On Oct. 17, Palos Hills trustees unanimously approved stricter penalties for fireworks violations, increasing mandatory fines.
Under the updated ordinance, violators—including individuals, businesses, or corporations—will face a mandatory fine of $500 per offense.
The new code also specifies that “each day that the offense continues will be treated as a separate offense, resulting in a new fine for each day the violation is ongoing,” Alderman Peter Donahue said.
The amendment also includes a safeguard clause, stipulating that “if any section, paragraph, clause, or provision is found invalid by a court, this will not impact the enforceable sections, allowing the remainder of the ordinance to stay in effect.”
In other news, Alderman Marty Kleefisch presented salute awards to three officers of the Palos Hills Police Department for exceptional service, as recommended by Chief Cuccio.
“These officers demonstrated outstanding professionalism and vigilance during recent patrols,” Kleefisch stated.
Officer Amir Haleem and Officer Tyler Hook were recognized for their actions on Oct. 9, when they stopped a vehicle for speeding and discovered a Glock 22 pistol with an auto-sear modification, extended magazine, mounted light, and laser.
Additionally, they recovered 500 grams of cannabis, leading to the suspect’s arrest on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of cannabis in quantities exceeding 500 grams but under 2,000 grams.
Officer Jacob Alberts also received recognition for his diligent efforts. On Oct. 10, Alberts stopped a vehicle with a suspended registration and found a Millennium G2 9mm pistol inside the car, along with cannabis.
This encounter led to an arrest for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and cannabis possession.
The next Palos Hills meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.