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Politics & Government

Keane Moves from Info Desk to Council Chambers

The Village Board met Monday evening, granted several requests and swore in new Village Board Trustee Mary Keane.

Good luck wishes and a kiss on the cheek went from the Honorable Judge Brian Flaherty to Mary Keane just after he swore her in as Village Board Trustee Monday night.

After serving as village public information officer for the last five years, Keane officially took her seat as the newest Trustee on the board.

"She has done an excellent job in her role as the information officer," said Mayor James Sexton. "We are very excited about Mary taking over as Trustee, and will assure that the residents of Evergreen Park have a bright future."

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In addition to Keane, Flaherty swore in Village Board incumbents Mark Marzullo and James McQuillan, and Library Board incumbents Kim Shine and Deborah Pearson, who all won their seats, unopposed in the .

Newly sworn in Trustee Keane started the meeting by leading the Village Board in the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time.

Find out what's happening in Evergreen Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Mayor Opposed to State Budget Cuts

The Village of Evergreen Park Board of Trustees unanimously approved Resolution 11-2011, which opposes the reduction of state-collected revenues that are due to municipalities.

Sexton spoke very passionately about gaining support from Board members on opposing state budget cuts, and did not hold back any criticism he had for state policies.

"Now the state wants to take money from municipalities," said Sexton, referring to the Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus' recent suggestion to cut $300 million—or 5 percent—from the local share of state-collected income tax to pay for the State's unpaid bills.

No formal legislation has been introduced, however, if the state moves ahead with the suggestion, The Village of Evergreen Park could lose up to $500,000 in revenue.

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Update on Ash Tree Project

To date, the Village has removed 800 ash trees and replaced 35 of them, after creating a plan to protect trees that are affected by the deadly emerald ash borer beetle. In April, the village received a $10,000  from the Department of Agriculture as part of the Illinois Urban Forest Restoration program.

Business Regulation Certificate Approved

Trustees voted to approve an application for AFSCME Personal Support Program, which provides employee assistance and counseling, to 9730 S. Western Ave., Suite 828.

Requests Approved

  • The Board of Trustees approved the week of May 1-7 as Municipal Clerks Week.
  • The Village Board also approved the week of May 15-21 as EMS Everyday Heroes Week as well as National Public Works Week.
  • Trustees approved Evergreen Park Community High School's request to have a Homecoming Parade on September 30, 2010.

Announcements and Events

  • , director of the Office of Citizen's Services, said volunteers with the Tax Program filed 783 income tax returns free of charge for village residents.
  • Evergreen Park Lion’s Club is asking residents to donate to the Village Pantry on May 5.
  • Sexton announced that the Annual Independence Day Parade will be on July 1. If it rains on that date, the village will hold the fireworks on July 2.
  • The mayor also said vehicle registration sticker applications will be mailed out on May 13, and must be displayed on all vehicles in the village by June 13.
  • The Recreation Department's summer booklet of offerings is now available at the local schools, library, the  and Village Hall. Registration for courses start May 9.
  • The Farmer's Market will officially start on June 2.
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