An amendment to Crete’s ordinance for door-to-door solicitors was approved by the village board last week.

It clarifies what is required in the application process for all “hawkers, peddlers, pawnbrokers, itinerant merchants, and transient vendors of merchandise, theatricals, and other exhibitions and shows.”

Modifications to the ordinance include a $50-per-day fee for each solicitor, with a 14-day waiting period and a background check before permits will be approved.

Solicitors are required to submit a valid driver’s license or state-issued photo ID, as well as the dates and times they intend to sell.

The ordinance notes that no permit will be issued to anyone who is required to register as a sex offender, or who has been found guilty of any activity constituting fraud or disorderly conduct in Crete or any other municipality, has a revoked license, or has falsified information on the application.

A photo ID badge issued by the village is required to be worn on the outer layer of clothing at all times during peddling/soliciting.

The ordinance continues that if a “No Solicitors” or “No Solicitors Invited” sign is displayed on a property, the solicitor must immediately and peacefully depart the premises.

The ordinance takes effect immediately.

Also during the March 24 meeting, the board discussed possible modifications to the existing shed ordinance.

Trustees are considering allowing sheds to be built without the requirement of a concrete base. The modified ordinance is expected to be on the April 14 agenda for possible action.

During Trustees’ Reports, Trustee Katrina Seifert told the board the quarterly newsletter will be going out in the mail next week. Trustee Steve Bruns said the Sangamon Street culvert replacement has been completed, and he is happy with the work. And Trustee Holly Milburn discussed the process the village followed and the costs associated with the updating of the Police Sergeant promotion list. She said she is working on streamlining the process.

In Committee and Department Reports, the board:

  •  Heard Village Administrator Mike Smith explain he is expecting building permits to be issued soon for the Fire Services building that is planned in the Crete Park of Commerce. 
  • Police Chief Scott Pieritz congratulated Deputy Chief Adam Groszek for his nomination and acceptance into the FBI National Academy Training Program in Quantico Virginia. With fewer than 1% of all police officers attending the training, the 11-week course is the pinnacle of law enforcement training, he said. Chief Pieritz also commended his department’s participation in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, where they raised more than $5,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. In another fundraiser, the department will hold a Police Bingo event on Wednesday, April 2, at Smokey Jo’s in Crete. Tickets are on sale at the Police Department and proceeds also will benefit Special Olympics. He also reported Sgt. Nick Garcia currently is attending Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. The intensive leadership program prepares experienced law enforcement professionals for senior command positions. Also, the village’s newest Police Officer, Khalin Niemeyer, has entered Step 3 of field training and is progressing well. 
  • In her report, Clerk Deborah Bachert said a thank you note was received from the Crete Area Historical Society thanking the village for their corporate membership in the organization. Also, the Crete Lions Club announced a hearing and eye test, along with a blood drive on Saturday, May 24, from noon to 4 p.m., in the Crete United Methodist Church parking lot, at the corner of Main and Exchange Streets. And finally, Misericordia Candy Days will take place on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in front of Walt’s Grocery Store, 1100 E. Exchange Street.

New Business on the meeting agenda included ratification of a phone poll to waive the bid process and accept a proposal from Generator Technologies for a new EMA building generator. The old generator was almost 30 years old and had failed. 

Due to the urgent nature of backup power at the building, the phone poll was taken. 

Trustees also approved a resolution authorizing the closure of IL Rt. 1 for the purpose of holding the annual Memorial Day Parade, as well as a resolution accepting the deeds of dedication for 16 vacant lots in the Richton Road/Crete Road area. 

Trustees authorized staff to solicit requests for proposals for the village’s contract paramedic service. Trustees also authorized staff to enter into a contract agreement for the State bid rock salt program for the upcoming winter season.

The meeting also featured the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation by Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Ryan Allison for EMA members who have volunteered more than 100 hours of time in 2024. Certificates were presented to Deputy Director Paul Vanderaa (154 hours), Captain Doug Blake (281 hours), Sergeant Keith Miller (172 hours), Responder Stacey Skaggs (140 hours), and Responder Jim Walters (201 hours). Director Allison thanked each of these individuals for their service and dedication to the village.