By Karen Haave
Last week, Crete officials voted down a proposed ordinance that would have allowed operating golf carts on village streets. The proposal had been discussed repeatedly and at length for months and met with unwavering opposition from Police Chief Scott Pieritz.
His opposition, he said, was based on public safety, golf cart safety, road usage, community make-up and accessibility, increased resident complaints that would result, and increased police workload and enforcement.
He said his opinion “was based on my research, personal and professional observations, and discussions with various Crete Trustees and Manteno public officials. Below are some concerns and comments related to the allowance of golf carts and comparisons to the Village of Manteno.”
The ordinance to create a new Article IV (Operation of Non-Highway Vehicles) within the village  was discussed again at length during the April 8 meeting.  The code would have allowed for use of golf carts within and on village streets. 
The motion to adopt the ordinance failed in a 5-2 vote.
Under Trustee Reports during the meeting, the board heard:
  • Finance, License and Ordinance Trustee Mark Wiater announce the Tax Increment Financing Joint Review Board will meet at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 22. This is an annual meeting required by state statute.
  • Road and Bridge Trustee Steve Bruns reported curbs have been poured on North Main Street, as this State of Illinois road project continues. He also has picked up another 13 bags of garbage as he continues his cleanup around the village.
  • Building and Grounds Trustee John Phelan introduced his wife, Yvonne, who presented the board with her beautification project at the Veteran’s Memorial at the corner of Main and Exchange Streets.
Also during the meeting, President Michael Einhorn reported bids have been received for the annual paving project. The bids currently are under review by the village engineer. He asked that the board not act on approving the bids until the next meeting to allow the engineer time to review.
Under Citizens Speak, a gentleman requested signage reminding users of the Park District Bike Path that pet clean-up is required on the path. The village will forward the request to the park district. He also requested a street light be installed on Richton Road at Yorkshire Terrace to allow for a safer intersection. The village will contact ComEd for follow-up.
In another matter, Village Administrator Michael Smith said he is continuing with Memorial Day Parade planning. He stated the McDonald’s project on Steger Road is progressing and the new foundation has been installed. Finally, he anticipates village health insurance costs to increase very minimally for the coming year.
At the same time,  there were several reminders about upcoming events. One was for a fundraiser on Saturday, May 11, for the South Suburban Humane Society in Tinley Park. Another was the Guardian Angel Community Services announcement that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Also, the IEPA sent a letter of approval to proceed with the award of a construction contract for the Beckwith Community Association Project prior to completion of all loan application requirements and receipt of a loan agreement. 
Finally, it was noted the village received an invitation from the Crete Park District to attend the Pickleball Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. The courts are in the Crete Park, at 515 First Street.
Media Consultant Nick Borrell also noted he is working on a video updating residents on various construction projects around the village.