Robert Grabowski

This Drinking Water Project Plan outlines a strategy to secure funding for high-priority lead service line replacements in the Village of Homewood from Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031. The plan prioritizes replacements based on High-Risk Sites, Disadvantaged Communities, and Planned Capital Improvements. Its overarching goal is to protect public health by removing lead service lines, comply with state and federal regulations, and stimulate economic activity through infrastructure investment, aiming to replace all lead service lines by 2036.

The meeting was held to collect comments from commission members and the public regarding preliminary policies for updating the zoning code, which has not been revised substantially since 2002. Key discussion points included the need to make the code more user-friendly, remove inconsistencies, and ensure compliance with current legislation. Preliminary outreach results indicated strong public interest in addressing issues like noise, lighting, traffic, and commercial vehicle parking related to single-family detached homes, as well as enhanced standards for new businesses and apartments concerning exterior appearance, landscaping, and pedestrian infrastructure. Specific policy discussions covered establishing new uses and standards for event spaces and multi-use facilities to manage off-site impacts, differentiating standards based on location (e.g., downtown vs. other business districts). The Commission also addressed the subletting of office spaces, proposing an administrative zoning compliance certification process for new uses in existing spaces, potentially requiring retrofit standards if new code standards are not met, and placing responsibility on the landlord.

The meeting included the review and approval of the Claims List totaling $375,264.01. The board approved the reappointment of Seth Bransky to the Planning and Zoning Commission. During audience participation, a resident urged the board to vote in a college election and endorse the repeal of the Johnson Act. The board also welcomed the new Economic and Community Development Director, Angela Mesaros, who was sworn in. Omnibus items approved included an ordinance granting a sign variance for Grady's Snack N' Dine, renewal of the labor attorney contract with Laner Muchin Ltd., approval of the Fire Union Contract with Local 3656, rejection of SCADA system upgrade bids leading to deferral of that item, awarding a copier lease agreement to Gordon Flesch, and approval for a budget amendment and purchase of a Ford Utility Police Interceptor, while rejecting initial bids. The session concluded with a review of the 2017-2019 Budget Review, which noted a projected surplus, followed by an executive session to discuss a personnel issue.

The Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the Claims List totaling $869,793.06. Discussion clarified that a significant portion of the water bill payment to the City of Chicago is now made directly, with a percentage being withheld to cover infrastructure maintenance in Harvey. The board also approved the reappointment of two members to committees: Barbara Ferrari to the Stormwater Resources Committee and Joseph Krol to the Rail Committee. The Omnibus Vote included passing an ordinance for a handicapped accessible ramp variation, approving a Resignation Agreement and Release, proposing a Downtown TOD TIF District designation and public hearing, approving past Executive Session minutes, releasing prior Executive Session minutes from confidential treatment, supporting a Class 8 property tax designation for Culver's of Homewood, and accepting several 2016 Annual Reports from various committees. Additionally, the Omnibus Vote included budget amendments and bid awards for the Southgate Streetscape Lighting Project. During public discussion regarding the TIF District, concerns were raised about the proposed 23-year term, though the Village Manager explained the necessity for the full term length, noting the possibility of early termination if objectives are met. Concerns about the Class 8 Property Tax Designation for Culver's were also addressed.

The regular meeting addressed several items including the review and approval of the Claims List totaling $140,065.56. The board approved the appointment of Brent Thompson to the Veterans Committee, who then took the oath of office. Key actions under the Omnibus Vote included passing an ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment for 18132 Martin Avenue to change the zoning from R-3 to B-1/DO, and passing a resolution appropriating $370,000 from the Motor Fuel Tax fund for street resurfacing under the 2017 MFT Street Resurfacing Program. Additionally, the board accepted the 2016 Annual Reports from the Fire Pension Board, Veterans Committee, Foreign Fire Tax Insurance Board, and Community Relations Commission. General discussion included an announcement regarding a local Lenten Fish Fry and an invitation for residents to share concerns with a Trustee.