September 11, 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, September 11, 2025, at 7:32 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
M. McHugh
P. Purtill
B. Waight
S. Zimmerman - City Clerk, J. Stachnik
- City Treasurer, A. Vodicka
- City Attorney, V. Cainkar
- City Engineer, M. Spolar
- Police Chief, A. Gulczynski
- Public Works Director, S. Lehr
- Public Works Director, J. Moirano
Alderman Makropoulos was absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Ferrero moved to open the meeting to the public. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Ferrero moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
Alderman Purtill moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of August 28, 2025, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Fonte pass. So approved.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
MAYOR
No report submitted.
CITY CLERK
Clerk Stachnik stated that he and Chief Gulczynski met with Comcast’s representatives to upgrade the City’s internet service. Comcast will install a private fiber network for the City which will substantially improve connectivity and alleviate latency issues. Comcast will waive installation and construction of the network which will result in a 20% annual cost savings of approximately $6,500 a year.
Clerk Stachnik noted that St. Patricia’s Church invited the City Council and first responders to their annual Guardian Angels Mass on October 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
CITY TREASURER
No report submitted.
CITY ATTORNEY
Public Hearing – Mr. Cainkar opened the Public Hearing for the purpose of discussing Industrial District Use Regulations of the City of Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Cainkar presented Ordinance #25-14, an ordinance amending § 6.041.9 I-1 Industrial District-Use Regulations, of the Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance, by Adding Municipal Buildings and Facilities Including Public Works and Dog Parks as a Permitted Use. No one from the public commented. The Public Hearing was then closed.
Alderman Waight moved to approve Ordinance #25-14, an ordinance amending § 6.041.9 I-1 Industrial District-Use Regulations, of the Hickory Hills Zoning Ordinance, by adding Municipal Buildings and Facilities Including Public Works and Dog Parks as a Permitted Use. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
CITY ENGINEER
Mr. Spolar reported that Robinson Engineering has reviewed the bids received on September 5, 2025, for the FY2025 Crack Sealing Program. The bids are as follows:
Patriot Pavement Maintenance, Inc.…..…… $41,391.00
SKC Construction, Inc.……………………. $43,946.00
Mr. Spolar recommended the project be awarded to the low bidder, Patriot Pavement Maintenance, Inc. in the amount of $41,391.00. Alderman Ferrero moved to award the contract for the FY2025 Crack Sealing Program to Patriot Pavement Maintenance, Inc. in the amount of $41,391.00. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
BILLS PAYABLE
Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of September 2025 in the amount of $612,744.24. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Kman/Finance
Alderman Kman and Treasurer Vodicka reviewed several Health Insurance proposals that were provided by the City’s insurance broker Alliant. After consulting with the Employee Insurance Committee, Alderman Kman and Treasurer Vodicka recommended Blue Cross Blue Shield who are the City’s current health insurance provider. Alderman Kman noted that the overall cost is on par with last year’s total insurance premium. Alderman Kman thanked City Clerk staff Mary Esposito for her assistance and input.
Fonte/Public Safety
No report submitted.
Zimmerman/Public Works
Director Lehr stated that the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning mailed out a survey to 2,000 residents that requests their input regarding Capital Improvement Plans for Hickory Hills. The survey poses basic questions in order to identify areas for improvement.
McHugh/Bldg./Facilities
Alderman McHugh thanked Building Commissioner Moirano and Public Works Director Lehr for their work regarding the Veterans Park redevelopment.
Purtill/Laws & Ordinances
Alderman Purtill presented a business license application for Home Charm (wholesale for home goods, general merchandise and perfume) located at 7734 W. 99th Street. No objections were noted.
Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor
Alderman Makropoulos was absent. No report submitted.
Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory
No report submitted.
Waight/Chamber Business Development
Alderman Waight stated that tomorrow, September 12, 2025, is Senior Day at the Farmer’s Market. The Hills Chamber will raffle numerous prizes.
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, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.