The Rundown: Palos Hills City Council Talks Raffles, Business, Fireworks

The Main Story: The Palos Hills City Council approved of an ordinance that will allow the city to regulate and monitor the sale of raffle tickets within Palos Hills. With Alderman Joe Marrotta (4th Ward) and Alderman Mary Ann Schultz (5th Ward) absent, the council voted 7-1 to approve the ordinance, which among other restrictions sets a registration fee of $50 to sell raffle tickets. Alderman Pauline Stratton (2nd Ward) was opposed to the ordinance, claiming that state agencies and the IRS already provide the necessary oversight of raffles and that the city's ordinance was overly strict and not necessary.

Alderman Joan Knox (1st Ward) presented the ordinance and said that while the state has regulations in place regarding raffles, enforcement is left up to municipalities. Knox said the ordinance is aimed at protecting residents from fraudulent raffles.

The Quote: "I'm against this whole thing," said Alderman Stratton on the raffle ordinance.

In Other News: Alderman Bill Hanson (3rd Ward) invited local business owners to attend a breakfast meeting on Oct. 8 to hear a presentation from The Buxton Company, which evaluated the potential for retail success and new businesses in the area. Buxton was contracted with money through a grant from The State of Illinois in 2009, aimed at helping municipalities obtain such information. The Buxton Company will present findings on demographics and purchasing habits of the community. It is hoped the information will assist existing business and help the village attract new, needed business to the area. Business owners wishing to RSVP can call Marge Hodek at (708) 598 – 1711.

Don't Forget: The Fest Fireworks have been rescheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 18 at dusk at 109th  Street and 88th Avenue.