Town President Larry Dominick Critiques Chicago's Crime and Migration Policies During Cicero Town Board Meeting
The Town of Cicero trustees during their bi-weekly board meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. April Alonso/Cicero Independiente
By Leslie Hurtado
The Town of Cicero Board of Trustees and President Larry Dominick met twice in February 2024 to discuss various ordinances and resolutions.
In February, Cicero leadership approved funds for upgrading fire department equipment and endorsed the purchase of a new ambulance to improve emergency responses, as well as approving health and safety programs for residents. The board also addressed broader issues, including crime and immigration, with President Larry Dominick voicing strong opinions on crimes stemming from Chicago and the migrant crisis.
Access the documents shown in this recap by clicking on these links: February 13 and February 27. For live streams of these meetings, visit our Facebook page.
PERMITS
Family Focus has expanded family support initiatives and will continue connecting with the public through tabling events every second and third Tuesday of each month at the town hall. The Latino Alzheimer's Alliance is offering essential services to elderly Alzheimer’s patients, focusing on culturally attuned care through outreach. Morton College is hosting informational sessions each Wednesday at the town hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering residents opportunities to explore educational and career advancement.
The board granted religious processions to occur by Our Lady the Mystical Rose Parish and St. Anthony Catholic Church for Good Friday on March 29th.
The board has granted Pradeep Varghese, with Barstool Games, a permit to open a gaming cafe at 2222 South Central Avenue. The decision came after a public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
RESOLUTIONS
The Cicero Fire Department, with the support of a FEMA grant, is preparing to give out 2,131 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to residents at no cost, as part of a $78,015.91 initiative. These detectors come with a 10-year battery and aim to protect against fire and carbon monoxide.
They also have contracted Saema Qadri, a Cicero dentist to provide affordable dental services to residents. Qadri will work at the town's Health Clinic for $110 per hour.
TOWN SPENDING
The board has approved $16,725.64 in funding to Legacy Fire Apparatus for updates and repairs to the Cicero Fire Department's equipment. This investment will restore an ambulance truck that needs a new turbocharger.
Additionally, the Town of Cicero plans to improve the Cicero Fire Department's emergency response by approving the purchase of a new ambulance truck for $366,141, with delivery expected by mid-April.
They also authorized a $37,806 purchase from Rehrig Pacific Company for new waste collection toters, responding to the department's need for updated waste equipment.
Cicero has applied for $340,500 in state grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to undertake a streetscaping project on Cermak Road.
SETTLEMENTS
Anthony Garcia filed a lawsuit against the Town of Cicero, alleging personal injuries while working on March 7, 2022, and March 24, 2023. The Town of Cicero has agreed to settle with Garcia for a total amount of $22,787.45.
APPOINTMENTS
The Cicero Town Board has appointed Pat Daganutti to the Board of Water Commissioners to fill a vacancy for April. Due to this, she is removed from the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
At the February 27 meeting, Cicero officials and residents addressed public safety concerns related to car accidents and crimes. They later expressed thanks towards the Cicero Police Department. A significant focus was on a recent carjacking incident involving four juveniles reportedly from Chicago.
However, the discourse quickly shifted to broader issues in Chicago, with President Larry Dominick associating crimes with migrants coming to Cicero.
“All of those illegal immigrants – I've had enough, honestly,” Dominick said. “You can't go anywhere without people selling candy, soda or water. And they don't even want to sell. Some of them just want money. And the Venezuelans are robbing everybody. And what do we do to them? Nothing. It's disgusting.”
Dominick concluded the meeting with a message directed at migrant arrivals, which made some attendees laugh.
“Stay out of Chicago. Don’t give the immigrants anything, don’t feel sorry for them,” he said.
Leslie Hurtado is a contributing reporter with Cicero Independiente. She graduated with a B.A. in Communications at Northeastern Illinois University. She worked at several news rooms including WBEZ, WTTW, Telemundo and City Bureau.
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