Orland Trustees Spar Over Concerts, Events

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Board of Trustees in the Village of Orland Park met on Monday night to discuss a number of topics ranging from raffle tickets to the property taxes. Here are some key points addressed.

Raffle tickets

The meeting started off with trustee James Dodge asking questions about the "Keith for Mayor" raffle license. Ultimately, the board approved issuing a raffle license to sell raffle tickets from Aug. 4 to Aug. 31 for the Keith For Mayor fundraising event at Crystal Tree Golf Club. The motion was approved.

The Taste of Orland Park

Social distancing measures were "remarkably well done," according to trustee William R. Healy. Healy was also in favor of the free movie nights being held in Centennial Park later this month and in September.

Centennial drive in movie

Healy was in favor of the concerts and praised the social distancing measures placed for the Taste of Orland Park. Trustee Kathleen M. Fenton was not in favor of the events, stating she would rather see "the money go to bigger and better events next year." She cited reports saying large gatherings are the cause of the spread of COVID-19. "That's just my opinion," she said, adding, "I believe in masks and a lot of people don't believe in masks, either."

Trustee Daniel Calandriello wants the concerts to be drive-in only, but did not get another trustee to second the motion he asked to amend. "I have been a strong advocate for safety. The reason the bands canceled … was safety for them and band members … I was trying to be flexible where I think a drive in section could have worked and been a safe experience."

Mayor Keith Pekau was in favor of the event, saying "A drive-in option and a walk-in option gives people a choice … we've proven that the walk-in option can do it safely because we have several times."

A motion to cancel the remaining 2020 events and use the money for bigger events in 2021 failed to pass the vote.

Property tax

Property taxes sparked a debate upon the panel. Trustees Fenton Calandriello were not in favor of a resolution being put forward and wanted to wait until the fiscal budget meeting scheduled two weeks from the day.

"We're all in the same storm, but were all in different boats," the mayor said. The motion was carried four to three.

To watch the meeting click here.