Embattled Tinley Park Trustee Diane Galante Repeatedly Threatened with Removal from Board Meeting

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Embattled Tinley Park Trustee Diane Galante Repeatedly Threatened with Removal from Board Meeting (Tinley Park, IL) — The village of Tinley Park held its regular board meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. During the board comments portion, embattled Trustee Diane Galante made remarks including the following:

“I have no problem with anybody in this community, anybody on this board, who has an issue with my myself, my actions, with my decisions or my goals. I have no problem. But I completely disagree with the games being played with my family; specifically, my children. I have heard back, um, I’ve held back from responding to the OTB fake news spinners to spare my family more embarrassment of an issue that happened with one of my members, but I thought, most importantly, my job as a leader in this community is to speak honestly to the people that live in this community, and regardless of any embarrassment to me and my family I think it will bring some light to some of the issues that need to be addressed.
There’s a lot of stories going on about me and my family. Mr. Stuckly is fed a lot of information. I was told about information that Mayor Glotz went into the police station and gathered to feed Mr. Stuckly, which he does on a regular basis, to the point of 130 posts that I had to go and file a police report for. I am not filing police reports against citizens, trying to sue citizens unnecessarily, I am trying to protect my child. We talk about mental illness, we’re bringing in chaplains. Do we know what effect you have on children, daily posting? We’re leaders. Regardless if the children fail and make a mistake in the town, our job is to pick them up and get them back on the right track. Not to hold them down and exploit what they’ve done so you can get ahead. there is no leader that would need to exploit the mistakes of others to get ahead. … I pray for Mr. Stuckly, that he gets enough strength to stop being used by the people in this town. I can only imagine how that weighs on that man’s soul.”

Village Clerk Nancy O’Connor Asks Galante for Proof

Village Clerk O’Connor stated that she would like the proof or evidence Galante claims to hold.  This quickly turned from a simple request to a tense, heated back-and-forth between O’Connor and Galante.  O’Connor’s board comments began as follows: “Trustee Galante, you just made an accusation against the mayor” — at which point Trustee Galante interrupted, with Mayor Glotz intervening, asking her “please do not interrupt other speakers,” at which point Trustee Galante apologized — “you stated that you have proof that the mayor went into the police department and then gave that information to Mr. Stuckly. I’d like you to provide him with that information please.”

The following exchange ensued:
Galante: You can request that.
O’Connor: I can request what?
Galante: I’m sorry, what do you want?
O’Connor: The proof, that you just said you had.
Galante: Under what rule … do you have, um, I’m, how would you like me to supply that?
O’Connor: I’m asking you, as a fellow board member, to supply the proof.
Galante: I will absolutely supply that if the time and place comes. I will absolutely prove.
O’Connor: No, you’re making an accusation against someone on this board —
Galante: Yes. Nancy, ok, would you
O’Connor: — we all deserve
Mayor Glotz — Diane, please stop interrupting her.
Galante: She’s asking me a question, I don’t get to respond to her?
Mayor Glotz: She’s speaking. You’re done speaking.
Galante: Oh, I’m sorry, I won’t respond. Ok, I’ll just listen. Go ahead.
Glotz: You had your turn.
Galante: I’m sorry, I’m sorry,
Glotz: You’re not sorry because you keep doing it.
Galante: She was asking me a question, I was trying to respond to her. Go ahead Nancy, go ahead, what is your question and
O’Connor: I would like the proof that you’re saying, you’re making an accusation against a fellow board member, I would like the proof that you’re saying. You’re making an accusation against a fellow board member, I would like the proof that you have of what you are stating, that the mayor went into the police department and then gave that information to Mr. Stuckly. I would like solid —
Galante: And I would like the solid proof from you —
Glotz: Diane, please.
Galante: — what you have accused my child of doing.
O’Connor: I have never mentioned your child.
Galante: Oh my gosh, you said (inaudible)
Glotz: (gavels several times) Diane,
Galante: I want that proof.
Glotz: Diane, this is like the fourth or fifth time, if you interrupt her again, I am going to ask to take a vote to remove you. Please stop interrupting other speakers —
Galante: That’s fine, I’m sorry, you’re right.
Glotz: When you spoke for four — like you’re doing it now. You spoke for four minutes, not one individual on this board said one word. We all gave you the respect that you deserve to speak whatever you had to say —
Galante: (inaudible)
Glotz: and you just keep talking again while I’m talking. That’s the fifth time, if you do it again, I’m gonna take a vote to ask to remove you from the room. Let’s please have some decency and some decorum and order here. Please. This is not a question to you, this is her board comment. Go ahead.
O’Connor: Thank you.
Off-Screen: The Clerk doesn’t have a timer either?
Glotz: Diane, that’s your sixth time, this is the last time I’m gonna order you. Next time you do we’ll just take a vote.
O’Connor: So I’ve sat here previously and listened to accusations be thrown at board members and never, ever, any proof being provided. So I think it’s only fair, instead of maligning fellow board members if proof were given. Let’s stop throwing the accusations out there without evidence, without proof of that. It’s real easy to do that. So I would just appreciate it if you would provide that to myself and anybody else on the board who would wish to see that proof. I think you may not respect any of us, you sit here obviously, but at least respect the dais instead of sitting up here on a soapbox and making these accusations without ever, ever providing any proof whatsoever. I think it’s unfair, and I think we’ve had things thrown at us way too many times, and if accusations are going to be made, please provide the proof. Thanks.

Mayor Glotz Responds

Glotz then stated that he isn’t going to “go down that rabbit hole with Diane that she keeps going and trying to play the victim, it’s getting really old. You tried this with (previous mayor) Vandeberg before he left. You guys tried ordering some big investigation with Chief Walsh, which came back to, um, his opinion was that you and Mayor Vandeberg were abusing your power, trying to gain access to information. … All this stuff that you keep complaining about, it’s the same … the information was returned to that person from a FOIA. You’ve been told this numerous times, through your ethics complaint. … I’m asking you to stop the games, no one is up here attacking you, no one is saying anything, we’re trying to conduct village business for the residents, and the constant interruptions, not caring that people are speaking, when everyone is respecting you and treating you with respect, it’s very disturbing and it’s very disrespectful.”

“Your comment about going to the police station, um, I’m going to have to consider what I’m going to do with that comment tomorrow after I speak to legal counsel because your accusations are — you’re making them publicly from the dais, so you’re not only saying it as an elected official, you’re in your individual capacity making these accusations –”

Galante then interrupted Mayor Glotz again, though the content was unclear.

Glotz continued: “Diane, I am speaking. Diane, I am speaking. So that’s seven times now, if we get to an eighth time, I will take a vote to expel you from the room because you’re being rude, you’re not honoring decorum of the members and everyone else is respecting you all the time, we all respect you, it’s just we don’t get any respect back. … I’m done with your charades.”

Glotz apologized to the staff and the public for having to listen to this nonsense.

Michael Stuckly, the individual referenced for making FOIA requests responded to some questions from The Southland Journal.  Stuckly stated that he isn’t sure what Trustee Galante means when she refers to her “children” because “He’s not a child anymore and he wasn’t a child when he committed the Village Coin crime.”

Regarding the claim that she is trying to protect her child, Stuckly stated:  “She brings him to a village board meeting where he basically verbally attacks our Mayor … She then goes to a school board meeting brings her son up at the board meeting and gets destroyed by a board member. She’s the one that kept his name in it.” Indeed, Galante was the one who brought up the topic of her son during this board meeting.

Regarding the accusations that he is being fed information and used by people in the village, Stuckly responded:  “There is absolutely no truth that I was supplied information by our Mayor or anyone else. I receive all my information via FOIAs. … The Mayor has never asked me to post anything, remember elected officials are not immune to criticism by the residents. I’ve criticized our Mayors and Village Board members in the past but have also respected their decisions whether I like it or not and none of them ever went to the police to file a report against me or none of them have ever enquired or spent taxpayers’ dollars using village counsel legal research if they could sue private citizens.”

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Other Agenda Items

(all requiring approval approved unanimously)

• CONSIDER PROCLAIMING APRIL 10 TO APRIL 16, 2022, AS NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK IN THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK – President Glotz Discussion: Whether it’s a fire, robbery, medical or another personal emergency, there’s always someone to answer our call for help in our moment of need. The Tinley Park 911 Center is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, and these professionals, also known as Telecommunicators, are prepared to answer your emergency. The Village appreciates all the dedication and hard work the Telecommunicators do every day. Consider proclaiming April 10th through April 16th as National Telecommunicator Week.
• RECEIVE PRESENTATIONS OF THE TINLEY PARK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – THE BARKETPLACE AND VCI MED SPA – President Glotz and Clerk O’Connor Discussion:

1. The Barketplace is an independently-owned pet supply store on Oak Park Avenue that specializes in natural pet food, pet treats, and gifts for pet parents. We are pleased to welcome Amanda Daly, owner of The Barketplace.

2. VCI Med Spa offers a full array of rejuvenation, cosmetic enhancement, and vein treatment services by meticulously-trained practitioners with medical backgrounds. Please join me in welcoming Angela ArrigoDunlap, RN, BSN, Director of VCI Med Spa.

• CONSIDER APPOINTING ORLANDO PIMENTEL TO THE POSITION OF 911 DISPATCHER – President Glotz Discussion: Orlando has over 26 years of experience in dispatching emergency and non-emergency services working for another municipality for 20 years and then transitioning to a centralized 911 call center remaining dedicated to serving the community. He has been LEADS certified and is a former APCO Certified Trainer. Consider appointing Orlando Pimentel to the position of 911 Dispatcher effective April 6, 2022.
• CONSIDER APPOINTING SANDRA YOUNG TO THE POSITION OF APPLICATION SUPPORT ANALYST – President Glotz Discussion: Sandra has over 24 years of experience in Information Technology holding various front-end user and back-end development roles supporting the technology needs for a large organization. She is skilled in a broad range of project management, database and systems administration, software development, and help desk support functions. She has multiple years of experience interacting with project stakeholders, training new users, supporting internal end-users, data extraction, and with vendor management. Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Consider appointing Sandra Young to the position of Application Support Analyst effective May 2, 2022.
• CONSIDER APPOINTING AMANDA GAUS TO THE POSITION OF SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIALIST – President Glotz Discussion: Amanda has over 15 years of experience in marketing, programming, and special events management working in various corporate marketing and recreation management roles. She has managed numerous programs and facility projects as well as coordinated large special events. She has found innovative ways to create success in event planning, facility management, recreational programming, marketing, and aquatics. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Management. Consider appointing Amanda Gaus to the position of Special Events Specialist effective April 18, 2022.
• CONSIDER APPOINTING PASTOR RICCI DEL PRIORE TO THE POSITION OF FIRE DEPARTMENT CHAPLAIN – President Glotz Discussion: Ricci Del Priore is a Pastor for Parkview Christian Church, and has nearly 11 years of experience. He has been the campus pastor at the Parkview Christian Church New Lenox location since their opening in 2016. Pastor Ricci is very passionate about helping first responders, and has graciously volunteered his time to provide spiritual support and encouragement to the members of the Tinley Park Fire Department. Consider appointing Pastor Ricci Del Priore to the position of Fire Department Chaplain effective April 6, 2022.
• CONSIDER APPOINTING TIMOTHY O’HAGAN TO THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF – President Glotz Discussion: Tim began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter in 1983 for the Village of Tinley Park and has continued to serve the community and Fire Department for over 38 years. With his dedication to the department, he has served as President of the Firefighters Association for over 25 years and more recently assisted with the personnel division’s key initiatives. Tim has achieved numerous certifications, including Advanced Fire Officer, and holds an Associate Degree in Business Science. In addition, Tim brings his expansive fire service experience into the classroom for firefighters across the State of Illinois as an instructor with the Illinois Fire Service Institute. Tim also volunteers with the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Team, helping support fellow firefighters’ mental health. Tim enjoys being involved in the community and fire department events, including the parade and annual charity golf outing. Consider appointing Timothy O’Hagan to the position of Assistant Fire Chief effective April 6, 2022.
• CONSIDER APPOINTING WILLIAM MURRAY TO THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF – President Glotz Discussion: Bill joined the Tinley Park Fire Department in 2001 and over the past 20 years rose through the ranks serving most recently as Captain of Station 48. He also works full-time as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Romeoville Fire Department. Bill grew up in Tinley Park and is a graduate of Andrew High School and a former Tinley Park Bulldog. He received his Associate Degree from Moraine Valley Community College and is now in his final year at Southern Illinois University where he is pursuing his bachelor degree in Fire Service Administration. In addition, he has achieved the highest level of executive leadership education in the State of Illinois and holds the Chief Fire Officer Certification from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Additionally, he currently teaches classes for the Illinois Fire Service Institute as well as the Romeoville Fire Academy and is a licensed Drone Operator through the Federal Aviation Association and participates in missing persons searches. Consider appointing William Murray to the position of Assistant Fire Chief effective April 6, 2022.
• CONDUCT A SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF TIMOTHY O’HAGAN AND ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF WILLIAM MURRAY – Trustee Brennan Discussion: Clerk O’Connor will swear-in the Assistant Fire Chiefs.
• CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

A. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-R-025 AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH BETTENHAUSEN & ASSOCIATES, LLC FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $90,000.

B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR THE VisitTinleyPark.com TOURISM WEBSITE.

C. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-R-026 APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK AND KIRBY SCHOOL DISTRICT 140 FOR SCHOOL SAFETY LIGHTS AT 80TH AVENUE & 167TH STREET AT AN ESTIMATED COST TO THE VILLAGE OF $20,000.

D. CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-R-027 APPROVING A CONTRACT RENEWAL BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK AND AQUAMIST PLUMBING & LAWN SPRINKLING, INC. FOR 2022 IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,339.41.

E. CONSIDER PAYMENT OF IMPACT FEES THROUGH FEBRUARY 2022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,300 TO CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 230.

F. CONSIDER REQUEST FROM HARALD VIKING LODGE #13 TO CONDUCT A QUEEN OF HEARTS RAFFLE BEGINNING APRIL 6, 2022, WITH THE WINNER BEING DRAWN EACH TUESDAY AT THE VIKING LODGE, 6730 175TH STREET.

G. CONSIDER PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,457,065.27 AS LISTED ON THE VENDOR BOARD APPROVAL REPORTS DATED FRIDAY, MARCH 18 AND 25, AND APRIL 1, 2022.

• CONSIDER ADOPTING ORDINANCE 2022-O-023 APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK AND GSP DEVELOPMENT, LLC, FOR THE SALE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7551 191ST STREET IN TINLEY PARK, ILLINOIS
• CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-R-029 APPROVING A QUALIFIED BASED SELECTION (QBS) PROCEDURE
• CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-R-030 APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK AND COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS BY AND THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS FOR 175TH STREET – OAK PARK AVENUE TO RIDGELAND AVENUE
• CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-R-031 APPROVING A SERVICE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK AND CARDNO, NOW STANTEC, FOR STORMWATER AREA MAINTENANCE – FY 2023 (YEAR 1 OF 3)
• CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2022-R-032 APPROVING A SERVICE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF TINLEY PARK AND CITY ESCAPE GARDEN AND DESIGN, LLC FOR LANDSCAPE BED MAINTENANCE (YEAR 1 OF 3)

Embattled Tinley Park Trustee Diane Galante Repeatedly Threatened with Removal from Board Meeting

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