Village Board News

Newsletter of South Holland's Board of Trustees
September 18, 2006

Information in this newsletter is intended only to highlight some of the activities of the Village Board,
based on the September 18, 2006 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.

Village readies plans for Diversity Dinners and Leadership Awards

Trustee Doorn encouraged residents to participate in the annual Diversity Dinners on Saturday, October 14, beginning at 6:00pm. This is an opportunity to meet new people, form lasting relationships, and celebrate the diversity of South Holland. Sign-up forms are available in the September issue of South Holland Today and on the Village website, www.southholland.org.

The Communications Commission is accepting nominations for the Mayor's Leadership Awards in the categories of Faith, Family, and Future. The Faith Award is presented to a South Holland resident who has demonstrated exceptional service to the faith community; the Family Award honors a resident who has demonstrated outstanding service as a role model to married couples, families, children, and students within the Village of South Holland; the Future Award is given to an elected official, volunteer, or employee who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Villlage of South Holland to ensure its continued vitality. Nomination forms are available at Village Hall, and on the Village website, www.southholland.org. The deadline to submit nominations is December 31, 2006. Awards will be presented in February 2007.

Parks and Recreation

Trustee Bennett announced that registration for fall recreation programs continues at the Community Center during regular business hours. If residents have any questions, please call the Community Center at 331-2940. Most programs began the week of September 11.

The pool at the Community Center was completely drained and preventative maintenance was done. Maintenance staff and contractors successfully completed the job three days ahead of schedule.

Exercise equipment has been purchased that is specifically designed for young people ages 6 to 14 years old. The department is looking to develop an exercise program designed to combat the current problem of childhood obesity. They have set a goal to have the program functional by late October. Recreational staff, Martin Quiroga, is attending classes to become certified as a Youth Fitness instructor and will oversee the program.

Community Development

The Board approved Building Permits No. 2006-1017 through 2006-1065, representing $148,370 of investment in the community. Trustee De Young highlighted a few of the permits issued, including signage for Shiblay's Beauty Salon at 161st and South Park Avenue, and roof repairs and office upgrades for Simborg Development, a new tenant of the Industrial Park at 154th Street.

Other Notables:

Reverend Mel DeVries of First Reformed Church opened the meeting with prayer.

The Board approved an amendment to the Zoning Code to set the maximum percentage of yard to be impervious at 35%.

The Board approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of property at 16109 Wausau Avenue as part of the redevelopment of Town Center.

The Board approved a joint agreement with park districts from several neighboring communities to provide recreational programs for persons with disabilities.

As a cost-saving and proactive measure, the Board approved a resolution authorizing the Village Administrator to negotiate with competitive suppliers of electricity.

Trustee Chambers announced that the Parade of Lights will be held October 10, beginning with a service at Thorn Creek Church, 1875 E 170th Street, at 7:00pm, and proceeding with the silent parade in honor of fallen firefighters.

The Board approved Register No. 553 for $2,054,524.12, covering day-to-day operations, vendor payments, and salaries.