South Cook News

Village of East Hazel Crest President and Board of Trustees met Sept. 13

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Officials: Mayor Thomas A. Brown and Clerk Minnis

Roll Call: Trustees Forte, Kearns, Johnson Ewan, Wideman and Ortiz were present Also present were: PD Chief Janich, Deputy. Fire Chief Mills, Stan Sokolowski, PW's Director Brian King, Joan Hale, Paula Newton, Sue Hakins and Barbara Berack.

Invocation & Pledge. After a moment of silent prayer, Mayor Brown lead the assembly in the Pledge to the Flag.

Minutes: Trustees Ortiz & Wideman made the motions to approve the minutes of the 8/23/23 minutes All trustees were in favor; Mtn. carried.

OPEN TOVISITORS: Tr. Ortiz and Wideman made the motions to OPEN this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees were in favor. Mtn. carried. Time 7:04 pm.

Stan Solobowski posed refutable comments to the Board of Trustees, such as those who work for the village and are on the ZBA or Library Board are exhibiting a conflict of interest. Also those who own businesses in town and are on the ZBA create a conflict of interest. Additionally he asserts that those zoning board members who own multiple homes or apartment buildings also exhibit a conflict of interest. He identifies village residents as those who own single family homes. Mr. Sokolowski also asserts that those who work for the village do not abide by the ordinances and are allowed to do so.

Mayor Brown told Mr. Sokolowski to write down al the issues of conflict of interest and who has these conflicts and the Mayor will personally send them to the Cook County States Attorney and the State Attorney General for investigation of employees, trustees and the Mayor himself, to find out what was done wrong.

There being no other input from those present, Trustees Wideman and Ortiz made the motion to CLOSE this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees were in favor. Mtn. carried. Time: 7:15 pm.

Reports of Village Officials:

Mayor: 1) Copies of proposed Ordinance prohibiting parking on Fisk Avenue Between 173-174 was distributed to trustees for their review.

2) Trustees Ortiz and Kearns made the motions to approve the Cook  County Health Inspection Agreement. All trustees were in favor. Mtn. carried.

3) Trustees Ortiz and Ewan made the motions to approve the Knights of Columbus TOOTSIE ROLL drive on September 15th & 16th, 2023. All trustees were in favor. Mtn. carried.

Mayor Brown gave members a CASINO update on the MRD Ordinance regarding rainwater. He also noted the garage work will be completed soon. Entertainment Complex is being designed now. Homewood and East Hazel Crest Departments to plan emergency service as construction proceeds.

Mayor: Details of the Luncheon to be held on October 4th, 2023 at the annual

Chicago Southland Conv. & Visitors Bureau at the Double Tree in Alsip . Trustees to let Mayor Brown know of desire to attend. Mayors from Homewood and East Hazel Crest to receive awards.

Clerk: No report.

Administrator: Adm. Lazuka was not present.

Reports of Standing Committees:

Sts: Tr. Forte again reminded residents to "Light Up their property'

Fin/Lic: Trustees Johnson & Kearns made the motions to pay all bills on the 9/13/23 Claims Sheets in the amount of $39,118.09. Roll Call: all trustees voted aye. Mtn. carried.

Signs /Maintenance/Construction: Tr Kearns, will be starting SIGN inspections

Personnel: No report by Trustee Ewan.

Water/Sewers: No report by Tr Wideman.

PD/FD. Trustees Ortiz read the Police Report for August, 2023. This report will be on file in the Clerk's office. 

Unfinished Business: 

1) Trustee Forte re-emphasized the importance of the CSCV Annual Luncheon Meeting at the Double Tree in Alsip on Oct. 4th.

New business: none

Announcements: 

- PW Dir. Brian King gave an update on construction on Lathrop

- Dpt. Fire Chief Grant Mills, spoke of the SPAGHETTI DINNER fund raiser this Saturday - 9/16 at the fire house from 4-8 pm.

- Tr. Kearns told of putting 'dryer sheets' in your mailbox to deter bugs.

- He also said Robinson Eng. should come to our meetings with updates relative to construction in town.

- October 29th - EHCVFD annual HALLOWEEN PARTY for Village children.

Executive Session - none

Adj. There being no other input to this meeting, Trustees Johnson & Forte made the motions to adjourn. All trustees were in favor. Mtn carried. Time; 7:39 pm.

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