Worth to dispose of old public works equipment

By Joe Boyle

With spring just around the corner, the Village of Worth is preparing to dispose of public works equipment that has become dated and no longer useful.

Mayor Mary Werner has authorized through an ordinance the disposal of the equipment that has become old and obsolete.

Trustee Brad Urban, who is the head of the public works committee, said the property no longer serves a purpose.

“The equipment is old,” Urban said during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night. “It’s time for it to go.”

Werner also mentioned that the annual Worth Fraternal Order of Police Polar Plunge held Saturday at Altman Park was a huge success. The mayor said that the police raised over $6,000 as of Saturday and will continue to collect donations until the end of the month.

“The FOP did a great job,” Werner said. “I want to personally thank Trustee Brad Urban, who was out there at 7 in the morning. He was our chef for the day.”

Werner also reminded the board that the Worth FOP Golf Outing will take place on Saturday, June 17, at the Water’s Edge Golf Course. Police Chief Tim Denton said that all proceeds from the outing will go to Worth School District 127.

Foursomes can sign up for the outing at Water’s Edge.

“If you want to get in, I would sign up early,” Urban said. “It fills up fast.”

An ordinance approving an agreement between the village and Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC, or Cleansweep, regarding street sweeping services was approved.

The board also approved a resolution requesting that the Cook County Community Development Block Grant funds for program year 2023 was approved in the amount of $400,000.

The infrastructure CDBG projects approved with the resolution includes repairs for streets, sewers and water mains. Village officials hope that the repairs can take place within the year.

Trustee Rich Dziedzic also reminded the board and residents that the Worth Park District is holding a community meeting to discuss a referendum on the April 4 ballot that is asking for a slight tax increase to maintain and upgrade local parks.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at the Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave.

In a related matter, the Worth Park District was awarded an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $325,000 for improvements to be made at Homerding Park, 116th Street and Oak Park Avenue.

“We are extremely happy to have this opportunity to improve Homerding Park,” said Worth Park District Director of Park and Recreation Robert O’Shaughnessy. “We are also happy that community input and support played a big part in receiving the grant.”

Improvements and additions slated for the park include a walking path, fitness stations, a shelter, new playground equipment, and landscape improvements. The work on the project is scheduled to begin in 2024.

Werner also mentioned that the annual corned beef and cabbage dinner will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, 11001 S. Depot St.

The fee is $18 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. Children under age 3 can eat for free. Carry-outs are $19.

Trustee Laura Packwood, who is the head of the golf committee, said that Orion, the Missouri-based company that has managed Water’s Edge for the past year, has been controlling expenses.

“The fish fry is doing very well,” Packwood said about the event that is being held on Friday nights at the Edge Bar & Grill. “Even with the blizzard that did not come to fruition Friday night, they still had people waiting to dine.”

The fish fry dinners are served at the Edge Bar & Grill from 4 to 9 p.m. each Friday through April 7.

Werner also said that fish fry dinners at the Marrs-Meyer Post 991 have been well received. The dinners are held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays through April 7 at the post.

The fee is $16 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Children under age 3 can eat for free. Carry-outs are $17.

The Ross Failla Singing and Swinging event, which will include the classic standards of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole, will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Marrs-Meyer Post. Tickets are $5 and are available at the bar.

“It’s pretty popular and those tickets are almost sold out,” Werner said.

Village Clerk Bonnie Price reminded the board and residents that early voting begins on Monday, March 20. Early voting is available at the Oak Lawn Village Hall and the Bridgeview Courthouse.

A business license was granted for Bergman Business LLC, 11015 S. Harlem Ave. The grocery store has a new owner in Said Qreini. The new owner said they will not be selling cigarettes.

Eve Boutique will now be in a new location at 11111 S. Harlem Ave. Business owner Mohammad Ramahi received approval from the board. Amena Ramahi will serve as manager.