Tuesday 30 December 2014

December 30th Special Called Meeting

This last weekend I received a special meeting notice called by Trustee Burgess, Washington and Williams. While I support the right as trustee to call for a meeting I am saddened that these trustees haven't reached out to talk with me in person to discuss any issues prior to calling for a meeting at tax payers expense. 

While serving as trustee, I also exercised my right from time to time to call for a special meeting however; I always had the common courtesy to talk with the mayor in person (face-to-face) in hopes to resolve any issues prior to scheduling such a meeting. 

A special meeting (or called meeting) is a separate session of the board held at a time different from that of any regular meeting, and convened only to consider one or more items of business specified in the call of the meeting. The reason for a special meeting is to deal with important matters that may arise between regular meetings and that urgently require action by the board before the next regular meeting. In summary, Special meetings are called if something important comes up that must be dealt with before the next regular meeting.

I’ve informed the trustees that my office will remain open if any wish to talk prior to the meeting however, I will not be at the meeting tonight. 

My decision not to attend the meeting tonight is twofold:

First, the trustees have not provided a clear understanding for calling tonight’s meeting including the urgency, or reason a discussion (with no action to be taken) must be held prior to the next regular village board meeting or end of the year. If there is only going to be a discussion then tonight’s meeting could wait until the next regular scheduled board meeting.

Secondly, since there is no clear urgency for tonight’s meeting Linda and I will be spending time with our family.

In closing, tonight’s meeting is to discuss finances and budget concerns. Disclaimer; Before reading any further realize that the majority of the board does not know what I’m about to share with you (the residents) since they have refused to come ask questions and talk with myself and the finance director.

Currently,


The village is 67% through its budget year

The general fund expenditures are at 64% of its budget which is 2% lower than anticipated for this point into the budget.

Our revenues are higher than anticipated due to increased revenues in miscellaneous, refunds and reimbursements.

All this while the village has only received 40% of projected property taxes thus far and still anticipating the remainder projected 55-60% before the end of the current fiscal year.

While some line items may be slightly over they can be explained and are still due to clean up issues from the previous administration

Negotiated contracts which were neglected and not completely resolved until earlier this year (2014)
      Union contractual raises which, were not budgeted
      Union contractual back pay which, was not budgeted

Closing out prior litigation cases

Completion of village audits which, are now current as of December 2014. Sauk Village completed two audits in 2014

Water and Sewer Departments overtime for long overdue work and much needed repairs (roads, street lights, fire hydrants, tree trimming, etc.)

Police Department overtime for investigations

Additional overtime due to employees leaving, sickness or death

Prior to being elected Mayor, I told the residents that I was willing and able to make the tough decisions. Those decisions have not been easy; I've been attacked and have also resulted in some who were once considered friends to become my enemy.

While some may look at tonight’s meeting to be a set back and may even try to somehow benefit from three board members calling for a special meeting…..don’t let it bother you. Sauk Village is still “Moving Forward”.

Trustees are exercising their rights and are now getting involved (this is good). “Sometimes you have to shake things up to get the attention of others and in this case the trustees”. For more than six months I have been asking trustees for cost savings initiatives at every committee meeting (twice a month) and only a couple trustees brought initiatives to the table and are working on them today.

Hopefully now the remainder of the trustees will get up and get on board.

Mayor David A. Hanks


Thursday 25 December 2014

Carols, Cocoa & More - December 23, 2014

We had a great time at the event the other night. Thank you to the volunteers for all their hard work and Senator Trotter for stopping in and spending time with village residents.











Merry Christmas

Dear Sauk Village Residents,


Linda and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As we look back on 2014 it is amazing all that has been accomplished over the last year and most through the hard work and dedication of volunteers that love our community. 

As we close out 2014 it is important for us to reflect on our accomplishments, but most importantly, all we have accomplished together.  I appreciate your support and continued commitment to “Move Sauk Village Forward”.

Linda and I thank you and your family for all of the support and encouragement as we look forward to an even better 2015!

In closing, please keep in your heart and in your prayers, the young men and women who are serving in our Armed Forces this Christmas and are far from their homes and loved ones.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Mayor.

God Bless and Merry Christmas, 


Mayor David A. Hanks

Sunday 14 December 2014

Friday 12 December 2014

Meet the Mayor
Location: Village Hall
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2015
Time: 9-11am


Starting in January we will be hosting a monthly "Meet the Mayor" at the Village Hall on the second Saturday of each month. This will give residents the opportunity to ask the Mayor questions and get first hand information on what is happening and upcoming. 


As I continue pursuing the goals of reducing crime, increasing safety in neighborhoods, growth of our businesses districts and financial stability, it is vital for me to have a strong partnership with the residents of our community.

This format will give me the opportunity to hear firsthand the issues you are facing day-to-day and your perspective on upcoming proposals will best help me represent your needs as Mayor.

If you have, any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

In closing, I would like to wish you all the best this Holiday Season.

Mayor David A. Hanks



PLEASE HELP DONATE CHRISTMAS TOYS TO THE ST. JAMES PEDIATRICS UNIT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. IN RETURN YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE DISH OF CUSTARD WITH EACH DONATION.

ALL TOYS MUST BE UNOPENED & MUST BE TURNED IN TO:

CULVER’S OF CRETE
23180 VOLBRECHT RD.
BY DECEMBER 20TH.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!

Monday 8 December 2014

Santa came to Sauk Village on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Santa was seen up and down the streets in Sauk Village, the Community Center that same evening and the Sauk Village Fire Department on Sunday.

Thank you to Santa and all his helpers (volunteers).

Mayor David A. Hanks: I was asked the other night if Sauk Village had a...

Mayor David A. Hanks:
I was asked the other night if Sauk Village had a...
: I was asked the other night if Sauk Village had a plan concerning the water. Below is what was provided to residents and posted in a Fa...

Mayor David A. Hanks: Merry Christmas From the Hanks Family 

Mayor David A. Hanks: Merry Christmas From the Hanks Family : Merry Christmas From the Hanks Family

Respond Now Offering Christmas Baskets.

Must register at Respond Now before December 12th during the hours of 10am-4pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.

Respond Now
1439 Emerald Avenue
Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Needed Requirements for Baskets

·         You must be parent or legal guardian of child
·         Child must be 16 or younger to qualify
·         You must live in Respond Now’s distribution area
·         You must have the next 3 forms of documentation
·         Photo ID of your self
·         Medical Card or Birth Certificate for every child
·         Current piece of mail: utility bill, cell phone bill, car insurance bill etc…. Showing current address

_____________________________________________________

Requisitos para la canasta Navideña

·         Necesitan ser padre o tutor legal del menor
·         Solamente para menores de 16 años o menos
·         Tener que viver en la area de distribucion de Respond Now
·         Tiener que tener los 3 siguientes documentos
·         Identification con foto como padre o tutor legal
·         Tarjeta medica o Acta de Nacimento o cada menor
·         Comprobante de domicilo: bill de luz, telefono, aseguranza de carro etc…. Comprobando domicilio


Website - http://www.respondnow.org/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Respond-Now/129629777087667?v=wall
Great Job Sauk Village Parks and Recreation

The Santa parade is always a highlight for the start of the Christmas season for the young as well as the old. Residents came outside and looked from windows as Sauk Village volunteers lead Santa down the streets of Sauk Village Saturday , December 6, 2014. 

A special thank you to all the volunteers and employees that helped make this day happen and brought joy to so many faces. Thank you, Sauk Village Police Department, Sauk Village Fire Department, Sauk Village Homeland Security (ESDA), Sauk Village Public Works Sauk Village Parks and Recreations, Sauk Village Beautification Committee and Santa.  

 
To see Sauk Village Parks and Recreation Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/#!/SVParksandRec


I was asked the other night if Sauk Village had a plan concerning the water. Below is what was provided to residents and posted in a Facebook posting last September 2013 (Mayor David A Hanks - https://www.facebook.com/#!/DavidHanksForMayor ).
Note: Work has already begun with Phase 1 scheduled to be completed early next year (2015) and Phase 2 is already underway. Leaks that have not yet been repaired will be reevaluated and priorities will be updated over the winter months.
Sauk Village Water Update

Merry Christmas

From the Hanks Family