Public Works Department Gets New Contract, Village Property Rezoned

After being without a contract for more than nine months and in negotiations for six months, Evergreen Parkworkers received a new three-year labor contract.

Village trustees voted unanimously to approve the Public Works Department’s collective bargaining agreement for the period of May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2013, for the 26 workers in the department.

For the first year of the contract, workers will get a 2 percent raise, with a 3 percent raise for the second and third years.

"This was a win-win for both sides," Mayor James Sexton said.

Village attorney Vincent Cainkar and Sexton negotiated the contract on behalf of the workers during the course of six months. A Local 700 Teamsters Union representative and Public Works Department union steward also were present at negotiations.

According to Sexton, the village was able to save on health insurance and didn't have to make any sacrifices during negotiations.

Sexton added that the village was in the process of negotiating the contract for the and expects to reach an agreement within the next couple of months.

Village to Get Reimbursed for Most of Snow Cost

The village will get some financial relief from the federal government for costs incurred during “Snowpacolypse 2011.” Mayor Sexton said the 2011 blizzard cost the village $88,402.09, however funds from Homeland Security and Emergency Management will reimburse the village up to 75 percent of the cost.

Sexton said after the federal government disperses the money to Cook County, the county will then disperse to the village.

"I thank all of those who participated and all of those that did the paperwork. Without the paperwork, it doesn't count," Sexton said.

Residential Property Rezoned into Doctors Offices

A new doctors office complex is coming to the village. At Monday's village board meeting, the mayor and the board of trustees voted unanimously to rezone the property located at 9125 South Pulaski Rd. from a single-family residential district to a commercial district, allowing for the new offices.

Liquor License Granted

The board approved a request from J's Fish, Turkey and Chicken, 9836 S. Western Ave., for a Class E liquor license. The license allows the business to sell beer and wine on the premises until midnight.

"It's been a nice addition to that strip mall up there," Sexton said.

Business Regulation Certificates Approved

Trustees voted to approve business regulation certificates for two new businesses. Primerica, a financial services company, will operate from a desk at 3317 W. 95th St. A regulation was approved for Fashion Trend, a women's retail apparel shop, moving to The Plaza, 9500 S. Western Ave. Trustees also approved a regulation for Family Medical Care Center to move from 3900 W. 95th St. to 3358 W. 95th St.