By Karen Haave
A proposed Honorary Street Naming Program under consideration in the Village of Crete would “allow citizens to honor people who have made significant contributions to the community.” The program was first suggested by Trustee John Phelan last month, when he presented a sample Honorary Street Naming Program to the board. 
Under the sample ordinance, an honorary street sign would be displayed for one year, then taken down and given to the person being honored. The honorary signs would be approved on a case-by-case basis, and the designated street would be one block long. A completed application and $300 fee would be required prior to approval. Elected officials and those running for office would not be eligible for nomination for six months prior to an election.
After some discussion during the village board’s September 23 meeting, Phelan suggested discussing modifications with the village attorney and addressing the program at a future meeting.
In another matter during that meeting, trustees unanimously approved modifications to Section 28-259 of the Crete Zoning Code for accessory buildings in the I-1 (Limited Industrial District). The modification will allow outdoor storage in the I-1 industrial zoning class in interior side yards and rear yards.
During the trustee report segment of the meeting, Trustee Katrina Seifert reported the pet vaccination day held September 14 “was successful with just under 50 pets being vaccinated. She also thanked the Crete Park District for a wonderful festival weekend, noting “everyone had a great time.” 
In his report, Trustee Mark Wiater commented that an inter-governmental agreement was being finalized to lay out the structure of the Crete Country Christmas weekend, which is planned for December 5 – 8.
In other business during the September 23 meeting:
  •  Trustee Wiater asked for a moment of silence to recognize Steger Village President Ken Peterson and Crete Park District employee Steve Braun who both passed away last week.
  • Village Clerk Deborah Bachert reminded the board election packets are available at the village hall for the April 1 Consolidated Election. Five positions on the board are up for election, including village president, clerk, and three trustees.
  • Clerk Bachert also noted the village received notification from Will County that a public hearing was to be held on October 1 to consider rezoning property on S. Rincker Road. At the same time, she said notification was received that the Salvation Army will hold their annual Red Kettle Campaign from November 1 through December 24.
  • Administrator Michael Smith reported two new businesses were scheduled to open this week. Integrated Demolition Services was scheduled to open on October 1, and La Cabana Bar and Grill will open on October 3. 
  • Janel Geary from the Crete Park District thanked the board and village for all their help with a very difficult day on September 20, as preparations were underway for Acorn Fest. Trustee Mark Wiater commented that the Park District performed admirably under very difficult circumstances. 
  • Betsy Janicki, president of the Crete Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jamie Healy, vice president, thanked the board and EMA Director Ryan Allison for EMA’s help this summer with cruise nights and the farmer’s market. She also presented a donation check to Director Allison as a thank you. 
  • Trustees unanimously approved three ordinances declaring three police vehicles as surplus. The vehicles were two 2013 Ford Taurus police cars, plus a 2011 Ford F-150 police truck.