Residents raised concerns about creek erosion and stormwater runoff April 24, as the Hickory Hills City Council approved water system updates, advanced storm sewer projects, and created a new grocery tax.
With Mayor Mike Howley absent, Alderman Scott Zimmerman chaired the meeting. Council members approved proclamations for Polish Constitution Day, Motorcycle Awareness Month, and Safe Boating Campaign Week, and confirmed 2025 appointments.
During public comment, residents from Great Oaks South and Arrowhead condominiums described erosion caused by runoff from nearby shopping centers and municipal sites. They requested a meeting with city officials and their engineer to discuss solutions. City staff agreed to arrange a meeting.
Another resident asked aldermen to consider allowing backyard chickens, a move officials said would require ordinance changes.
City officials announced that Hickory Hills met or exceeded all state and federal drinking water standards in its annual Consumer Confidence Water Report, now posted on the city’s website. The report confirms that the city has no lead service lines—a costly issue many neighboring communities are facing.
The city also received technical assistance from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to update its storm sewer atlas, with work expected to begin this year.
Aldermen unanimously approved an ordinance creating a municipal grocery retailers’ tax to replace revenue lost by the state’s phase-out of its 1% grocery sales tax.
The council also approved a $320,369.60 payment to Steve Spiess Construction for work on the 87th Street lift station, which is now in operation. Officials said paving projects are progressing well, with most streets at the binder level, and work on the 83rd Street water main project is underway.
The city’s spring newsletter is expected to reach residents before Memorial Day. Residents who do not receive a copy are encouraged to notify city officials.
The council signed off on $836,483.03 in bills before wrapping up.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 8.
Thank you for the detailed coverage of the recent Hickory Hills City Council decisions. The approval of the municipal grocery retailers’ tax to offset the state’s phase-out of its 1% grocery sales tax is a significant move.
I have a couple of questions:
Impact on Residents: How will this new grocery tax affect local residents, especially those with fixed or low incomes? Are there any measures in place to mitigate potential financial strain on these populations?
Storm Sewer Upgrades: The article mentions that residents from Great Oaks South and Arrowhead condominiums raised concerns about erosion caused by runoff. With the planned updates to the storm sewer atlas and the involvement of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, what specific steps are being taken to address these erosion issues? Will there be opportunities for community input during the planning and implementation phases?
Understanding these aspects would provide valuable insights into how the city plans to balance infrastructure improvements with community well-being.
Looking forward to your insights on these matters.