Village Board News

Newsletter of South Holland's Board of Trustees
January 24, 2005

Information in this newsletter is intended only to highlight some of the activities of the Village Board,
based on the January 24, 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 February 7, 2005 at 8:00PM

Community Coordination

Trustee Doorn thanked Deputy Administrator Pat Mahon, Communications Director Mary Ann Thornton, the South Holland Ministerial Association, Dr. Kathryn Worthen, and Village Trustee Art Bennett for their support in making the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration a success.  The event, held at the Community Center, featured an inspirational message from Rev. Alfonzo Surrett as well as moving instrumental solos by Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Carl King, Sr.  The students of District 150, 151, and 205 also gave memorable performances.

Rev. Heino Blaauw of First Reformed Church of South Holland is extending an invitation to all South Holland Residents to attend Wonderfully Designed: an Exhibition, Instruction and Education in African American Design and its History.  The event will be held February 11 - 20 at the church located at 15924 South Park Avenue.  It will feature artists who will give presentations on their work, and a gospel concert.  Call First Reformed Church of South Holland at 333-0622 for more information.

Parks & Recreation

Trustee Bennett informed residents that park maintenance has been doing equipment inventory, painting garage barrels, and making new picnic tables.  Registration for winter programs continues for those programs with openings.  Participation has been very good this season.

The staff also assisted with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration held at the Community Center.  Nearly 600 people were in attendance.

Public Works Report

Trustee Knittle reported on the impact of the Thorn Creek Diversion Tunnel which kept water from homes during the recent heavy rainfall and melting snow.  There were 1.3 billion gallons of water in the quarry, saving many South Holland homes from flood damage.  President De Graff spoke of the remarkable difference made by the diversion tunnel, which had not utilized half of its capacity to accommodate the recent storm.

Trustee Knittle also thanked the Parks Department for their assistance during the snowfall.

Community Development

The Board approved Building Permits No. 2005-0007 through 2005-0031, representing $842,197 of investment in the community.  Included in those permits, according to Trustee De Young, are build-outs for new businesses: Mak Mortgage, Avalar Realty, and Advance Group Care Products.  There were permits for upgrades at All Steel Structures for new fencing, and Gilbraltar Chemical for their third addition of 12,000 square feet.

Other Notables:

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

The second blood drive of the year will be held at the Village Hall on Friday, February 4 from 4pm to 8pm.  The complete schedule for the year is in the January 2005 edition of South Holland Today, on the Village Website, and public access channel.

Wally Widelski, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, reported that a South Holland resident and business owner sent their department a letter of thanks for their response to the recent snowfall.  As a result of their due diligence, the resident was able to keep their business up and running as usual during the snow storm.

The Board approved Register No. 495 for $737,162.41, covering day-to-day operations, vendor payments, and salaries.

A Village resident addressed her concerns regarding a problem with water in her basement.  She was directed to speak with Public Works Director Ed Wilmes to address her concerns.