By Joe Boyle
Evergreen Park Mayor Kelly Burke said activities marking this year’s Labor Day holiday were impressive and memorable.
“I want to thank everybody for the wonderful concert and fireworks show we had on Labor Day,” said Burke during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting on Sept. 6. “It was a huge success. It was a really nice display and again very well done by Evergreen Park resident Rob Novak, who is also a teacher at the high school.
“We are thankful to him and the members of our public works, police department and fire department who pitched in and made this happen,” the mayor added.
Burke was referring to the Rich Daniels and City Lights Orchestra, who performed a free Labor Day concert at 50-Acre Park. After the concert, a fireworks show took place.
“We also want to thank Rich Daniels and his orchestra,” Burke said. “He is also a village resident who gave us a great concert.”
Police Chief Michael Saunders requested that several officers receive commendations for their work in apprehending offenders. In one instance, an officer pulled over a man in what appeared to be a routine traffic stop.
However, the officer uncovered a loaded gun in the passenger seat. Charges were approved against the driver.
“And we got the gun off the street,” Burke said.
Several other officers were involved in reacting to a disturbance that took place at the Black Eyed Susan restaurant. A verbal dispute escalated in which a person was stabbed. The attacker was then arrested by the officers.
“I want to thank them for their hard work,” the mayor said.
A resident said during the public forum that he was wondering if more can be done to eliminate a surge in rats. Burke said they have an exterminator that she will talk to and in turn talk to the resident.
The resident added that perhaps some neighbors need to be reminded to make sure they keep the area by their homes clean of debris, which can draw the rodents.
An ordinance was approved for a real estate sale contract with BLT Development LLC for property at 8855-8859 S. California Ave.
The board also approved an ordinance granting a special use permit to allow the operation of Advocate Medical Group, 9730 S. Western Ave., Suite 326, a medication-assisted recovery clinic.
An amended ordinance was unanimously approved to change the number of fines incurred by motorists. Burke pointed to the fact that some of these motorists are parking in areas designated for disabled drivers.
The board unanimously approved to raise the fines from $250 to $300. Burke believed the new rate is fair.
“They should be raised because they are really inconveniencing those who need this,” Burke said.
The board also approved a request for the Martyrs Fest at Queen of Martyrs Parish, 10233 S. Central Park, from Friday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Sept. 25.
The Evergreen Park Library Foundation will host a Micro Marathon Fundraiser from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the library, 9400 S. Troy Ave. The board approved the request and for a liquor license in connection with the event.
A business license was granted for Step by Step A Spa, 9730 S. Western Ave.
Biggby Coffee, 3150 W. 95th St., was approved by the board to open in the Oberweis Plaza. The coffee franchise, which is more prevalent in Indiana and Michigan, also plans to open in Oak Forest. Besides coffee, the business will serve breakfasts all day.
Lava Nails & Spa, 2508 W. 94th St., has been approved. 3D Design Nail Spa, 9830 S. Western Ave, is under new ownership and was approved by the board.
Spirit Halloween, 9610 S. Western Ave., will be open at the Evergreen Plaza until the beginning of November. The temporary holiday store, which will feature costumes and decorations, will then make way for a Foot Locker in November.
Burke later proclaimed Sept. 17 through Sept. 23 as “Constitution Week.”
“We encourage residents to study the Constitution and to understand it,” Burke said.