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The Mayor's Corner with Edward J. Zabrocki
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When you're looking for a new couch for your living room, you do what most people do - you head to the store or surf the Internet and find what you need. Likewise, when you have a cavity, you seek out a qualified dentist who will do good work within a reasonable budget. Simply put, if you have a need you will seek out the individual, company or product that will best suit that need. The Village works in a very similar fashion. Much like your own household, our needs typically fall into one of three categories. The first is commodities, which includes things like street salt and office supplies. The second, core services, encompass things such as garbage pickup, street repairs and ambulance services. The third is professional services - engineers, lawyers and the like. The Village of Tinley Park decides what to buy and from whom based on a rigorous and fair purchasing policy that follows both local and state laws. For purchases under $5,000, our staff will look to get the best price while keeping the process competitive for all businesses. For purchases greater than $5,000 but less than $20,000, we obtain three written quotations and will give the contract to the lowest bidder, assuming said bidder is qualified for the contract. For purchases more than $20,000, we conduct a formal, competitive bidding process. The Village provides a 5% discount to local businesses in contention for the contract as a way to support Tinley Park business. Something important to keep in mind is that just because something's cheaper doesn't necessarily mean it's better. You have to look at the entire package. An engineer or lawyer who has a cheaper hourly rate may not have the experience and expertise needed compared to a firm with a higher hourly rate. Over the years, people like engineers and lawyers essentially become an extension of the Village's staff, and we form long-lasting relationships with them for the same reasons you'd want to keep an employee around for a long time - they know what they're doing and they do it well. For more information on the Village's purchasing policy, I invite you to watch the pilot episode of "In Touch with Tinley," which is available by clicking here. Until next time, I wish nothing but the best for you and your family.
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Downtown Tinley Irish Parade winners
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The Village of Tinley Park recently announced the 15 winners of its 16th annual Downtown Tinley Irish Parade, which took place March 8 along Oak Park Avenue and featured nearly 80 entrants.
 Winners were judged in five categories, including "Walking Groups," "Professional Floats," "Amateur Floats," "Performance Groups" and "Vehicle Entries."
In the "Walking Groups" category, the Tinley Park Bulldogs placed first, V.F.W. Post 2791 placed second, and the Matthew Kocher Foundation placed third.
The "Professional Floats" category saw Orland Township take first, Heat and Frost Insulators Local 17 take second, and Winston's Market take third.
In the "Amateur Floats" category, Chicago Gaelic Park won first place, Faith United Presbyterian Church won second place, and Family Martial Arts won third place.
"Performance Groups" category winners included the Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band in first, the Medinah Highlanders in second, and Blackbird Academy of Irish Dance in third.
The final category, "Vehicle Entries," included first-place winner NuWay Disposal, second-place winner Bettenhausen Automotive and third-place winner Tri-State Disposal.
This year's judges included members of the various Village Commissions. Bob Hayes is on the Senior Services Commission, Sheri Reiplinger is on the Community Resources Commission, and Matt Sheedy is on the Environmental Enhancement Commission.
Watch the full 30-minute Irish Parade video now on Tinley TV. Visit www.tinleypark.org/TPTV for a complete program guide.
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Stay safe from coming spring weather
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Spring is just around the corner, bringing with it an increased risk for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding. Now is the perfect time to take steps to ensure you and your family stay safe when severe weather threatens. 
During March, the Tinley Park Emergency Management Agency and 911 Communications is joining with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service to help you prepare for severe weather.
One of the most important steps is to have a way to receive severe weather warnings 24 hours a day. A NOAA weather alert radio is a good tool for alerting you at home and at work when severe weather is approaching. Weather alert radios can provide the time you need to get to a safe place, even when you're sleeping.
Many cell phones now are capable of receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts, which will send you a tone alert and message when a severe weather warning has been issued for your current location. This is helpful when you're traveling. Check your phone to see if it's set up to receive these alerts.
March also is a good time to practice your severe weather plans so that everyone in your home or office knows what to do when a severe weather warning is issued. And don't forget to check your emergency supply kit to ensure it is fully stocked with a three-day supply of water and nonperishable food, a flashlight, a radio, a first aid kit and more.
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