06/18/2026
☕ Tea with the Trustees Recap | Summer Safety, Community Updates, and Village Announcements
Mayor Jason House, the Board of Trustees, and the Office of the Village Clerk are sharing a recap of the latest Tea with the Trustees, where residents gathered for community announcements, summer safety guidance, and updates on important work taking place across the Village of Dolton. The meeting also included open discussion with residents and responses to neighborhood concerns.
☕ The summer edition of Tea with the Trustees was held with community members, Village leadership, and partner agencies in attendance. Special thanks were given to the Dolton Park District for its continued partnership and for hosting the gathering.
👏 Officials and guests acknowledged during the program included Park District leadership, former Commissioner Lester Long, Library Board Trustee Linda Tate, Thornton Township Trustee Valeria Stubbs, School District 149 Board Member Phyllida Creighton, Trustees Stan Brown and Tammie Brown, and Clerk Alison Key. Trustees Edward Steave, Kiana Belcher, and Brittney Norwood were also recognized although they were attending other events.
📣 Community announcements included the Dolton Public Library Juneteenth Celebration, a Juneteenth Father’s Day Cookoff in South Holland, and the Grown Man Gathering Father’s Day event taking place at Lester Long Field House.
🚒 Chief Pete McCain shared summer safety guidance, including staying hydrated, monitoring severe weather, checking on children and seniors, and calling 911 if residents without power are in distress, especially those dependent on oxygen or air conditioning.
🚓 Officer Crawford added public safety reminders for the summer, urging residents to prepare for heat in advance, use sunscreen, check on neighbors, maintain home A/C units, travel in groups, stay alert in public, keep exterior lights and camera systems working, and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles. He also reminded residents to report suspicious activity and to call if they see children, pets, or vulnerable residents left in hot cars.
🎆 A major portion of the discussion focused on fireworks safety and enforcement. Residents raised concerns about illegal fireworks, neighborhood disruption, and public safety risks. Village officials explained that fireworks are illegal, that citations can be issued, and that calls from residents help the Village track problem areas and deploy resources more effectively. Officials also noted that signage and a coordinated Fourth of July response plan are being prepared.
🚔 The Mayor also addressed the recent large-scale law enforcement initiative involving Dolton Police, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and Illinois State Police. He explained that the purpose was compliance and safer streets, not ticket quotas, and that final numbers were still being consolidated across agencies.
🛑 Residents raised concerns about speeding, stop sign violations, blocked sidewalks, alley patrols, lighting, and quality-of-life safety issues. Village officials said citations are being issued where possible and emphasized the goal of building a culture where unsafe driving is not tolerated in Dolton.
🏠 Trustee Brittney Norwood announced that the Dolton United Housing Program would begin accepting applications starting Monday, June 15, and encouraged residents to spread the word. She also invited residents to support youth vendors at the Pre-Juneteenth Expo at Royal Estates.
🧹 Residents shared concerns about flooding, potholes, sewer problems, overgrown lots, downed trees, streetlights, and vacant land maintenance. Village leadership responded that Public Works is addressing immediate concerns, adding staff, preparing more flood mitigation guidance, and working to identify funding for larger infrastructure improvements. The Mayor also shared that Lincoln Avenue is being repaved this year and that the Village is lined up for 14 full streets to be repaved next year, with partial street improvements likely this year based on available funding.
🐾 Residents also asked about coyotes, loose dogs, raccoons, and other animal control concerns. The Mayor said the Village is working with Cook County and expects to have an animal control specialist in place soon, with a donated vehicle already secured and a hire potentially coming within 30 days.
📘 Clerk Alison Key shared a major administrative update: the Village’s municipal code has now been officially codified for the first time in more than 40 years. She explained that the Clerk’s Office is reviewing the updated code carefully, correcting any issues, training staff, and preparing to make it available to the public with a tutorial on how to use the system.
🎇 Additional community reminders included the upcoming Dolton Park District Juneteenth event on June 19, as well as the Village’s organized fireworks show on July 2 at Thornridge High School, intended to provide a safe and family-friendly celebration.
This episode of Tea with the Trustees gave residents an opportunity to hear directly from Village leadership, public safety officials, and community voices on everything from summer safety and fireworks to housing, infrastructure, and neighborhood concerns. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates and continue staying engaged.
