DeKalb Times

Village of Hinckley Committee of the Whole met Sept. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL BOARD MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Village President Quirk at 7:52 pm. Roll call was taken showing the following:

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

Absent: None.

Also Present: Attorney Lundgren, Village Clerk Joan Bennett, Treasurer Dave Maroo, Police Chief Gettemy, Ceneca Wagner (PW), Brandon Kramer (EEI), and Members of the Public.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Approval: Committee of the Whole meeting minutes from September 8th, 2025 Trustee Gayhart moved to approve the minutes from September 8th, 2025, and Trustee Kula seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Cullins-Aye, Siwicki-Aye, Prickett-Aye, Kula-Aye, Gayhart-Aye and Whitlock Aye. Motion carried.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

No report.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

No report.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Brandon Kramer inquired if the board wanted to move forward with the Safe Routes to School Grant application. The EEI fee for Phase I is approximately $70,000, which would not be accessed unless the grant is given to the Village. The grant can be up to $250,000 with approval of several fine details, one of which is that the routes must be reasonably seen as routes the students would use. The decisions on who receives a grant would not come out until Spring of 2026 and completion would be 2027 at the earliest. The board authorized EEI to prepare the grant application and this will be brought back to the October 14th Regular Board Meeting for approval.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Personnel

For Discussion: Code Enforcement Officer

Trustee Prickett stated that she had been on several sites to get the details for a Code Enforcement Officer job description. Trustee Cullins stated that he was not in favor, as the new permit company can take care of this, as discussed, at previous board meeting. Trustee Siwicki agreed. The Code Enforcement Officer is on hold for further discussion.

Public Safety

For Discussion: New Permit / Inspection Update

Trustee Cullins received confirmation that Plumbing Solutions is taking himself out of the process. He and Deputy Clerk Klambauer have a Zoom meeting tomorrow with Safe Built. Rick Dandan from Lakeside Consultants, at this point, appears to be more cost effective with fees that are negotiable, and would attend a board meeting monthly at no cost. Cullins is trying to reach HR Green who services North Aurora also.

Attorney Lundgren advises a, no later than 12.1.25, termination notice be sent to B&F.

Streets & Alleys

No report.

Buildings, Grounds & Parks

For Discussion: Public Works Vehicle Update

Trustee Whitlock presented an estimate of approximately $93,002 for a 2025 Chevy Silverado. Ceneca Wagner had gotten an estimate on a 2026 Chevy Silverado for $92,653. Both vehicles would be outfitted and include a snowplow. The Public Works Vehicle Purchase will be up for approval at the October 14th, 2025, Regular Board Meeting.

Trustee Cullins noted that the Public Works building is in disrepair and will need either major repairs or replacement. Trustee Whitlock agreed. Trustee Gayhart also notes water/sewer projects will need funding. All agree that these items need to be considered within future plans and allocation decisions.

Water & Sewer

No report.

Finance & Economic Development

President Quirk is to meet with Stephanie Long to discuss Fall Programs and attending a board meeting. Trustee Siwicki reminded everyone about the Homecoming parade being held this Friday at 5:30 pm.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Trustee Kula asked if there was any update on the noise complaint. President Quirk noted there was an email from the same complainant. Chief Gettemy noted “not once” have they exceeded the 65- decibel level since the first time it was checked. There was one other person who complained. Attorney Lundgren stated he has never seen any lower requirement lower than 65. Lundgren also cautioned people that could cause complaints with children yelling, graduation parties, even trains, etc. Deputy Clerk Klambauer stated that one of the pub owners tests the levels consistently to stay compliant.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Larry Menz stated that Village Board Members and Planning Commissioners (PC) have an “attendance problem.” They know when they come into this job, they need to have responsibility for their positions. “There is one person here and two on PC” that have not been showing up. Menz stated “you all get paid, and I’m a taxpayer” and if you don’t have time to work, can’t make the meetings, or life changes, they should “resign so somebody else can get in.” We have a lot of big decisions that have been talked about, and the residents will want to know who’s responsible.

ADJOURNMENT

President Quirk asked to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 pm. Trustee Gayhart motioned to adjourn the meeting, Trustee Kula seconded the motion. Voice vote: All in favor. Motion carried. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for October 14th, 2025, immediately following the Regular Board Meeting.

https://hinckleyil.com/vertical/sites/%7B010B6357-E152-4A43-AD03-56D178F14B55%7D/uploads/09.22.25_FINAL_CoTW_Minutes.pdf