Evergreen Park officials responded to complaints by residents regarding individuals riding electric and motorized devices erratically and who ignore stop signs and traffic lights.
An ordinance was passed during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night to implement some rules for electronic motorized devices.
The complaints this summer have been echoed in other local communities who state that youths and adults are riding on sidewalks, going nearly 30 miles an hour, and ignoring traffic signs.
The ordinance passed in Evergreen Park — the first local municipality to approve restrictions on these devices — will focus on low-speed and high-speed devices.
Some of those restrictions state that no person under the age of 18 can operate a low-speed electric scooter on any public street. No person that does not have a valid driver’s license can operate a low-speed e-scooter on any public street, according to the ordinance.
The ordinance lists other violations and states that offenders may be fined at least $100 but no more than $1,000.
Mayor Kelly Burke said that the board addressed this situation due to the high volume of complaints. Many who called the village or posted emails said that there have been situations in which the individuals riding these devices could have been seriously hurt.
Burke read one email in which a woman wrote, “I nearly hit a young boy at 95th and Millard. He never saw me. Needless to say I was quite shook up. Anything that can be done to save lives will be appreciated.”
Trustee Mark Marzullo was one of the officials who pressed for restrictions on the use of these electronic devices.
“I know some people won’t be happy about this but I don’t care if it saves lives,” Marzullo said.
Burke said the ordinance also applies to adults as well as children.
The police said that initially warnings will be given to offenders for the next couple of weeks. Police also said they will be contacting schools about the new ordinance.
“We are seeking enforcement and not punishment,” said Burke, hoping that this ordinance will educate those riding these electric and motorized devices.
Replace lead pipes
Another ordinance was approved to establish the lead service line pipes replacement project for the area east of Pulaski Road, south of 91st Street, west of Central Park Avenue, and north of 95th Street.
A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, in the Evergreen Park Community High School auditorium, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave. During the hearing, a levy will be considered for an annual tax for 20 years, along with other taxes provided by law.
A resolution has been authorized for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD) for recreational improvements at Yukich Field, 8900 S. Kedzie. The project must be completed within a two-year time frame.
New police lieutenant
Victor Watts has been promoted to the position of lieutenant after serving as sergeant.
Watts was honored at the meeting and was accompanied by his wife, children, and other relatives.
Burke mentioned that Watts became an Evergreen Park police officer in 2003 and a detective in 2008. He became a sergeant in 2018.
The Evergreen Park Police Department has been awarded $50,000 for organized retail crime grant funding through June 30, 2026.
The board approved a request from Fire Chief Corey Hojek to fulfill a contract agreement by releasing the 2016 wheeled coach Type II Ford ambulance to Fire Service Inc.
The vehicle is being released as part of a trade-in agreement for the new 2025 wheeled coach ambulance from Fire Service Inc.
Burke also honored the Evergreen Park Girls Softball League 14U team for advancing to the World Series before bowing out in the semifinals. The mayor thanked Kelly Zawisza for helping to organize a “wonderful welcome home for our girls.”
The Evergreen Park Police Department will be starting the “Click It or Ticket” campaign through Sept. 2. During this period, officers will intensify enforcement of occupant protection laws.
A free concert at Sexton Park, 9100 S. Rockwell, featuring the City Lights Orchestra, will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1.
Colorful Berries was approved to operate at 9301 S. Kedzie Ave. The new business will be open daily and will serve chocolate-covered strawberries.
Proclamations for National Payroll Week (Sept. 1-5) and National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month were announced at the meeting.
Parade awards
Independence Day Parade awards were given out at the meeting. The annual parade took place along 95th Street on June 27. The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce distributed the awards.
Awards were given to the American Legion Post 854, Barraco’s, Craic and Carriage, Cub Scout Pack 3637/St. Gianni Parish, Evergreen Park Community High School Band, Evergreen Park Girls Softball League, Jesse White Tumblers, Medinah Shriners, River City Band, Wolf’s Bakery, and the Evergreen Park Recreation Department.
Village Hall will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. The next board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2.