The Regional News
Southwest Regional Publishing
More cops.
More cop cars.
The Orland Park Village Board on Feb. 2 voted to purchase six utility vehicles at a cost of $286,524 including a Ford Bronco Sport that piqued Trustee Michael Milani’s curiosity and produced an amusing exchange.
“That seems like an unusual choice,” Milani said.
“It’s for those specialized units,” Director of Public Works Joel VanEssen said.
“Are they so secret you can’t discuss them?” Mayor James Dodge asked.
“It’s there to be used to find the bad guys,” Van Essen said.
Dodge said the new vehicles are needed.
“Some of these are related to going to 12-hour shifts and expanding the force,” Dodge said.
“There is replacement and there is expansion.”
On Feb. 1, the police department switched to 12-hour shifts with the idea of giving officers more days off and cutting down on overtime costs.
The village also hired seven new officers in September.
Another round of hires is expected to open early this year.
Village looking at Riviera property
The village could be in line to purchase the property at 8801 W. 143rd Street, which housed the Riviera Country Club.
The board approved a $33,000 contract with Rosemont-based Christopher R. Burke Engineering Ltd. for facilities assessment, hazardous materials assessment and project administration and management.
The Riviera closed in 2021 and the property has been vacant.
According to Burke documents, the village wants to subdivide the property and create privately-owned parcels.
Other news
- The village honored Peace Marketplace as the Business of the Month and the Cancer Support Center as Organization of the Month.
- The board voted to enter a contract to purchase electricity from the lowest cost provider for the purpose of commercial accounts through the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative bid process.
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