Orland Park board confirms two planning-commission appointments amid mixed votes

The Orland Park Village Board voted to approve two appointments to the Planning Commission. The board approved Kathy Fenton’s appointment after debate and recorded at least two ‘no’ votes; the board later approved Dave Shalaby’s appointment.

Trustee Leafblad moved to consent the appointment of Kathy Fenton to the planning commission; the motion received a second and generated remarks thanking outgoing commissioners for their service. Trustee Healy said he hoped appointees would “vote for the good of Orland first and leave the politics behind.” Trustee Katsenas thanked current commission members and the outgoing commissioners for their volunteer service.

During roll call on the appointment of Kathy Fenton, Trustees Healy and Katsenas recorded “no” votes while other trustees voted “aye.” Later, the board moved to approve Dave Shalaby to the planning commission by separate motion; roll call on that appointment produced affirmative votes from the trustees and the mayor.

Board members said they wanted the new appointees to be prepared to engage on planning matters and one trustee asked staff to invite a representative of Edwards Realty to report to a future committee meeting on the broader redevelopment project where Parcel H (discussed later in the meeting) is located.

Both appointments were authorized by board vote during the meeting; the board did not discuss additional terms, compensation or start dates at length.

These are advisory, volunteer positions to advise the village on planning and land-use matters.