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Contract for water project design on Homewood trustees agenda

The plan to switch from Harvey to Chicago Heights as the source of water for Homewood could take another step forward Tuesday.

At the regular board meeting, trustees will consider an agreement with Burns & McDonnell for phase one of the project, the engineering design.

The $813,000 contract will require a budget amendment to allocate money from the water and sewer fund. 

The village is pursuing a new source of water out of concern about unpredictable rates set by Harvey’s source, the city of Chicago, and because of concern about the physical and financial condition of Harvey’s water system.

The board will also consider establishing a 3 percent tax on the sale of recreational cannabis. If approved, the measure would not authorize the sale of recreational cannabis, which would require a zoning ordinance amendment that will be considered at a later date. 

The tax measure is being considered now because municipalities have a practical deadline of Sept. 30 in order for the tax to take effect when the state’s recreational cannabis law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Homewood’s medical cannabis dispensary, Windy City Cannabis, has not yet been approved to sell recreational cannabis products but could be authorized in the future, according to village officials.

The meeting will begin with a public hearing regarding a proposed tax increment financing district for the site of the former Bogart’s Charhouse on Dixie Highway. The hearing is a formality, however. Mayor Richard Hofeld said the village is not ready to initiate the district yet, so the matter will be deferred. Another public hearing will be held in the spring.

In other business, trustees will consider:

  • A liquor license for a company in the process of buying Grape & Grain.
  • A budget amendment for the downtown wireless speaker system that was approved at the Sept. 10 meeting. 
  • A budget amendment to increase the amount for a pavement restoration project.
  • Authorizing the purchas of six replacement radios for the police department.
  • A measure to assign an agreement between the village and Ely’s Mobile Home Park to the new owner.
  • An ordinance amendment that would allow the village hearing officer to record a judgment against defendants who fail to pay fines or abate nuisances.
  • An expansion of the boundaries of the Cal Sag Enterprise Zone to add properties in Homewood, including Calumet Country Club and the former Brunswick Zone bowling alley.
  • A contract for surveying services as part of the village’s defense against the petition to disconnect Calumet Country Club from the village.
The board will meet at 7 p.m. in the board room at village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road.

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