Reptiles and Rabbits: Peotone Board Welcomes New Pet Store

By Andrea Arens

The Peotone Village Board on Feb. 23 approved a new business registration for CEF Pets (pronounced C-E-F), a specialty pet store set to open at 309 S. Harlem Ave. within the next few weeks.

Owner Keith Macaluso told trustees the family-owned business specializes in reptiles and other exotic animals — not the typical cats and dogs.

“It’s not the nice fluffy stuff,” Macaluso said with a chuckle. “It’s more the snakes and the spiders and all the stuff people don’t like is what we do.”

CEF Pets has been operating for more than 20 years, with Macaluso and his wife owning the business for about 16 years. The couple is relocating from Monee and said they were drawn to Peotone after positive interactions with village officials.

“You guys have been really good to us so far. Everything that we ask, you guys give us answers right away,” Macaluso told the board.

In addition to the retail storefront, CEF Pets operates as a supply hub for 47 other pet shops across three states, with regular deliveries throughout Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Macaluso said the business draws customers from long distances, including Springfield and even out of state, bringing additional traffic into town.

The couple hopes to open within about three weeks.

Trustees unanimously approved the business registration and welcomed the new store to the community.

Special Events Approved

The board also approved two upcoming downtown events:

• A car cruise hosted by Cornerstone Coffee House, All Automotive, and Kyle Richards on June 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with road closures on Main Street from First to Second streets and on First Street from alley to alley. 
• A farmers market organized by Lena DeLuca on May 28, June 25, July 30 and Aug. 27 from 2 to 9 p.m., with similar road closures on Main Street. 

During discussion, trustee Todd Sandberg raised a question about whether event organizers would be required to provide portable restrooms. Village Administrator Nick Palmer said the village does not currently have a formal ordinance requiring it, but officials have discussed developing a policy to ensure consistency as more downtown events are held. Last year, the Village provided portable restrooms for the farmer’s market.

“If the village is going to pay for it, I think to be fair, we should have a policy so that all the events that are larger are treated the same,” Palmer said.

Salt Shortage and Street Work

Public Works Director Bob Hennke reported that Peotone is experiencing the effects of a nationwide road salt shortage. The village has not received a salt delivery in over a month, though approximately 100 tons remain on hand.

“It’s not spring yet. We’re going to get snow,” he cautioned, noting the village may need to limit salting to intersections rather than full road coverage if supplies run low.

The Village has an intergovernmental agreement with 207U to provide salt, of which they haven’t been able to do. The school board discussed either renegotiating the IGA or purchasing their own salt due to the shortage.

Hennke also said crews continue to address potholes caused by fluctuating winter temperatures and plan to begin street sweeping in March if weather allows. A branch pickup calendar will also be posted to the village website and Facebook page.

Other Business

Palmer updated the board on several administrative projects, including progress on a downtown overlay district recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, implementation of a new finance system, installation of a new phone system and efforts to establish internet redundancy at Village Hall after a recent service disruption.

Trustees also approved Resolution 26-R-03 recognizing the retirement of Sgt. John Popek after more than 26 years of service with the Peotone Police Department. Village officials said they plan to formally honor him at a future meeting.

Popek’s retirement comes with a cost of $22,845 to the Village for his years of unused sick leave.

The meeting adjourned without executive session.