Evergreen Park Trustee Mark Phelan was concerned that food donations would become scarce at the village pantry for residents who are in need.
However, the trustee said during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting December 1 that those fears did not materialize.
“The pantry has been pretty busy and we appreciate all the food drives that have been held,” Phelan said. “St. Gianna Parish has helped us and so has Holy Redeemer. The pantry is full of food. I want to thank everyone that has helped us.”
Phelan, who is a volunteer at the Evergreen Park Food Pantry on Wednesdays and Fridays, shared his concerns about a food shortage at a village board meeting last month due to the government shutdown and pause for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, funding.
The trustee said more vehicles stopped by the Evergreen Park Food Pantry, 2704 W. 98th Place, and many of the occupants were residents who needed food assistance. Since that time, the government shutdown has been averted and SNAP funding has slowly returned.
But what pleased Phelan and Trustee Carol Kyle, another volunteer at the pantry, was the way residents stepped up for those who are in need.
“I just want to say that people are hungry all year, not just the holidays,” Phelan said. “But I just want to say we appreciate all the help we have been given. It means a lot to us.”
The Employee Recognition Committee reviewed nomination forms for the Employee of the fourth quarter. Joe Yozze received the honor this quarter.
Yozze has been with the Evergreen Park Fire Department for 42 years. He was nominated this quarter by Fire Chief Corey Hojek.
Hojek said that Yozze began his career as an engineer and serves as the fire department mechanic. He was recently promoted to the role of deputy chief.
During the weekdays, Yozze works as a mechanic at a local Cadillac dealership. In the evenings and on weekends, he continues to work for the village by serving as the fire department mechanic.
“At any hour of the day, Joe is responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, and, when feasible, repairing ambulances, engines, aerial apparatus, or other vehicles,” Hojek wrote. “His commitment helps ensure that Evergreen Park residents receive timely, reliable emergency assistance.”
Yozze received a certificate from Mayor Kelly Burke and a $50 gift card.
The board also approved a request from Hojek to sell a 2019 wheeled coach ambulance to Lyons Fire Department for $35,000.
Several ordinances passed unanimously, including the purchase of property at 2649 W. 93rd Place by MK Construction & Builders for a single-family home.
An ordinance levying taxes for general corporate purposes for the tax year 2025 for the village was approved. An ordinance also passed for 3% additional funding for the Evergreen Park Library.
The Evergreen Park Police Department will be starting the “Click It or Ticket” campaign from Dec. 12 through Jan. 5. During this period, officers will intensify enforcement of occupant protection laws.
Police have also initiated the “Walk and Talk” program with local businesses during the holiday season. Police will visit businesses during the holidays more frequently to provide more safety for employees and customers.
“We appreciate the police doing the walk and talk,” Burke said.
The board also approved payment to Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning 2026 local contribution for $884.18.
Business certificates were granted to Kennedy Party Essentials, 3200 W. 94th St.; 95th Dental Care, 3929 W. 95th St.; Glow Nails Brow and Lashes Spa, 2525 W. 95th St.; and Of Color, 9730 S. Western Ave., which will provide social service for veterans.