Worth police join task force to combat auto thefts

By Joe Boyle

An agreement has been reached between the villages of Worth and Thornton regarding participation in the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force.

Worth Police Chief Tim Denton said the approval of the memorandum to participate in the task force is necessary.

“It’s no secret that there has been an increase in auto thefts,” Denton said during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night.

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Act authorizes Worth and Thornton to share services to enforce all police ordinances. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has created the task force to focus on relieving insurance premiums of residents by investigating and prosecuting major theft rings in the state, and returning stolen vehicles to their lawful owners.

The ordinance was passed and in a related matter, one Worth officer will be permanently assigned to the task force. One eligible police candidate will be hired to fill an opening at the Worth Police Department.

The task force would then reimburse the village for all personnel costs of the task force officer as well as provide a vehicle for work use.

A request to obtain a Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicle through an expenditure of $47,840.03 was approved. The Toyota Highlander purchase was able to be made through seizure funds.

“It will cost taxpayers zero dollars,” Denton said.

Trustee Pete Kats, who heads the public safety committee, said that police were busy last month with 36 criminal arrests made.

“The amount of activity (crime) is not going down,” Kats said. “So, we are happy the police are keeping us safe.”

An ordinance was approved for a special use permit to establish and operate a truck dispatch office at 6946 W. 111th St., Unit 2. Owner David Barnicle also received a tentative business license to operate his Special Projects Group office.

Barnicle said the office will be used for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service.

An ordinance was approved for a special use permit to operate a beauty salon at 11015 S. Harlem Ave, Unit C. Owner Rokkhaya Cisse also received a tentative business license to operate ZCHB at that location, a beauty salon that will also provide hair braiding.

Another ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on schools in the B1 and B2 zoning districts of the village.

An ordinance was approved for an easement agreement with AT&T for the purpose of communication facilities. The village provides AT&T with access to maintain a communications facility at 11029 S. Depot St.

The structure is adjacent to land that will be under construction for the Garden Center Services apartment complex that will be built for residents with disabilities but are functioning adults who can live on their own.

Trustee Brad Urban, who is the head of the public works committee, said that the department had one water main break that has since been repaired on the 10800 block of 71st Court.

The Worth Avenue improvement project began April 1. Storm sewer construction began on April 8. Urban said to beware of traffic reconfigurations while the project progresses.

Mayor Mary Werner proclaimed the week of May 18 through May 24 as National Safe Boating Week in Worth.

The mayor also mentioned that the Shepard High School Spring Arts, Crafts and Vendor Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in the school gym and cafeteria, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights. Over 150 crafters and vendors will be on hand.

The Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary will hold its annual “New to You” rummage sale. Donations can be dropped off noon to closing Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23. The rummage sale will be held Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26, at the post, 11001 S. Depot St.

A 60th birthday celebration will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at the Worth Public Library, 6917 W. 111th St. A historical photo exhibit reception will take place. Cake and coffee will be served. Reservations can be arranged by calling 708-448-2855.

Trustee Laura Packwood, chair of the golf committee, said construction on the gaming room at the clubhouse has been completed. Video gaming machines will be moved to that section soon.

The Bar and Grille restaurant will be open daily beginning May 1, Packwood said.i just wa