DeKalb Times

Village of Hinckley Board of Trustees met April 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL BOARD MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Interim Village President Sarah Quirk.

Roll call was taken showing the following:

Present: Sarah Quirk, Brian Siwicki, Alyssa Prickett, Russell Kula, and Steve Gayhart. Quorum established.

Absent: Mike Constant

Also Present: Attorney Lundgren, Village Clerk Joan Bennett, Treasurer Dave Maroo, Ceneca Wagner, Chief Gettemy, and Members of the Public.

PUBLIC COMMENT on Agenda Items Scheduled for Action Only

None

GENERAL BUSINESS

• Agenda item for discussion/approval: April 14, 2025, Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Trustee Siwicki moved to approve the minutes for April 14, 2025, and Trustee Kula seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Quirk-Aye, Siwicki-Aye, Prickett-Aye, Kula-Aye, and Gayhart-Aye. Motion carried.

• Agenda item for discussion/approval: Payment of Invoices Due

Trustee Siwicki moved to approve the Payment of Invoices Due as presented, and Trustee Quirk seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Siwicki-Aye, Prickett-Aye, Kula-Aye, Gayhart-Aye, and Quirk-Aye. Motion carried.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Trustee Mike Constant asked that the following be read at this evening's meeting.

"To the Hinckley Village Board: I want to clarify why I am ending my term. As many of you know, I have some on-going health issues, but my decision was made long before these issues began. There are 2 major reasons for my decision. I have served over 20 years on the Planning Commission and Village Board, so it is time to open up a spot for others. Secondly, I have accepted the position of Vice President of the DeKalb County Community Foundation (DCCF) and hope to continue to fulfill that role and eventually assume the office of President. The Village of Hinckley is in solid shape and the future is bright. Thanks to all of you for your dedication and leadership. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our wonderful village."

Gratitude for Trustee Constant

By: Sarah A. Quirk

Interim Hinckley Village Board President

Hinckley Village Board Trustee

Chairman: Personnel Committee

“It is my distinct pleasure this evening to honor Trustee Michael Constant as he retires from board service. Over the last ten years on the Village board, and many years prior on the Planning and Zoning board of appeals, Trustee Constant has dedicated immense time and effort to see this community live up to our Proud Past, Bright Future motto.

Trustee Constant served in times of financial and governance instability and was instrumental in shepherding us toward greater fiscal stability and, like his name, constancy of service and commitment.

As a fiscal steward, Trustee Constant embodies the trust in trustee, which at times means facing hard realities and difficult decisions.

Trustee Constant also worked to secure grant funding for multiple projects under Harvesting Our Future, including the mural that so creatively illustrates our deep roots and the signage at both schools that help us keep an eye on future events.

Trustee Constant has also served as a role model and mentor for many trustees, exhibiting wise leadership and empathic understanding of the issues we face, while considering more than just the now of decision making. He reminds us all that the choices we make now are at times generational, and we should be mindful of the responsibility.

My sincerest hope is that we continue to flourish in Trustee Constant’s spirit of open dialogue, reasoned debate and forward-thinking. We wish him all the best as he continues public service with the DeKalb County Community Foundation. You will be missed, Mike.”

Proclamations

Open Roads ABATE – The Month of May 2025 as MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH

Arbor Day Foundation – Village of Hinckley, a 2025 TREE CITY

For Discussion/Approval: BS&A Contract Approval

Trustee Quirk asked for discussion on approval of BS&A Contract. Trustee Gayhart stated that the BS&A system would work well with the water billing, it will pay for itself over time and bring us into the 21thcentury. Trustee Prickett agreed with those comments. Trustee Siwicki motioned to approve BS&A Contract Approval, NTE $110,000 and Trustee Prickett seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Prickett-Aye, Kula-Aye, Gayhart-Aye, Quirk-Aye, and Siwicki-Aye. Motion carried.

For Discussion/Approval: FY 2026 Meeting Schedule

Trustee Quirk noted that the May 19th meeting and October 14th meeting would be the only meetings that were not on the normally scheduled 2nd & 4th Mondays. Trustee Siwicki motioned to approve the FY 2026 Meeting Schedule; Trustee Kula seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Kula-Aye, Gayhart Aye, Quirk-Aye, Siwicki-Aye, and Prickett-Aye. Motion carried.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

For Discussion/Approval:

Attorney Lundgren stated Producers National Insurance sent a letter regarding the light pole claim on Prairie View and the release of amount due. Attorney Tate will confirm cost information with Ceneca Wagner and respond to the insurance company.

CLERK’S REPORT

Village Clerk Bennett stated that we have received the Certified DeKalb County Election Results from DeKalb County. Congratulations to both President Quirk and Trustee Siwicki.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

No report.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer Maroo dispersed the March 2025 Treasure’s Monthly Fund Balance Report.

Treasurer Maroo noted that Trustee Constant had been heading up Appropriations. Treasurer Maroo will help lead the way for input on the upcoming info/requests for the upcoming 2026 Appropriations.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Safety

Chief Gettemy noted approximately 20 golf carts registered on Saturday at the Open House. This is slightly lower than last year’s count.

Finance and Economic Development

No report.

Streets & Alleys

For Discussion/Approval: 2025 Sidewalk Removal & Replacement

Trustee Kula noted that after looking at the bids, his choice would be Elliot Construction Corp. as they include back filing. Ceneca Wagner & Ed Drafke will seed the necessary areas. Trustee Kula motioned to approve the 2025 Sidewalk Removal & Replacement, NTE $38,000, and Trustee Siwicki seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Gayhart-Aye, Quirk-Aye, Siwicki-Aye, Prickett-Aye, and Kula-Aye. Motion carried.

Buildings, Grounds & Parks

Trustee Siwicki, after speaking with Trustee Kula, noted that the garden to the east of the Village Hall needs cleaning up. Trustee Gayhart will look into the retention pond area as well. Ceneca Wagner stated that he had worked in the area in the past, however the area has had drainage issues for many years. Trustee Quirk noted that a horticulturalist may need to be contacted.

Water & Sewer

No report.

Personnel

No report.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No report.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Trustee Kula suggested a letter go out to 84 Lumber regarding mowing. Trustee Quirk will send the letter.

Trustee Siwicki asked/stated the following:

- Is there anything the trustees must do for the upcoming audit? Treasurer Maroo stated he would talk to him after the meetings.

- Regarding inoperable cars, will there be a general notice that would go out? Chief Gettemy stated, “not when the cars are on the resident’s own property.” Attorney Lundgren states there could be a fine, but fines would just add up, then eventually the matter could be taken to court.

- What happens when residents have issues? Attorney Lundgren states that it depends on the solution.

ADJOURMENT

Trustee Quirk moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 pm and Trustee Gayhart seconded the motion. Voice vote: All in favor. Motion carried. The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on May 12th, 2025.

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