Village Board News

Newsletter of South Holland's Board of Trustees
January 10, 2005

Information in this newsletter is intended only to highlight some of the activities of the Village Board,
based on the January 10, 2005 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 January 24, 2005 at 8:00PM

Community Coordination

Trustee Doorn encouraged residents to join in the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 17 at 10:00am at the Community Center.  The event, sponsored by the Village, as well as the South Holland Ministerial Association, and School Districts 150, 151, and 205, will feature instrumental solos by Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Carl King, Sr., a keynote address by Rev. Alfonzo Surrett and presentations by students from the sponsoring school districts.  Trustee Doorn's statement of the event was announced following the annual Proclamation from Village Board President Don A. De Graff declaring January 17 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the Village of South Holland.

Trustee Doorn announced the Holiday Lights Contest winners:
1st place - Carrington Cove, 2nd Place - 166th block of Kenwood, 3rd place - The Villas.
Congratulations to all the winners.

The first blood drive of the year will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church at 880 E 154th Street on Sunday, January 23 from 8:30am to 12:30pm.  The complete schedule for the year is in the January 2005 edition of the South Holland Today and on the Village's website.

The January 2005 edition of the South Holland Today also features an article on the newly revamped South Holland Public Library website, which has an extensive list of resources for users of all ages.  The website can be viewed at www.southhollandlibrary.org.

Parks & Recreation

Trustee Bennett informed residents that registration for winter programs was held last week at the Community Center with high levels of participation.  Registration will continue during regular building hours while openings remain.  Most programs are slated to begin next week.  Park maintenance also assisted Public Works with snow plowing during last week's storm.  Park permits are now available at the Community Center during office hours.

Attorney's Report

The Village Board approved an Ordinance amending Chapter 11, Miscellaneous Offenses, outlawing the carrying and possession of "air guns" on public property.  Air guns include, among others, BB guns and paintball guns.  Look for more details in the February 2005 issue of South Holland Today.

Community Development

The Board approved Building Permits No. 2004-1510 through 2004-1541 and 2005-0001 through 2005-0006, representing $488,191.00 of investment in the community.  Included in those permits, according to Trustee De Young, are signage for new businesses, U.S. Cellular and the gas station and mini-mart on Sibley and State Street and modifications made to the new Exclusive Hair Salon in Thornwood Plaza.

Other Notables:

Deacon Jim Renwick of Holy Ghost Church opened the meeting with prayer.

The Board appointed Barbara (Ann) Hunt to the Park Advisory Board.

The Board passed a resolution proclaiming January 14-30 as Girl Scouts "Cookie Sale" days.

The Board approved Register No. 493 for $703,244.67 and Register No. 494 for $1,130,584.89, covering day-to-day operations, vendor payments, and salaries.

The Board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with IDOT for cost-sharing related to the relocation of water mains.

The Board approved authorization to enter negotiation and purchase of 275 E 161st Place in order to pursue future redevelopment opportunities.

The Board approved Ordinance 2005-02, which increases water rates by 3% in order to match raised costs incurred by the Village from the City of Chicago.