By Joe Boyle
Nine members of the Evergreen Park Police Department received commendations for making an arrest and possibly preventing further violence.
Police Chief Michael Saunders requested that the commendations be given to the officers during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting on Monday night.
“The commendations were given to the officers for responding to a case of domestic battery,” said Mayor Kelly Burke. “They were able to get the victim away from the offender. The victim has been hospitalized and is in good condition.”
Burke added that the offender had a prior aggravated battery charge and other offenses.
“We want to thank the police for making the arrest,” Burke added. “They may have prevented more violence.”
Lt. Michael Kmetty, Lt. Adam Zimmer, Detective Jonathan Truell, and officers Sarno, Troglia, Koch, Flores, Foran and Median-Ramos were involved in making this arrest and preventing additional acts of domestic violence.
The mayor also thanked everyone who attended and participated in making the annual Flake Fest event a great event. Flake Fest was held Saturday at the Daniel Capuano Ice Rink at Yukich Field.
Residents took part in a variety of winter activities that included ice skating and a free hockey clinic.
“I want to thank everyone who helped out with Flake Fest,” Burke said. “It was a great day with great weather.”
The board approved a series of ordinances at Monday’s meeting, including that the Evergreen Park Municipal Code be amended. If a person fails to renew a business certificate by the following year on Feb. 1, a penalty equal to 25% of the base fee shall be charged for each month, according to the ordinance.
Sewer rates were adjusted and approved under another new ordinance. The basic user charge has increased to $2.40 per 1,000 gallons of water billed to a specific premises.
An ordinance was approved for a real estate contract for the purchase of property at 2701 W. 95th St. The property was formally Genesis Place, which once provided respite care and assisted living in private and shared rooms. The program was an alternative for those individuals who would otherwise need long term care placement.
However, the facility became a victim of the pandemic and had to close its doors. Interdependent Living Solutions Center, which ran Genesis Place, sold the property to the village.
The board approved each ordinance by a 5-0 margin. Trustee Carol Kyle was absent with notice.
Fire Chief Ron Kleinhaus said there was an increase in ambulance calls but no serious injuries reported during the past year. Kleinhaus also said that two more interns from the Moraine Valley Community College Firefighter program have been added to the department.
The board unanimously approved the Evergreen Park Fire Department 2022 Fire Report.
“Thank you for all the work you have done,” Burke told Kleinhaus during the meeting. “We want to thank our firefighters and the chief.”
A resolution was passed for maintenance of streets and highways under the Illinois Highway Code through Dec. 31, 2023 in the amount of $838,000.
Free tax preparation for seniors and disabled adults (form limitations apply) begin this month by appointment only. The circuit breaker program and property tax freeze assistance are also available. To set up appointments, call the Office of Citizen Services at 708-422-8776.
Queen of Martyrs and St. Bernadette Parish will hold the Dueling Pianos event on Saturday, Feb.18, in Vitha Hall, 10233 S. Central Park. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event will be held from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the Most Holy Redeemer rectory. The fee is $30 for advance purchase or $40 at the door. More information can be obtained by calling Most Holy Redeemer, 708-423-8110.
Coffee with the Mayor will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Office of Citizen Services, 3450 W. 97th St. Residents will have an opportunity to have coffee and doughnuts and ask the mayor questions.
The board also unanimously approved Hissho Sushi wholesale sushi vendor and service for Meijer Supermarket at 9200 S. Western Ave.
Burke also mentioned that the Evergreen Park Independence Day Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 30, along 95th Street. Fireworks will follow the parade.