Cicero Approves Health Partnership, Utility Study and Debuts New Inclusive Park
The Town of Cicero trustees during their bi-weekly board meeting are presented with the layout plan for Phil Fuentes Ability Park by Craig Pesek on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. April Alonso/Cicero Independiente
By Leslie Hurtado
The Town of Cicero Board of Trustees and President Larry Dominick met twice in September 2024 to discuss various ordinances and resolutions.
In September, Cicero pushed several initiatives, including a clinical partnership with Chamberlain University, a water rate study and a $105,000 anti-theft grant. The board funded town-wide internet, water department repairs and fire department software. A highlight was the unveiling of Ability Park, an inclusive playground for children, with town trustee Blanca Vargas asking the board to hold evening meetings to expand community access to town developments.
You can access the documents in this recap by clicking on these links: September 10 and September 24. For live streams of these meetings, visit our Facebook page.
PERMITS
The Cicero Fire Department submitted a permit request to hold a food drive on Saturday, October 26. Donations will go to the Red Feather Organization and the Cicero Community Chest.
The Cicero Town Board approved event permits for several local organizations, including a firefighter boot camp on three Saturdays in September, a car wash fundraiser for Iglesia Evangelica Cristiana Espiritual on September 14 and a "Pony Day and Blessing of the Animals" at Gethsemane Lutheran Church on October 2. They also approved door-to-door sales for the Girl Scouts fall and cookie programs from September 20 to October 16.
RESOLUTIONS
They approved a resolution to sign an agreement with Chamberlain University for student clinical placements in the Health Department. In September, Cicero's health department will provide patient care equipment, office space and library access for nursing students in the clinical program with Chamberlain University.
Cicero approved a resolution to enter an agreement with Novotny Engineering for a water and sewer rate study. This study aimed to help plan upgrades to Cicero’s utility systems and ensure fair utility rates for residents. The project’s cost was $80,000 and hourly rates were set for Novotny and Arcadis personnel involved.
TOWN SPENDING
The Town of Cicero passed a resolution to pay $38,632.70 for repairs to a vactor truck used by the water department. West Side Tractor Sales Co. completed the repairs, which included the repair and maintenance services needed to keep the truck in working order.
Cicero approved a $105,000 grant from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to reduce retail theft affecting local businesses. The grant funded equipment and other crime prevention costs.
The board also approved a resolution to pay an invoice from ImageTrend, Inc., for records management software for the fire department. The software allows the Cicero Fire Department to keep using ImageTrend for records. The total cost for the year was $16,786, covering August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025.
The Town of Cicero approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with Comcast Enterprise for internet services for their own departments. The agreement specified a recurring monthly charge of $16,399.84 for all services, with no additional equipment or installation fees.
SETTLEMENTS
The Town of Cicero approved a settlement for a workers' compensation claim in the Roberto Garcia v. Town of Cicero case. The town authorized a $21,793 payment to resolve Garcia's employment injury claims. After deductions, Garcia will receive $17,334.60. This settlement aimed to avoid additional legal costs and conclude the case.
The board also approved a settlement agreement with Brandon Johnson related to a motor vehicle accident in which the town was the defendant. The town settled the claim for up to $14,000 without admitting liability to avoid further litigation and costs.
They also approved a resolution to settle a lawsuit with former employee Francisco Bahena. Bahena claimed workplace injuries and sought damages from the town. Without admitting fault, the town agreed to pay a settlement of $128,505 to cover all related claims and expenses. After deductions, the former employee received $102,764.68.
COMMENTS
On September 23, a day before the town board meeting, the town unveiled the layout plan for Ability Park. Town officials at the board meeting praised Town President Larry Dominick for creating a park that children will soon get to experience.
Town trustee Blanca Vargas congratulated Dominick and the board on the unveiling of Ability Park and requested that the president consider holding a monthly evening town board meeting.
In an interview on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight about Ability Park, Cicero Independiente highlighted residents' challenges in staying informed about park plans due to town meetings being held during early hours.
“Please consider having one monthly evening meeting for the community. It can be on a monthly basis or twice a month – but at least once a month,” Vargas said.
Leslie Hurtado is a contributing reporter with Cicero Independiente. She graduated with a B.A. in Communications at Northeastern Illinois University. She worked at several news rooms including WBEZ, WTTW, Telemundo and City Bureau.
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