Forest Park council approves $1.08 million in bills, breathing apparatus purchase and COPS hiring grant

The Forest Park Village Council on Monday unanimously adopted several measures, including a resolution to pay departmental bills totaling $1,077,336.50, an ordinance to buy breathing apparatus packs for the fire department, an ordinance authorizing the sale of four surplus parking pay boxes and a resolution to ratify a COPS hiring grant with the U.S. Department of Justice.

At the meeting, a presenter read departmental totals that added to $1,077,336.50, including line items for public affairs, police, the community center, accounts and finance, fire, health and safety, streets, public property, seizure, federal customs, TIF, VIP and water. Commissioner Maxim moved to adopt the bills resolution and Commissioner Melon Rogovin seconded; the deputy clerk recorded a unanimous roll-call 'Aye' by Commissioners Maxim, Melon Rogovin and Vogt and Mayor Hoskins.

The council also approved Ordinance 1-26, waiving bid requirements and ratifying acceptance of a vendor quote to purchase breathing apparatus packs for the fire department. The ordinance was moved by Commissioner Maxim, seconded by Commissioner Melon Rogovin, and passed with the same unanimous vote.

Ordinance 2-26 authorized sale or disposition of four surplus parking pay boxes. Commissioner Vogt moved to approve the sale; Commissioner Melon Rogovin seconded. With no discussion, the ordinance passed unanimously.

Finally, the council ratified a COPS hiring grant with the Department of Justice under Resolution 3-26. Commissioner Maxim moved approval; Commissioner Melon Rogovin seconded and the council voted unanimously.

The actions recorded at the meeting were procedural approvals of expenses, equipment procurement and a federal hiring grant; no votes failed or were postponed. The meeting adjourned after routine administrative and commissioner reports.