Village of University Park Committee of the Whole met Nov. 26

By Noddy A. Fernandez

Jan 13, 2020

The Village of University Park met Nov. 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Village of University Park, Will and Cook Counties Illinois, Held Tuesday, November 12, 2019 At #90 Town Center Drive in the Village of University Park

1. Call to Order

Mayor Roudez called this committee of the whole meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 7:59 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Mayor: Joseph E. Roudez lll Present

Trustees: Elizabeth Williams Present

Theaplise Brooks Present

Sonia Jenkins-Bell Present

Donzell Franklin Present

Shirley A. Bolding Present

Curtis McMullan II Present

Also present were Village Manager Ernestine B. Beck-Fulgham, Village Attorney Joe Miller, Village Treasurer James Ellis, Village Collector Claudia Webb, Acting Police Chief Deborah Wilson, Fire Chief Brian Chellios, Public Works Director Darrell Byther, Communications Specialist Neva Jenkins, and Village Clerk Dorothy R. Jones.

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Roudez led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

4. General Public Comments

Mrs. Mildred Morgan commented on the amount of debris left when the garbage is picked up, She asked residents to please contain all their garbage properly to avoid it blowing; commented on voice mailboxes of Trustees being full, thereby, not allowing the opportunity to speak with them or leave messages. She asked them to clear their mailboxes. She also stated that Maple Leaf Apartment needs to be addressed.

Ms. Gina Williams commented that she thanks and appreciate Trustee Brooks for his concerns with the budget, and for looking out for residents. She encouraged residents to do their own research and not just take the word of the Village Manager. She also stated that she wants the resolution recognizing residents who pass away brought back, and asked if IRH is still getting paid.

Mrs. Bridgett Franklin addressed the Mayor and Board and informed them that the Lady Lions Cheerleaders won 1st place. And thanked the Police Department, Public Works, Coaches and parents for their support in making this program a success. She also stated that the kids do not have a facility to practice.

Ms. Deborah Stroud addressed the Mayor, Board, all present and all viewing and commented that years ago she was the Co-founder of the Will County Cheerleaders. Therefore, she is brought to tears with pride in knowing that the program she was instrumental in forming has come full circle, with this young group of young ladies winning 1st place. She also commented on the success of the Halloween and Veterans Programs hosted by MOSE Committee.

Mr. Damion Gibson addressed the Mayor and Board and informed the Board that they have a business called Green Light Consulting, and they would be holding a certified cannabis training program at GSU this Saturday. They would also host a Responsible Vendor training; Cannabis in the workplace at the Klubhouse in December DTA. They would offer free training to 10 residents to prepare them for employment opportunities.

5- 1: Discussion Items:

5-a1) Discussion - An Ordinance to Add "Cigar Lounges" as a Permitted Uses in B3 Commercial District

Mayor Roudez commented that the facility must be a stand-alone building. And that the Plan Committee would be holding a special meeting and public hearing on this item on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.