Village of East Hazel Crest President and Board of Trustees met Jan. 7

Village of East Hazel Crest President and Board of Trustees met Jan. 7

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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

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

Also present: PD Chief R. Janich, PD Dep. Chief M. Tuley, FD Dep. Chief G. Mills, PW J. Scheafer, FD Insp. B. Vida 

C. Cook, M. Stubblefield, A. Wilson, J. Hale, D. Hale, H. Kearns, J. White, M. Kedzieski, S. Sokolowski, L. Dutka 

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 Kearns and Forte motioned to approve the minutes of the 12/10/25 regular meeting. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

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

Items commented about: Thornton Township provides lawn care for seniors and transportation for seniors. That information will be put into the next newsletter. Whether road work can be done in the spring, if fire hydrants will be flushed, and certain trees where it looks like falling branches, residential houses possibly being used for Air BnB. 

CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC: There being no comments to come before the Board, Trustees Wideman and Ortiz, motioned to CLOSE this segment of the meeting. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

REPORTS OF THE VILLAGE OFFICIALS 

Mayor: 

1) Mayor Brown swore in Kevin Glover as new Police Officer. 

2) Trustee Kearns presented in the name of the East Hazel Crest American Legion individual awards to the EHC Fire Department and for Mayor Brown for their continued support and generous donations for the Veterans, Manteno Veterans Home, USO, NAVA (Native American Veterans Association), Wreaths Across America, Gifts for the Yanks, Flowers for Graves in Foreign Countries and Veterans Widows. 

3) Trustees Johnson and Wideman motioned to approve a Resolution extending the moratorium on granting business licenses for auto repair/towing, equipment sales and motor vehicle storage. Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson, Forte and Kearns voted aye. Motion carried. 4) As of December 31, 2025 the East Hazel Crest Ambulance is now in service. 

5) Homewood advised that they have a request for a storage of rental vehicle facility at 1149 175th. 

6) Homewood Chronicle shows Homewood’s Levy increased by 3.4%, Flossmoor’s Levy increased by 4.8%, however East Hazel Crest has no increase.

Village Clerk: 

Trustees Johnson and Forte motioned to approve requested meeting schedule changes. November 11 meeting be changed to November 18th and November 25th meeting being cancelled. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. 

Administrator: 

1) Trustees Kearns and Ewan motioned to approve the Meany proposal to complete the electrical work necessary before installation of new sign in the amount of $8,750.00. Roll Call: Trustees Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Johnson, Forte and Kearns voted aye. Motion carried. 

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES: 

Streets: Trustee Forte noted lots of raccoons and wildlife, residents should be careful

Finance / License: Trustees Johnson and Ortiz motioned to pay the bills on Claim Sheet dated 12/24/2025 in the amount of $158,125.24. Roll Call: Trustees Kearns, Ortiz, Wideman, Ewan, Forte and Johnson voted aye. Motion carried. 

Signs: No Report 

Health/Safety: No Report 

Water/Sewer: No Report 

Police/Fire: Police Department Report for December submitted.

Old Business: Christmas Party was a success even though it was cold. 

New Business: January 21, 5pm – 7pm Nicor will put on a presentation and give out free weatherization kits. Every Thursday in January Wind Creek Casino is hosting a free comedy night and on Monday in January for people 50 and over 8am – 2pm Wind Creek is offering seniors $10 to slot money and $10 voucher for food. 

Announcements: 

Adjournment: 

American Legion is sponsoring a dinner for the Manteno Veterans Home on January 24, 2026. 

Trustees Wideman and Ortiz made the motion to adjourn. All trustees present were in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.

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