March 26, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes

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March 26, 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, March 26, 2026, at 7:29 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
    S. Makropoulos
    M. McHugh
    P. Purtill
    S. Zimmerman
  • City Clerk, J. Stachnik
  • City Attorney, E. Blood
  • City Engineer, M. Spolar
  • Police Chief, A. Gulczynski
  • Public Works Director, S. Lehr
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Alderman Waight and Treasurer Vodicka 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 McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Michael Iovinelli
9401 West 135th Street
Orland Park

For the past few years, Mr. Iovinelli has participated as an automobile judge for the Car Show during Hickory Hills Annual Street Fair. For the 2026 Car Show, he requested permission to utilize online judging software which will expedite the awarding process. Mayor Howley and the City Council supported his request.

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC

Alderman Purtill moved to close the meeting to the public. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Zimmerman moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of March 12, 2026, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Fonte second. Roll call: Aldermen Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. Alderman Ferrero and Alderman Fonte pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley stated that demolition permits have been approved for the Arby’s restaurant (8021 West 95th Street) and BP Gas Station (7933 West 95th Street). New developments will be coming soon.

Mayor Howley stated that the Hills Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo on March 21, 2026, at Conrady Junior High School was well attended. He also noted that he is looking forward to working with Cainkar Law Office’s new attorney, Meredith Dworsky.

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

Treasurer Vodicka was absent. No report submitted.

CITY ATTORNEY

Ms. Blood presented Ordinance #26-05, an ordinance amending § 30.01, of Chapter 30, Housing and Property Maintenance, of the Hickory Hills Municipal Code, by adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. Alderman Ferrero moved to approve Ordinance #26-05, an ordinance amending § 30.01, of Chapter 30, Housing and Property Maintenance, by adopting the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

CITY ENGINEER

Mr. Spolar presented Invoice #47719, Payment Request #02 – Final from Lindahl Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $3,921.25. The invoice is for work pertaining to the 2025 MFT Resurfacing Program for 99th Street. Alderman Fonte moved to approve Invoice #47719 in the amount of $3,921.25 to Lindahl Brothers, Inc. Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Kman moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of March 2026 in the amount of $726,067.50. Alderman Purtill second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

No report submitted.

Fonte/Public Safety

No report submitted.

Zimmerman/Public Works

No report submitted.

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 the Hickory Hills Park District conducted a Public Input Meeting for proposed Martin Park renovations at the Community Center on March 25, 2026.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

No report submitted.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

Alderman Waight was absent. No report submitted.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

CHRIS PEARSON PROCLAMATION

Mayor Howley thanked retired Public Works Assistant Director Chris Pearson for his 26 years of exemplary service to the City of Hickory Hills. Mayor Howley read a Proclamation in honor of Mr. Pearson.

Chris Pearson stated that it was pleasure working with the City Council over the years and serving the residents. A small reception followed the meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Fonte moved to adjourn the meeting until the next scheduled or specially called meeting. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Kman, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Zimmerman aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.