The Hickory Hills City Council held its first meeting of the year on January 9, with Ald. Scott Zimmerman stepping in to lead in Mayor Mike Howley’s absence. The meeting addressed a range of city business, including financial approvals, ordinance updates, and plans for infrastructure improvements.
The council approved Ordinance 2501, which exempts local school districts from parts of Cook County’s minimum wage rules. The measure, requested by a local school district, is intended to ease financial burdens on non-teaching staff and student workers while leaving teachers’ salaries unaffected by their existing contracts. City Attorney Louis F. Cainkar noted that this ordinance aligns with similar exemptions granted to other governmental units in the county. The motion passed unanimously.
Another major decision included a resolution to partner with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to create a capital improvement plan. The plan will focus on long-term infrastructure goals and prioritize projects that support resilience and inclusive growth. The city agreed to contribute $4,000 toward the effort, with CMAP providing technical assistance to guide the process.
The council also approved bills totaling $442,597.61 for the first half of January, while noting that $1,270,666.52 in December expenditures had been finalized at the previous meeting.
Three business applications were reviewed during the session. Streamline Customs, at 7732 W. 96th St., plans to provide car window tints and vinyl wraps. Alien Trading Inc., located at 7667 W. 95th St., will operate as a jewelry trading and sales office. A smoke shop at 9442 S. Roberts Road is undergoing an ownership change, which was referred to the city attorney for review.
The council briefly discussed plans for a food drive in the spring but did not reach a decision.
The next scheduled Hickory Hills meeting is for Jan. 23.
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