Jim Jarolimek

The agenda for the special board meeting includes the roll call, an adjournment into an executive session to discuss the employment of a specific individual, the subsequent reconvening of the board meeting, and final adjournment.

The meeting included an adjournment to Executive Session concerning Hiring & Firing and Purchase &/or Sale of Real Estate, followed by the reconvening of the Regular Board Meeting. Key actions included the approval of expenditures totaling $103,665.21 and subsequent payments of bills totaling $687,551.54 and $252,003.34, including payments for the 2024 Audit and consulting fees. A Consent Agenda was established and adopted, which covered several items such as the approval of minutes from prior executive and board meetings, and the approval of resolutions for the 2027 ADA Ramp Accessibility Improvements Project applications (Invest in Cook Grant and Community Development Block Grant funds). Other items approved under the Consent Agenda included a presentation by 7 Brew Coffee regarding 9900 S. Ridgeland, approval of a business license for La Rose Lounge Wear LLC, approval to solicit proposals (RFP) for Firehouse Apparatus Bay Floor work, approval to hire one Part Time Desk/Clerical Position, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding for Post-Retirement Healthcare Funding Plan Amendment (VEBA), approval of a contract with Total Technology Solutions Group for Copiers, and approval of the Village of Chicago Ridge Retirement/Milestone Gift Policy. A discussion was held regarding the 911 Cellphone Bank Program. Two agenda items (7A and 10B) were postponed. Comments were made during the Public Comment section regarding a community Chili Cook Off and a St. Baldrick's cancer fundraising event.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in honor of a longtime resident. Key actions included the approval of expenditures totaling $209,295.17, along with subsequent SUR/Board Approved expenditures dated February 14, 21, and 28, 2026. Bills were approved for payment, including amounts for the 2024 Audit and 2011A & 2011B Bond Repayment estimates. Several items were made a matter of record, such as the October 2025 Financial Report and Pending Projects Status Report. The Board established and adopted a Consent Agenda which included approvals for workshop and previous board meeting minutes, approval for several new and changed business licenses (including one for a Buffalo Wild Wings liquor license change), approvals for equipment purchases such as a Power Stari Chair and Police Interceptors, approval to hire two Part-Time EMA Officers, and approval to start a Village Instagram Account. Discussions also covered a possible Mobile Food Vendor Cap Ordinance. Public comment included thanks for the Santa Cares event and acknowledgments of hard work by the Public Works department during severe weather.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and addressed the approval of expenditures totaling $239,401.27, in addition to several previously approved amounts from December 2025 and January 2026. The board approved the payment of several bills, including amounts for the 2024 Audit, 2026 Budget, consulting services, litigation and negotiation fees, TIF reporting, economic development, labor negotiations, and sewer cleaning and televising. Financial Reports from August and September 2025 were made a matter of record, as were minutes from various meetings in December 2025, and the Pending Projects Status Report. A Consent Agenda was established and adopted, which included approval of an ordinance amending the section concerning Electric Vehicle Parking in the Village Code, and letters of recommendation regarding a parking variance and the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Cleaning. The board also approved a liquor license for a fundraiser and discussed ideas for celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America.

The meeting agenda included the swearing in of Police Officer Gabriel Cadena. Key regular agenda items involved the payment of bills, including a resolution for customary billing expenses and various specific bills related to the 2024 Audit, 2026 Budget, consulting, litigation, TIF reporting, and sewer cleaning/televising services. Matters of Record included the Finance reports for August and September 2025, and various minutes from previous meetings and public hearings in December 2025. Consent agenda items covered the approval of ordinances, specifically an ordinance amending electric vehicle parking regulations, and the approval of a letter of recommendation regarding a parking variance. Other items included the approval of the renewal of the Waste Hauling Contract, and New Business included a discussion on helping support Chicago Ridge Restaurants and a letter of recommendation concerning 2025 Sanitary Sewer Cleaning.