Indiantown Currents

23/07/2024

Most voters want to know the facts of an incumbent’s voting record before they vote for him or her again. Village Councilwoman Janet Hernandez, however, does not want her record published, or even talked about. She calls it being “targeted by biased opinion pieces aimed at defaming and harming one’s personal life.” Those are her exact words.

Hernandez does not know the meaning of “defamed,” or that it does not apply here. Her voting RECORD shows that she puts her personal interests above those of who live, work, and pay taxes here, and her ACTIONS show that Hernandez feels she’s above the very rules she approved and everyone else follows.

Hernandez wants the “past to be the past,” so let’s stick to just this year. In May, she voted AGAINST the rise in the combined water and wastewater basic rate, from $64.94 to $78.25 per month. The council members were informed with supporting documentation that without the increase, the Village would NOT qualify for any more large state grants for our water plant -- including the $11 million-plus loan/grant currently earmarked for Indiantown's water plant from the Department of Environmental Protection.

After analyzing Indiantown's revenues from the water utility, DEP concluded that the village would be unable to repay the loan portion of the funding. Utilities Director Pat Nolan told the council that the plant desperately needed the funds or it would risk losing the water supply to half of Indiantown.

Why was Hernandez the only council member willing to take that risk? Simply so she could tell her voters that she voted against the rise in their rates. (From the past: The utility consultant Hernandez insisted on hiring in 2019 had told the council then that they would need to raise rates EACH year in order to pay operational costs. Hernandez chose not to, so now there's a big jump to catch up.)

Also this year, Hernandez failed to get the permit for the Holy Cross Catholic Church’s annual Easter processional in the streets, because she had never had to follow the rules under the previous village manager. The processional was confined to the sidewalks instead. The new village council comprising members elected in 2022 now insists that the rules apply to all groups, yet even mentioning Hernandez's actions incited the wrath of the church.

In her Facebook post yesterday, Hernandez implied that her opponent removed one of her campaign signs, saying she’s not going to stoop to those tactics. The fact is that Hernandez did NOT get permission from the property owner to put her sign up on his property, so HE removed it. Her FB speech revealed more about Hernandez's character than any criticism could.

The truth is that some voters simply are not interested in Hernandez’s voting record. That's why they do not take the time to watch council meetings. That’s a shame, considering that it will affect — and is now affecting — the village in ways that will either STOP the improvements to water and sewer, the parks and youth sports, roads and drainage, that we all want, or we’ll need to pay higher taxes to get them.

Apparently, the only qualification needed for a large chunk of Hernandez’s supporters is that she’s an Hispanic member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Indiantown. Perhaps the church, which denies they are endorsing Hernandez, will be willing to pay their parishioners’ increased water rates and taxes that are coming our way due to Hernandez's votes -- and the past AND the present.

23/07/2024

Most voters want to know the facts of an incumbent’s voting record before they vote for him or her again. Village Councilwoman Janet Hernandez, however, does not want her record published, or even talked about. She calls it being “targeted by biased opinion pieces aimed at defaming and harming one’s personal life.” Those are her exact words.

Hernandez does not know the meaning of “defamed,” or that it does not apply here. Her voting RECORD shows that she puts her personal interests above those of who live, work, and pay taxes here, and her ACTIONS show that Hernandez feels she’s above the very rules she approved and everyone else follows.

Hernandez wants the “past to be the past,” so let’s stick to just this year. In May, she voted AGAINST the rise in the combined water and wastewater basic rate, from $64.94 to $78.25 per month. The council members were informed with supporting documentation that without the increase, the Village would NOT qualify for any more large state grants for our water plant -- including the $11 million-plus loan/grant currently earmarked for Indiantown's water plant from the Department of Environmental Protection.

After analyzing Indiantown's revenues from the water utility, DEP concluded that the village would be unable to repay the loan portion of the funding. Utilities Director Pat Nolan told the council that the plant desperately needed the funds or it would risk losing the water supply to half of Indiantown.

Why was Hernandez the only council member willing to take that risk? Simply so she could tell her voters that she voted against the rise in their rates. (From the past: The utility consultant Hernandez insisted on hiring in 2019 had told the council then that they would need to raise rates EACH year in order to pay operational costs. Hernandez chose not to, so now there's a big jump to catch up.)

Also this year, Hernandez failed to get the permit for the Holy Cross Catholic Church’s annual Easter processional in the streets, because she had never had to follow the rules under the previous village manager. The processional was confined to the sidewalks instead. The new village council comprised of members elected in 2022 now insists that the rules apply to all groups, yet even mentioning Hernandez's actions incited the wrath of the church.

In her Facebook post yesterday, Hernandez implied that her opponent removed one of her campaign signs, saying she’s not going to stoop to those tactics. The fact is that Hernandez did NOT get permission from the property owner to put her sign up on his property, so HE removed it. Her FB speech revealed more about Hernandez's character than any criticism could.

The truth is that some voters simply are not interested in Hernandez’s voting record. That's why they do not take the time to watch council meetings. That’s a shame, considering that it will affect — and is now affecting — the village in ways that will either STOP the improvements to water and sewer, the parks and youth sports, roads and drainage, that we all want, or we’ll need to pay higher taxes to get them.

Apparently, the only qualification needed for a large chunk of Hernandez’s supporters is that she’s an Hispanic member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Indiantown. Perhaps the church, which denies they are endorsing Hernandez, will be willing to pay their parishioners’ increased water rates and taxes that are coming our way due to Hernandez's votes -- and the past AND the present.

19/07/2024

Parks and Recreation Department The Village of Indiantown Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing the community with safe, quality parks for the residents to enjoy. The department is working to enhance programming and recreational activities focused on sports, exercise, family gath...

15/07/2024

No Separation of Church and State in Indiantown

Is Catholic Church taking control of Indiantown's election?

Holy Cross Catholic Church in Indiantown is boldly ignoring Internal Revenue Service rules that prohibit churches from engaging in political campaigning. To do so jeopardizes their vital nonprofit status.

Apparently, Juan Carlos Lasso, the church’s religious education director who ministers to their large Hispanic flock, feels he’s immune to any repercussions for his actions. He is the de facto campaign manager for Village Councilwoman Janet Hernandez.

The daughter of Guatemalan immigrants seeking reelection August 20 for Seat 2 on the Village Council, Hernandez is an office manager/accountant for the church, working alongside Lasso.

Many Indiantown residents draw parallels between Hernandez’s re-election campaign this year and her 2020 campaign, replete with election law violations, outright lies spread on social media platforms, and calls for racial divisiveness.

Hernandez manages to distance herself from the fray, heaping blame on others for questionable election practices as she did in 2020 when Hernandez campaigned with former-councilman Guyton Stone and political operative Robert Burns, who did the “dirty” work then.

Burns is awaiting an administrative judge’s ruling on 63 counts of alleged election law violations in Indiantown and Brevard County after standing trial in April. The charges stem from a three-year investigation of Indiantown developer Brian West, who will soon stand trial on 8 counts of allegedly bribing Brevard County elected officials.

According to Burns' sworn deposition, West paid Burns $7,000 to interfere in Indiantown's 2020 election.

Now, with Burns sidelined and Stone no longer living in Indiantown, Hernandez is allowing Lasso to do the dirty work.

His illegal $120 cash contribution to Hernandez’s campaign last month defies state law limiting cash contributions to $50. After two previous elections, Hernandez knows the law, and with only two contributors through June 15, there’s no excuse.

Still, an illegal campaign contribution is minor compared to Lasso’s other campaign tactics.

He misrepresents to Holy Cross parishioners the facts about Hernandez’s governing record over the past six years, even over just the last few months. He pretends the church was awarded a permit for its annual Easter processional (because the village allowed him to use the sidewalks rather than the streets) in order to protect Hernandez’s image after she failed to file the application in time.

Hernandez admitted publicly that she’d never had to follow the rules previously (that she helped write) when former Village Manager Howard W. Brown Jr. was in charge. Hernandez’s propensity for giving special favors hit a roadblock this year, though, when Indiantown’s mayor, Susan Gibbs Thomas, insisted that village rules apply equally to all groups, even the Catholic Church.

Lasso continues to tell parishioners they will lose their representation on the village council should Hernandez not be re-elected, stirring deep anxiety among Hispanic residents. Lasso ignores the presence of Councilwoman Angelina Perez, the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and a lifelong resident of Indiantown, likely because she does not belong to the Holy Cross Church.

Lasso urged the Black community to get involved “to bring equilibrium” to the council in an election campaign with three Black women at that moment vying for two council seats. It was a laughable faux pas, but his reasoning followed Brown’s concocted conspiracy that (white) outsiders are seeking control of Indiantown; thus, it’s up to the Catholic church to “save” Hernandez and her seat.

He and Hernandez, who also calls for Hispanics “to stick together,” are following Brown’s racially divisive playbook, pressuring anyone Lasso even suspects may not support Hernandez into compliance.

Parishioners are complaining about Lasso’s campaign tactics during church services and events, but quietly, so as not to jeopardize the church’s nonprofit status. They may not be able to keep it quiet much longer as complaints continue to build.

If Indiantown residents pay attention over the next month, they’ll see for themselves how Hernandez’s council decisions are about to come full circle. The village council announced that it will discuss on July 25 — not whether or not to raise property taxes — but how MUCH to raise taxes.

This need for a tax hike can be traced to the original decisions made by Hernandez, who pays no property taxes, who lost sight of true village priorities over the past six years, overspent taxpayer money, and put Indiantown squarely on its current path to higher taxes.

Indiantown residents, especially members of Holy Cross, should plan to attend the July 25 budget workshop at 5:30 pm at village hall, 15516 SW Osceola Street, Suite C. The village staff and Village Finance Director Mike Florio will present a comprehensive explanation for the situation that has Indiantown's back against a wall.

None of the staff was at Indiantown when Hernandez made her fateful decisions, but most residents will remember. They will make the connection between Hernandez then and higher taxes now. Perhaps the parishioners of Holy Cross — including Juan Carlos Lasso — will then be far less fearful about “losing” Janet Hernandez.

18/06/2024

Will a candidate truly represent your interests? Find out by meeting Phyllis Waters Brown, a candidate for Village Council Seat 2. Talk to her, listen to what she has to say, ask her questions, learn about her history, background and the values that govern her life during her Campaign Launch on Thursday, June 20, 6 p.m., at the new Indiantown High School. It's also an opportunity to see what the school offers our students. It's free, including light refreshments!

15/06/2024

The Indiantown election suddenly shrank yesterday after one candidate, Christa Miley, failed to qualify, according to the Indiantown Village website. As a resut, Vernestine Williams-Palmer is councilwoman-elect for Seat 1, previously occupied by Guyton Stone, who resigned in March after moving out of the village boundaries.

The race for Seat 2 has Phyllis Waters Brown and incumbent Janet Hernandez vying for the same Village Council seat. This coming Thursday, June 20, will be an opportunity for Indiantown residents to meet Brown during her campaign launch at Indiantown High School. We have no information about Hernandez's campaign, other than she did qualify by paying the $100 filing fee, according to the village website.

The "Launch Party" for Williams-Palmer at Indiantown Marina on Saturday, June 22, at 4 p.m. will give Indiantown residents an opportunity to meet their newest council member. She will be sworn into office during the first regular village council meeting after the August 20 election.

Williams-Palmer also is the chair of the village's Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board. She is not prohibited from holding both seats at the same time, since the PZAB is a volunteer position; however, Williams-Palmer indicated she will continue with the PZAB until she's sworn in as a member of the Indiantown Village Council.

05/06/2024

FINALLY ... some word on the Robert Burns trial.

We’ve been waiting since April 17 to hear the state administrative law judge’s ruling on the Robert Burns’ case that alleges more than 60 violations of state election law.

We’re going to be waiting a while longer.

Both sides in the case presented a joint motion in May for an additional 45 days to have sufficient time to write the final orders. The judge granted their request.

The law requires that both the prosecutor and the defense attorney write the judge’s order as if that side won their argument. In their joint motion, the two sides said that the two-volume transcript of the trial was filed May 16, and their deadline to write the proposed final orders was May 28.

The motion stated: "Due to the complexity of these matters and the number of alleged violations involved, the parties request additional time in which to file proposed final orders. This motion is being filed in good faith and not for the purposes of delay.”

Perhaps by July 22, the final order will be posted for Robert Burns, the political operative who interfered in Indiantown’s 2020 election. One of the candidates in that race, Janet Hernandez, is running for re-election in this year’s village council race to be decided August 20.

Here's hoping Robert Burns stays under his rock and out of Indiantown!

31/05/2024

Grants to Indiantown non-profits from the Indiantown Community Trust Fund are open. Go to the Village website for an application.

30/05/2024

CIVIC CENTER AT CENTER OF INDIANTOWN CONTROVERSY

The most recent Indiantown Village Council meeting May 23 was rather odd. Two council members, Councilwoman Janet Hernandez and Mayor Susan Gibbs Thomas, seemed to direct the village manager to keep tabs on Councilman Carmine Dipaolo and report to the council any information he collects pertaining to Indiantown.

“Councilman Dipaolo has information we don’t have,” said Thomas, after asking Councilwomen Angelina Perez and Hernandez if they had the same information about the Indiantown Civic Center that Dipaolo had reported during the agenda’s designated “Discussion” item. They both responded that they did not.

“That information has came to Council Member Dipaolo that everyone else needs to have,” Thomas told Manager Taryn Kryzda, “It’s important, so we’re not blindsided … so we’re all on the same page…”

Dipaolo responded that the village (administrator) had not contacted him with the information he shared about the cost and demands of administering the federal grant funding the Civic Center’s $550,000 renovation. A former law enforcement professional and now a licensed private investigator, Dipaolo gathered the information after discovering that private groups conducting a p***c workshop to assist Indiantown’s first-time homebuyers — a Village Council initiative — was charged $300 to rent the Civic Center for three hours.

No consideration was given to the village, Dipaolo pointed out, despite the fact the village is expected to incur expenses on an ongoing basis to administer the grant on behalf of the Civic Center. “To me, that’s a kick in the teeth,” he said.

Although awarded three years ago, the grant pays for none of its ongoing costs to the village. Some expenses will be reimbursed, but without interest.

Dipaolo called the management of the grant “a heavy lift” for a small village staff, since federal grants are more difficult and time consuming for staff. "We're taking them away from other things they should be working on," Dipaolo said. He also questioned the appropriateness of public funds being invested in a private entity, even a non-profit.

“If we’re going to be putting public dollars into something,” Dipaolo said, “we need to own it.” To that end, Dipaolo said he contacted Civic Center officials earlier in the day to see if they were amenable to selling the property to the village, which apparently they are not and “will never be.”

THE ‘MISSING’ INFORMATION

Village Finance Director Mike Florio, who attends all council meetings, explained to council members that the village is allowed to invest taxpayer money into a private entity “for a public purpose,” which, in this case, had been to provide a pet-friendly storm shelter the village lacked.

Florio also reported the status of the grant — but not its entire history, because he was not employed by the village at the time the council first approved the pursuit of grant opportunities to "harden" the Civic Center.

The federal Community Development Block Grant awarded to the village -- not to the Civic Center -- requires that the village have certain policies and practices in place, such as anti- fraud, abuse and waste practices, as well as “law enforcement excessive force" policies, none of which currently exist.

The village attorney will write all the resolutions the village must adopt as required for the grant, Florio added. In addition, a required environmental assessment is underway. After all the requirements are met, the village can seek bids for construction, which may now require budget adjustments (due to rising costs), he warned.

The village council, under the direction of then-Village Manager Howard W. Brown Jr., had previously approved the village's expenditure of $70,000 to pay for the engineering plans, to be reimbursed from the grant. Both Thomas and Hernandez recalled that decision, and the staff followed through.

The information not included in Florio’s remarks is that the initial grant application to the state’s then-Department of Economic Development for the Civic Center requested only $50,000. State officials told the village at the time to ask for more, since they had money available for projects, but not enough projects to award all the money available.

The state officials suggested then a grant amount of $350,000, which within weeks morphed into a federal CDBG grant of $550,000.

The original hardening — essentially replacing the roof, doors, and installing a permanent generator — then became a major expansion to also add floor space and update the kitchen and bathrooms.

The village had previously paid to replace the flooring and to update the wiring, since they were renting the space for council meetings. The renovations were expanded, however, in order to take advantage of the money available.

“We were not made aware of what was required (for this grant),” said Thomas, “and we don’t want all that going on in the background if it doesn’t benefit the people of Indiantown.”

Well known for his passion to “set up the village for success,” Diapolo is also known for occasionally stepping on some toes (and egos) along the way.

“So call me a bully,” he said, which dotted some social media posts, emails, and phone conversations that day after Dipaolo inquired about purchasing the Civic Center.

“I wear it as a badge of honor,” he added. “I’m a bully for the people of Indiantown … I am doing what I was elected to do.”

26/05/2024

Be prepared for a higher water bill this month if your house or business is connected to the Village of Indiantown water utility.

“It could be higher,” said Public Works Director Pat Nolan, “but at least you’ll know it’s accurate.”

The department’s effort to replace Indiantown’s old water meters, many of which are non-functional or function improperly, got a boost this month when contractors unexpectedly became available due to the cancellation of another agency’s contract.

Along with a possible increase in revenue to the village will be possible complaints from rate payers, if their cost of water usage rises. Sounds like time to invest in some water-saving products and take shorter showers!

23/05/2024

Complaints from Waste Management's commercial customers are surfacing regarding "overage" fees. The county's contract with WM in 2021 calls for a $150 overage fee if the dumpster's lid is open 10" or more. (These are businesses, not residential customers.) Fees of more than that are showing up on customer's invoices. If you or someone you know has the same issue, please IM me with your contact information with a copy of your invoice. Thanks!

11/05/2024

Staying in the know ...

Last night’s (May 9) Indiantown Village Council meeting was short and sweet with just a few oddities thrown in to keep it interesting, if not puzzling.

The most significant council action was the final public hearing on amendments to the village’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan and zoning code that makes official the annexation of !16.6 acres of land owned by Joe Walsh of the Indiantown Marine Services Center on Citrus Boulevard.

It’s the first request for annexation of land approved by the village since their 2017 incorporation. The council approved unanimously the action to convert the previous agricultural land in Martin County to Indiantown’s waterfront commercial designation, a more appropriate land use that will attract marine services businesses wanting to locate next to an established boatyard, as well as opportunities for mentorships for students interested in learning marine industry skills.

IRSC officials say they intend to build a trade school for marine skills on a portion of the land across from Indiantown High School, a charter school owned by IRSC.

The council also unanimously approved the SwampFest 2024 permit submitted by The Concerned Citizens for Booker Park, represented at the meeting by Kimberly Jackson, the organization’s vice president. Mayor Susan Gibbs Thomas interrupted Jackson, who was reading an email apparently detailing some of the challenges their organization had faced obtaining their permit, in order to proceed quickly to the vote.

Parks Director Deborah Resos told the council that the organization had submitted their application 74 days prior to the event, two weeks earlier than the 60 days required in the village’s code, and they’d met all requirements.

The only caveat was the Sheriff’s Department recommendation that the festival end at 7 p.m. each night. Jackson requested a 10 p.m. closing time, which the council agreed was a reasonable request. Councilman Carmine Dipaolo included the 10 p.m. closing in his motion to approve the permit.

The mayor noted that the SwampFest is the same weekend, June 29-30, as the village’s Independence Day celebration at Timer Powers Park. “The fireworks are on Saturday night at around 9 o’clock,” Thomas said, “so I’m hoping some people will be leaving Booker Park early to go watch the fireworks.”

Indianwood resident Linda Nycum, responding to criticism by an “outsider,” questioned whether the village council was following Robert’s Rules of Order when making motions, as required by the village charter. Village Attorney Wade Vose assured her that they are, although the motion-maker says only, “so moved,” or “motion,” allowed under Robert’s Rules for Small Boards when the council’s intent is clear, Vose said.

Perhaps the oddest moment came at the beginning of the meeting. Councilwoman Janet Hernandez, seemingly to distance herself from the decisions made by the previous village council and actions by the previous village manager, gave a short course she titled, “Village Council 101.” The council sets policy, she said, “and I’m only 20 percent of the vote,” and the village staff “does all the work behind the scenes.”

The council did not continue their discussions on the rules for permitting special events or for erecting tents on private property as indicated during their April 25 meeting. Their next meeting is May 23 at Village Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

10/05/2024

Last night’s (May 9) Indiantown Village Council meeting was short and sweet with just a few oddities thrown in to keep it interesting, if not puzzling.

The most significant council action was the final public hearing on amendments to the village’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan and zoning code that makes official the annexation of !16.6 acres of land owned by Joe Walsh of the Indiantown Marine Services Center on Citrus Boulevard.

It’s the first request for annexation of land approved by the village since their 2017 incorporation. The council approved unanimously the action to convert the previous agricultural land in Martin County to Indiantown’s waterfront commercial designation, a more appropriate land use that will attract marine services businesses wanting to locate next to an established boatyard, as well as opportunities for mentorships for students interested in learning marine industry skills.

IRSC officials say they intend to build a trade school for marine skills on a portion of the land across from Indiantown High School, a charter school owned by IRSC.

The council also unanimously approved the SwampFest 2024 permit submitted by The Concerned Citizens for Booker Park, represented at the meeting by Kimberly Jackson, the organization’s vice president. Mayor Susan Gibbs Thomas interrupted Jackson, who was reading an email apparently detailing some of the challenges their organization had faced obtaining their permit, in order to proceed quickly to the vote.

Parks Director Deborah Resos told the council that the organization had submitted their application 74 days prior to the event, two weeks earlier than the 60 days required in the village’s code, and they’d met all requirements.

The only caveat was the Sheriff’s Department recommendation that the festival end at 7 p.m. each night. Jackson requested a 10 p.m. closing time, which the council agreed was a reasonable request. Councilman Carmine Dipaolo included the 10 p.m. closing in his motion to approve the permit.

The mayor noted that the SwampFest is the same weekend, June 29-30, as the village’s Independence Day celebration at Timer Powers Park. “The fireworks are on Saturday night at around 9 o’clock,” Thomas said, “so I’m hoping some people will be leaving Booker Park early to go watch the fireworks.”

Indianwood resident Linda Nycum, responding to criticism by an “outsider,” questioned whether the village council was following Robert’s Rules of Order when making motions, as required by the village charter. Village Attorney Wade Vose assured her that they are, although the motion-maker says only, “so moved,” or “motion,” allowed under Robert’s Rules for Small Boards when the council’s intent is clear, Vose said.

Perhaps the oddest moment came at the beginning of the meeting. Councilwoman Janet Hernandez, seemingly to distance herself from the decisions made by the previous village council and actions by the previous village manager, gave a short course she titled, “Village Council 101.” The council sets policy, she said, “and I’m only 20 percent of the vote,” and the village staff “does all the work behind the scenes.”

The council did not continue their discussions on the rules for permitting special events or for erecting tents on private property as indicated during their April 25 meeting. Their next meeting is May 23 at Village Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

01/05/2024

One of the most thoughtful discussions ever to take place at an Indiantown Village Council meeting happened last week. The council members tackled the village’s rules first set up by the previous council for special-event permits.

The council focused especially on the 60-day requirement to have all paperwork submitted, including fees, insurance, and security, regardless of how large or small the event, whether long-standing or brand new.

The issue rose to earn a spot on the council’s April 25 agenda after two events, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in February and the Holy Cross Catholic Church Stations of the Cross processional in March, did not meet the 60-day deadline, thus permits were not issued.

The council also denied a request by Juan Carlos Lasso, director of religious education at Holy Cross, to consider the Easter processional’s history and significance to waive the deadline and award the permit.

Councilwoman Janet Hernandez admitted to the council that it had been her responsibility to obtain the permit, and in previous years, she needed only to speak to Village Manager Howard Brown to obtain the required permit if she was late filing the paperwork.

With Brown no longer at the village, Hernandez's strategy did not work this year.

“We have rules to make sure our events are safe for the public,” said Mayor Susan Gibbs Thomas at the time. “We cannot pick and choose which group has to follow the rules and which group can be excused from them.” If people are unhappy with the rules, she added, then the council should look at changing them.

The council decided then they would re-examine the special-event permit rules, as well as the permits required now to erect a tent on private property. One of the thorny issues is the time of night that special events should be required to shut down.

In fact, the village is holding up the SwampFest 2024 permit over that unresolved issue. The Concerned Citizens for Booker Park have met all other requirements and have agreed to cut back from three days to two days and shut down at 10 p.m. on Saturday night instead of 11 p.m.

The village suggested they shut down the event at 7 p.m., although the Sheriff's Office gave the SwampFest glowing reviews regarding the event in 2023.

That decision and the changes to the special-event permit will be made during the next Village Council meeting, May 9. The council also will consider new rules for erecting tents. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Village Hall.