, and that they record data.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor:

Mayor Finnegan reported he has been in communication with Cook County. The City is getting 4 electric vehicle chargers and new exterior doors for the building, both through grants. The City was awarded a grant for 88th St. repairs. He attended the 9/11 event organized by Alderman Grochowski. It was well attended, the VFW, D123 choir, 5 of 6 military ensemble were there. Kids are back in school, please be careful driving. Alderman Barnhouse asked where the EV charges will be located, and Mayor Finnegan responded they will be in the City Hall parking lot but it has not been decided where yet. Alderman Barnhouse asked about who will be paying for the electricity and Mayor Finnegan responded it will be hooked up to the City’s electric but the grant from Cook County will help and we can charge to supplement the cost if necessary. 

Office of the City Clerk:

No report

Office of the Treasurer:

Treasurer Roti said you should have received my monthly report. You will notice we no longer have the CD, I moved the funds into the money market account. We were only getting .01% and between that and the quarterly journal entries it did not make sense to keep it.

REPORTS FROM CITY APPOINTED OFFICIALS

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

Police Department: Louis Dominguez, Police Chief, reported the final camera is up by the car wash. All Tech is waiting for the final phase to reconnect. We received $25,000 grant for more plaza cameras. They will continue to be monitored by the PD.

Public Works: Mark Trlak, Director, was absent. Mayor Finnegan reported they are street patching and painting hydrants. Osmose, a third party ComEd contractor, is in town testing the density of power line poles.

Hammond Hall is almost done. We are waiting to hear back from the cleaning lady we interviewed.

Building: James Melnik, Building Commissioner, had no report.

Public Health: Chris Gatch, Director of Code Enforcement, reported that Kathy and I have been going through town. Don’t blow grass in the street when cutting your lawn, it gets in the sewers. Mayor Finnegan said he received a handwritten letter asking to cut back trees. When it is on the homeowner’s property it is the homeowners responsibility.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Payable Payroll August 26, 2025: Moved by Alderman Weber, seconded by Alderman Zak, to approve for  payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $118,655.40 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $80,880.67 for a total expenditure of $199,536.07.

(List of vouchers marked “EXHIBIT A” attached to and made a part of this Journal)

Roll Call Indicated:

AYES: (7) Aldermen Rivas, Weber, Grochowski, Reynolds, Kurysz, Zak and Barnhouse.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (3) Alderman Forney, Brookman and Dolan

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

Alderman Weber acknowledged receipt of the City Treasurer’s Report and the Clerk Collector’s Report.

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE:

Alderman Zak had no report.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE: Alderman Dolan, Chairman was absent.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE: Alderman Weber reported Fall Fest is October 18 from noon until 4pm. They will have Nicky V’s food truck, Ginger Witt will be performing, inflatables, Big Bear ice cream, pick and paint your own pumpkin, concessions and some adult activities. Flyers will be printed. The next meeting is October 1 at 5:30.

BUILDING COMMITTEE:

Alderman Barnhouse, Chairman gave the building report.

LICENSE COMMITTEE: Alderman Grochowski reminded residents that vehicle stickers and animal tags are now double the price. Work trucks also need a sticker.

CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE: Alderman Reynolds, Chairman had no report.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE:Alderman Weber, Chairman had no report.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Chairman Kurysz, Chairman said people need to slow down when driving through town.

POLICE COMMITTEE: Alderman Rivas gave the August police report.

C Tickets: 12 P Tickets: 222 State Tickets: 36 Verbal Warnings: 1 Written Warnings: 185 Hometown Residents: 11 Misdemeanor Arrests: 7 Felony Arrests: 10 Traffic Stops: 226 Total Incidents: 325

REPORTS FROM SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Library: Alderman Grochowski reported the Board welcomed new member Barb Muir. Per Capita grant was received. The summer reading program ended. They had 16 participants. They are buying 3 new computers for residence use and 1 for the circulation desk. They are going to update the copy machine. September 15 is the Crafty Corner from 2-3pm and September 29 is a book discussion from 2-3pm. The next meeting is October 7 at 7pm.

Legislation: Alderman Weber reported HB 3140 – Care for Retired Police Dogs Program was just signed into law in August. This bill creates a state-supported grant program to help cover veterinary costs for retired Police K-9’s. Eligible dogs must have served at least 5 years, or 3 years if injured in the line of duty. handlers can receive up to $1,500 annually for vet care. The program is funded through sales of a new K-9 Memorial License plate, with no taxpayer dollars involved. It will only launch if 2,000 plates are requested by January 2028. If any residents are looking for a new vanity plate I would encourage them to support this program and our K-9 law enforcement. You can go to the City of Hometown website in the next week or so to print out the form or ilsos.gov.

Fire Department: Alderman Reynolds reported they haven’t met since early August. Their next meeting is on Monday September 15.

Personnel Review: Mayor Finnegan, Chairman, Chief Dominguez had no report.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski thanked all those who came to the 9/11 event. She also thanked the Mayor, Clerk’s office, Public Works, the readers, VFW, Five of Six Chamber Ensemble and D123 Choir. There were over 55 people in attendance, and it was beautiful weather. We should never forget.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY AWARENESS: Alderman Grochowski reported there will be a shredding event at the City Hall parking lot on September 30 from 9-10am. Branch pick up will be October 6 and October 14. Oak Lawn Community High School has their homecoming parade October 1. The Fire Department is having an open house on October 11 from 12-2pm. The Hometown VFW is having a Trivia Night on September 20 from 7-10pm. On October 25 there is a hazardous waste disposal event at Ozinga Field. Mayor Finnegan said we will have a fall clean up weekend, date TBD. You can appeal your taxes through Worth Township until September 18. Alderman Kurysz informed everyone that disabled veterans can get tax cuts, sign up through Worth Township.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Alderman Barnhouse asked about the pickleball court. Mayor Finnegan responded we are waiting for the $150,000 grant to come in. Alderman Grochowski asked Treasurer Roti how the delay in the taxes will affect us and he responded we will need to fund it until it comes in. Mayor Finnegan mentioned our budget is $6.8 million and we get $560,000 from taxes.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

CITIZEN’S HEARING: Phil Mottl 9054 S. Corcoran Rd. asked about the ordinance on E-scooters. Mayor Finnegan responded we are amending our current ordinance to define specific vehicles.

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

MOTION STATED CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm

http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09092025-403