Hazel Crest Officials and Residents Share Concerns During Final 2021 Meeting
Hazel Crest Officials and Residents share concerns during final 2021 Meeting (Hazel Crest, IL) The Village of Hazel Crest’s final meeting for 2021 was held this past Tuesday. Officials and residents were vocal about protocol and procedure.
Charles Brunt of Country Financial presented a $750 Helping Hero’s Check to the village. According to the Country Financial website, the program is aimed at supporting first responders and healthcare workers in the community.
In the police report, Deputy Chief Dale Mitchell gave an update about the recent carjackings in the community. 17-year-old Corey Lesser was tied to three recent carjackings of Grubhub drivers, including one where the driver was shot in the groin. Lesser will be charged as an adult.
There was also information presented about upcoming hiring opportunities for the police department. Individuals between the ages of 21-35 are eligible to apply by January 3. Testing begins on January 15.
“We have a chance to reimagine law enforcement in this country and in the southland,” said Deputy Chief Mitchell.
During the Trustee reports, each official presented a motion to approve. Trustee Marlon Rias called out Village Manager Dante Sawyer for providing meeting reports an hour before the village’s meetings.
“Can you do us a favor? Can you give us our report before 5’o clock on meeting days? It’s a little tough to read the report as we are trying to get here,” said Rias to Sawyer.
Trustee Java Rogers advocated for diversity throughout the meeting.
Holiday Schedule
When the holiday schedule was presented, she was vocal about Juneteenth not being listed. Later, during the motion to approve complete system SCADA & Control upgrades for the city, she questioned if there were any minorities are part of the company, Metropolitan Industries, Inc. When no one had an answer for her, Trustee Rogers voted no on the motion.
Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Vernard Alsberry reprimanded Trustee Rogers for providing a comment rather than a question during the discussion on the tax levy. Rogers wanted a full explanation of the exact increase included for residents, which is not required by law unless it goes over amount.
He reminded the officials that information is shared the Thursday before the meeting, so if there are any comments, they can be addressed before the meeting.
“I’ve been here for two terms, and we’ve been doing it this way for almost 12 years,” said Mayor Alsberry.
During the public session, 37-year Hazel Crest resident Obie Hall urged village officials to pay attention to the concerns of their residents.
“When I come up to ask a question or make a statement, if I don’t know the formalities, don’t dismiss me,” said Hall.
Hall stated that he will be in attendance in the meetings moving forward.
Other items on the agenda include:
- Approval of a motion for the 2022 Employee Benefit Insurance rates.
- Approval of a motion for 24-hou operation of X-Sport fitness to be located at 3330 W. 183rd
- Approval of a motion for an ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the 2021-2022 fiscal year
Hazel Crest Officials and Residents share concerns during final 2021 Meeting
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