Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez (left) gives the oath of office to Police Chief Mel Ortiz. (Photos by Carol McGowan)
Summit names Ortiz as new police chief
A host of Summit police officers were on hand last week when acting chief Mel Ortiz was made the permanent police chief.
By Carol McGowan
Summit trustees last week removed the word acting from Police Chief Mel Ortiz’s title.
Ortiz had been acting as chief since John Kosmowski was placed on unpaid administrative leave in May 2022 after he and former Public Works Director Bill Mundy were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly sharing a bribe.
Prior to making the position permanent, the village board approved the resignation of Kosmowski as chief. He is awaiting trial on the bribery charges. Mundy pleaded guilty in September.
The village board room was filled with current and retired Summit police officers, Ortiz family members, and village residents.
All stood and applauded after Ortiz was officially sworn in.
In other village business, a motion was approved for a contract to Tessler Construction Co. for the Summit Pump Station Interior Remodeling Project Re-Bid.
Another motion was approved for an ordinance granting special use for property commonly known as and located at 6115 S. Archer Road for Union Church of Hinsdale, a non-profit, for an Early Childhood Education Center.
There is already early Childhood Education Center at the location. It will not be run by the Union Church of Hinsdale.
During the public comment period, one resident thanked the village for working with him on upkeeping vacant property, and another voiced concern about speeding and cars doing circles and marking the pavement on west 63rd Place. Mayor Sergio Rodriguez said this would be looked into.
A question was asked if there was any truth to reports that the village bought the soon to be closed St. Joseph Church. Rodriguez and other village officials said the village had not bought the property and that they know nothing about a sale.
A proclamation was approved noting that November is National American Indian Heritage Month.
A reminder was made that the next Summit Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held on Thursday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. The village Christmas Tree will be lit prior to that meeting.
There was an announcement the annual Santa Parade through the village will take place on Saturday, December 9. Check the village website for details.
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