West Cook News

Village of Hillside Board of Trustees met September 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Clerk Linda L. Gould Board members and those present recited the pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The following members responded as present at roll call:

Clerk Trustees - Linda L. Gould

- Herman L. Walter, Jr.

- David V. Delgado

- John N. Kramer

- Valerie J. Farries

- Marvin A. Watson

Mayor Absent - Mayor Joseph T. Tamburino

- Trustee Frank J. Lomeli, Sr.

Also present were: Russell Wajda, Village Administrator; John Flood, Treasurer, Assistant Administrator; Joseph Lukaszek, Police Chief; Howard Murray, Fire Captain; Joseph Pisano, Public Works Director; Patrick Deady, Village Attorney; David Peters, Hanson Engineering; Tony Faragia, EMA Director; George Gourley, William O'Connor, Pia Davis, Roger Romanelli, Jim Erlander, residents

Clerk Gould stated the first order of business is to appoint a temporary Chairperson in the absence of Mayor Tamburino.

Trustee Watson moved, Trustee Farries seconded, that Trustee Kramer be appointed Temporary Chairman in the absence of Mayor Tamburino.

All voted aye, motion carried.

Town Hall Meeting:

Temporary Chairman Kramer opened the Town Hall section of the meeting.

Pia Davis, 726 Hillside, said she attended the Board Meeting last month when the issue came up about saggy pants. Ms. Davis said she doesn't have a problem with the saggy pants, but feels she was not told absolute truth about the Ordinance. She said two letters were sent to the Mayor asking to talk with him about having a Saggy Pants Ordinance. She stated no one responded to the letters and she was not aware that there was a Saggy Pants Ordinance.

She continued, when the repeal of the Ordinance came before the Board, no one told constituents there was going to be a vote and a vote was just taken. Ms. Davis feels this gave the appearance of racism because when this issue came out on Facebook it was as though the Board was supporting that black people were being targeted by baggy pants. She further said, I'm not standing up here to be racist.

Mş. Davis continued that Police Chief Joe Lukaszek put her name and Roger's name on Facebook page as if to call them out. She has a problem with that. She supports that black people are being targeted by the saggy pants issue.

Ms. Davis feels the Board did not tell the people the truth on the saggy pants issue and she has a problem with her name being put on Facebook. Ms. Davis continued that she has rights, a right to make a statement, a right to say something and a right to stand up for what she believes in.

Ms. Davis also feels the Board has no transparency. They don't want anyone to talk. She stated this is not true transparency, not true deliverance and feels the Board is not being transparent to people of Hillside.

Roger Romanelli, 4406 Madison, said he supports the comments of Ms. Davis. He also reported there is broken glass on the Prairie Path at Clayton, dog droppings on Prairie Path between Clayton and Forest and the dumpster at the northeast corner of Forest and Warren is not fitted with a closed cover. The cover is open and garbage protruding through. Mr. Romanelli then thanked Board for their consideration on these issues.

Mr. Romanelli reported his second claim of serious misconduct by Joseph Lukaszek, employee of the Hillside Police Department. He stated his first claim of serious misconduct was January, 2017.

Mr. Romanelli states that on August 28, 2018 he was contacted by a member of the public who saw Mr. Romanelli's name on the personal Facebook page of Mr. Lukaszek. He continued saying this page also features the official logo of the Hillside Police Department. Mr. Romanelli reports, the Facebook post of August 27, 2018 at 8:58 p.m. by either Mr. Lukaszek or the person on the page wrote about the previous five year policy in Hillside prohibiting indecent underwear.

Mr. Romanelli further stated that the person on the page wrote that two residents, Pia Davis along with Roger Romanelli challenging the Police Departments decision not to enforce the Ordinance and the Mayor and Board essentially found the Ordinance was in violation of the United States Constitution.

Mr. Romanelli then said the person on the page continued, the Hillside Police Department is racially questioned when they feel an ordinance in many opinions is racially unjust to a nationally minority population. Mr. Romanelli gave statistics as to how many people saw and liked the post, how many people shared the post which included Ms. Davis and his name, but unknown how many viewed the post on the Facebook page.

Mr. Romanelli asked the Village officials if they agree or disagree that Mr. Lukaszek violated the Hillside Police Department Policy Manual with his Facebook post?

Mr. Romanelli states that page two of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics in the manual states the fundamental duty of an Officer is to protect the innocent against deception. He feels deceived the public, Ms. Davis and himself, by falsely accusing them of challenging the Police Department's decision not to enforce the sagging pants ordinance. Mr. Romanelli says this is untrue. He and several residents sent two letters to the Mayor, July 30 and August 8, asking for a Saggy Pants Ordinance. He states they were informed by Mr. Lukaszek there was no Ordinance and that the U.S. Supreme Court prohibits such.

He claims they were officially on record asking for an Ordinance, and also on record not knowing there was an Ordinance, therefore making it impossible to challenge any Police decision regarding the Ordinance.

Mr. Romanelli continues saying the Facebook post called the Ordinance racially unjust to a nationally minority population. He feels this casts Ms. Davis and himself as supporting racially unjust policy. He continued deception against the innocent.

Mr. Romanelli also state Policy 1057 of the Hillside Police Department Manual prohibits the Police logo unless specific approval is granted. He asked if Village Officials approve that Mr. Lukaszek is using the official Hillside Police logo on his personal Facebook page. His is further asking who granted this permission and wants to receive official confirmation one way or the other so he knows how to proceed in the future.

Mr. Romanelli feels it is an outrageous act for any village official to post his name and Ms. Davis' name. They attend these meetings as residents to voice their opinions.

Mr. Romanelli wants a public apology on Facebook page so all who saw his name and Ms. Davis' falsely accused, should posted on Mr. Lukaszek's personal Facebook page.

William O'Connor, 429 Jackson, said that many say Chief Lukaszek is not a fair man. From a previous experience, he feels Chief Lukaszek is very fair. Mr. O'Connor asked why the Bellwood Police drove through barricades for their Block Party this past Saturday?

Jim Erlander, 523 Maple Lane, asked if bushes or curbing might be installed at the former Art's Tavern property. Now there is grass in the old parking lot and it looks nice, but people are driving over the grass.

Temporary Chairman Kramer stated all matters that were brought up tonight were recorded and will be taken under advisement. We will get back to you at the next meeting or sooner.

As there were no further comments from the floor, Temporary Chairman Kramer entertained a motion to close the Town Hall Meeting.

So moved by Trustee Delgado, seconded by Trustee Watson. All voting aye, motion carried.

Approval Of Minutes:

Temporary Chairman Kramer entertained a motion that there being no additions or corrections to the minutes for Regular Meeting of August 27, 2018, the minutes be accepted and approved.

Motion made by Trustee Watson, seconded by Trustee Farries. All voting aye, motion carried.

Village Clerk:

Clerk Gould reminded Mail-in Ballot Applications for the November 6, 2018 Election are now available at the Village Hall or online at the Cook County Clerk's website at cookcountyclerk.com. Completed forms must be received at the County Clerk's Office by Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Clerk Gould also reminded Early voting is October 22-November 5, 2018. Nearest polling places are the villages of Bellwood, 3200 Washington, or Melrose Park, 1000 N. 25th Avenue.

Additional information is available on the Cook County Clerk's website.

Clerk Gould presented the Consent Agenda.

All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member so requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered a part of the Board Member's committee business.

Illinois Department of Revenue: Sales tax returns for month of July, 2018, in the amount of $446,580.06. Amount received for July, 2017, in the amount of $419,930.05.

Illinois Department of Transportation: Motor Fuel Tax allotment for the month of August, 2018, in the amount of $17,830.96.

Approval of gross payroll for periods August 18, through August 31, 2018, in the amount of $301,834.52, and September 1 through September 14, 2018, in the amount of $296,983.34.

Payment of bills for the month of September, 2017, in the amount of $842,941.87.

Com Ed: Utility tax for the month of June, 2018, in the amount of $36,293.64.

Nicor Gas: Utility Tax for the month of July, 2018, in the amount of $4,817.70.

Excise Tax for the month of July, 2018, in the amount of $21,020.89.

Code Enforcement Officer's Reports (August, 2018).

Police Department Report (August, 2018).

Fire Department Report (August, 2018).

E.M.A. Report (August, 2018).

Public Works Department Report (August, 2018).

Building Inspector's Report (July and August, 2018).

Social Services Report (August, 2018).

Motion made by Trustee Watson, seconded by Trustee Delgado, to accept and approve Consent Agenda.

Roll call vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Trustees Walter, Delgado, Kramer, Farries, Watson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Lomeli

Motion declared carried

Department Head Operating Reports:

Treasurer/Director of Economic Development: (John Flood)

No report

Police Chief: (Joseph Lukaszek)

Chief Lukaszek reported the Facebook page that is being discussed is registered to jlukaszek@hillside-il.org which is the official Village of Hillside Police Chief email and the official Hillside Police Facebook page.

Chief Lukaszek made note that this is the third time that Mr. Romanelli has personally attacked him at a Board Meeting, Chief Lukaszek finds this repulsive and said his attorneys will be contacting the village of Hillside for notes. He continued that he was insulted by some of Ms. Davis' remarks.

Chief Lukaszek said the Hillside Police Department has done nothing but work toward the betterment of the community. He further reported that over the last one and a half years the Police Department has received over three hundred phone calls from Mr. Romanelli addressing speeding cars, people walking down the street with saggy pants and so forth. He also stated the Police Department did not mislead Mr. Romanelli about the saggy pants issue. Chief Lukaszek said the Police Department will continue to protect and take care of our residents.

Fire Chief: (Captain Howard Murray for absent Chief Pilz)

No report

Public Works and Building Services Director: (Joseph Pisano)

Director Pisano gave updates on IDOT Butterfield Road project, Village Hall façade project and Fire Department roof project. The Butterfield Road resurfacing project and Village Hall façade project are nearing completion. The Fire Department roof project is an ongoing project and should be near completion in the next few weeks.

Village Engineer's Report:

Engineer Peters reported he has given the Board the award letter for the Water Main project. Lowest bid came in approximately $30,000.00 under the Engineer's estimate.

Engineer Peters also reported the contractor for the Hillside Business Park resurfacing project has been doing all surveys and setting grades. Work will start tomorrow, Job is anticipated to be completed in three weeks. Contractor has agreed to expedite project to help to reduce any impact to the businesses in the area,

Engineer Peters further reported contractor will be submitting the required permit to IDOT for the Litt Drive Project to realign entrance off of Butterfield Road. Project should take one week.

Village Administrator's Report:

No report

Committee Reports:

Finance and Administration Committee: (Trustee Kramer)

No report

Public Services Committee: (Trustee Walter)

Motion made by Trustee Walter, seconded by Trustee Watson, to to approve 2018 Water Main Project to lowest bidder, and authorizing Administrator to sign and execute same. Administrator Wajda reported low bidder is Cerniglia Co., Melrose Park, IL in the amount of $330,658.00.

Roll call vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Trustees Walter, Delgado, Kramer, Farries, Watson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Lomeli

Motion declared carried

Motion made by Trustee Walter, seconded by Trustee Farries, to approve an agreement with Waukegan Roofing, 1320 Gladstone Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085, to provide a biannual roofing inspection of the Public Works facilities at 4151 May Street, at a cost of $2,960.00, and authorize the Village Administrator to sign and execute same.

Roll call vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Trustees Walter, Delgado, Kramer, Farries, Watson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Lomeli

Motion declared carried

Public Safety and Education Committee: (Trustee Watson)

Motion made by Trustee Watson, seconded by Trustee Farries, to approve payment of Pay Application 1 in the amount of $57,465.00 to A-One Group, LTD., 1540 Jarvis Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 for work performed on the Village Hall and Police Station façade repairs.

Roll call vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Trustees Walter, Delgado, Kramer, Farries, Watson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Lomeli

Motion declared carried

Motion made by Trustee Watson, seconded by Trustee Farries, to approve payments to J.P.'s Landscaping Inc., P.O. Box 637, Hillside, IL 60162 in the amounts of $17,240.00 to repair sod around Commons blacktop where curbing was removed and add topsoil and seed 23,000 square feet of disturbed earth from the old playground equipment, concrete and landscape removal and $12,885.00 to remove 8" of spoil, add limestone base, barrier fabric and crushed ruby granite stone to construct new walkway into Commons Park. This work was accounted for in the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year Budget.

Roll call vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Trustees Walter, Delgado, Kramer, Farries, Watson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Lomeli

Motion declared carried

Motion made by Trustee Watson, seconded by Trustee Delgado, to approve Fire Chief Pilz to attend "Leadership & Management of Surface Transportation Incidents" in Pueblo, Colorado, October 30-November 3, 2018, at a total cost of $175.00.

Roll call vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Trustees Walter, Delgado, Kramer, Farries, Watson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Lomeli

Motion declared carried

Trustee Watson reported Community Awareness Meeting is Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room.

Trustee Watson also reported COPS programs across the nation are hosting "Coffee with a Cop" on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Hillside will be participating this year. Coffee, soft drinks, and deserts will be provided. Event will be held in the Police Department, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Trustee Watson further reported Provişo West is hosting their homecoming on Saturday, September 29, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Route details are in the attachment.

Zoning Committee: (Trustee Lomeli)

Trustee Delgado reported the Zoning Board will conduct a Public Hearing at 7:00p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, in the Board Room of the Hillside Municipal Complex, 425 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, IL, to consider a petition submitted by Karnak Construction & Development LLC, 47 W. Polk Street, Suite 230, Chicago, Illinois, 60605 on the consideration for a Variation in R-2 Zoning District, for a side yard set-back from the required 5 feet to less than 3 feet at 34 Oak Ridge Avenue, Hillside, IL.

Technology Committee: (Trustee Delgado)

No report

Community Services Committee: (Trustee Farries)

Trustee Farries reported Krispy Kreme will be celebrating their opening day in the Hillside Town Center on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

Public Safety and Education Committee:(Trustee Watson)

Motion made by Trustee Watson, seconded by Trustee Farries, to approve Ordinance 18-16, Parking Restrictions During Snow Removal, and authorizing Mayor and clerk to sign and execute same.

Roll call vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Trustees Walter, Delgado, Kramer, Farries, Watson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Lomeli

Motion declared carried

Village President:

No report

Announcements :

Next Board-of-a-Whole Meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2018, in the Board Room of the Municipal Complex, 425 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, IL, 60162.

As there was no further business before the Board, Temporary Chairman Kramer entertained a motion to adjourn.

So moved by Trustee Watson, seconded by Trustee Farries. All voting aye, motion carried.

Adjournment: 8:01 p.m.

http://www.hillside-il.org/nas/content/live/vohwebsite/files/2017/12/2018-September-24-RBM.pdf