7 Months of Town of Cicero Decisions: Let’s Catch-Up!
A breakdown of key Town Board actions from April through October
The Town of Cicero trustees during their bi-weekly board meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. April Alonso/Cicero Independiente
By Jonathan Torres
Since April 2025, the Town of Cicero Board of Trustees and President Larry Dominick have met twice a month to approve new ordinances, present resolutions, amend and update items of the Town Code.
The board’s key recurring areas of focus include:
Festival/events spending
Law enforcement spending
Infrastructure and public works
Amendments to Cicero Town Code
Transportation and mobility services
Resident services
FESTIVAL/EVENTS SPENDING
The Town of Cicero Board contracted various festival related services, such as event vendors and security firms for 2025 festivities In Cicero. To start, the board approved the purchase and repair of generators to use during the events, for a total cost of $103 345.64. Then in June the Town purchased turnstiles to count the number of attendees for $28,151.80 and then again in October for $1,493.80, a balance that was owed by the Town of Cicero.
The Town of Cicero trustees during their bi-weekly board meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. April Alonso/ Cicero Independiente
Festival Contracts & Services
In April, the Town approved three contracts with All Around Amusement (AAA) for town events. AAA will provide rides, attractions, and vendors for the Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence, and Cicero Fest events at a cost of $30,000 per event plus a 55/45 admission-revenue split (AAA/Town) . The Vendor was also approved to provide services for the next couple years as well, including 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Another with ADB Entertainment who will provide lighting, tents, and screen equipment for a total cost of $111,200 for all 2025 events.
In addition, they also contracted Entertainment Management Group to manage the concerts and backend logistics for $30,500 for the 2025 Houby Days Festival. 40 tents were additionally rented from J&J Rentals for Houby Fest in October for $19,690 in total.
Security Agreements
The board contracted Frontline Security, Inc. that provided security for four town festivals. For less than $50,000 for each event. In August the board paid their final invoice from Blue Star Security LLC, which they helped with security and crowd control at the American Fest, for a total cost of $46,874.04
Parades
Three parade routes and dates were set by the board, all scheduled during daytime working hours:
Mexican Independence Day on September 14 at noon
Houby Parade on October 5 at noon
Morton's Homecoming on October 25 at 10 a.m.
According to the agenda, the Cicero Police Department (CPD) controlled traffic along the routes. The board did not address how the closures and police presence will affect residents who live and work along these routes, or whether community input shaped the scheduling decisions.
LAW ENFORCEMENT SPENDING
The board allocated significant funds to law enforcement, including new police personnel, service vehicles, equipment, and software.
However, the agenda provided no data on current crime trends, community safety priorities, or whether residents were consulted about expanding police presence versus investing in other public safety approaches like mental health services, youth programs, or street infrastructure improvements.
During the August 26, 2025 Town of Ciero Board meeting, police recruits were presented to Larry Dominick and board trusteees. April Alonso/ Cicero Independiente
New Police Recruits
The Cicero Police Department added a total of 16 additional recruits into the force, by paying for their tuition at two different law enforcement academies.
Three police recruits from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at the College of DuPage for a total $15,496.80 back in May.
Seven police candidates enrolled in the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Academy for a total of $25,025 back in June.
Six recruits in August from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy for $30,993.60 in total.
New Police Vehicles
Since May, CPD has purchased 15 new Service vehicles, with the bulk of the purchases (13 vehicles) taking place in May. Vehicles include:
In May, Town Board members approved the purchases of five 2025 GMC Acadias, four GMC Yukons, four Chevrolet Tahoes for a total price of $795,492.92.
Then in October another two vehicles — a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation and a 2026 GMC Acadia for a total cost $104,451.62.
The Town also purchased 7 electric bikes and 2 coaster cycles in October with additional equipment/gear, for a total cost of $30,283.20 from Electric Movement LLC for CPD.
Software Services and Additional Equipment
In June CPD looked to continue to maintain their access to LeadsOnline investigative portal, a software that would allow Cicero Police to conduct criminal law related tasks, a contract the department has had since 2013. The annual cost has increased slightly from $16,211 to $17,184.
In the following month, CPD moved to renew and upgrade its software from Cellebrite Inc., which would allow Cicero police to access data from locked phones for criminal investigations. According to the agenda, Deputy Superintendent Dominic Schullo stated “our need for
cell phone unlocking and extraction has grown exponentially and no agency is able or willing to keep up with our required volume.”
The renewal includes the annual user license that can help unlock 65 phones for $29,000, and a Cellebrite Guardian Pro platform upgrade costing $23,000, bringing the total annual cost to $52,000. Up significantly from the previous $7,200 license. According to the department, the old system was inadequate because it only allowed extractions from unlocked phones or those with known PINs, which is rare, forcing investigators to rely on federal and county agencies that often take months to nearly a year to unlock devices. Total price is $51,400.
They also made a purchase of $4,999.60 for 40 Guardian angel infrared hybrid red/blue elite series safety lights.The equipment will help visibility when handling crash scenes, traffic control, and search and rescues.
Cicero Fire Department
The Fire Department purchased medical supplies from Zol Medical Corporation for a total of $51,897.60. They also got 38 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, oxygen tanks, with additional equipment for a total of $420,233.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC WORKS
Craig Pesek, Town Projects Manager, during the October 14, 2025 Town of Cicero board meeting. April Alonso/ Cicero Independiente
Water Pipeline Replacement
Back in June, board members accepted a loan agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency under the Public Water Supply Loan Program, a state program that helps towns improve their drinking water systems to be safe. The total cost of construction and installation of the project is $3,027,000 for the loan, which could be 100% forgivable by the program.
In relation to the water pipeline replacement project, the board has contracted Frank Novotny and Associates, Inc to provide detailed plans, estimates of cost, and preparation of reports to complete the project. The Total cost for their service: $25,389.71.
Roadway Improvements
Cicero and Berwyn share jurisdiction over Lombard Avenue from Pershing Road to 31st Street. Cicero, as lead agency for the project, contracted Frank Novotny and Associates Inc. as project engineer. Both municipalities will fund improvements using Motor Fuel Tax funds approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The project aimed to improve the road.
Berwyn set to spend: $686,997.42
Cicero set to spend: $767,987.84
Total cost: $1,454,985.26
In October, the board approved an application for the Illinois Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School grant funding in order to make improvements to the intersection located at 31st Street and 54th Court.
Cicero also added two stops signs:
At 26th Street alleyway between Lombard Avenue and 61st Court.
At Austin Boulevard and 37th Street
Long-term Projects
In July, Cicero adopted a Safe Streets and Roads for All Program action plan developed with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. The program prioritizes protection for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians through safer road design, speed management, and improved emergency response.
The board also approved a 5-year Community Development Block Grant consolidated plan (2025-2029) funding programs that improve housing, living standards, and economic opportunities for low-income residents. The total CDBG grant that the Town will receive is $1,751,533.
Some priorities include:
Expand Safe, Affordable Housing: Improve housing stock through rehabilitation and repair.
Provide Lead-Safe Housing: Implement education on lead poisoning and abate lead-based paint hazards.
Enhance Services for Non-Homeless Residents: Support low-to-moderate-income individuals and those with special needs.
In October, the board approved an agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to construct three permeable alleys for stormwater management, green infrastructure, and flood mitigation. Alley locations are:
Two (2) alleys bounded by West 19th Street to the north, South 49th Court to the east, West 21st Place to the south, and South 50th Avenue to the west
One (1) alley bounded by West 24th Street to the north, South 58th Avenue to the east, West 25th Street to the south, and South 58th Court to the west
Following the July 2, 2023 flood, the board approved CDBG-Disaster Recovery administrative policies in August. Cicero will receive $96,004,000 in federal CDBG-DR funding for long-term recovery efforts, overseen by the Department of Housing. A public hearing on August 4th presented the plan and, according to the agenda, the Town of Cicero will have 6 years to implement projects and use the funds for the following:
$4.5M for administration,
$1.5M for planning,
$20M+ for sewer check-valve installations,
$30M+ for stormwater management and storage,
$26M+ for sewer repair and construction, and a
$12,522,000 mitigation set-aside for permeable alleys
Inclusive Park Construction
In October, the Town of Cicero opened Phil Fuentes Ability Park, designed to accommodate children of all abilities. Prior to its opening, the board approved change orders related to the construction of Phil Fuentes Ability Park, with a total project cost of $4,189,600.
However, based on our reporting, the Town of Cicero continued construction and opened the park despite not fully cleaning the land that was found to have toxins, such as lead and arsenic.
The board contracted Burling Builders Inc. and allocated $16,097.87 from the project's emergency budget for repairs including a monument sign foundation, call box foundation, and replacing stolen materials.
AMENDMENTS TO CICERO TOWN CODE
The Town of Cicero trustees during their bi-weekly board meeting on Tuesday, July22, 2025. April Alonso/Cicero Independiente
Permits
The board raised building permit fees in June, from 1.5% to 2% of construction costs for homeowners, and 1% to 3% for businesses. While raising the threshold for permit-free minor home repairs from $700 to $1,500 annually. However, permits are still required regardless of cost, and only the homeowner can do the work.
New rules also regulate temporary storage containers like moving pods. Homeowners need a $100 permit for 30 days or $800 annually, with only one container allowed at a time. Containers must be on private property. Not on grass, sidewalks, or parkways. They cannot be used for habitation or food preparation. Violations carry a minimum fine of $250 per day.
Town Code Changes
According to the agenda, the Town Board aimed to combat empty buildings from attracting crime, becoming fire hazards or dumping grounds. The Town has decided to include vacant storefronts into the Cicero Town Code regarding vacant properties. Under the updated ordinance, any property or storefront that’s been vacant for more than 30 days, or has its utilities shut off ,must be registered with the Town, Vacant storefronts must now register with registration fees also now include a $250 semi-annual fee.
In October, Cicero Board members passed an amended ordinance for Chapter 94, Sections 94-1 and 94-140. A street takeover is now defined as any unpermitted gathering of vehicles that blocks or disrupts traffic flow. This definition was also added to the negligent driving section of the Cicero Town Code.
Also in October, the board amended Chapter 2, Section 2-136 of the Town Code regarding the Town President carrying a firearm. The president can carry a firearm if:
They complete a gun training course that's at least 40 hours long
OR they qualify for Illinois's Retired Officer Concealed Carry Program (which means they're a retired law enforcement officer who's already authorized to carry)
TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY SERVICES
Town of Cicero President, Larry Dominick during the May 13, 2025 board meeting. April Alonso/ Cicero Independiente
Agreements of Service with PACE
The Town Board partnered with PACE to provide free transportation for seniors (62+) and residents with disabilities using three wheelchair-accessible vans. Service includes trips to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and errands. Residents must call (708-222-3879) two business days ahead. Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
In a separate agreement, the Town approved using PACE to provide public transportation, reducing vehicle congestion. Cicero requested four 12-passenger Community Vans at $100 per vehicle plus a $500 deposit each.
Crossing Guards Program for Schools in Cicero
Although the Town of Cicero funded a crossing guard program before, it was made apparent that the Town could no longer afford to fund the program without financial contribution from the Cicero School District 99(D99), to which the school district agreed to contribute to the program.
The Term of agreement is from August 1, 2025 — July 31, 2026.
The program would cover all D99 schools except for the Early Childhood Center, according to the agenda.
The Town of Cicero will be responsible for budgeting 498,225.61 for their employed 75 crossing guards while D99 reimburses the Town for this service every three months (quarterly).
RESIDENT SERVICES
Tom Tomschin, Executive Director of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Department (CDBG) of the Town of Cicero during the July 8, 2025 board meeting. The CDBG department handles economic opportunities for natural disasters such as flooding and HUD funding. April Alonso/ Cicero Independiente
Approval of Fair Housing Analysis Report to Support Housing Improvements
In April, the Town continued participating in the federal Community Development Block Grant program, which funds housing improvements and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Participation required completing a Fair Housing Analysis identifying barriers to equitable housing access, including mismatched housing demographics, inadequate employee training and public outreach, and limited bank investment.
According to the agenda, the Town plans to increase community outreach, train employees on fair housing laws, host workshops, evaluate internal housing policies, establish a department for mortgage and lending issues, and review zoning practices to ensure housing is fair and accessible. Future workshop and community outreach dates were not listed in the agenda.
The Town of Cicero used 3 main forms of data collection, one being a multiple choice survey, asking about discrimination in fair housing, town services, and economic status, to which 154 people answered. The Town also hosted two community meetings on February 11 and 18 of 2025 to observe CDBG/fair housing concerns in the town.
Medical Billing Assistance/Support for Cicero Residents
The Town reached an agreement with WebWeave, Inc, a software company, to assist the Cicero’s department of Health with services to prep and submit medical billing to insurance carriers. The agreement ensures claims are accurately coded, submitted to insurance companies, tracked for denials or rejections, and properly documented, helping residents access affordable healthcare services efficiently. Total payment was $1,850.
In other related Medical support for town residents, The Town of Cicero approved a grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to fund vision and hearing screenings for preschool-aged children. The town’s proposal for Pre-school Vision and Hearing 2026 was approved for a $5,285 grant, covering services from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Update to Residential Permit Parking Zones
In May, the Town amended Chapter 94, Section 94-196 to update parking to update parking regulations.Their goal is to ensure that Town residents have sufficient parking, according to the agenda. Four permit zones were updated:
Morton High School (Red Zone): The area around Morton High School, roughly bounded by Cermak Road, 57th-59th Avenues, and extending down to 26th Street.
Morton College (Blue Zone): The area around Morton College, roughly bounded by 36th Street, 54th Avenue, Pershing Road, and 56th Court.
Pink Line Zone: The area near the Pink Line train station, roughly bounded by 19th-23rd Streets, Central Avenue, and 54th Avenue (NOT including Cermak Road parking).
Lombard Green Zone: the 3300 block of 61st Court and the east side of 3300 Lombard Avenue.
The key rules:
If you live in one of these zones, you get a colored sticker matching your zone (red, blue, pink, or green)
If you live elsewhere in town, you get a black-bordered sticker
You need the correct sticker to park in these zones between 12:01 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Parking without the right sticker = $50-$500 fine
In September, the board required permits and town vehicle stickers for municipal parking Lots E and F. Lot E is at 50th Avenue and 25th Street (southeast corner), and Lot F is on Roosevelt Road between 50th Avenue and 49th Court.
Holiday Regulations
In September, the Town Board set the time for trick or treating to be between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for Halloween.
In August, the Town purchased gift certificates for its Holiday Food Assistance Program, which provides eligible residents with grocery store gift cards to help with holiday meals. They purchased 4,000 gift cards from Tony’s Fresh Market at $12 each, for a total cost of $48,000.
In October, The Town approved the purchase of 2,040 gift cards ($15 each) with a total of $29,988 (received a discount of $612). The gift cards are for their holiday programs, replacing past food and toy handouts. 1,000 cards were allocated to the Special Events Department and 1,000 to the Senior Department.
Jonathan Torres is a Mexican-American journalist from the South Side of Chicago. He hopes to continue reporting in the Cicero/Berwyn area, bringing the communities together one article at a time.
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