DeKalb Times

Village of Hinckley Committee of the Whole met Oct. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL BOARD MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Village President Quirk at 7:53 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, 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 October 14th, 2025 Trustee Siwicki moved to approve the minutes from October 14th, 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.

PRESENTATION

Robert Pritchard spoke of DeKalb County’s proposed purchase of land for a Forest Preserve south of the railroad tracks. Also, Planning Commission Chairman Pritchard, delivered the recommendation to have Body Art Establishments Zoned in B1, B2, and B3. Attorney Lundgren will help with the Findings of Fact.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

For Discussion/Approval: Body Art Zoning Proposal

President Quirk will bring back Body Art Zoning when all information is ready for presentation. For Discussion/Approval: Fiber Optic Choices

President Quirk asked the board members for comments on the presentations from last meeting. Trustee Siwicki feels that fiber optics are needed in the village. Trustee Whitlock wants to confirm that companies restore any areas worked in. Quirk will reach out to both companies for the “next step” with maps, and a general plan. Brandon noted that stipulations must be made on where we want their lines to be (not by B boxes) and if there is to be a pedestal at every house, for example. For Discussion/Approval: Civility Pledge

President Quirk presented an IML pledge encouraging constructive dialog and asking board members if they would want to adopt. There was a general consensus of approval.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

No report.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

No report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Personnel

Trustee Prickett noted that a first draft of the new Human Resource handbook should be ready for the next board meeting.

Public Safety

For Discussion: Ending Contract with B&F

Trustee Cullins stated SAFEBuildt is not an option and HR Green dropped out. Rick Dandan from Lakeside Construction would attend a board meeting monthly at no cost. Cullins recommendation is Lakeside and will set up a presentation to the board.

Chief Gettemy stated a part time applicant has been hired and hopes to have him ready for swearing in at the next meeting.

Streets & Alleys

Trustee Kula stated that the removal/replacement of sidewalks is to start on the 20th of October.

Buildings, Grounds & Parks

Trustee Whitlock notes on View/McKinley streets there is an area that has very thin sidewalks and feels that it needs attention.

Trustee Whitlock stated that bathroom updates are coming soon for Pioneer Park. President Quirk noted that Stephanie Long, the Parks & Rec Coordinator, has the fall parks program is ongoing and social media has been updated. Most of the area finds their information out from social media or school communications. We will be looking to update our website to make it more user friendly.

Water & Sewer

For Discussion: Water disconnection at 46 days

Trustee Gayhart continued the discussion of water billing, tenants moving in & out, payment plans, maintenance, and the water billing ordinance.

Finance & Economic Development

Trustee Siwicki attended the IML Conference mid-September, noting it was a wealth of information and highly recommends board members attending next year. Siwicki also states he will be attending 2025 Illinois Mainstreet Statewide Conference.

President Quirk noted that IML has classes online for development opportunities.

OPEN DISCUSSION

None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

President Quirk asked to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm. Trustee Siwicki motioned to adjourn the meeting, Trustee Prickett seconded the motion. Voice vote: All in favor. Motion carried. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting is scheduled for October 27th, 2025, immediately following the Regular Board Meeting.

https://hinckleyil.com/vertical/sites/%7B010B6357-E152-4A43-AD03-56D178F14B55%7D/uploads/10.14.25_FINAL_CoTW_Minutes.pdf