South Cook News

City of Hickory Hills City Council met May 22

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Howley on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 7:36 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Howley led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following were present:

● Mayor, M. Howley

Aldermen, D. Ferrero

B. Fonte

H. Kman

S. Makropoulos

P. Purtill

B. Waight

● City Clerk, J. Stachnik

● City Treasurer, A. Vodicka

● City Engineer, M. Spolar

● Police Chief, A. Gulczynski

● Public Works Director, S. Lehr

● Public Works Director, J. Moirano

Alderman McHugh, Alderman Zimmerman and Attorney Cainkar were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Alderman Waight moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC

Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Kman moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 8, 2025, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley thanked Alderman Zimmerman for filling in as the Mayor Pro-Tem during the previous two meetings. He also thanked Treasurer Vodicka, Alderman Kman and the department heads for their work on the 2025/2026 Budget. Mayor Howley also congratulated Conrady Jr. H.S. for its National Blue Ribbon School Award.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Stachnik reported that LRS submitted a check in the amount of $7,500.00 as a donation towards community support. These funds have been deposited in the City’s Discretionary Fund.

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Vodicka stated that approval of the 2025/2026 Budget will be on the agenda for the June 12, 2025 City Council Meeting.

CITY ATTORNEY

Mr. Cainkar was absent. Chief Gulczynski presented Ordinance #25-04, an ordinance amending Chapter 41, Traffic, by adding section § 41.33, Seizure and Impoundment of Motor Vehicles, of the City of Hickory Hills Municipal Code. The amendment of the ordinance allows seizure and impoundment of motor vehicles by a police officer (based on probable cause) for a myriad of offenses, including drag racing, aggravated speeding, driving under the influence, among others. The ordinance also provides for procedural due process and the disposition of unclaimed vehicles.

Alderman Purtill moved to approve Ordinance #25-04, amending Chapter 41, Traffic, by adding section § 41.33, Seizure and Impoundment of Motor Vehicles, of the City of Hickory Hills Municipal Code. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

Ordinance #25-05 was tabled due to Mr. Cainkar’s absence.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of May 2025 in the amount of $1,216,135.09. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

No report submitted.

Fonte/Public Safety

Chief Gulczynski stated that the Police Department received a recruitment/retention grant in the amount of $150,000.00 from the Illinois Law Enforcement and Training Board. The grant can be used for recruitment/retention bonuses and officer wellness programs.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Alderman Zimmerman was absent. No report submitted.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh was absent. No report submitted.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill presented two business license applications: Children’s Medical Center (pulmonary pediatric care) located at 9604 South Roberts Road and The Cellular Connection LLC (cellular and accessories retailer) located at 7737 West 95th Street. No objections were noted.

Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero noted that there are currently 30 crafters, 19 food trucks/vendors, 10 businesses and 21 car show registrations for the Hickory Hills Street Fair.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ferrero moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.

https://hickoryhillsil.org/2025/06/may-22-2025-city-council-meeting-minutes/