Maywood homeless shelter cancels fundraiser
A Maywood homeless shelter has nixed a summer fundraiser that was tied to the Oak Park Festival Theater. In an e-mailed statement from West Suburban PADS, the shelter cited a “low response” to its June 25 event. Those who purchased tickets to the event will be issued a refund, according to the statement.
The shelter encouraged community members to still attend the theatre’s performance, no matter that the fundraising relationship between the groups has been severed. West Suburban PADS is scheduled to host its annual progressive dinner on Sept. 14.
Traffic detail continues
Motorists who failed to purchase a municipal vehicle sticker were again targeted by police during a June 17 enforcement effort conducted along Harrison Street.
According to a statement released by the department, officers were stationed near the intersection with Beloit for some 90 minutes during the morning commute. Twenty Forest Park drivers were issued citations for failing to display a Forest Park registration sticker. Also, one driver was ticketed for failing to notify the state of a change of address, and one ticket was issued for lack of insurance.
Later that same morning, police returned to Madison Street where they’ve conducted a series of stings intended to nab drivers who do not yield to pedestrians attempting to use a crosswalk. Another 25 citations for this offense were issued, according to police. Other motorists were ticketed for driving on a suspended license, not using their seat belt and driving without insurance.
Budget stalled by objections
The village’s annual budget was not approved during a June 22 council meeting after several elected officials questioned why the appropriations ordinance included millions of dollars in extra spending. Commissioner Rory Hoskins, who oversees the Department of Accounts and Finance, said the 20 percent margin presented to the council is uncalled for, and that elected officials should authorize a buffer of no more than 5 percent.
It has become the practice in Forest Park – and other suburban communities – to approve a budget that is significantly larger than what is detailed in policy documents. Mayor Anthony Calderone said the extra money would not necessarily be spent by department heads, but approving it now is a necessary efficiency. Calderone and Commissioner Mark Hosty objected to tabling the budget. The council has until July 30 to pass an appropriations ordinance.
Commissioner Mike Curry, who voted with the majority to postpone the budget’s approval, said later in the discussion that he’s comfortable with a margin of 10 percent to 20 percent. Commissioner Marty Tellalian said he favored a smaller margin of no more than 5 percent.
Council to discuss applicants
During a special meeting of the village council this evening, June 24, members will meet to decide which candidates interviewed for the village administrator’s position will be invited for a follow-up discussion with the full council.
Three members of the council – Mayor Anthony Calderone, Commissioner Marty Tellalian and Commissioner Mike Curry – have thus far handled the hiring process. The subcommittee reviewed dozens of applications to select nine people for an initial interview. Of those nine, a lesser number will be selected as finalists.
Forest Park’s top job was vacated in January by former village administrator Mike Sturino, who had held the position since 2005. Council members have said they intend to pay a lesser salary to the incoming administrator. Early in the hiring process elected officials also debated whether they should redefine the job, possibly narrowing the responsibilities. No decisions have been made in that regard.
