May 28, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes

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May 28, 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, May 28, 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
  • 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
  • Building Commissioner, J. Moirano

Alderman Kman and Alderman Zimmerman were absent. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order.

Alderman Purtill moved to approve the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 23, 2026, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman McHugh second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight. So approved.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC

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

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

Alderman Waight moved to approve the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of May 14, 2026, as printed subject to deletions or corrections. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight aye. Alderman Fonte pass. So approved.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Mayor Howley thanked Treasurer Vodicka, Alderman Kman and the City department heads for their work on the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget.

CITY CLERK

City Clerk has been working with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC to reinstate and update the City’s LRS dedicated webpage.

CITY TREASURER

Alderman McHugh moved to approve the 2026/2027 Budget (Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2026 and ending April 30, 2027). Alderman Makropoulos second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

Treasurer Vodicka presented the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2026, for approval. Alderman Waight moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report dated March 31, 2026. Alderman Ferrero second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

Treasurer Vodicka provided the City Council with Baker Tilly US, LLP’s Independent Auditor’s Report for April 30, 2024. The full audit is available in the Treasurer’s office.

CITY ATTORNEY

No report submitted.

CITY ENGINEER

No report submitted.

COMMUNICATIONS

BILLS PAYABLE

Alderman Makropoulos moved to approve the bills payable for the second half of May 2026 in the amount of $359,537.70. Alderman Waight second. Roll call: Aldermen Ferrero, Fonte, Makropoulos, McHugh, Purtill, Waight aye. So approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Kman/Finance

Alderman Kman was absent. No report submitted.

Fonte/Public Safety

Chief Gulczynski thanked City Council members for supporting the “Cop On A Rooftop” charitable event at Dunkin Donuts that benefitted Special Olympics on May 15, 2026. Chief Gulczynski thanked Lt. Ryan Bajt and other Hickory Hills Police personnel for their service on the multi-jurisdictional operation that was designed to address the trend of overnight burglaries targeting gaming establishments.

The Hickory Hills Police Department will be participating in another multi-jurisdictional operation jointly with the following police departments: Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Orland Park, Palos Park, Palos Heights and Willow Springs. The operation will target various driving related offenses such as speeding, loud mufflers, distracted driving, seatbelt violations and street takeovers.

Zimmerman/Public Works

Alderman Zimmerman was absent. No report submitted. Director Lehr stated that the City will be hosting a Capital Improvement voting display on June 9, 2026 at City Hall from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Director Lehr thanked Chief Gulczynski for his assistance with the multi-year capital budget process.

McHugh/Bldg./Facilities

Alderman McHugh stated that Parkview Apartment residents have been notified of a $20 per month rental increase that will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Purtill/Laws & Ordinances

No report submitted.

Makropoulos/Health & Environmental Control & Auxiliary Police Advisor

No report submitted.

Ferrero/Community Affairs/Youth Advisory

Alderman Ferrero noted that there are currently 33 crafters, 3 food vendors, 22 businesses and 14 car show registrations for the Hickory Hills Street Fair. Alderman Purtill will be distributing flyers at four area car shows to promote the City’s Street Fair car show.

Waight/Chamber Business Development

Alderman Waight stated that the Farmer’s Market will start June 5, 2026. Mayor Howley asked the City Council to encourage residents to support the Farmer’s Market.

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 aye. So approved.

Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.