By Joe Boyle

After several discussions over the past month, the Village of Worth has new guidelines for open burning by businesses and in residential areas.

Mayor Mary Werner mentioned during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night that a discrepancy in an ordinance regarding open burning had a 10 p.m. deadline.

However, Werner said although it was written that way in the ordinance, the deadline for open burning has been 11 p.m. Therefore, the ordinance had to be amended to list the deadline for open burning at 11 p.m.

The amended ordinance refers to both residents and businesses. Police Chief Tim Denton said the main concern is not as much the burning, but the level and noise occurring at homes that have open pits that can result in disturbing other neighbors.

According to the ordinance, residents and businesses are required to burn clean, dry, non-painted or non-treated wood in an outdoor wood burning device, and sold and marketed specifically for outdoor use of no more than three cubic feet in capacity.

No fire may be burned between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., according to the ordinance.

The board agreed that the 11 p.m. deadline for open burning will remain in place.

Trustee Pete Kats, the head of the public safety committee, was not able to attend the meeting but Werner mentioned that 31 criminal arrests were made last month.

And what has become a reoccurring situation, five offenders were arrested for having no driver’s license while eight other individuals were nabbed for driving with a suspended or revoked licenses.

“The guys were kept quite busy,” Werner said about the police department.

Trustee Laura Packwood is still in disbelief that so many drivers are pulled over who don’t have a license.

“I guess they think they don’t need a driver’s license in Cook County,” quipped Werner.

Denton then responded in frustration, stating that his officers arrest these offenders but they are not processed at the Bridgeview Courthouse.

“But we are going to do our job,” Denton said. “We are going to continue to arrest them.”

Denton also mentioned that they will soon have license plate readers to monitor vehicles passing through the village. Other municipalities are using them and they have tracked down offenders who were involved in a crime.

In a related matter, the ninth annual Worth FOP Golf Outing will be held Saturday, June 22, at the Water’s Edge Golf Course. Denton said that as of Tuesday night, they had 110 golfers for the tournament.

“That’s a good turnout,” Denton said.

Denton said there was still room for additional golfers.

Trustee Brad Urban, who is the head of the public works committee, said that the Plum Valley crew continues restoration work on parkways and yards from gas line work. Worth Avenue construction is progressing with curb and street installation, Urban said.

Three water main breaks occurred last month and were repaired promptly. Fire hydrant flushing has started and will continue through the months of June and July, Urban said.

Urban also said bacteriological samples for the month of May were taken and tested. All samples passed and are IEPA compliant.

An ordinance amending the municipal code to modify water service rates and charges, Urban said. He said that the village gets their water from Chicago and the rates raise annually by 3%.

An ordinance amended the municipal code for the village commuter parking lot. Board members said that anyone occupying the lot during the week have to pay a short time after parking.

Another ordinance was amended to modify the village’s Class 1 liquor license regulations. Another ordinance amendment passed regarding Garden Center Services concerning property southeast of the intersection of Crandall Avenue and Depot Street.

A 2019 public works vehicle will be disposed after the driver was involved in a collision in which he was reportedly hit from behind. An ordinance was authorized for the disposal of the vehicle.

Packwood, who is the chair for the golf committee, said that the 25th anniversary celebration of Water’s Edge will take place Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28. The free weekend-long celebration will include discounts, an outdoor barbecue, live music, and games.

The bean bag league, which will be held with the assistance of the Worth Park District, will take place at the Water’s Edge Golf Club patio from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 19. The event is for adults ages 21 and over and the fee is $60 per team.

For more information or to register, call 708-448-7080 or visit www.worthparkdistrict.org.

Packwood said that the landscaping has been completed and the flowers are planted and growing well. Several trees were removed from the 14th hole and bunkers have been removed that are not necessary, Packwood said.

A business license was tentatively granted for La Roza, 11302 S. Harlem Ave. Owner Nevin Daruish said that they will be selling Middle Eastern garments for women and will also have jewelry and other accessories available for purchase.