[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6219273,"mediaKeyId","3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7","parentId",3623196,"title","Orland Park moves to create paid student internship program; board adds outreach coordinator to salary ordinance amid debate","audioSeconds",1307,"startMs",5252000,"endMs",6559000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7&start=5252&end=6559","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7/thumbnail_5252000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6219273/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Orland-Park-moves-to-create-paid-student-internship-program-board-adds-outreach-coordinator-to-salary-ordinance-amid-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219273-34973c0274b773000207dc49f2fecac3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773556963&Signature=SpuHwl24R8uXzqUrBdpmEGZNy6vLWPRomdkY4~v2cjUSlB3GTJkDS6kWePShFv45Y4agka8WMy3hJ12pv1Zq~TdtQW4lgRQxAZnthTB1ad~l-SbSqrVXzN6tmx0CgIlbtqFIZtyNI5URKYPGjQ9ZQ0NPiKzh~L0-Hb4DFe1xgWSobggqDYPY4muntyfhi07FsftsAAUqOFWlokI9RNrGlp4iev2DFnN~ElRromQsBty77h2sqfNdIDoRs-tz61SNVXHoZ7zmPtddxNEgIvPGR4KFNmUKRpF0Umi7d9bJ8r9uWH-hlowNerNa8GHLcmk~wcUM9RoCjPe5Nfqb1DSmzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Orland Park, IL","date","2025-06-02T21:34:38Z","article","The Orland Park Committee of the Whole moved May 19 to recommend creation of a paid student internship program and approved an ordinance amendment to the salary schedule that creates a new outreach coordinator position and consolidates intern pay grades.

Staff described the internship program as a village‑wide, paid opportunity (19 hours per week) intended to train students and provide departmental support. Village Manager George Casuara said the program is flexible in length so that interns could be hired for summer or year‑long terms depending on department needs and student availability.

Trustees supported the idea but emphasized program design. Trustee Mike Malani said internships must provide meaningful learning with defined work plans and dedicated mentors, not merely temporary staff augmentation. Malani suggested the village avoid nepotism and implement a clear selection process, an interview rubric and success measures — items staff said they would incorporate as the program is developed.

Separately, the committee considered an ordinance amending appendices A and B of the village salary ordinance (Ordinance No. 5968, third amendment). The amendment removes the assistant to the village manager position, adds an outreach coordinator (grade 8) to replace it, removes two part‑time intern grades and replaces them with a single intern grade (hourly grade 500). The outreach coordinator job description was described as supporting outreach, intergovernmental affairs and elements of the internship and Citizens Academy.

Trustees raised concerns about overlap between the proposed outreach coordinator duties and existing communications staff, the need for grant‑seeking responsibilities if the role is intended to secure capital funds, and budget timing. Trustee Malani said much of the internship and Citizens Academy coordination could be handled by existing staff and that the outreach coordinator’s salary — presented in the range of roughly $79,000 to $100,000 — warranted caution. George Casuara said the outreach coordinator would help rebuild intergovernmental relationships and pursue grant opportunities that could offset costs.

On the ordinance vote, the committee recorded several ayes and one no: Trustee Malani voted no on the salary ordinance amendment. The internship program creation motion passed with broad support and will go to the village board along with the salary ordinance amendment for final action and budgeting.

Staff said they will incorporate trustee feedback on mentor assignment, selection criteria and program oversight and return with a refined policy and any necessary budget proposals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6.2.2025 - Village of Orland Park - Committee of the Whole","oneSentenceSummary","The Committee of the Whole voted May 19 to recommend creation of a paid student internship program and approved changes to the village salary ordinance that add an outreach coordinator and consolidate intern wage grades.","taxTitle","Orland Park, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",8380,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6219277,"Orland Park public works outlines comprehensive pond maintenance, private‑owner stewardship program",836,3109000,3945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7&start=3109&end=3945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7/thumbnail_3109000.jpg","/articles/6219277/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Orland-Park-public-works-outlines-comprehensive-pond-maintenance-privateowner-stewardship-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219277-d7e461ab139ccb373b80355f22ea181c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773556963&Signature=QkmBH7Jf1IlLOUx0nZ3e-gW2e0HzT7N2CTEMpe~ygZUD6zh7mF4-pKdNqzU8GthwCNRFWhudpDSwmSbiiuds2cX~JFNT2K1JTrjZDAy9uqJioohnIjo6uRWtLE~aDBIaxlW9GWwr2IdrkF0EFhh~UzVBjMjI~xTo1XtdTXDKfNSdwFkSWOjIptYnML-mpVRVhdU9c3p8~MnaWMX8cdqTwKSziZcR6jrIJEXLQvFBdThoB~Kj0z~NQLpeziBND3QR5Ldf4OWbCvL5UAN32MGwaSgxctrkf90Fkuqa1fL69ui6NKY1xWhXSNyclgkcOvDsqVX22BLJcHhVwQZ6VoppJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff briefed the Committee of the Whole May 19 on the village’s comprehensive stormwater detention basin maintenance program, summarizing inspections, a private‑owner stewardship initiative and plans for prioritized maintenance and dredging.

The briefing stemmed from a 2021 evaluation of the village’s basins; staff said 78 basins were inspected, producing an approximately 800‑page report that identified high‑priority ponds for remediation. The program uses a 1–5 condition rating (5 worst) and has focused on stewardships for group A ponds (the worst‑rated) and many fours and threes. Joel, the Public Works presenter, said the village has addressed most Category 5 basins and many 4s and that remaining work is prioritized against capital and water‑rate funding timelines.

To reach private owners, staff said they undertook a June 2022 outreach to owners of private ponds (often HOA‑maintained). The outreach package described common issues — sedimentation, overgrown vegetation and shoreline erosion — and offered best‑practice guidance. Joel said the village received responses from over half of private owners and that more than 20 ponds have entered a stewardship program that includes an initial two‑year intervention followed by ongoing maintenance checks. Staff also contracted shrub removal work in 28 ponds as part of cleanup efforts.

Staff discussed best practices (native vegetation buffers, avoidance of hard riprap where possible) and noted regulatory guidance from agencies including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and federal agencies that inform permitting and standards. Joel said dredging remains the most expensive maintenance action and is likely to be scheduled in later years of the capital plan — he cited 2027 as a target timeline for major dredging projects tied to the water‑rates funding cycle.

Trustees asked whether private owners resisted stewardship; Joel said most owners cooperated once staff explained the issues. The committee did not take any regulatory actions; the presentation was informational and directed staff to continue outreach and priority scheduling as part of the village’s stormwater utility work.

Public education and communication with homeowners’ associations will continue, staff said, to improve acceptance of shoreline best practices and to limit long‑term dredging costs.","Public Works presented a review of stormwater detention basins (ponds), including inspections of 78 basins, a private‑ownership stewardship outreach program, a 1–5 condition scoring system, and plans to prioritize dredging in later capital years (targeting 2027 for major dredging work).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6219282,"Orland Park board adopts civility resolution after months of edits and debate",1212,4296000,5508000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7&start=4296&end=5508","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7/thumbnail_4296000.jpg","/articles/6219282/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Orland-Park-board-adopts-civility-resolution-after-months-of-edits-and-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219282-7c471b458dbeddb38e19eae65a976892/orig.mp4?Expires=1773556963&Signature=RrMGQxYkWS9c2J4I8GTCJO9GALoOY1Jgb9h8aPAUMWDF~d8xm8VYYvEGU6f-1kh8VW3Rg-T4Q243DmQg2Iy~nnvicExS5HSowSg7jttgcHRG~SvzjYFUFH3XvmfOOgyjXrEpYafwJHt2bGEPhaJI3vitqv2dl4MeZXdfnt-BdzEb6lRG~E5vJuBgWAzxqpYzQFj1dwC5pIWrvwcI3NiYUoOWsmZNNUWCe1W1CfV6ah3lBsFX1ISuwV0S6iLRicxYkq4JhsRNaNmkCg-vryIsRJQyUcxS2RCyOQvdYvUAJ4~RRhxm4~FM3bzP5tu98pqswWSKjs2O8~9JuUum8ItGTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Orland Park Committee of the Whole adopted a civility resolution May 19 after extended discussion and edits to the draft language, including an amendment adding the words “to the best of our abilities” to a pledge for elected officials.

Trustees described multiple drafts and redrafts during the meeting. Village staff said the original draft combined model language from the Illinois Municipal League and the U.S. Conference of Mayors; trustees and the clerk supplied subsequent edits that produced multiple versions. Trustee Mike Milani said he rewrote part of the draft to use a more positive tone and to make the document clearer and more concise.

The amended language added a commitment clause stating that elected officials “pledge to sign the civility pledge and adhere to it in their official actions demonstrating commitment to civility that inspires others, to the best of our abilities.” Trustee Milani and others argued the change acknowledged human imperfection while creating a public commitment.

Some trustees asked for another round of review. Trustee Milani moved to send the item back to committee for a final pass, but a motion to table that request failed. Trustee Milani and Trustee Malani urged additional edits; Trustee Leafblatt said she favored a final review before signatures. Trustee Lawler and several others argued the group had already undertaken substantial collaboration and that the board should adopt the revised pledge.

During debate, one trustee urged awareness of past personnel matters involving the village manager and cautioned against language that could be used to restrict or compel protected speech. Village Attorney Dennis Walsh responded to a separate public question earlier in the meeting about disclosure and legal requirements and said that, under state law and village code, the particular relationship raised in a public comment did not create a legal disclosure obligation for the speaker.

On final roll call the committee recorded: Trustee Leafblatt — Aye; Trustee John Lawler — Aye; Trustee Katsenas — No; Trustee Malani — Aye; Trustee Jesse Lawrence — Aye; Mayor Dodge — Aye. Trustee Healy was absent. With that vote the committee recommended adoption of the resolution as amended and the matter will proceed to final action by the village board as required by the village process.

Trustees asked staff to finalize a single, clearly worded version and to prepare a mechanism for officials to sign the pledge, acknowledging edits requested during the meeting. The board did not create any enforcement mechanism beyond the public pledge.","After extensive discussion and amendments including the phrase “to the best of our abilities,” the Committee of the Whole voted to adopt a civility resolution. Trustees debated language, scope and whether further review was needed; the motion carried on a roll call with one recorded dissent.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6219287,"Board approves Centennial Park West safety upgrades, declines permanent video walls and opens alcohol sales to local vendors",462,2316000,2778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7&start=2316&end=2778","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7/thumbnail_2316000.jpg","/articles/6219287/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Board-approves-Centennial-Park-West-safety-upgrades-declines-permanent-video-walls-and-opens-alcohol-sales-to-local-vendors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219287-2e6d5ba22ae512cdb21f9b78ce109968/orig.mp4?Expires=1773556963&Signature=YZwTB4yDtl4Co3GmOv7H3WhSo0irKylOfExm9OYMOJdyIgJR11NRdvzGT6SzT3~0p3wFO4wD~RYSnlKXepC2yVO5MHGQe7XC6rt6OuVWxqzDc4FO6oS-fvE9JEo2dxcfd9UAM~EvnvjU-4GkOnzvfG6iAG3r-SoVQmiQIMaMfxchAFdxHogseLEOdGJNBkiu531l4kT675ejeNCOdTeG9Cxv3dtRPLMFXwHwWWA7o-DbxyCBAz0G-meBabMfZ70yOzFf34v3sWwtV89~C1qshB5vQvuqTe2dyA1yvRXwoHBlVNGVG-rLdZKCyv0XZXTsE44b45FagaSSzf~fKO2kxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Orland Park Committee of the Whole voted May 19 to recommend board approval of life‑safety improvements at Centennial Park West and to change policies for alcohol vending at the venue, while removing the previously budgeted permanent video walls from the immediate capital scope.

The decisions were pitched as a near‑term, lower‑cost approach to address life‑safety concerns such as wider access gates for emergency vehicles, power routing for screening and temporary equipment, and concrete access at gates. The contract recommendation to purchase work from DavCom Electric Inc. was presented under a joint purchasing cooperative (Omnia Partners) and included a $25,000 contingency, bringing the proposed not‑to‑exceed contract to $302,300.

Trustee John Lawler moved the contract recommendation and Trustee Jesse Lawrence seconded the motion. After discussion and a roll call, the committee recorded mixed comments but the motion carried. Staff characterized the approved scope as “life safety” work that would ease ambulance access and add power and pedestrian flow improvements, rather than the larger amenity package originally planned.

A related discussion removed permanent video walls from the current capital project. Village staff and vendors estimated renting trailer‑mounted video screens would cost about $15,000 per use for the screens themselves and roughly $20,000 per use when including camera and operational costs. With three concerts per year, rental costs were estimated at about $45,000 annually, and staff noted a 13‑year break‑even comparison against the capital purchase and installation estimate quoted earlier.

Ray (municipal staff) explained that the rental screens are self‑powered and trailer‑mounted and that the per‑use cost “are about $15,000 each use” for the screens and roughly “about $20,000 per use” including cameras and manpower. Trustee Lawrence said the rental option gives the village flexibility during uncertain economic times and “gives us the option for the future.” Trustee Lawler pressed for a business plan, noting the board previously heard that concerts produced an approximate $537,800 annual loss and asking for a financial analysis before additional capital spending. Trustee Belotti (commenting earlier in the record) said the venue was intended as an amenity, not a money‑making enterprise, and argued subsidy levels align with other recreation offerings.

On alcohol sales, trustees approved a separate measure to invite Taste vendors and other qualified local vendors to sell alcoholic beverages at Centennial Park West concerts and to amend the municipal code removing the G‑10 temporary liquor license fee. Staff said licensed local vendors are already trained and certified to sell alcohol and that using them reduces the staffing burden on village employees. The motion passed on a roll call that recorded multiple ayes; Trustee Lawler voted in favor of allowing vendors to sell alcohol at events.

Trustees asked staff to return with final contract documents, updated cost figures, and any additional analysis requested by trustees about the facility’s operations and long‑term business outlook before further capital investments.

The contract recommendation and alcohol licensing change were sent to the full village board for final action.","Trustees approved a roughly $302,300 contract (plus contingency) for life‑safety improvements at Centennial Park West, removed permanent video walls from the scope to reduce upfront capital costs, and amended licensing to let local Taste vendors sell alcohol at concerts. Trustees debated long‑term costs and business planning for the venue.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6219291,"Orland Park outlines $17.5 million plan to modernize Public Works site, seeks planning commission review",1101,1090000,2191000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7&start=1090&end=2191","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3623196-f5aee4577cc901768ed1d339997fefe7/thumbnail_1090000.jpg","/articles/6219291/Orland-Park/Cook-County/Illinois/Orland-Park-outlines-175-million-plan-to-modernize-Public-Works-site-seeks-planning-commission-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219291-eb72a132eb1f00b17a56d744e9d518c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773556963&Signature=T6zd-65W3hQ5oRR7pY0LlkxHcSnWbjeP3BD5z-u-Stbagk2LJtWPfwlzo-FAZ3L3HwOy6yhOhUe4IdGMOehI9iZGu6T2Tpf6IjSBhzAeX3e-XxhLdmZPhpt59aGnaulKAOqc9NEiPEGH6Hi2Fjh-INZlWEFHP8BxVAy-sTcEBFjx8IaXOT6gezoDu3piiE22OVQ5LGwFH02X3yEZU1QKk~x2HHFOwm2-gcwf7NNzJHoWZBfB8OrRaWYq5feGuk~XYn5UUA~ikznEwzFLmkrtnXestP1UZ0umXhoEFxOZjerP-gkpHlnj8Szhd~4fIQ~VmLryko~oEJC4dcFPy1pd9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Orland Park officials presented a multi‑year, phased plan May 19 to modernize the village Public Works complex, including a new salt and brine building, additional vehicle bays and consolidation of scattered storage, with an initial cost estimate of about $17.5 million.

The plan matters because it aims to protect the village’s fleet and equipment from weather damage, reduce long‑term maintenance costs, and free up scattered facilities for parks and recreation uses. With regional growth projected, staff said the design includes capacity for future expansion.

Village Manager George Casuara framed the presentation as the outcome of assessments completed in 2021 and a fleet review performed around the same time. “The assessments talked about reducing our inventory, older buildings, our high maintenance facilities,” he said. Public Works Director Joel (last name not provided) described a three‑phase approach: build a salt/brine building on a currently vacant triangular lot; demolish older, corrosion‑damaged army‑era structures after operations move into the new building; and construct a northern vehicle bay while renovating existing shop space for storage and operations.

Joel said the brine facility is designed with spill containment and non‑corrosive interior elements suited to a salt operation, and that the building would allow on‑site filling of brine and salt for winter routes. He told trustees the design includes a roughly 10% capacity buffer for vehicle bays and a salt capacity sized to accommodate 30 years of anticipated development.

On funding, staff said the project is in the village capital plan for fiscal years 2025–26 but will likely be spread across three years (2025, 2026 and partial 2027) and that the village typically issues 20‑year bonds for projects of this type. The presentation identified potential use of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for part of the salt‑shed construction and noted possible delivery methods (general contractor versus construction manager) that could change costs and contractor profit margins.

Trustees asked about capacity and resilience. Trustee Jesse Lawrence said he had toured Public Works and called the proposal “good work.” Trustee Malani and others praised the model Joel built to visualize circulation and site layout. Casuara and Joel said they planned to post the project and related documents on the village project web page and to coordinate permitting and outreach for the planning commission review.

The Committee of the Whole did not take a final funding vote at the meeting; trustees instead approved sending the project to the Planning Commission for review and requested updated numbers and construction method estimates before final board action.

Staff noted dredging and other pond work and some construction items may be timed later in the capital plan, and that federal, state or IDOT support could affect the schedule. No enforcement or regulatory change was proposed in the presentation; the item was presented as a briefing and referral to the planning commission.

Looking ahead, staff said they will return with final cost estimates and a procurement strategy, and that construction start could proceed in the fall if pricing and documents are favorable.","Village staff presented a multi‑phase public works optimization plan that would consolidate storage, add vehicle bays and a new salt/brine facility, and preserve a 20‑year capacity for growth. The board authorized staff to take the design to the planning commission.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Orland Park moves to create paid student internship program; board adds outreach coordinator to salary ordinance amid debate

Orland Park public works outlines comprehensive pond maintenance, private‑owner stewardship program

Orland Park board adopts civility resolution after months of edits and debate

Board approves Centennial Park West safety upgrades, declines permanent video walls and opens alcohol sales to local vendors

Orland Park outlines $17.5 million plan to modernize Public Works site, seeks planning commission review