South Cook News

Village of East Hazel Crest Board of Trustees met April 24

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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

Roll Call: Trustees Forte, Kearns, Johnson, Ewan, Wideman and Ortiz were present. 

Guests: S. Slokowski, L. Dutka & Linda, Sue Hawkins, H. Kearns, Sue Connelly, Jo Ann Murry, M. Fernandez, 

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

Minutes: Trustees Ortiz and Johnson the motions to approve the minutes of the 3/27/24 meeting. All trustees were in favor; Mtn. carried. (4/20/24 mtg. cancelled) Time: 7:05 pm 

Mayor Brown mentioned the 'passing' of Mary Leonas, a few days ago. Mrs. Leonas was 100 yrs. old. 

OPEN TOVISITORS: Tr. Wideman and Ortiz made the motions to OPEN this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees were in favor. Mtn. carried. Stan Sokolowski had questions about the Lathrop Ave. Improvements and funding for the project; and about fire pits. After discussion, it was decided the Board will look into the 'fire pits' issue. Stan also had questions about 'fire hydrants' 

L. Dutka had questions about noises from the Railroad. 

Questions were asked about 'lead pipes in EHC'and summer plans for the children. 

J. Murry questioned the presence of lead service lines in the Village, opportunities for summer activities for children, and other community events. 

M. Fernandez had 'an issue' with his name being misspelled in a letter from 

Atty. Marovich; with the 'sound level' of the RR; 

L. Dutka inquired about the 'Community Center' building. 

There being no other input from those present, Trustees Forte and Wideman made the motions to CLOSE this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees were in favor. Mtn. carried. Time: 7:50 pm. 

Reports of Village Officials: 

Mayor: 

1) Mayor Brown presented Ordinance 23-22; creating a Class C Liquor License to allow the CASINO expanded hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages as per the Gaming Board regulations. Trustees Johnson and Forte made the motions to adopt Ord. 2-22. All trustees voted aye. Mtn. carried. 

Mayor Brown presented the Agreement with the Army Corp of Engineers for the Lathrop storm sewer improvements. Trustees Johnson and Wideman made the motions to approve the document. 

Mayor's report, cont'd.: 

Roll Call vote on the Agreement with the Army Corp. of Engineers: All trustees voted aye. Mtn. carried. 

Mayor Brown spoke briefly about the increase of expenses relative to the construction of the CASINO. 

Clerk A 'Thank You" note was read from the Marcella Gill family to the Members of the Village Board for remembering their mother in her recent passing. They treasured the contributions made to the community she loved. 

Administrator: Trustees Johnson and Ewan made the motions to approve using 

the Linden Group as the architects and giving the Administrator approval to select design and build out architectural options as necessary to accomplish the project for 1904 W. 174th Building.. Roll Call: all trustees voted aye. Mtn. carried. 

Sts: Tr. Forte: Commented on visitors portion of the meeting; suggested we provide designated parking for those residents using the Helen Minnis Park; also commented that children should be supervised by adults while in the park. She also announced she attended a Community Partners program awards ceremony, Mayor Brown, Police Chief Janich, Fire Chief Vallow and Trustee Forte received the awards. 

Fin/Lic: 

Trustees Johnson and Wideman made the motions to pay all bills on the 3/10 and 3/24/24 Claims Sheets in the total amount of $188,062.65. Roll Call: all trustees voted aye. Mtn. carried. 

Trustee Johnson also commented and reminded the audience of the opportunity to bring ideas to the Board. 

Signs /Maintenance/Construction: Tr. Trustee Kearns spoke of the telephone poles lying around in town. Com Ed has been notified to remove them. 

Health/Safety/Personnel: No report by Trustee Ewan. 

Water/Sewers: No report by Tr Wideman. 

Minutes of the 4/24/24 regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees 

PD/FD. Trustees Ortiz read the Police & Fire Departments Reports for 

March, 2024. These reports will be on file in the Clerk's office. 

Unfinished Business: Brief discussion about increases in salaries of officials. Ordinance requires 180 days before an election to make an 'adjustment' to salaries. 

Mayor Brown said the CASINO will open ',mid to late October'. 

Tr. Kearns said there is 'no culvert' at the house under construction at 174th & Loomis. The contractor been notified to correct. 

New business: none 

Announcements: The EHCVFD annual PANCAKE BREAKFAST will be held on 

Sunday, May 19th, 2024. 

JOB FAIR: Mayor Brown said there will be a CASINO JOB FAIR on May 29th, 2024 from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm. For over 1000 jobs that will be available. 

Adjournment. There being no other input to this meeting, Trustees Wideman & Orttiz made the motions to adjourn. All trustees were in favor; Mtn carried. Time; 8:13 pm. 

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