Committee openings drawing some interest in Palos Park

By Jeff Vorva

Filling vacant committee spots has not been easy in Palos Park, but new mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters is encouraged by what she has seen in the last two weeks.

She has been seeking out volunteers to fill a new welcoming ad-hoc committee but is also looking to fill a few holes on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Beautification Committee, the Tree Body group, the Recreational Advisory Board and Police Pension Fund Board.

At the June 26 village council meeting, the mayor said she has received 10 applications for the various openings so far and figured that was a good start.

“It’s really exciting for me who, over the years, has struggled to reach out and talk to people and find somebody who would be interested in sitting on a committee,” she said. “People are applying for different committees. If you want to dip your toe in the pond and get involved in the village, please check it out.”

She said information on the various positions can be found on the village’s website.

Connecting

Milovich-Walters also announced a monthly Connect With Your Council event.

On the third Wednesday of every month, she will offer a chance for citizens to talk with her and commissioners. The first one is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 19 at the Kaptur Administrative Center, 8999 W. 123^rd St.

“It’s a casual way for residents to meet with members of the council,” she said. “Sometimes it might just be me. Maybe one [of the commissioners] will join me.

“You can ask questions or discuss concerns. You can talk about whatever is on your mind regarding the village. It will be informal.”

Hot dogs or classic cars?

Palos Park celebrates National Hot Dog Day with a summer concert and an opportunity to purchase grilled hot dogs at the Village Green.

This year, the two-hour event will take place at 5:30 p.m. July 20 with Strawdawg serving as the entertainment.

A citizen pointed out at the June 26 meeting that each year Hot Dog Day clashes with the Palos Heights Classic Car event and that will happen again this year. The citizen suggested Hot Dog Day be moved to another day so that people don’t have to choose one over the other.

“It’s a national day, so we follow the national calendar when Hot Dog Day falls,” Milovich-Walters said, then joked, “Maybe we should ask Palos Heights to move the car event.”

Other business

• The council approved $11,347.21 for a pressure relief valve at the reservoir and pump station, $7,685 for a water main leak survey proposal and $103,676.27 for the 2022 roadway and drainage project.
• It also approved a proposal letter-of-agreement with the State of Illinois covering the reconstruction of Southwest Highway between 131^st and 135^th A bike path could be in that mix.