While the Flossmoor Village Board this week announced plans for a community forum designed to address police and community relations, protesters said they still want to see Madeline Miller’s name on the agenda and want trustees to share their opinions about her death and the village’s policing during a public meeting.
“We want to hear on the record what you stand for,” Flossmoor resident Jenny Curtis told the board Monday, Oct. 3, during public comment.
Curtis shared similar sentiments to those of several speakers before and after her at the meeting in saying they were still seeking public statements from trustees about where they stand on the issues protesters have brought forth in the wake of Miller’s death.
“We’ve been showing up consistently with the same demands for weeks now, and what progress have you made on them?” Casey Kueltzo asked, expressing hope about the community meeting but a remaining desire to hear from trustees. “We want to know what each of you are doing. Say it.”
Miller was killed July 10 by police responding to a report of a domestic disturbance at 1437 Joyce Drive. Since July 18, local residents, activists and Miller’s family have protested outside village hall and commented at the board meetings. Trustees have refrained from commenting during the meeting on the issue.
“Our hearts are with Mrs. Miller, her family and all of those involved,” Mayor Michelle Nelson said. “We understand that the family is suffering and that members of the community want to speak about police and community relations.”
Nelson said at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, the village will be holding a “community conversation” in the north building of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Room 101.
“We’re looking forward to a meaningful and productive conversation,” Nelson added.
Rainbow Cone coming to town
The village board voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda, paving the path for The Original Rainbow Cone to open at 19801 Crawford Ave.
The board approved an amendment to the final plan for a planned unit development as well as a special use for a restaurant with a drive-thru. Plans call for a 2,200-square-foot single-story building including an outdoor patio and drive-thru near Buona, according to a report by Scott Bugner, the village’s building and zoning administrator. The amended plans were recommended unanimously by the Plan Commission on Sept. 15.
The business is expected to break ground in the fall and expected to open in the spring, according to Nelson.
Other Business
- The consent agenda included approval of the purchase of a large dump truck for $259,503 through the Sourcewell cooperative. The motion also declared a dump truck due for replacement as surplus and authorized its sale through America’s Auto Auction.
- The village’s approved consent agenda also included resolutions to honor Earl Moy and Barb Donahue. Moy, a lieutenant in the fire department, has worked for Flossmoor for 24 years. Donahue has worked for the Flossmoor Public Library for 24 years, most recently as operations manager.
- Nelson issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 16-22 as Friends of the Libraries Week, encouraging people to thank the Friends of the Flossmoor Library for their contributions.