Justice officials express support for Ukraine

By Carol McGowan

The regular meeting of the Justice Village Board on February 28 started with Mayor Kris Wasowicz expressing his support for the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression.

“I hope all people of good will do the same,” he said. “We should express our condemnation to the unjust attack by Putin and we should support the people of Ukraine and the European people who are taking in refugees, and if anyone can help in any way to please do so.”

Village Clerk Dave Kroll and the trustees said they agreed with Wasowicz. Krol then wished the mayor a happy birthday and everybody joined in the celebration.

Kroll said the village received an email of thanks from the Proclamations Department of the National School Choice Week organization for the village’s participation in National School Choice Week January 23-29.

The board unanimously approved an ordinance regarding business regulations in regards to liquor licenses to clarify specific rules that are to be followed by any establishment holding a license for liquor within the village.

Trustees also unanimously approved salary adjustments for the Police Chief, Building Commissioner, Public Works Director, Economic Development Director, Accounting Clerk I, Deputy Code Enforcement Officer, Treasurer and Part-Time Finance Department position retroactive to the beginning of the year.

Three business licenses were approved at the meeting.  Those being: a home occupation license for Mercy’s Medical Equipment Company operating a home office for an E-Retail Business located at 8108 Concord Lane, Unit H;  a license for Advanced Thought Resources LLC d/b/a Da Shop operating a Barber Shop/Beauty Solon business located at 8519 S. 88th Avenue, North Unit; and a business license for Olive Mountain Bakery Inc. operating a Wholesale Bakery located at 8400 S. Roberts Road.

Wasowicz commended Water Commissioner George Pastorino for his efforts to keep the village updated regarding ongoing Justice-Willow Springs Water Commission projects.

Pastorino gave an update on the switch over of older water meters to the smart water meter project.  It’s almost complete, and the water main will be replaced on Garden Lane from Frontage Road to 76th Place.

Wasowicz asked if, and how many, residents have refused to have their water meters replaced. Pastorino said there are some that are unable to make the change because of being away from home or out of town  for an extended time, and others who are suspicious of having their meters changed for a number of reasons.

The smart meters can be read remotely, and will be more accurate than the older versions.

Anyone with questions can call the Justice-Willow Springs Water Commission.

The next full board meeting on March 14, also had a full agenda.

Trustee Frances Mills stated that the Village Vehicle Sticker Design Contest is done, and the winning students will get their awards at the April 25 board meeting.  She’s requested that the meeting begin at 6:30 p.m., rather than the usual 7 p.m., so pictures can be taken with the winners.

The first-place winner was the Lipinski Center, second place was the Octopus, and third-place was the Peace Sign.

Trustee John Obrochta reminded everyone of scams and cyber threats, and that residents should not give out personal information such as social security numbers and bank account information.  There’s also scammers looking for donations and asking for personal information.

Three Home Occupation License applications were approved.  They are for Gabriel AL LLC, for a General Contractor business on Garden Lane, another for MKF Niki Services Inc., for a general office assistant on Banks Street, and one for PTHP Inc., for a property tax appeal business, at another address on Banks Street.

The Building/Public Works Department will be getting a new roof.  Trustee Gabriel Lopez made a motion to waive the formal bid process for the roof because of the unique specifications required. After getting three bids for the project, the lowest bid was accepted and approved from F&G Roofing Company to compete the work at the price of $257,000.

The next village board meeting will take place on Monday, March 28, at 7 p.m.

This story has been updated to reflect a correction.