The threat that hazards and disasters pose to residents and property has been recognized by Evergreen Park officials.

A resolution was approved by a 6-0 margin during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night, acknowledging the importance of reducing or eliminating vulnerability to disasters.

The U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act on Oct. 10, 2000, which provides the legal framework for the Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation. The act emphasizes the need for pre-disaster mitigation of potential hazards and requires local governments like Evergreen Park to prepare and adopt a hazard mitigation plan.

Mayor Kelly Burke said the resolution was created with assistance from Fire Chief Ron Kleinhaus, who noted that the plan is approved annually but needs updating every five years.

The 2024 plan has been approved by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, Region V.

Burke also praised the success of the annual Oktoberfest held recently at the Community Center.

“I want to thank everyone for a wonderful Oktoberfest,” Burke said. “This was a great community event. I thank all the volunteers and the youth and recreation departments. There were a lot of kids and families there.”

An ordinance was approved for a real estate sale contract for property at 9340 S. Kedzie Ave. The village approved the sale of some land to owners of nearby property.

Burke also thanked the fire department for hosting an open house event on Sept. 28. The youth department’s coat drive continues, and residents can drop off new or slightly used coats at the Community Center or Village Hall.

The Most Holy Redeemer Raider Run will take place at the school, 9536 S. Millard Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 10. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m., and the Wee Raider Dash (ages 5 and under) starts at 5:30 p.m. The 5K run starts at 6 p.m., followed by the award ceremony at 7 p.m.

A free workshop on appealing property taxes with the Cook County Board of Review will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the new Wash-U Evergreen, 3501 W. 95th St.

A business license was granted by a 6-0 margin for Midwest Express Care 2 Inc., located at 2508 W. 94th St. This will be an urgent care center.

The Record Shop, 3576 W. 95th St., also received unanimous approval from the board. The owners hope to open by the end of the month, offering albums and CDs, both new and vintage.

The Bead Bar By Mozaique, 3408 W. 95th St., received approval for its business but is still awaiting a liquor license. The shop will host “create and sip” events with beading.

MK Building Supplies Inc., 3841 W. 95th St., was also approved to do business in the village. It will serve as a retail and wholesale facility.

Three proclamations were made for October. The first, for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, acknowledged that violence against women and children continues to be a prevalent problem that crosses all economic, gender, racial, and social barriers.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month was also proclaimed, recognizing the over 250,000 individuals living with Down syndrome who participate in educational, occupational, social, and recreational activities across the U.S.

Lastly, October was declared National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The proclamation noted that despite considerable progress in the fight against breast cancer, approximately 220,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed each year, and 40,000 die from the disease.

Village Hall will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, in observance of Columbus Day.