South Cook News

Village of East Hazel Crest President and Board of Trustees met Oct. 8

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Officials: Mayor Thomas A. Brown and Administrator Patricia Lazuka and Village Clerk Monica Elsey were present. 

Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson, Kearns were present, Trustee Forte was absent. 

Also present: PD Chief R. Janich, PD Dep. Chief M. Tuley, FD Chief K. Welsh, FD Dep. Chief G. Mills 

S. Sokolowski, H. Kearns, L. Dutka, T. Sullivan, J. White, N. Moore, Y. Moore. 

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 9/24/25 regular meeting. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Trustees Johnson and Wideman motioned to open this segment of the meeting to the public. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

Items commented about: Village property that is up for sale, flushing hydrants, letter of support from Hazel Crest mayor about zip code, property for sale which will be put on the agenda for next meeting. 

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC: There being no comments to come before the Board, Trustees Ortiz and Wideman motioned 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 Ewan motioned to approve the Ordinance authorizing the sale of certain personal property owned by the Village of East Hazel Crest. Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson and Kearns voted aye. Trustee Forte was absent. Motion carried. 

2) Trustees Wideman and Ewan motioned to approve the Ordinance providing for the redemption and payment prior to the maturity of $155,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2006, of the Village of East Hazel Crest. Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson and Kearns voted aye. Trustee Forte was absent. Motion carried. 

3) Trustees Ortiz and Wideman motioned to approve the acceptance and authorization for the Mayor to sign the Inter Governmental Agreement creating the Southland Public Safety Communications Dispatch System. Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson and Kearns voted aye. Trustee Forte was absent. Motion carried. 

4) Trustees Kearns and Ewan motioned to approve acceptance and authorization for Mayor to sign the Zoll One Program Master Agreement. Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson and Kearns voted aye. Trustee Forte was absent. Motion carried. 

5) Trustees Ortiz and Ewan motioned to approve the Memorandum of Agreement of PD Wage Reopener. Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson and Kearns voted aye. Trustee Forte was absent. Motion carried.

Village Clerk: No Report. 

Administrator: Mentioned thank you letter from Representative Davis's office for our partnership on the shredding and electronics recycling days.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES: 

Streets: No Report 

Finance / License: Trustees Johnson and Ortiz motioned to pay the bills on Claim Sheet dated 10/8/2025 in the amount of $206,360.94. Roll Call: Trustees Kearns, Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, and Johnson voted aye. Trustee Forte was absent. Motion carried. 

Signs: Inspections are almost complete. New sign - we are still waiting for the vendor to approve the power structure. 

Health/Safety: No Report 

Water/Sewer: No Report 

Police / Fire: Fire and Police Reports for September submitted.

Old Business: None 

New Business: None 

Announcements: SSMMA Annual Jingle Mingle Program will be held on December 4th, East Hazel Crest will be hosting this Annual Meeting at the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel banquet facilities. 

Cook County has launched a $15 million homeowner relief fund offering a one- time $1,000 payment to qualified homeowners whose property taxes have increased by at least 50% in years 2021, 2022, 2023. Applications can be found online and the qualification is related to your household income. 

Adjournment: Trustees Wideman and Ortiz made the motion to adjourn. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm. 

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