February 12, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes

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February 12, 2026 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, February 12, 2026, at 7:31 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
    S. Makropoulos
    M. McHugh
    P. Purtill
    B. Waight
    S. Zimmerman
  • 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

Alderman Kman and Building Commissioner Moirano were 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, Makropoulos, 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 Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Purtill moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 22, 2026, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. Alderman McHugh pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley reported he is in receipt of a letter from Palos Hills requesting annual financial support to the PATSE Bus Service in the amount of $9,065.28. The financial support is based on 681 rides for 15 residents of Hickory Hills. Alderman McHugh moved to approve this financial support of $9,065.28 to Palos Hills for the PATSE Bus Service. Alderman Waight second. Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley presented the 2026 Street Fair Class E Liquor License for June 27th and 28th, 2026. Alderman Fonte moved to approve the 2026 Street Fair Class E Liquor License. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Mayor Howley participated in the new Verizon store ribbon cutting ceremony last week.

CITY CLERK

Clerk Stachnik noted that at this time, FOIA requests have increased over 100% compared to last year and 250% compared to two years ago.

CITY TREASURER

No report submitted.

CITY ATTORNEY

Ms. Blood presented Ordinance #26-02, an ordinance establishing City of Hickory Hills Special Service Area No. 1, Cook County, Illinois. This ordinance creates a Special Service Area in the Sabre Woods area and approves an issuance of $9,500,000.00 in bonds for construction site improvements. Alderman Fonte moved to approve Ordinance #26-02, an ordinance establishing City of Hickory Hills Special Service Area No. 1. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Purtill moved to approve the bills payable for the first half of February 2026 in the amount of $614,833.49. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

Alderman Kman was absent. No report submitted.

Fonte/Public Safety

Chief Gulczynski noted that Hickory Hills Police Department personnel participated in the VBASH volleyball tournament last week with School District 117 and North Palos Fire Protection District. Chief Gulczynski also stated that the Department was provided with a $92,000 body worn camera grant from the Illinois Enforcement Training and Standards Board. The grant reimburses multiple year outlays for body cameras.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Public Works Director Sue Lehr stated that a Request for Proposal was sent out for sectional tree pruning for approximately 471 City trees with a vendor work deadline of April 1st. The lowest bidder was Illinois Tree Service in the amount of $26,025.00. Pruning activities not only improve appearance but also the health of the tree with crown cleaning, crown thinning, crown raising and structure development. The tree pruning is a budgeted item.

Public Works and Mayor Howley secured $50,000 and $150,000 DCEO grants to supplement the Veterans Park Rehabilitation. The grants assisted in making the park more accessible and ADA compliant.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh stated that there are two openings at Parkview Apartments.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

Alderman Purtill presented a business license application for Obbies Pizza (restaurant) located at 8831 West 87th Street. No objections were noted.

Clerk Stachnik received an outdoor garden center request from Jewel Foods located at 9528 South Roberts Road. No objections were noted.

Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero has been working on the Arbor Day tree sale.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

The Hills Chamber of Commerce hosted a public safety event on February 11, 2026, at the Hickory Hills Country Club from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Mayor Howley commended Chief Gulczynski for his presentation.

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.