South Cook News

Village of East Hazel Crest Board of Trustees met Feb. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees 2/14/24 

Officials: Mayor Thomas A. Brown, Administrator Lazuka and Clerk Minnis  

Roll Call: Trustees Forte, Kearns, Ewan, & Wideman were present; Tr. Johnson & Ortiz were absent.  

Also present: PD Chief Janich, FD Chief Vallow, Deputy Fire Chief Mills & PW Director King; Paula Newton and Stan Slobowski.  

Minutes: Trustees Keams & Wideman made the motions to approve the minutes of the 1/24/24 regular meeting. All trustee present were in favor; Tr. Johnson & Ortiz were absent.. Mtn. carried.  

Prayer & Pledge. After Mayor Brown gave the invocation, everyone present pledged their Allegiance to the Flag.  

OPEN to Visitors: Trustees Wideman and Ewan made the motions to open this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees present were in favor;  Tr. Johnson & Ortiz were absent. Mtn. carried. Time: 7:05 pm.  

Paula Newton asked questions relative to water rates. Stan Slobowski questioned 'flags' on village property and about charges for ditch repair in  front of his house. The 'flag issue' referred to the DAY CARE wanting to place 'flags' to advertise their business. The question about the 'ditch' charge related to the homeowner at the north end of Loomis removing a stump of a previously removed tree that resulted in altering the slope of the ditch. Stan said any costs to restore the slope of the ditch should be the responsibility of that homeowner These questions were directed to the Public Works Department and they will respond.  

There being no other input, Trustees Kearns and Wideman made the motions to CLOSE this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees present were in favor. Mtn. carried. Time: 7:10 pm  

Reports of Village Officials:  

Mayor's Report:  

1) Mayor Brown referred the purchase of new PD vehicles.to the Administrator. Adm. Lazuka reported prices on three (3) PD vehicles and one car and two trucks for Public Works - 1 year behind in replacement. 

Mayor's report, cont'd.  

Trustees Keams and Forte made the motions to approve the  

Administrator's recommendations as follows: New purchase schedule:: 1 car now, 1 truck-Aug/Sept, 1 truck in March and one of the PD trucks will go to the Fire Department. Roll Call: all trustees present voted aye. Trustees Johnson & Ortiz were absent. Mtn. carried.  

2) Mayor Brown showed signs that the DAY CARE proposes to post on Village property. After some discussion, it would be for a period of  90 days. Trustees Kearns and Wideman made the motions to approve. Roll Call: Trustees Ewan, Wideman, Keams were in favor; Trustee  Forte was opposed; Trustees Johnson & Ortiz were absent. Mtn. denied.  

Clerk's Report: No report  

Administrator's Report: No report.  

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:  

Streets: Tr. Forte wished everyone "Happy Valentine's Day". She spoke of cars being parked on BRUNO's property after midnight.  

FINANCE: In the absence of Finance Chairman Johnson, Trustee Kearns made the motions to approve payment of all bills in the amount of$159,976.50;  $74,042.00 Liab. Ins., WJE- Casino, $13,892.00; Main Breaks, $20,311.00. seconded by Trustees Wideman. Roll Call: All trustees present were in favor; Tr. Johnson & Ortiz were absent. Mtn. carried.  

Signs, Maint, & Construction: Tr. Kearns inquired about the possibility of electronic signs in the village. .Discussion followed . Mayor Brown  commented: "we're working on one".  

Health/ Safety/ Personnel; No report by Trustee Ewan  

Water/ Sewers: No report by Tr. Wideman  

Police/Fire: In the absence of Tr. Ortiz, Mayor Brown referred to a brochure  distributed by Thornton Township Supervisor Tiffany A. Henyard on  Rental & Mortgage Assistance Available. She 'touted' applications for  rent and mortgage assistance are available at her office until 2/29/24.  

Unfinished Business: none 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Tr. Forte spoke of February being "Black History Month' and 'of free items available from local libraries.  

Tr. Keams reminded residents of the 'needs' of residents at the  

MANTENO VETERANS HOME. A 'list' of items needed will be posted in the lobby of the Village Hall.  

Deputy Fire Chief Mills reminded residents of the Fire Department's CHILI Dinner to be held on February 24th from 4-8 pm  

Adjournment  

There being no other business to come before the Board, Trustees Kearns and Wideman made the motions to adjourn. All trustees present were in  favor; Trustees Johnson and Ortiz were absent. Mtn. carried. Time: 7:45 pm.

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