City of Crest Hill

This comprehensive plan, titled "A City Ascending: Crest Hill 2045," serves as a forward-looking policy guide to chart the city's growth, development, improvement, and economic well-being. It acts as a blueprint for strengthening Crest Hill into a vibrant and sustainable community, reflecting a shared vision, providing strategic direction for the future, guiding resource allocation, and assisting in economic development efforts.

This document provides a 2025 review of the Grand Prairie Water Commission's progress towards its long-term strategic objectives. The Commission's vision is to be a leader in providing sustainable, reliable, and high-quality water, with a mission to deliver a water supply by 2030 and beyond to support public health, safety, economic interests, and quality of life for its member communities. Key efforts include establishing new Lake Michigan water supply infrastructure through planning, design, and construction, community engagement, contractor outreach, and fiscally responsible budget management.

The City Council meeting agenda includes discussions on various topics such as the settlement of Will County cases, economic development consulting services, amendments to the city code regarding the Director of Information Technology and employee handbook, an ordinance authorizing borrowing funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program, hiring a TIF District consultant, an ordinance amending parking regulations, a donation for Crest Hill Pony Baseball, appointment of an IT Director, regular and overtime payroll, and a list of bills. An executive session is scheduled to discuss litigation.

The meeting began with a moment of silence for two Crest Hill police officers killed in the line of duty. The council approved the minutes from previous meetings (August 15, 2022 regular meeting; August 22, 2022 work session; August 29, 2022 special meeting). A proclamation for Constitution Week (September 17-23, 2022) was read and approved. The council recognized Jordan Kolaski for earning her Eagle Scout award and her community project, a memorial bench for fallen firefighters. A purchasing policy amendment was discussed and approved. The city attorney and administrator gave brief reports.

The meeting began with a moment of silence to honor the passing of Linda Streisack, a former alderwoman and plant commission member. The main agenda item involved change orders for the construction of the city center, revealing issues with shoddy workmanship requiring corrections. Discussions included accountability for the initial faulty work and the process of rectifying it. The council also approved supplemental appropriations for the city center project, covering the cost of additional work, including flooring, plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, microphones, emergency power for elevators, roofing, and window blinds. Further approvals included contracts for the dais construction, furniture purchases, and fitness equipment for the police department, emphasizing the investment in employee health and wellness.