Tinley Park public works employees are still working to clean up damage from the weekend’s heavy storms, Public Works Director John Urbanski told the Village Board Tuesday night.
“We had over 200 emails Monday morning that we were welcomed with, and approximately 150 voicemails,” Urbanski said. “I’ve got all of my staff all hands on deck trying to go through and chip up and bring all of the brush away from the parkways, but I just ask everybody that’s waiting to just please be patient.”
Urbanski asked anyone in need of cleanup who hasn’t notified the village yet to reach out to the Public Works Department by email at [email protected].
Police Chief Thomas Tilton thanked officers, as well as the Fire Department, Public Works Department and emergency medical services for their work at the weekend Country Fest, which was disrupted by the severe weather, but ultimately went ahead.
“Hats off to Public Works,” said Trustee Colleen Sullivan. “I drove around, and seeing the destruction and all the trees down, and neighbors helping neighbors, bringing all the limbs to the curbs. I know you guys have been non-stop working, so great job to your team, John.”
Boating safety
Trustee William Brady encouraged residents to be safe when boating, drawing attention to two recent accidents, including Friday’s tragic accident on Lake Geneva, in which three children were drowned when a severe storm unexpectedly swept across the lake.
“You need to check the weather. You need to check the safety equipment. You need to check to make sure all the life jackets are available, and hand-held radios to call for help,” Brady said. “It’s very important. This weekend just showed it.”
Brady also said boat owners should have their vessels inspected before venturing out.
Business plans
The board approved a liquor license for Speedy Burritos, 7108 171st St., allowing the sale of beer and wine.
The board also voted to allow 7 Brew at the Tinley Park Shopping Center, 7121 159th St., to install a new wall sign to serve as a walk-up menu for walk-up customers.
One resident asked during public comment if speed bumps could be installed along 163rd Street to discourage speeding. Mayor Michael Glotz said the village avoids the use of speed bumps wherever possible because they can damage emergency vehicles.
“The first responder vehicles that are going over to respond to stuff, it’s really doing a lot of damage to them, and so that’s kind of why we’ve pulled back on them,” Glotz said. “It’s brutal on the equipment.”
Urbanski said because the village uses snowplows that are mounted under trucks, any speed bumps also need to be removed during winter.
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“We have to remove them every winter, and then it causes damage to the road,” Urbanski said. “It becomes more of a nuisance than anything else.”
More police patrols of the area is a better solution, Urbanski said.
Another resident expressed frustration with loud music being played and parties being held in Veterans Park. Glotz said the park was governed by the Tinley Park-Park District.
“The Park District has to create their own noise ordinance for inside their parks,” Glotz said.