Protesters condemning the July police shooting of Madeline Miller — normally seen at Flossmoor board meetings — spoke during the Homewood Village Board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27. They called for Homewood elected officials to implement new programs they say are being disregarded in Flossmoor.
While Flossmoor board members have refrained from publicly responding to the protesters over the course of several meetings, Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld and some trustees voiced measured support.
“I think a lot of people looked at Flossmoor and thought it couldn’t happen there. They look at Homewood and think it couldn’t happen there,” said Don Gross, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
“Residents of Homewood have been powerful in their support, coming out to Flossmoor to demand justice. Homewood can be a municipality that can lead the effort.”
The protesters are asking Flossmoor and Homewood village officials to begin work toward implementation of the The Community Emergency Services and Supports Act (CESSA).
CESSA is an Illinois law that requires 911 to coordinate with mobile mental health response services being developed by the Illinois Department of Mental Health. In this program, callers to 911 requesting assistance in a mental health emergency must be transferred to the state’s 988 number, unless there is a threat of violence.
In those situations, police may be dispatched to an emergency scene alongside a mental health professional who can intervene first, to attempt to prevent acts of violence.
The board also heard from Gary Dingle, a 22-year Homewood resident and president of the NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch. Before Miller’s killing in Flossmoor, Dingle said he didn’t think his hometown could have an issue with police violence, but now he knows it’s possible. He said he hopes board members will get on board with needed reforms.
“I’ve always thought Homewood was a special place. I have a lot of love for this town and area,” Dingle said. “One thing I can say looking at you guys right now, you guys look more concerned than that board in Flossmoor. They looked unconcerned.”
One speaker urged Hofeld to use connections within the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association to spur a regional effort. He compared the implementation of the CESSA program to the way residents had to get used to using 911 for emergencies.
New Trustee Julie Willis, appointed by Hofeld in August, said she was moved by what she heard at the meeting.
“It’s an important issue that resonates with me,” Willis said. “It’s good to see so many people care about something important.”
Trustee Vivian Harris-Jones thanked those who came out to represent Miller, calling her, “Ms. Madeline.” She said she identified with the speakers’ passion about the issues.
Trustee Jay Heiferman said he also felt connected to the ideas brought up.
“There’s almost nothing I heard that I don’t absolutely agree with,” Heiferman said. “We can work to do better and be leaders in the Southland.”
Trustee Lauren Roman also said she supported what she called some “great ideas.”
“I know there are ongoing conversations within our community and with our board and other communities. I hope to see some things coming forward in the future,” Roman said. “Mental health is a crisis and we need to do more.”
Hofeld ended the meeting by thanking the speakers for their “decorum and respect” during the meeting.
Tattoo studio, school referendum
In a unanimous vote, Big Brother Tattoo business was granted a special use permit and variance to allow the operation of its planned studio at 18354 Governors Highway. The business required a variance to open in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center location because of its proximity to Woodlands Community Church across Governors Highway.
Trustee Heiferman said he hopes Homewood’s municipal zoning code update can eliminate outdated rules such as this, which prohibits a tattoo studio from opening within 1,000 feet of a church.
“I think it’s antiquated nonsense,” Heiferman said.
The board also passed a resolution “encouraging citizens to become familiar with information provided by School District 153 regarding the proposed referendum question” that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Heiferman said he supports the referendum question, and urged residents to as well.
“I genuinely believe it’s necessary to meet our children’s educational needs. Go out and vote yes,” he said.
Trustee Roman also voiced strong support for the referendum as both the mother of a district student and a real estate agent.
“I’m a Realtor who does a lot of business in this town. It will help support our property values,” Roman said.
The board also voted to approve a $29,750 contract for Rachael Jones to assist the village as a marketing consultant. The contract runs through April 2023.
According to the village’s description, Jones’ job will be to “develop and implement strategies to ensure that Homewood is consistently and positively represented in local, area and regional media, including digital, print, radio, television, trade magazines, news articles, and publications.”
Jones was the village marketing director several years ago until she left to devote her time to her family’s dine-on-the-land business. She was instrumental in initiating the creation of the Homewood Science Center.
New village events manager Marla Youngblood took the oath of office. Hofeld praised her performance at Fall Fest, which he said, “went off without a hitch.”
Homewood residents Tikia Kidd and James Scheffke were appointed to the village Appearance Commission for three-year terms ending on Sept. 27, 2025.