October 9, 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, October 9, 2025, at 7:30 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
S. Makropoulos
M. McHugh (7:32 pm)
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 Fonte and Alderman Kman were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of September 25, 2025, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley is in receipt of a temporary liquor license request from St. Patricia Parish. They are requesting a liquor license for the upcoming St. Patricia Ladies’ Night Out Bunco on Friday, November 7, 2025. Alderman Purtill moved to approve a liquor license for the St. Patricia Ladies’ Night Out Bunco event with fees waived. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley stated that the Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on November 13, 2025, before the City Council meeting. He also thanked Commissioner Moirano and Alderman McHugh for their work regarding the City Hall parking lot resurfacing.

CITY CLERK

CITY TREASURER

Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated August 31, 2025, for approval. Alderman Waight moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated August 31, 2025. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Treasurer Vodicka noted that representatives from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. provided reduced quotes for the City’s general insurance premium. The primary insurance cost driving factors were workers’ compensation and the umbrella insurance policy.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Spolar noted that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the 87th Street and Roberts Project on Thursday, October 16th at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will be conducted in conjunction with the Illinois Tollway and Cook County at the corner of 87th Street and Roberts Road recreation areas.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of October 2025 in the amount of $1,007,419.08. Alderman Makropoulos second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

Alderman Kman was absent. No report submitted.

Fonte/Public Safety

Alderman Fonte was absent. Chief Gulczynski stated that Rocco Marciano will be retiring from the Hickory Hills Police Department after 34 years of service.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Public Works submitted Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to remove 18 trees and an additional 27 tree stumps. The lowest proposal received was from AM Tree Service, Inc. in the amount of $15,250.00. Director Lehr will issue a purchase order for this work to AM Tree Service, Inc. This project will be completed by December 12, 2025.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

The annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be November 11, 2025, at the Community Center.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill presented a business license application for Atinos Pizza and Mediterranean Cuisine (Mediterranean food and pizza restaurant) located at 8711 West 95th Street. No objections were noted.

Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero stated that Jewel Foods is donating water, bananas and Halloween candy for the 5K Race/Run and Children’s Halloween party.

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, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.