Politics & Government
Village Board Strengthens Synthetic Drugs Ban, Says Goodbye to Retired Police Captain
Trustees passed a tighter ban to prevent the sale and possession of synthetic drugs in the village at Monday's village board meeting.
At the first Village Board meeting of the year, Trustees approved a stronger ban on synthetic drugs punishable to up to $750 per violation or everyday a violation continues to exist of the new ordinance.
According to Ordinance 1-2012, the village of Evergreen Park “deems it necessary and desirable to prohibit the sale, delivery, possession and use of products containing synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants, and synthetic hallucinogens in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare.”
Made up of a mix of chemicals and herbs, forms of the drug have been sold legally at convenience stores, gas stations and local smoke shops, under the name K2 or Spice, among others. chief Michael Saunders said "there are no arrests to my knowledge," and the village is strengthening the statwide ban that went into effect on Jan. 1 locally as a preventative measure.
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Retired Police Captain Remembered
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The village of Evergreen Park observed a moment of silence for retired Capt. Florian Karkoska, 61, who passed last week. He had recently retired as of Sept. 1, according to Mayor James Sexton, but shortly after fell ill.
His family and friends held a wake in his honor on Jan. 4, and will hold a funeral mass on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. at Incarnation Parish, 5757 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights. The family asks that visitors omit flowers.
E-Waste Recycling Center
The village reported that since opening its electronic waste recycling center at 3225 W. 93rd St. in July, the town has collected 2,998 pounds of waste. The center is open Tuesdays to Fridays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Jan. 1 it became a statewide law that residents could no longer dispose of electronics in the garbage.
Bills Collected in December
Last month, the village water collector collected $558,419.37, while the village collector collected $1,255,775.56.
Bills Paid in December
The village paid $566,791.73 to the general corporate fund and sewer and water funds last month under Resolution 502012.
Village Working on New Website
Trustees approved a three-year agreement with CivicPlus Advantage to operate and update the village website. According to Sexton, the clerk and deputy clerk have been working with the company over the last few months to create a user-friendly website.
