Village Board News

Newsletter of South Holland's Board of Trustees
August 2, 2004

Information in this newsletter is intended only to highlight some of the activities of the Village Board,
based on the August 2, 2004 meeting.

Residents desiring to see a complete record of the Village Board meetings can request
copies of the meeting minutes from the Village Clerk's office in the Municipal building.

Board Meetings are usually held at 8 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Village Hall.
The next meeting will take place on August 16, 2004 at 8:00PM

Community Coordination

Trustee Doorn encouraged residents to come out and enjoy the festivities of the Heritage Festival, September 2 - 6.  Featured this year will be the Gallery of Art, the annual Car Show, the Jesse White Tumblers, Mr. D's Magic Show, a petting zoo and pony rides, South Holland's Largest Block Party (on a new day & new location!), the One Book/One Body Community Picnic, Worship, Prayer, and Music Celebration, and the Heritage Paarlberg Fest in Paarlberg Park.  For detailed information, look in the South Holland Today, The Shopper, Public Access channels, or visit our website at http://www.southholland.org

The South Holland Municipal Band will conclude this season with performances August 12 in conjunction with the South Holland Lions Club annual Ice Cream Social event; and August 26 with the Garden Club serving lemonade and cookies.  Both concerts will be held at 7:00pm in the Veterans Park Band Pavilion.  The Band's final performance will be during the Heritage Festival, September 6 in Paarlberg Park.

Public Works

Trustee Knittle reported the the Village has been awarded a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation for $40,200.  The grant will allow the Village to replace existing incandescent signal lights with energy efficient LED elements.  These lights are brighter and can be seen from greater distances.  The Foundation commended the Village for its "leadership in demonstrating the value of investing in energy efficiency for [our] community: enhancing lighting quality, saving money, and improving the environment."

Parks & Recreation

Trustee Bennett announced that the South Holland Night with the Gary Railcats was a huge success.  Village Board President Don A. De Graff threw out the first pitch, his son Curt sang the National Anthem, and Trustee Frank Knittle led the ball park in a spirited version of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game".

Clean up and repair efforts by the department included mowing and trimming all creek banks the run adjacent to park property, cleaning and painting the exterior of the Legion Hall, and replacing damaged siding on the barn at Dalenberg Park.

Community Development

The Board approved Building Permits No. 2004-777 through 2004-862 representing $727,000 of investment in the community.  Included in those permits, according to Trustee De Young, is the demolition of the Toyota dealership to make way for the new Providence Bank and the opening of the new dental office at 605 170th Street in Thornwood Plaza.

Other Notables:

Village Board President Don A. De Graff opened the meeting with prayer.

In response to a resident request, the Board approved a Resolution amending the stop sign ordinance to add stop signs at 168th Street & Paxton, northbound and southbound.

The Board approved a Resolution for participation in a Federal Surplus Assistance Program, which makes public works equipment available to municipalities.

The Board approved a Resolution to enter into a contract for transfer of property located at 15320 Woodlawn West.

The Board approved Register No. 478 in the amount of $623,534.91 and No. 479 in the amount of $191,290.05 covering day-to-day operations, vendor payments, and salaries.

The Board approved a request by the Police Chief to hire an additional police officer.

Trustee Knittle informed residents that Public Works has completed all pavement and turf repairs for the water and street light wire breaks that have occurred since October:  over 200 sites have been restored.