South Cook News

Village of East Hazel Crest President and Board of Trustees met April 23

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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

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

Also present: PD Chief R. Janich, PD Dep. Chief M. Tuley, FD Chief Kevin Welsh, FD Dep.  Chief Grant Mills, PW Dir. B. King, S. Connelly, J. O'Brien, L. Dutka, L. McAliley, S. Sokolowski, M. Fernandez. 

Invocation & Pledge: Mayor Brown asked for a moment of silent prayer for guidance in conducting business. He led the assembly in the Pledge to the Flag of the United States of America. 

Minutes: Trustees Ortiz and Wideman motioned to approve the minutes of the 4/9/2025 regular meeting. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 

Trustee Johnson and Wideman motioned to open this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

L. McAliley asked if the Village was going to put together a newsletter. L. Dutka commented about garbage at Homewood Disposal, asked about zip code and garbage on Ashland. J.O'Brien asked about using Homewood zip code. M. Fernandez opined about roads in town and fence falling down by 1522 174th. S. Sokolowski asked about unsold properties and children playing on roll-offs at Homewood Disposal. S. Connelly asked if the lilies in the ditches could be blocking the culvert.

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC: There being no other comments to come before the Board, 

Trustees Ortiz and Wideman made the motion to CLOSE this segment of the meeting.

All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried.

REPORTS OF THE VILLAGE OFFICIALS 

Mayor: 

1) Trustees Kearns and Wideman motioned to adopt Ordinance authorizing the acceptance and execution of the Settlement Agreement with the bank to settle Case 2023 M6 000589 regarding 17212 Hawthorn. Roll Call: All Trustees present voted aye. Motion carried. 

2) Trustees Kearns and Ortiz motioned to amend the Wind Creek Redevelopment Agreement to reimburse them for TIF eligible expenses originally at $55M but now have gone up to $70M. This will come out of TIF money paid through their tax bill and the Village will pay them back until the TIF expires or debit is retired. Roll Call: All Trustees present voted aye. Motion carried. 

3) Mayor stated as of today the Village has collected from the casino $898,178.70. 

Village Clerk: No Report 

Administrator: No Report

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES: 

Streets: Regarding trees that are down, people are waiting for insurance company  claims. Discussed 1401 174th Street and lack of progress towards completion. 

Finance / License: Trustees Johnson and Wideman motioned to pay the bills on the Claims Sheet dated 4/23/2025 in the amount of $500,064.70. Roll Call: All trustees present voted aye. Motion carried. 

Signs: Trustee Kearns presented the motion to approve the purchase of the signs on Wood Street/Computer Parking Lot by the Stewart Sign company in the amount of $65,701.44. Motion was seconded by Ortiz. Roll Call: Trustees Forte, Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Kearns voted aye. Trustee Johnson voted nay. Motion carried. 

Health/Safety: No Report 

Water/Sewer: No Report 

Police / Fire: No Report

Old Business: None 

New Business: Mayor stated he has been approached by a business at 174th & Dixie about putting a gas service station there. After a meeting with them, he hasn't heard further but State law allows the village to have a home rule sales tax whereas the village could charge a gasoline tax. Mayor asked for us to think about it. 

Trustee Forte stated Chicago Southland Convention and Tourism is moving to 4801 Southwick Drive, Matteson in the middle of June. May 8th there will be a showcase of 41 vendors at Doubletree by Hilton in Chicago she will get information. Also United Way April Fool's Day drive at Tinley Park Convention Center had over 200 volunteers which consisted of high school students and volunteers collected 2,000 pounds of food. May 9 and 10 she will have a garage sale and anyone else interested get their Garage Sale Permit. 

Trustee Kearns will be going to Manteno Veterans Home with a check from Casino in the amount of $5,000 with $1,500 worth of goods. He also stated that electricity to the new signs must be brought up to code. 

Deputy Fire Chief Mills announced the Annual Pancake Breakfast will be May 15 from 7am to 1pm. 

Trustee Forte stated she has asked The Honorable Judge Lloyd Brooks to swear in the newly elected officials on May 14, 2025. 

Executive Session: Trustees Wideman and Ewan made the motion to go into Executive Session to discuss Contracts and Personnel. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

Reconvene to Regular Session: Trustees Wideman and Ortiz made the motion to return to regular session. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

Adjournment: Trustees Wideman and Forte made the motion to adjourn the regular session. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm. 

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