By Karen Haave
Crete Village officials are looking at some possible changes to a couple of ordinances.
In a brief discussion during the September 9 meeting, the board discussed a possible ordinance modification to accessory buildings. The current ordinance requires sheds to be anchored to a concrete pad. Newer designs may utilize different anchoring systems, thus eliminating the need for a concrete pad. There was no action taken, but Trustee John Phelan asked for the item to be placed on the next agenda. 
Also during the meeting, Trustee Phelan discussed modifications to the village pet ordinance, specifically the elimination of village animal tags and the elimination of proof of rabies vaccination. 
He also wants to increase the number of animals permitted in a household from three-to-six and to have better communications with Will County Animal Control. Discussion of the issue will be continued to a future meeting. 
Phelan also expressed a desire to create an honorary street naming program. He modeled his sample program after an existing program in Waukegan. He will work with the village attorney to create a sample document. 
Meanwhile, in other business, Code Enforcement Supervisor Ryan Allison reported Crete EMA received a grant from Earthwise Energy in the amount of $15,000. He plans to purchase a light tower with the grant money. 
At the same time, Police Chief Scott Pieritz reported new officer Andrew Stokes has completed the first week of the 12-14 week field training program and is doing well. 
Pieritz also congratulated Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow for being named the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police “Public Official of the Year” for 2024.
“Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow has a long and distinguished career,” Pieritz said, “during which he has implemented groundbreaking initiatives to successfully investigate, prosecute, and prevent crime, as well as being a long-time supporter of law enforcement. 
“State’s Attorney Glasgow is an advocate for public safety and an innovator who has a long history of supporting law enforcement and the communities he serves and, for such reasons, we recognize him as our 2024 Public Official of the Year.”
Under Old Business, a motion was made by Trustee Stephen Johnson to accept the results and award the bid for the Benton Street water main extension. It was seconded by Trustee Katrina Seifert. Four bids were received, with the low bidder being Iroquois Paving in the amount of $134,118.50. The motion passed unanimously. 
In her report, Trustee Katrina Seifert told the board she is working on possibly joining with the Crete Park District, Crete Township, and Crete Library District to create a joint newsletter. If the project moves forward, it likely will be governed by an intergovernmental agreement between the four districts. 
During the Citizens Speak segment of the meeting:
  • Assistant Fire Chief Ken Wilkens presented commendation certificates to three village paramedics and EMTs and two from Steger for their work on July 6, with a resident in cardiac arrest. The resident was in attendance at the meeting and expressed his thanks to the group. 
  • Phyllis Monks presented plaques to the village thanking them for their continued support of the Crete Historical Society. 
  • A resident on Beckwith Lane was concerned about a fire hydrant that was leaking water. Staff were instructed to check out the hydrant. 
  • And finally, a resident in Williamsburg subdivision asked about street markings on a newly paved road in the subdivision. Staff will address the issue.