Palatine's case against former councilman inches closer to trial

The case against former Palatine Councilman Warren Kostka will go to trial this summer unless progress is made to correct a lengthy list of code violations at his home.

At a brief hearing Thursday at the Cook County courthouse in Rolling Meadows, Judge Margarita Kulys Hoffman continued Kostka's case to June 20, at which time a trial date will be set barring significant improvements.

Palatine Director of Community Services Harry Spila testified that an inspection this week showed violations still exist at Kostka's North Forest Avenue property, prompting the judge to urge that the former councilman take action.

After years of worsening deterioration, the village took legal action last month against Kostka, who served on the village council from 1997 to 2005 and ran for mayor in 2009, and his wife, Gail. The couple claims the property has fallen into disrepair largely because of flooding the village caused.

"They've destroyed my property and now they want me to fix it," Kostka said when the complaint was filed.

The village's complaint outlines violations including deep trenches with unstable and hazardous side slopes on the property, as well as sand bags, fabric fencing, a broken glass pane, a driveway in disrepair and piles of asphalt, garbage and refuse.

The complaint also states that a sign posted on the property exceeds allowable square footage. The sign, which hangs over Kostka's house, reads, "WANT WATER? Buy a home in Palatine."

Kostka did not testify at Thursday's hearing.