Crete officials approve new equipment as backhoe acquired through joint purchasing agreement

CRETE | The Village Board last week approved the purchase a new backhoe for $29,748.

The purchase will be made through the National Joint Purchasing Agreement.

The agreement is a co-op that municipalities can use to increase purchasing power and help keep costs down. By purchasing the backhoe through the program, the village saved several thousand dollars from the regular price, officials said.

The board also approved a resolution to appropriate $27,500 of state Motor Fuel Tax funds for the maintenance of streets under the Illinois Highway Code.

In other village news:

* Crete residents can now have up to four garage sales annually. The old limitation was two. A resolution adopted Monday night doubled the number of allowed sales. Residents must still acquire a $5 license for each garage sale.

* James Nemcher appeared before the board and requested a new business license for his proposed Monster Speed and Performance Business at 3514 Eagle Nest Drive. The board unanimously approved the license for the automobile performance shop.

* The board agreed to pay $4,500 to the Southeast Commuter Rail Transit District. Funds from the Tax Increment Financing District No. 2 will be used to pay the contribution. The Rail District will advance the initiative to get a commuter rail system in the south suburbs.

* The proposed changes to swimming pool regulations were tabled until January. The board also tabled motions regarding vacant property and crime-free housing.

* A motion to annex the property at 280A W. Exchange St. was approved.

The property, owned by Cheryl Giles, will be annexed when the final paperwork is presented to the village. It is expected to take place in the next few weeks.

* The Crete Park water tower is in need of $338,000 in repairs, according to Trustee Larry Bellar.

Bellar suggested since the water tower is not being used, the repairs should be delayed until finances are stronger. The board agreed, and voted to not put out bids for the repair work.

* The meeting scheduled for Dec. 24 is cancelled. The next meeting will be Jan. 14.