March 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Hickory Hills City Council was called to order by Mayor Howley on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 7:34 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, B. Fonte
S. Makropoulos
P. Purtill
M. McHugh - City Clerk, J. Stachnik
- City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- City Attorney, E. Blood
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Police Chief, A. Gulczynski
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Public Works Director, J. Moirano
Alderman Ferrero, Alderman Kman, Alderman Waight and Alderman Zimmerman were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Mayor Howley asked if anyone wished to speak during the public section of the meeting. He noted that no one was in the audience.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Waight moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of March 13, 2025, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, aye. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
Mayor Howley read the Little Palestine Day Proclamation for the record.
CITY CLERK
No report submitted.
CITY TREASURER
Treasurer Vodicka recommended a 3.5% raise for all non-union City employees for FY2026. The proposed raise was discussed during today’s Committee of the Whole Meeting. Alderman Purtill moved to approve a 3.5% raise for all non-union City employees for FY2026. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill aye. So approved.
CITY ATTORNEY
No report submitted.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #1241, Payment Request #03 Partial – MYS Incorporated in the amount of $119,957.56. The invoice is for work pertaining to the 87th Street and Roberts Road Project. Alderman McHugh moved to approve Invoice #1241 in the amount of $119,957.56 to MYS Incorporated. Alderman Makropoulos second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Purtill moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of March 2025 in the amount of $238,541.70. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
Alderman Kman was absent. No report submitted.
Fonte/Public Safety
Chief Gulczynski thanked Public Works for installing three radar signs for the Police Department. He noted that the Police Department now has challenge coins which are presented to commemorate exceptional actions and recognize someone who has gone above and beyond expectations. The Police Department has two different coins for Police Officers and residents. Chief Gulczynski presented the City Council with challenge coins for their services to the City.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Alderman Zimmerman was absent. No report submitted.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh noted that Parkview Apartment’s residents are satisfied with the increased water pressure within the units.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
No report submitted.
Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor
No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
Alderman Ferrero was absent. No report submitted.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Waight was absent. No report submitted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Purtill moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.