South Cook News

City of Hometown City Council met Aug. 26

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 or Frank Finnegan on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

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

Roll Call: Roll call indicated that the following were present: Aldermen Forney, Grochowski, Weber, Barnhouse, Dolan, Rivas and Kurysz.

Absent: Aldermen Zak, Reynolds and Brookman.

Also present: Elizabeth Blood, City Attorney, Salvatore Roti, City Treasurer, Chris Gatch, Director of Code

Press: Emma Wills , Hometown Hi-Lites.

Journal August 12, 2025 Moved by Alderman Weber seconded by Alderman Rivas to approve as published the Journal of August 12, 2025 regular City Council Meeting.

Roll call, the vote was:

AYES: (7) Aldermen Rivas, Forney, Barnhouse, Weber, Dolan, Grochowski, and Kurysz.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (3) Aldermen Reynolds, Brookman and Zak

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

CITIZEN’S HEARING

Josie Murphy, 4623 W. 89th Pl., said Orkin came to her house. She and her neighbors have also set their own rat traps and have caught a few. There was a full discussion on rats. Mayor Finnegan reported that with all of the construction in the area, we will be going back to weekly service for the next few months.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Office of the Mayor

The Mayor talked about the Back-to-School event. It was a phenomenal event. Great attendance and weather. He commended the Park Board, Board President John Cruz and Alderman Weber and Brookman. Sunday was the last concert in the Park, with the Minor Blues Band. Thank you to the officials who have shown up. I would like to see more attendance.

The kids are back in school. Please be aware.

Alderman Rivas and I attended the Police meeting on Saturday, it was about 2 hours and 45 minutes. They were going over everything that they have been doing. Their communication is impressive, as well as their concern for the residents

Office of the City Clerk:

City Clerk Christina M. Walker reported her office received a request from the Girl Scouts of Chicago and Northwest Indiana to conduct their Door-to-Door Fall Product Program September 19-October 15, 2025 with product delivery October 30-November 2, 2025. The Cookie Program Door to Door order taking December 12, 2025- January 15, 2026 with delivery the end of January through March.

Moved by Alderman Grochowski, seconded by Alderman Dolan to approve the Girl Scouts requests. Voice Vote indicated 7 ayes 0 nays Motion declared carried.

Clerk Walker stated we received an invite to participate in the Oak Lawn Community High School Homecoming Parade on October 1, 2025. The Mayor and I will be participating, let me know if you want to participate.

Office of the Treasurer:

City Treasurer Salvatore Roti stated Clerk Walker and I have been working with the auditors . Their field work is completed. They are completing any questions they have and will be wrapping up soon.

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: Chris Gatch, Director, had no report.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Accounts Payable Payroll August 26, 2025: 

Moved by Alderman Forney, seconded by Alderman Barnhouse to approve for payment the accounts payable vouchers in the amount of $138,299.87 and payroll vouchers in the amount of $166,628.80 for a total expenditure of $304,928,.67.

Roll call, the vote was:

AYES: (7) Aldermen Rivas, Forney, Barnhouse, Weber, Dolan, Grochowski, and Kurysz.

NAYS: (0)

ABSENT: (3) Aldermen Reynolds, Brookman and Zak

MOTION DECLARED CARRIED

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Glen Zak, Chairman was absent.

WATER AND SEWER COMMITTEE

Alderman Dolan had no report

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Alderman Tom Brookman, Chairman was absent.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Alderman Brian Barnhouse, Chairman had no report.

LICENSE COMMITTEE:

Alderman Donna Grochowski, Chairman reminded residents the price has doubled for vehicle stickers and animal tags. If your car or truck sleep in Hometown, it requires a sticker.

CODE AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

Alderman Robert Reynolds, Chairman was absent.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE:

Alderman Melissa Weber, Chairman had no report.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Luci Kurysz, 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 the library will be closed on Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. Monday, September 15 they are having a craft and Tuesday September 2 at 7pm is their next meeting.

Legislation: Alderman Weber reported HB1226, the Road Safety and Fairness Act, was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on August 18, 2025. It updates Illinois driver’s license rules to improve safety and fairness. Starting July 1, 2026 drivers aged 79 and older must renew in person. Drivers aged 87 and older – or those 75+ with a commercial license, must pass a driving test. The law also allows immediate family members to report medical concerns about a loved one, but anonymous tips won’t be accepted.

Fire Department

Liaison: Alderman Reynolds was absent.

Personnel Review

Committee: Alderman Art Rivas asked if the HiLites can remind residents to keep their yard clean. Kudos to the Park Board and Alderman Weber for the Back-To-School Event. It was a beautiful night.

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

Special Events Committee: Liaison Donna Grochowski reported everything is going well with the 9/11 event.

Invites are out. We are hoping for good weather. Father Tom has offered the use of Our Lady of St. Germaine in the case of bad weather.

HEALTH, WELFARE & COMMUNITY EVENTS: Alderman Grochowski reported the Library and City Hall will be closed for Labor Day. The City is having a shred event on September 30 from 9-10am. Two boxes allowed per vehicle. The fall branch pick up program will be Monday October 6 and Tuesday October 14. The branches must be at the curb by 8am. The VFW is having a Vegas night on September 6 at 7pm and Trivia Night on September 20 at 7pm. They are also having a tailgate party on September 14 at 11am for a $5 donation.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mayor Finnegan reported that public works provided the numbers for the splash pad. It is less than $.75 per house. Alderman Dolan volunteered for the Veterans Banner Committee.

NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Finnegan reported he has his business card holder in the hall with his business card. He noticed that an alderman had taken his business cards out and put their own in it. The card holder was a gift from the Casey family and the symbol of the position he had to take. Found it to be very disrespectful. There was a discussion on the business card and putting them out at City Hall.

Alderman Weber said the Park Board is getting ready for Fall Fest. They are having a meeting on September 3 at 5:30 if anyone would like to attend or has any ideas. We would like to cater to parents as well. She also wanted to commend her husband Dave for all his help with the Back-To-School event. He did all of the audio and visual support for the event. The Library was also a great help.

CITIZEN’S HEARING: NONE

ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Alderman Dolan, Seconded by Alderman Kurysz to adjourn the regular meeting of the Hometown City Council.

MOTION STATED CARRIED

The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m. 

http://www.cityofhometown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08262025-402