DeKalb Times

Village of Hinckley Committee of the Whole met Aug. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL BOARD MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Village President Quirk at 7:51 pm. Roll call was taken showing the following:

Present: Sarah Quirk, Russell Kula, Brian Siwicki, Steve Gayhart, Jamie Whitlock and Eddie Cullins. Quorum Established.

Absent: Alyssa Prickett

Also Present: Attorney Gottschalk, Village Deputy Clerk Jennifer Klambauer, Village Treasurer Dave Maroo, Public Works Supervisor Ceneca Wagner, Village Engineer Brandon Kramer, and Members of the Public.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Approval: Committee of the Whole meeting minutes from August 11, 2025 Trustee Siwicki moved to approve the minutes from August 11, 2025, and Trustee Kula seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Cullins-Aye, Siwicki-Aye, Whitlock-Aye, Kula-Aye and Gayhart-Aye. Motion carried.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

For Discussion: Body Art Establishment & Massage Establishment Proposed Ordinances President Quirk informed the Board that the massage ordinance was revised to remove the registration and renewal fees. The Board asked for this new version to be placed on the agenda for the next regular board meeting in September for discussion/vote.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

No report.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

No report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Personnel

For Discussion: Code Enforcement Officer

Chairperson absent. No discussion.

Public Safety

Trustee Cullins presented his idea for safe street crossing on Route 30 at the Post Office. He is suggesting a flag system which has been used at other municipalities and would cost around $200. Additional signage would not be possible as that is controlled by IDOT. He will look into the flags and possible implementation of that system.

Streets & Alleys

Trustee Kula reported that there are trees that need to be removed in the village – one on Donald and one on View ($2700). There is also a tree on Sycamore that needs to be taken down as well. Supervisor Wagner reported that there are 4 hydrants that need to be installed, and concrete work will need to be done as well. He stated that if Trustee Kula is scheduling replacement of some sidewalk panels, it would be cost effective to include those sections of concrete for hydrants. Discussion followed that tree removal and sidewalk replacement would need to be done and that quotes should be collected in the next week so that all costs can be presented at the next regular board meeting. Timing and scheduling can be done after approval is granted. Trustee Kula will secure those quotes.

Trustee Kula then asked Supervisor Wagner if re-stripping could be done at crosswalks prior to winter. Engineer Kramer stated that the new streets in Royal Estates would be striped as well. Lastly, Trustee Kula asked President Quirk if she had any update on the Safe Routes to School program. President Quirk stated that she is meeting with Superintendent Sonntag to see if the school district is interested in applying for the grant with the Village. She will follow up. Engineer Kramer stated that EEI can assist with the grant writing but the deadline for submittal is October 13th.

Buildings, Grounds & Parks

For Discussion: Public Works Vehicle

Trustee Whitlock is still waiting for all quotes to be received from the vendors. He will have that information for the next meeting.

Water & Sewer

No report.

Finance & Economic Development

Trustee Siwicki stated that he is planning a Pumpkin Give-Away for the children in the village. He has spoken to Riley at the library, and she is supportive of a coordinated effort. It was suggested that Trustee Siwicki talk to Park Coordinator Long to work together with advertising and registration. Trustee Siwicki is also starting to think about the Christmas Tree Lighting. Discussion followed as to previous years’ activities/successes/changes. Park Coordinator Long has also inquired about this event this year. This will be on the next Committee of the Whole meeting agenda.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Trustee Cullins wanted the Board to discuss the issues with B&F Construction Code Services. Attorney Gottschalk suggested to the board to keep in mind that there are two sides to every story and the Board should tread lightly at this point. She stated that she will inform Attorney Lundgren (who was not able to attend due to court appearance) of the recent developments, and he will inform the Board of next steps. Discussion followed. Trustee Cullins will work with Deputy Clerk Klambauer to interview and get quotes from other inspection vendors.

Trustee Cullins then asked if anything can be done regarding an absentee board member. Attorney Gottschalk was not aware of the steps that can be taken in this situation, but she will discuss the issue with Attorney Lundgren.

Trustee Kula brought up the fencing around the lift station and the roadway to the lift station at Royal Estates that were not done. He wondered when they would be installed and by whom. Engineer Kramer believes that the sidewalk was installed without allowing for the side road to the lift station to be completed. He also believes that there will be trees planted yet this fall. It was stated that Steve Phillips was going to get the fence and roadway finished and President Quirk stated she would follow up with him.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

President Quirk asked to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 pm. Trustee Gayhart motioned to adjourn the meeting, Trustee Cullins seconded the motion. Voice vote: All in favor. Motion carried. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for September 8th, 2025, immediately following the Regular Board Meeting.

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