Village approves alternative pool barrier codes and announces community planning grant

The Village Council Meeting held on June 23, 2025, in Palos Park, Illinois, covered several community events and important updates regarding local regulations.

One of the highlights was the announcement of National Hot Dog Day, scheduled for July 16, 2025. The event will take place on a Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 7 PM, ensuring there is no conflict with Palos Heights' antique car show. Additionally, the village will offer one-week athletic camps at the recreation center throughout July, providing children with opportunities to explore various sports.

Looking ahead to the fall, the council discussed the upcoming Spooky Shuffle, set for October 18, 2025. Early bird registration will open the following day, allowing participants to sign up at a discounted rate.

In the building and public property report, it was announced that the village park has been selected for technical assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). This selection is part of a competitive grant process involving over 52 applicants from Cook County. The focus will be on developing a transportation safety plan for areas around Southwest Highway and its intersections, particularly concerning bike and pedestrian crossings.

The building department reported processing 17 permits between June 3 and June 17, 2025, generating $3,955 in fees, contributing to a total of $23,130.05 for the fiscal year.

A significant regulatory update was also discussed regarding swimming pool safety. The council approved an amendment to allow alternative pool barriers under specific conditions, while maintaining existing safety standards. The new regulations will permit alternative materials for pool barriers, provided they meet certain safety criteria and do not exceed six feet in height.

The meeting concluded with a motion to direct the village attorney to prepare the necessary ordinance for these changes, which received majority support from the council members present.

Overall, the meeting addressed community engagement through events and important safety regulations, reflecting the village's commitment to enhancing local quality of life.