DeKalb Times

Village of Hinckley Board of Trustees met July 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL BOARD MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Village President Quirk. Roll call was taken showing the following:

Present: Sarah Quirk, Brian Siwicki, Russ Kula, Jamie Whitlock, and Eddie Cullins. Quorum established. Absent: Trustee Gayhart, Trustee Prickett

Also Present: Attorney Tait Lundgren, Village Deputy Clerk Jennifer Klambauer, Chief Ken Gettemy, Treasurer Dave Maroo, Todd Tatum (TEST) and Members of the Public.

PUBLIC COMMENT on Agenda Items Scheduled for Action Only

Bob Pritchard, Chairman of the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals, stated that the “Finding of Facts” from the public hearing of the Planning Commission on June 2nd, was included in each Trustees’ packet. He gave a brief history of 84 Lumber in Hinckley and advised the Board that the Planning Commission recommends that the Village of Hinckley approve the annexation of 84 Lumber to the Village of Hinckley and also the rezoning of all the parcels to I1.

Mark Scheller addressed the board regarding property near his that has many inoperable vehicles. He believes this to be an ordinance violation and would like it to be enforced.

GENERAL BUSINESS

• Agenda item for discussion/approval: June 23, 2025, Regular Board Meeting Minutes Trustee Siwicki moved to approve the minutes for June 23, 2025, and Trustee Whitlock seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Cullins-Aye, Siwicki-Aye, Kula-Abstain, and Whitlock-Aye. Motion carried.

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

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

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Quirk congratulated Dave Maroo and the Hinckley Festival Association for a successful Fireworks festival.

President Quirk informed the Board that the Historical Society is hosting a concert on the Community Building lawn this Thursday from 6-8pm.

For Discussion/Approval: Annexation and Rezoning of 84 Lumber – Attorney Lundgren explained to the Board that there are three items they are considering; 1. The voluntary annexation of Lot 10 to the Village of Hinckley, 2. The Finding of Fact and the zoning amendment of the two B3 parcels owned by 84 Lumber to I1 and 3. Upon approval of the annexation, the consideration of rezoning Lot 10, owned by 84 Lumber, from A1 to I1. With regards to the annexation agreement, a motion was made by Trustee Whitlock to annex Lot 10, Parcel #15-13-300-001, described as East Lincoln Highway, zoned A1, to the Village of Hinckley and Trustee Kula seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Kula – Aye, Whitlock – Aye, Cullins – Aye, Siwicki – Aye. Motion carried.

In regards to rezoning Lots 3&4 and Lot 10 to B3, Trustee Siwicki asked Attorney Lundgren what the downfall would be to rezoning. Attorney Lundgren stated that we have someone who wants to tuse the property now and he would advise to go ahead with the rezoning. Trustee Cullins asked if the property could remain as zoned and the owner ask for a special use permit if/when it is needed. Attorney Lundgren advised that B3 zoning does not allow for special use permits. Discussion followed. Mr. Randy Dlesk and another representative from 84 Lumber were in attendance and addressed the board with their vision for the future and answered Trustees’ questions. He assured the Board that items discussed, such as mowing and signage, would be taken care of to our satisfaction. Mr. Dlesk also informed the Board that he has been in contact with IDOT and that they will not be required to create an additional entrance into their facility. If, in the future, they would like to add an additional entrance, they can work with IDOT at that time.

Attorney Lundgren reminded the Board that the recommendation of the Planning Commission was approval with following conditions: appropriate fencing acceptable to the village, landscaping acceptable to the village, and the restriction of vinyl signs on the fencing. Motion made by Trustee Cullins to change the zoning of Lots 3&4, Parcel # 15-14-400-036 & # 15-14400-037 from B3 to I1 and the newly annexed parcel, Lot 10, Parcel # 15-13-300-001 from A1 to I1 with restrictions as noted by the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals. Motion seconded by Trustee Siwicki. Roll Call Vote: Whitlock – Aye, Cullins – Aye, Siwicki – Aye, Kula – Aye. Motion carried. Attorney Lundgren then noted that the last issue is the Annexation Agreement. He met with the representatives from 84 Lumber before the meeting and they indicated that their legal department has approved it, awaiting signatures. The proposed Annexation Agreement includes payment for legal fees and engineering fees connected with the annexation and Attorney Lundgren advised that upon approval, the Village President hold off execution of agreement until payment is received in the office. Motion made by Trustee Siwicki to approve the Annexation Agreement with 84 Lumber as submitted of East Lincoln Highway, PIN #15-13-300-001 to the village of Hinckley. Motion seconded by Trustee Cullins. Roll Call Vote: Cullins – Aye, Siwicki – Aye, Kula – Aye, Whitlock – Aye. Motion carried.

For Discussion/Approval: Royal Estates Update

President Quirk reported that there is much activity at Royal Estates including the construction of the playground. The playground will not officially open until the Village accepts it. She stated that there still needs to be fencing around the lift station. There will be a meeting at Village Hall on 7/24/25 hosted by the Homeowners Association of Royal Estates, but that the village is not hosting the meeting. The Association is using our meeting room and President Quirk noted that the Village is not connected in any way.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

No report.

CLERK’S REPORT

No report.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

No report.

TREASURER’S REPORT

No report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Safety

For Discussion: 110 E Miller Street – Attorney Lundgren informed the Board that the parking of vehicles on the property does not constitute a code violation. The question arose asking if this is a public nuisance, a private nuisance or zoning issue. Discussion followed. President Quirk reminded the Board she needs a consensus from the Board. More discussion followed including Chief Gettemy stating that the vehicles on the property are not visible. It was also stated that the police and the inspection company cannot get on the property as it would be trespassing. The trustees decided they would like President Quirk to send the demand letter drafted by Attorney Lundgren to the property owners.

Chief Gettemy informed the Board the Hinckley Police Department will host “National Night Out” on August 5 from 5-8pm at Pioneer Park. He is hoping to see the community come out for this event. He also reviewed the Code Red system Hinckley utilizes for those who may not be aware.

Finance and Economic Development

For Discussion/Approval – Appropriation Ordinance for FY 2026 – Trustee Maroo gave a financial health status, stating that the items appropriated can be covered by our funds. He reminded trustees to follow through with their purchases throughout the year.

For Discussion/Approval - 1 % Grocery Tax – Trustee Siwicki distributed printed opinions on this issue. Discussion followed. No action was taken on this issue.

Streets & Alleys

Trustee Kula reported that the sidewalk repair/replacement work was completed last week and he will be inspecting the final work this week. Public works will get grass seed spread along the new sidewalks. He was happy with how well the contractors got the work completed.

Trustee Kula informed the Board that he had received an email from EEI regarding the road program and was disappointed to hear nothing had been done yet as they are still waiting for pre-construction meeting to take place. Trustee Kula emailed EEI and is waiting to hear back.

Buildings, Grounds & Parks

No report.

Water & Sewer

Todd Tatum from TEST stated that the EPA suggests providing water pitchers to the residents of the homes identified with lead pipes. He has provided Trustee Gayhart with prices and vendors.

Personnel

No report.

CLOSED SESSION (to the extent permitted by 5 ILCS 120/2a (from Ch 102, par. 42a) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act) pursuant to §5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), [Discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body)

RECONVENE OPEN SESSION

Motion to reconvene made by Trustee Siwicki, seconded by Trustee Whitlock. Roll call vote: Cullins Aye, Siwicki-Aye, Kula-Aye, and Whitlock-Aye. Motion carried.

ACTION AFTER CLOSED SESSION, if needed: Employee Compensation

Trustee Whitlock made a motion to increase the Police Department compensation to $27/hr for part time officers, Officer Todd Fancsali to $28.38/hr, Officer Dave Brian promoted to Sergeant and pay of $32.30/hr and Chief Gettemy pay to $43.99/hr., retroactive to May 1, 2025. Motion seconded by Trustee Kula. Roll Call Vote: Kula – Aye, Whitlock – Aye, Cullins – Aye, Siwicki – Aye. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Larry Menz addressed the issue at 110 E Miller Street. He stated he believes there are too many vehicles on the property and questioned if they are all registered. He then commented on the 1% Grocery Tax stating that people will not notice if the tax is terminated and he feels that the village should vote to keep the tax in place.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Trustee Kula asked the status on the solar project. Attorney Lundgren advised he does not recommend signing the contract presented as there are too many costs to the village. Trustee Kula asked the Board if the Trick or Treating hours should be shortened and it was the feeling of the Board to have them remain 4-8pm. He then asked about the new contract received from the cell tower company. Treasurer Maroo suggested we keep the current contract that we had just signed this last year.

ADJOURMENT

Trustee Siwicki moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 pm. and Trustee Cullins seconded the motion. Voice vote: All in favor. Motion carried. The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on July 28, 2025.

https://hinckleyil.com/vertical/sites/%7B010B6357-E152-4A43-AD03-56D178F14B55%7D/uploads/07.14.25_RBM_Minutes_FINAL.pdf