DeKalb Times

Village of Hinckley Board of Trustees met Aug. 11.

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, Russell Kula, Brian Siwicki, Steve Gayhart, Alyssa Prickett, and Eddie Cullins. Quorum established.

Absent: Trustee Whitlock

Also Present: Attorney Lundgren, Village Clerk Joan Bennett, Todd Tatum (TEST, Inc.), and Members of the Public.

PUBLIC COMMENT on Agenda Items Scheduled for Action Only

None.

GENERAL BUSINESS

• Agenda item for discussion/approval: July 28, 2025, Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Trustee Gayhart moved to approve the minutes for July 28, 2025, and Trustee Prickett seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Cullins-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 Prickett seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Siwicki-Aye, Prickett-Aye, Kula-Aye, Gayhart-Aye, and Cullins-Aye. Motion carried.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The Hinckley Business Association will be hosting the Annual Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, August 13th from 5p-7p.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

No report.

CLERK’S REPORT

No report.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

No report.

TREASURER’S REPORT

No report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Safety

Trustee Cullins noted the National Night Out was held last Tuesday, August 5. It was a very successful event; the kids really enjoyed it.

Finance and Economic Development

Trustee Siwicki stated that he attended a mini conference at the Resource Bank on July 19. The speakers were past mayors who spoke of efforts made and successful stories of investing in local skills, small businesses and resources for lasting growth. President Quirk and Trustee Siwicki went to the River Market in Rockton to see if this type of event would work in Hinckley. Friday, August 15 at 11 am, there will be a meeting in the Village Hall with the DeKalb County Economic Development. The HBR superintendent, Hinckley Business Association, and Bob Pritchard will also be there. It is open to the public.

Streets & Alleys

For Discussion/Approval: 2025 Road Program Update

Trustee Kula stated the 2025 Road Program work started today. Milling is also to begin this week and weather permitting it may be possible to finish work this week.

Buildings, Grounds & Parks

No report.

Water & Sewer

For Discussion/Approval: Landlord Water Billing

Trustee Gayhart states that there has been discussion of listing the landlord only on utility bills as opposed to just tenants. When a tenant leaves without requesting a final read for example, we, in most cases, have trouble collecting the funds. Billing the landlord instead of the tenant would eliminate the “red tape” and reduce problem solving time in the office. Attorney Lundgren also notes that the Village Ordinance clearly states at the end of the day, the landlord is responsible. President Quirk notes that this would start possibly in the new year. Current protocols for water shut off, correspondence, fees, and the transition for the new accounting system were also considered. Trustee Gayhart will be looking further into the matter and bring back to a coming agenda.

Personnel

No Report.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Larry Menz stated that landlords know how much the debt water service charges are, they should be able to divide and charge their tenants the amounts due. He restated that the charges should go back to the landlords and if not paid within 30 days, water is turned off.

Rebecca Von Drasek spoke in support of the Code Enforcement Officer, having someone to support the set ordinances, water liens, etc. “We all are sharing the responsibility of the water tower.” Melissa Carey offered thanks to the community for support, especially for the past couple months. She states that she is taking care of Life & Health while Katie covers Property & Causality Insurance. On August 25th the business will be repairing divots and seal coating the parking and alley. The area will be closed, including the RR corridor. She has and will continue to encourage the state to maintain the sidewalks along Rt. 30. The area across the street will also be addressed including weeding & cleaning of the windows. The Lions Club Cruise Night will be held on Saturday Oct. 4th from 3-7. Melissa is encouraging anyone to bring vehicles and stop to enjoy the event.

OPEN DISCUSSION

None.

ADJOURMENT

President Quirk requested to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 pm. Trustee Siwicki motioned to adjourn, and Trustee Kula seconded the motion. Voice vote: All in favor. Motion carried. The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on August 25th, 2025.

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