By Karen Haave
The Village of Crete is showing support for Florida residents, whose homes and lives were devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton earlier this month.
Village Trustee Holly Milburn reported during the October 14 board meeting that Crete has sent a firefighter to help in the hurricane relief effort. She noted that the help is part of a regional coalition of firefighters sent to the southeast.
Under staff and trustee reports, Village Administrator Michael Smith said engineering work has begun on the Hartman Drive sanitary sewer, and work will soon begin on the Benton Street water main extension. 
Police Chief Scott Pieritz reported the department was awarded a grant for $21,000 for the continuation of Sustained Traffic Enforcement. His officers will be wearing pink patches throughout October to show support for breast cancer awareness month. Chief Pieritz also reminded the public that with harvest season upon us, please be cautious and patient as we encounter farm vehicles on the village roadways. 
Emergency Management Agency Director Ryan Allison attended a training conference for two days in September. In addition, he was appointed to the Suburban Mutual Assistance Response Team Board of Directors. EMA also hosted a Traffic Incident Management class and Helicopter Landing Zone class for local police, fire, EMA, and DOT personnel. 
Department of Works Superintendent Justin Pancrazio told the board the State Street water tower repairs and painting now is complete. He said the tank looks great. 
Videographer Nick Borrell reported he has been working on a few new videos. One video advertises the guest-bartender fundraiser at Smokey Jo’s in Crete on October 15. All proceeds will fund this year’s Crete Country Christmas weekend festival coming up December 5 through 8.
Trustee Milburn reported she was able to help a resident that was having a billing problem with an ambulance bill.
Under Old Business, trustees tabled a resolution that would approve an intergovernmental agreement between the Village, Crete Park District, Crete Public Library District, Crete Township, Crete School District, and Crete Area Chamber of Commerce for the creation and distribution of a quarterly community newsletter. It will appear on the October 28 agenda.
Trustees also tabled a resolution that would authorize the sale of a village-owned lot on Wood Street and Burville Road. It will appear on the October 28 agenda. 
The board did authorize the village president to sign an intergovernmental agreement for planning and presentation of the 2024 Crete Country Christmas Festival. 
During the Citizens Speak segment of the meeting, Crete resident Helena Schaffer thanked the board for addressing a fire hydrant issue she brought before the board a few weeks ago.
Village Clerk Deborah Bachert reported the Crete Masonic Lodge, 1419 Main Street, will hold their pancake breakfast on Sunday, October 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
She also reminded the board trick-or-treat hours in the village for Thursday, October 31, will be from 3 to 7 p.m., with the 6 – 7 p.m. hour requiring adult supervision.