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Hinsdale Board Honors Village President Tom Cawley at Final Meeting
Summary
The Hinsdale Village Board on May 6 approved a resolution recognizing Village President Tom Cawley’s 16 years in office and presented multiple proclamations and gifts at his final meeting; trustees also swore in three reelected trustees and approved routine business including $1,391,284.98 in accounts payable.
Village President Tom Cawley presided over his final Hinsdale Village Board meeting on May 6, 2025, where the board approved a resolution recognizing his 16 years as village president and presented proclamations, gifts and speeches honoring his tenure.
The resolution, which the board approved by roll call, cites a sustained bond rating and $29,000,000 in grant funding secured during Cawley’s tenure, as well as infrastructure work including the resurfacing or reconstruction of 62 of the village’s 66 miles of roads and replacement of roughly 20% of water mains and sewers. The board also presented proclamations from state and federal officials and a plaque honoring the Cawley family.
The board placed the most public attention on the resolution and tributes. "I couldn't have done it without Sharon's support," Cawley said in his president's remarks, thanking his wife and an extensive list of trustees, commissioners and staff he worked with over 16 years. Trustee Luke Stifler said one lesson he learned from Cawley was that "no matter what... he always did what was the best for Hinsdale," and that Cawley "always has Hinsdale. First priority number 1." Trustee Neil Burns recounted infrastructure and fiscal improvements under Cawley, saying the village implemented a "master infrastructure plan" and improved its financial position.
Staff remarks characterized Cawley’s record as a mix of large capital projects and attention to operational detail. Village Manager Kathleen Gargano and Village Attorney Michael Marsh (who read a prepared statement from partner Lance Molina) thanked Cawley for mentorship and for leading efforts on projects cited in the resolution, including the Oak Street Bridge replacement, the Woodlands sewer and drainage project, and the Memorial Building plaza renovation.
The board approved other routine business during the meeting. Trustees voted to approve the minutes of the April 22, 2025 meeting and the payment of accounts payable totaling $1,391,284.98 for the period April 23–May 7, 2025; both motions passed by roll call. The board also approved the consent agenda items 7b through 7k. Immediately after the tributes, Cawley swore in three reelected trustees — Michelle Fisher, Neil Burns and Matt Postema — who had been reelected to new four‑year terms.
Multiple former trustees, commissioners and community representatives appeared in person or by video to offer remarks or send written tributes. Robert Neiman, former chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, submitted a written statement read aloud that recalled contentious development debates before Cawley’s tenure and credited Cawley with returning the village to a steady focus on infrastructure and services. Representatives from state and federal offices — including a representative from U.S. Rep. Chuy García’s office — provided proclamations that were entered into the record.
The meeting closed with a motion to adjourn "sin die" and the board moved to a reception arranged after the meeting.
The record of the meeting shows the board’s recognition was ceremonial in nature; the resolution and proclamations summarize accomplishments that the board and staff attributed to Cawley’s leadership and do not create new policy or binding commitments beyond presentation of the resolution and associated gifts.
