By Carol McGowan
Village officials in Justice took a step back at their last board meeting and handed the reins over to students from Indian Springs School District 109.
The February 27 village board meeting observed the yearly tradition of Honorary Junior Official Day, as students had the honor of sitting in the seats of the mayor, clerk, trustees and village attorney to conduct the bi-monthly meeting.
Alina Rahman took over for Mayor Kris Wasowicz, Daisha Hart was sitting in place of Clerk Dave Kroll, Eryk Janik sat on behalf of Trustee Melanie Kuban, Heba Radwan replaced Trustee Stan Ogorek, Kaliyah Jackson filled in for Trustee Fran Mills, Gabriella Lopez took the place of Trustee Jeff Allen, Kayla Gran served in place of Trustee John Obrochta, Liliana Mendoza took over for Trustee Gabriel Lopez, and Mohamed Ezzohry replaced Village Attorney Mike Cainkar.
Rahman said some businesses will be opening soon, including Durbin’s Pizza and Darla’s Deli, which are set to open in the spring at the Triangle’ property at 88th Avenue, Archer and 79th Street. Rahman also thanked employees for putting in the effort to make sure that the village continues to move forward.
In the village clerk’s report, Hart told everyone that the American Flag collection box that’s in the village hall lobby is filled with retired flags, and they will be disposed of properly. Boy Scout Troop 13, with members from Justice, Bridgeview and Willow Springs, will properly dispose of them at an upcoming campout.
Mendoza asked for a motion to approve an estimated $90,000 for the purchase, installation, materials, rental equipment, and labor related to the electronic transfer switch for the Village of Justice. That was approved.
Mendoza also said that a temporary transfer switch for the 911 center and village hall has been installed, meaning the village is protected in an emergency.
Lopez asked to approve an ordinance for the sale of surplus personal property, as well as a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the bid for the 90th Avenue ditch and pavement improvement project. Both were approved.
Lopez also mentioned that potholes have been fixed on Oak Grove, 75th Street and 85th Avenue. The old backup generator for the Roberts Park lift station was removed and a new one installed, the sewers on 83rd Street and 79th Court were rodded, and a couple of village vehicles had repairs made.
Janik asked for approval for payables and payroll which was approved.
Janik also asked to approve an ordinance for the village to provide for the sale of surplus real property, to approve Hearne & Associates as the auditor for the village, to approve hiring an accounting clerk for the finance office, and approve an agreement for Solstice Power Technologies Inc. and the village to approve solar electric credit to the village through the Illinois Solar For All Law. All were approved.
Jackson asked for a motion to buy shelving for the supply room and bathroom with Amazon points, and to approve the donation of $100 to Park Lawn Center, in support of their programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both were approved.
Jackson also said village vehicle stickers will be on sale May 1 through June 30.
The Village Wide Garage Sale will be on May 19, 20 and 21. Permits will be free and will be available in the village finance office.
Once again, a dumpster will be available behind village hall May 19-25 for those that wish to dispose of items they don’t sell.
Village Hall will be closed on Saturday, May 27, and Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. The annual Memorial Day service will be held at Commissioners Park on May 29 at 9 a.m.
The village will hold a Jen Care Senior Health Fair on Tuesday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at village hall. Many vendors will be there for seniors to gather information on services and programs that may be of help to them.
Gray made note that one of candidates from the police eligibility list passed her power test, which was the last part of the testing process. With her passing all necessary tests, the Police & Fire Commission will get the results and the village hopes to have her sworn in at the next meeting.
Radwan asked approval for a business license for Berger & Burrow Enterprises DBA Dynamic Mobile Imaging operating a mobile medical service business operating out of 2225 W. Harrison Street in Chicago. That was approved.
Radwan reported that the Illinois Tollway has completed the land acquisition process for the new tollway interchange and is moving forward with the demolition of a house and garage located at 7943 S. 88th Avenue.
The plans to update 24 corners on the south side of the village, including the 81 Street/82nd Avenue intersection by Wilkins School have been completed and are being looked at. They’re hoping the work can begin in June.
This work will allow for ramps and warnings that are ADA compliant, and is part of the 2022 Invest in Cook County program.
Ezzohry said the village completed a court ordered demolition at 8404 S. Roberts Road in December.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Wasowicz presented the junior officials with certificates for their participation.
After the meeting adjourned, the families of the junior officials took pictures, and the students were congratulated by members of School District 109.
The Desplaines Valley News caught up with a couple honorary trustees after the meeting.
Kaliyah Jackson, who sat in as a trustee, was grateful for the experience.
“I really enjoyed learning the ropes from Trustee Fran Mills. I also enjoyed announcing the upcoming events and sitting with the board members. It was an honor to meet the mayor of Justice, and to receive a Certificate of Appreciation. I am so thankful to my Social Studies teacher Ms. Poulsen for selecting me to participate in this event.”
Junior Official Eryk Janik said he also enjoyed the opportunity.
“My experience as one of the junior trustees to be chosen was great. It was very fun to see how the trustees work during a meeting and substitute for Trustee Melanie Kuban during the meeting. It helped me understand how some things work in my neighborhood, and how much effort, money, and supplies it takes to keep the village running smoothly. When I was speaking, I wasn’t that nervous, and by the end of the meeting, I felt pretty comfortable with speaking in front of everyone. If I had a choice, I would definitely do it again, or even become a trustee myself when I get old enough.”