Will County Gazette

Village of Crete President and Board of Trustees met April 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Clerk Deborah Bachert opened the meeting on April 28th, 2025 with the Roll Call at 7:02 p.m.

The following were present in the municipal building: Trustees Steve Bruns, Stephen Johnson, Holly Milburn, John Phelan, Katrina Seifert and Mark Wiater. President Michael Einhorn was absent. A quorum was present.

Also in attendance: Administrator Michael Smith, Police Chief Scott Pieritz, Planning and Zoning Chairperson Karen Tellef and Videographer Nick Borrell.

A motion was made to appoint Mark Wiater as President Pro Tem for the board meeting. Motion: Trustee Holly Milburn

Second: Trustee Stephen Johnson

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING:

President Pro Tem Mark Wiater called to order the regular board meeting of the President and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Crete on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7:03 p.m. and led those assembled in the Village of Crete Municipal Building, 524 W. Exchange St, Crete, Illinois in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CITIZEN'S SPEAK

Visitors are always welcome to all public meetings of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Crete. Interested parties wishing to speak should identify their intent to speak, they then may give their name and where they reside if they so choose and then make their comment. Persons may also provide their address privately to the Village Clerk if they so choose; persons are advised that addresses are considered private information under the Freedom of Information Act and thus are exempt from disclosure pursuant to any Freedom of Information Act request. However, to give proper consideration to all items on the agenda, the President has the authority to limit participants in debates and will close repetitive or abusive remarks. In addition, public comment rules are posted in the board room.

• Tim Piepenbrink, Crete Historical Society, presented the board with a poster bearing the names of all Crete servicemen who died in the line of action in all wars fought. He asked the board to consider naming streets after the veterans. The newly created ordinance that was passed by the board was referenced. The board will consider possible solutions to this issue.

• Dabion Couch, a Crete-Monee coach, spoke to the board about the project he is leading up to clean-up the miniature golf area of the former Family Fun Center on north Main Street in Crete. He has permission from the owners of the property to work on site. They are trying to raise funds to support their effort and have over $5000.00 in donations to date. The board took no action on this project. Trustee Johnson has offered to meet with Dabion to discuss this project in more detail.

• Tammy Burnham asked the board to explain the reason the newly elected Keith Miller will need to resign from his position on EMA when taking office as Village Trustee. Trustee Wiater explained it is attorney / client privileged information and he would not discus specifics in open session of the Village Board meeting. Keith Miller was in attendance, was asked to make comment and stated he will take care of the issue through the State of Illinois statutes.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Special orders

UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGENDA

All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a board member so requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately.

• Approval of Minutes: Regular Board Meeting - April 14, 2025

• Approval of Bills April 14, 2025 thru April 25, 2025

• Ratification of Payroll - Bi-weekly payrolls ending April 16, 2025.

In accordance with an opinion from the Illinois Attorney General's Office, President Pro Tem Mark Wiater read aloud the items as listed for approval prior to action being taken on the Consent Agenda with brief explanations.

A motion was made to approve the Unanimous Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Trustee Katrina Seifert

ON ROLL CALL:

Second: Trustee Steve Bruns

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

REPORTS: PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEES:

Public Health Trustee Katrina Seifert

• Reminder: Animal Inoculation Day is Saturday, May 3rd at the EMA Building on Exchange Street. There is a drive through offered.

Water Department - Trustee Stephen Johnson

• Lead water line replacement continues. STIP is currently working on Elizabeth Street.

Road and Bridge - Trustee Steve Bruns

• Concerns have been raised about the Sangamon Street culvert replacement. Concrete will be installed this week if the weather cooperates.

• Striping has been completed on Exchange Street and Independence Drive.

• Clerk Bachert mentioned in her opinion striping on Volbrecht near Culvers may need attention.

Building and Grounds - Trustee John Phelan - no report

Finance, License and Ordinance - Trustee Mark Wiater

• The State of Illinois has abolished the grocery tax but has made a provision for municipalities to reinstate by new ordinance the tax of 1% if completed by October 2025. There was discussion about the projected loss of income to the Village and what monies could be found to replace the sales tax income. There were no ideas expressed.

A motion was made to instruct the attorney to draft an ordinance for reinstating the grocery sales tax and place it on a future agenda.

Motion: Trustee Stephen Johnson

Second: Trustee Holly Milburn

Ayes (4) Trustees Johnson, Milburn, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (2) Trustees Bruns and Phelan

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

Public Safety - Trustee Holly Milburn

• Trustee Milburn brought up the water card sent out by the Village. It was explained that the mailer was mandated by the US EPA and was simply a notification to the resident of their right to have access to the test results. Village of Crete water is in complete compliance within the standards of all EPA quality requirements.

President Michael Einhorn - absent; no report

COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

Village Administrator - Michael Smith

• Codification of the Municipal Code book has been completed for this year.

• The Memorial Day Parade letter has been mailed out and donations are already being received.

• Open enrollment for the Village Health Care Insurance Plan will begin in the middle of May.

Police Department - Chief Scott Pieritz - Report submitted; Chief announced the summary as listed below

• Career Event: On Thursday April 24th, Chief Pieritz attended a luncheon at Olivet Nazarene College for departments who partner with the college and offer internships. Crete PD also participated in the job fair on campus after the lunch. Sgt. Konvalinka and Officer Krenner set up a booth and spoke to potential future applicants.

• Spring Community Clean-Up Event. On Saturday April 26th, Crete PD had their annual spring event and partnered with Trinity Lutheran Church Community and the Crete Park District. This event was created (in addition to the fall clean-up) to coincide with Earth Day events.

• Police Incident: On April 19th Chief Pieritz sent out a community alert via Facebook about a police incident: Police Response:

Officers responded to the 400 west block of Burville Road on a fight between two subjects. It appears that both subjects stabbed each other. One subject went to the hospital and the other refused medical treatment. Police investigating. This appears to be an isolated incident between these two subjects and no further danger exists to the public from this incident. Investigation pending.

• STEP GRANT PROGRAM: From May 1 to May 15, 2025 the police will be stepping up their activity on Speed Control and the Memorial Day Campaign will be in place from May 16th through May 27th. It will include conducting extra traffic enforcement efforts focused on seatbelts, cellphones, speeding, DUI's and other unsafe driving issues. News releases are included at the end of the minutes.

Police Blotter (March 2025)

Crete Police Blotter, March 1st, 2025 to March 31st, 2025.

In an effort to inform the community of current crimes and seek the public's assistance in pending investigations, the Crete Police Department will attempt to post information related to crimes occurring within the Village. This list will include arrests and crimes occurring in the community. This is only a partial list of calls for service, as officers respond to a wide variety of calls which will not be posted. This includes accidents, domestic situations (non-arrests), fire department assists, regular traffic stops, public assists, routine reports, assist other PD's, parking complaints, civil issues, juvenile calls, calls of a sensitive nature, and many other incidents. All subjects arrested for crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Crete Police Department responded to 13 traffic accidents during these dates.

3/1

Officers attempted to stop a black Mitsubishi Lance for having no lights on when required. The vehicle fled to Dyer, Indiana, where Officer's stopped pursing the vehicle. Flock cameras were used to locate the registration on the vehicle, which belonged to a Crete address. Investigation pending.

3/2

Officer's located the Mitsubishi Lancer from the prior night parked on the street and the vehicle was towed pending seizure. Subsequently, Nathaniel R. Deany, 22, Crete, was arrested for Improper Lighting (No Taillights), Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding 21+ MPH, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding Disobey 2+ Traffic Devices and Reckless Driving.

3/5

Christin N. Turner, 38, Steger, was arrested for Improper Lane Usage, Operate Motor Vehicle when Registration Suspended for Noninsurance and DUI.

A Motor Vehicle Theft was reported in the 3900 block of Gloucester Dr. A Chevrolet Monte Carlo and an American Eagle boat were stolen.

3/6

An attempted Burglary was reported in the 1000 block of Steger Rd. Offender's broke the front glass door of the business but did not gain entry.

Terrell T. Dominique Jr., 25, University Park, was arrested for Speeding, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended.

Clarence L. Dailey Jr., 59, Crete, was arrested for Expired Registration and Driving While License Suspended.

3/7

Meshellangela Taylor-Walter, 34, Normal, IL, was arrested for Disobeying Stop Sign, Driving While License Suspended and Unlawful Use of Weapon.

3/8

Lorenzo Nuanez, 38, Flossmoor, was arrested for Criminal Trespass to Motor Vehicle and Possession of Cannabis by Driver.

Delvon M. Alexander, 25, Crete, was arrested for Expired Registration and Driving While License Suspended.

3/11

Harassment by Telephone was reported in the 25000 block of State St.

Illegal Dumping was reported in the 1200 block of W. Elms Court Ln. People have been dumping roof shingles and other construction debris on the property.

Dyvonte S. Thomas, 29, Crete, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

Officer's attempted to stop a Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for expired registration. The vehicle led officers on short pursuit to the area of Old Post Rd. and Plum Valley Dr. where they found the vehicle unoccupied. The vehicle was towed pending seizure.

3/13

Max C. Barwig, 31, South Chicago Heights, was arrested for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid Crash and DUI.

3/14

Tyrone T. Scott, 34, Crete, was arrested for Passing in No Passing Zone and No Valid Driver's License. Jaquez S. Garfield, 23, Park Forest, was arrested for Speeding, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended.

A Theft was reported in the 24000 block of Patriot Ln. A male subject took an Amazon package off a porch.

Two officers were stopped at the intersection of IL. Rt. 394 and Steger Rd. when they observed a Mercedes-Benz sedan disobey the red stop light for N/B traffic. They attempted to stop the vehicle but lost sight of it N/B 394 and Sauk Trail. Charges of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding are pending investigation.

3/15

Dyvonte S. Thomas, 29, Crete, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

Calab I. Lane, 19, Park Forest, was arrested for Speeding and Driving While License Suspended.

3/16

Alisha R. Solomon, 43, University Park, was arrested for Improper Display of Registration, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended. Charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Ecstasy/MDMA/Molly) are pending lab results.

Dyvonte S. Thomas, 29, Crete, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

3/17

Sean C. Thompson, 31, Park Forest, was arrested for Operate Motor Vehicle when Registration Suspended for Noninsurance, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Driving While License Suspended and Resisting a Peace Officer.

A Fraud was reported in the 3400 block of Gilbert Ct.

3/18

Darnell Sanders, 47, Crete, was arrested on a Warrant from Waukegan, IL. for Armed Robbery. Juwaun H. Stockdale, 23, Crete, was arrested for Domestic Battery.

3/19

Dyvonte S. Thomas, 29, Crete, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

Jose L. Alonso-Castaneda, 36, Crete, was arrested for Improper Lighting, Driving Motor Vehicle on Sidewalk and DUI.

3/20

Dakhari A. Johnson, 23, Griffith, IN., was arrested for Improper Display of Registration, No Valid Driver's License and Warrant.

3/21

Officer's located a 16 yr. old female from Monee, which was refusing to return home. The juvenile fled from Officer's in a vehicle and they lost sight of her. The juvenile was found later after hitting a parked semi-truck and again fleeing. The juvenile was charged with Failure to Report Accident to Police Authority, Failure to Give Information after Striking Parked Vehicle, Disobey Stop Sign and Aggravated Fleeing to Elude.

3/22

Mark S. Moore, 65, Steger, was arrested for Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid Accident and DUI.

3/24

Dyvonte S. Thomas, 29, Crete, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

Harassment by Telephone was reported in the 700 block of Huntley Ter.

3/25

Identity Theft was reported in the 3400 block of Innsbruck Ln.

Dyvonte S. Thomas, 29, Crete, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

3/26

A Burglary was reported in the 1400 block of Steger Rd.

3/27

Shana M. Jackson, 34, Lansing, was arrested for Speeding, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis - Driver and No Valid Driver's License.

3/28

An Aggravated Assault was reported in the 1400 block of Main St. Family members reported a male subject pointed a handgun at them.

Dyvonte S. Thomas, 29, Crete, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

3/29

Ashawndae L. Spencer, 46, Olympia Fields, was arrested for Operate Motor Vehicle when Registration Suspended for Noninsurance, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended.

3/30

Kolby H. Gill, 33, Crete, was arrested for Operate Motor Vehicle when Registration Suspended for Noninsurance, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Driving While License Suspended.

3/31

Luis M. Castillo-Negrete, 25, Chicago Heights, was arrested for Speeding - School Zone, Operate Motor Vehicle when Registration Suspended for Noninsurance, Operate Uninsured Motor Vehicle, No Valid Driver's License and a Warrant.

A Deceptive Practice was reported in the 200 block of Richton Rd.

A Forgery was reported in the 500 block of W. Exchange St.

A Criminal Damage to Property was reported in the 23000 block of Volbrecht Rd. A male subject punched a gambling machine's screen and shattered the screen.

COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS continued:

Fire Department - Administrator Neal Haemker - absent; no report

Superintendent of Public Works - Justin Pancrazio - report submitted; absent

Building Department - Building Inspector Mike Smith - no report

Code Enforcement - Code Enforcement Supervisor Ryan Allison - absent

Fire & Police Commission - Jim McPhee - absent

EMA - Ryan Allison - absent

Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer - Katelyn Tieri – absent

Planning Commission - Karen Tellef - no report

Heritage & Architecture Commission - Phyllis Monks - absent

Media Consultant - Nick Borrell

• Attended and produced a video for the Annual Spring Cleanup Day held Saturday, April 26th.

• Has produced a video promoting the Animal Inoculation Day. It is on the Village website.

COMMUNICATIONS:

WARRANTS:

• The last day for submission of RFP Paramedic/Firefighter Proposals is May 2, 2025 by 5 pm at the Municipal Building, 524 W. Exchange Street, Crete.

• Illinois Lutheran Elementary School asks to host a touch-a-truck event on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. until noon on Elizabeth Street between Division and Cass Street. They are asking for road closure and barricades from 8 am until 1 pm. The date of May 31st as the original requested and approved by the Village Board has been cancelled and changed to Saturday, June 21st as stated above. Board action may be taken.

A motion was made to approve the request made by Trinity Lutheran Elementary School to hold their Touch a Truck event on Saturday June 21st (not on May 31st as originally requested) and for the Village to provide barricades to close Elizabeth Street between Cass and Division from 8 am until 1 pm.

Motion: Trustee Holly Milburn

Second: Trustee Stephen Johnson

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Abstain (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Motion declared carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

There was no Old Business discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Application received to place an honorary street sign for Mayor Michael Einhorn to be located on Benton Street. Board action may be taken.

A motion was made to approve the application made by Trustee John Phelan for an honorary street sign to be placed on Benton Street honoring President Michael Einhorn.

Motion: Trustee John Phelan

Second: Trustee Holly Milburn

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

NEW BUSINESS continued:

2. Motion to approve wage increases for certain full time Non-Union employees and part time employees for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Board action is anticipated.

The issue listed may be discussed after return from Executive Session.

A motion was made to close the Open Session of the board meeting at 8:14 pm and move to executive session for the purpose of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and Probable, Imminent, Pending Litigation (5 ILCS 120/2(C) (11).

Motion: Trustee Holly Milburn

Second: Trustee Stephen Johnson

ON ROLL CALL:

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

1. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

2. Probable, Imminent, Pending Litigation (5 ILCS 120/2(C) (11).

The Board returned from Executive Session at 9:56 pm.

A motion was made to reopen the regular session of the Village Board Meeting at 9:57 pm.

Motion: Trustee Holly Milburn

Second: Trustee Steve Bruns

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

A motion was made to increase the wages of all non-union employees, both full and part time, effective at the first full pay period in May 2025 by 3% per hour, with the exception to increase the newest office assistant by $1.00 per hour based upon the three month evaluation to be completed in mid-May, and to increase the code enforcement/animal control position by $1.00 per hour and to increase wages of the part time position of the police officer to $27.00 per hour.

Motion: Trustee Holly Milburn

Second: Trustee John Phelan

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT:

As there was no further business to come before the board, a motion was made to declare the meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.

Motion: Trustee Holly Milburn

Second: Trustee Stephen Johnson

Ayes (6) Trustees Bruns, Johnson, Milburn, Phelan, Seifert and Wiater

Nays (0) none

Absent (1) President Einhorn

Abstain (0) none

Motion declared carried.

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