Aris Garcia

The meeting included recognition of the Hope Coloring Contest winners and the presentation of a Lifesaving Award to a Police Corporal for rendering aid in September 2025. Key legislative actions involved the approval of an ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for alcohol service and video gaming at a specified location. A motion was approved to renew the Waiver of Locational Restrictions for live entertainment at a restaurant. An ordinance concerning amendments to the Village Code regarding Boards and Commissions, which involves adding a new Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, was presented for first reading. The Board adopted a Resolution approving updates to the 2026 Comprehensive Emergency Operations and Pre-Disaster Recovery Plans. Furthermore, the Board authorized the purchase of a dump truck and accepted the low bid for the 2026 Water and Sewer Main Improvements Project. The semi-monthly expenditures totaling $1,261,791.40 were approved, and information was shared regarding the Village receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Award for its 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

The Village Board workshop focused on ongoing objectives. Discussions included input from a representative of the Northwest Municipal Conference regarding proposed language for a new Bicycle Commission. The Board also reviewed and provided feedback on proposed amendments to the Village Code language concerning the Community Relations Commission and Blood Commission. Furthermore, the Public Works Director provided an update on the Kollar Pond project, and the Assistant Village Manager presented information regarding the proposed Municipal Academy.

Key discussions included the reappointment of members to the Community Economic Development Commission and the Community Relations Commission. The Village Manager reported on a recent gas leak incident on East Ave & Teak Ln, confirmed signage placement on a bridge adhering to IDOT regulations, and announced the closure of Village Offices for Presidents Day. Agenda items approved included an Ordinance for a Special Use Permit regarding alcohol service and video gaming at a location on E. Irving Park Road. A Resolution was approved to renew the Class 6B Incentive Abatement for Rydin Decal, Inc. The Board also authorized the purchase of three new police vehicles (two Ford Interceptors and one Ford Explorer) and approved a Resolution to waive competitive bidding for the purchase of one Caterpillar Asphalt Compactor. Finally, the Board approved semi-monthly expenditures totaling $607,661.24. An informational item was noted regarding the holiday lights recycling program.

The meeting covered several key actions and discussions. Actions included the appointment of Ivan Sanchez to the Veterans Memorial Commission, recognition of the retirement of K-9 Officer Scout, and the presentation of the APWA Suburban Branch Award for the Route 59 Pedestrian Bridge project. The Board approved the agenda for the meeting. In Community Development, a resolution was approved recommending a Class 6B Incentive Abatement for NASA Holding, LLC at 412 and 598 East North Avenue. Public Works resolutions authorized a contract for professional engineering services to evaluate the Village Emergency Water Well System and a master license agreement with Lumos Fiber for fiberoptic cable installation. Under Legislative matters, an Ordinance amending the number of Class "B" liquor licenses in the Village Code of Ordinances was approved. Public Safety actions authorized the purchase of a 2026 Ford F-350 truck for the Fire Department and the purchase of custom emergency response equipment for a new Incident Command Vehicle, waiving competitive bidding. Finance approved semi-monthly expenditures totaling $1,679,119.29. Community Affairs approved an amendment to the agreement with School District U-46 to extend School Resource Officer services into summer school. An information item announced an upcoming blood drive. During public comments, a concern about misrepresenting fiber sales personnel was raised.

The meeting agenda included reports from the President, such as recognizing Hope Coloring Contest Winners and awarding a Lifesaving Award to Police Corporal Brian Kustra, and a report from the Village Manager. Key legislative actions involved the second reading and passage of an Ordinance granting a Special Use Permit for alcohol and gaming at 229 E. Irving Park Road. Other items included approving the renewal of a Waiver of Locational Restrictions for live entertainment at Fiesta del Mar Restaurant. Community Affairs included the first reading of an Ordinance amending the Village Code regarding Boards and Commissions, creating a new Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission. Public Safety involved approving a Resolution adopting the 2026 Comprehensive Emergency Operations and Pre-Disaster Recovery Plans. Public Works agenda items included the purchase of a dump truck cab and chassis not to exceed $110,318 and accepting the low bid for the 2026 Water and Sewer Main Improvements Project. The Finance section requested approval for semi-monthly expenditures totaling $1,261,791.40, and noted the Village received the Government Finance Officers Association Award for its 2025 financial report.