Orland Park, Village of

The meeting, identified as a Committee of the Whole session, commenced with the recognition and acknowledgment of numerous sponsors who supported Village events, facilities, and programs over the past year, totaling over $250,000 across 278 sponsorships. Key discussion items included a motion to recommend approval to the Village Board for participation in the Omnia Partners joint purchasing cooperative and the execution of a vendor contract with Davecon Electric, Inc. for the Fire Alarm System Upgrade Project at the Police Department, MPS, and MPS North Intake building, aiming to bring these facilities up to current code, including ADA compliance features. Another agenda item involved a proposal for the replacement of the 17-year-old Police Department generator and associated transfer switch due to operational issues during power outages. Board members also raised questions regarding internal cost research for capital projects and the status of separate security system evaluations.

The committee of the whole meeting commenced with the recognition and honoring of several Eagle Scouts from Troop 318G and Troop 318B, including Francesca Russo and Alex Accardi, highlighting the extensive work and life skills gained through the scouting process. Following a recess, the main session addressed the approval of the December 15, 2025, committee of the whole minutes. The agenda was then amended to prioritize discussion on the Amazon Retail Plan Development (Case Number 2025-0560). The discussion included public comment regarding the development, which is confirmed to be a commercial retail store, not a fulfillment center, and is comparable in size to a large format department store. Key topics involved the traffic studies supporting several planned road improvements funded by the project's expected tax revenue, such as the extension of Ravenia Avenue and new traffic signals. The board also addressed concerns about truck traffic, sales tax collection, and strict prohibitions against converting the facility into a warehouse use, as the village is not providing direct financial incentives.

The Committee of the Whole meeting addressed several agenda items. Discussions included the approval of previous minutes, public comments, and several contract awards and purchase recommendations. Key actions involved the recommendation to award the Crystal Tree Water Main Lining Project to Aerys Inc. for a total not to exceed $8,430,617. Recommendations were also made to approve participation in joint purchasing cooperatives for 2026 public works vehicle purchases, totaling $106,792 for two Ford Transit vans and $395,394.87 for three Peterbuilt chassis trucks. Furthermore, the committee reviewed and discussed the 2026 legislative priorities, including topics such as pension reform (Tier 1 vs. Tier 2), the repeal of the Safety Act, funding for a potential athletic facility, and the effectiveness and measurement of current lobbying efforts. A significant point of discussion highlighted that lobbying efforts since May 1st have secured $40 million in state funding for Orland Park roads.

The board meeting brief covered several key actions. Decisions included ordering a halt to fiber optic installation activities due to resident complaints about unsafe and disruptive work, while reaffirming commitment to holding providers accountable. A pilot program for 'cruise lights' (steady red and blue lights) was approved for police patrol vehicles to enhance visibility and safety. The board approved transitioning the emergency notification system from Code Red to Everbridge (rebranded as VOP alerts) via a no-cost memorandum of understanding with Cook County. Furthermore, an ordinance was approved allowing staff to pursue eminent domain for a property necessary for roadway expansion connecting Ravenia to 161st Street. The board also passed a resolution to acquire the former El Cortez property for environmental cleanup and storm water enhancements, and authorized litigation for the abandoned Prairie House property. Updates were provided on the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger proposal and the facilities master plan. Finally, an ordinance was approved for 2026 general obligation bonds to fund major projects including the Dicks House of Sport development and water infrastructure improvements. Separately, a special meeting passed a resolution halting fiber optic construction.

The meeting addressed the public hearing for Case Number 2024-0445, concerning the Marcus Theaters parking garage demolition at 16350 L Gra Road. The petitioner explained the demolition is necessary due to the theater industry shift towards 'dream lounger' seating, which significantly reduced overall theater occupancy and, consequently, parking demand. The existing 414-space parking structure is costly to maintain and no longer required. The proposed plan involves demolishing the structure, grading the area back to grass and landscaping, restoring curb cuts and sidewalks, and reconnecting a sidewalk to L'Grange Road. This action reduces the site's impervious surface coverage from 77% to 69%, bringing it into compliance. Furthermore, the proposal reconfigures accessible parking spaces while maintaining the required count, and the site will provide 587 parking spaces, exceeding the code requirement of 547 spaces (calculated as one space per three theater seats, based on the current 1,640 seats post-renovation). Commissioners discussed the potential for future development on the vacated lot, acknowledging that current plans keep the area green space but do not preclude future building if parking requirements can still be met.