Caty Ward

The Village Board of Trustees meeting covered several key business items, including a mayoral proclamation for National Recreation and Parks Month, a review of legislative updates, and the approval of financial warrants. The board considered several resolutions, such as the 2026-2027 GIS Consulting Services agreement, the procurement of new municipal vehicles including a 2027 Ford F-350 truck and three Dodge Durangos, and the award of a contract for the 2026 Road Program. Additionally, ordinances were reviewed regarding water and sewer connection fees and text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance for outdoor seating, alongside a resolution to execute a term sheet with AP Wireless I, LLC.

The Board discussed and acted upon several petitions. Key items included a zoning map amendment and a planned development request for the Cary Station residential project, a variance request for a front yard setback and lot coverage at 209 S. Spring Street, and a conditional use for outdoor retail sales along with a sign variance for 3300 Three Oaks Road.

The meeting featured a public forum where a resident discussed support for National Night Out and the Cary Grove Area Crime Stoppers. A proclamation was issued to recognize Law Enforcement Civilian Personnel Appreciation Week. The Mayor provided legislative updates regarding state bills impacting municipal zoning authority and local parking regulations, noting concerns about high-density housing requirements near transit hubs. The Board approved the consent agenda, excluding one item for a truck, and conducted a special action item session regarding a zoning map amendment and a planned development for the Cary Station PUD project, which involves the redevelopment of the former Maplewood School site.

The meeting included an open forum discussing resident concerns regarding housing legislation, responsive governance, and odor issues from a cannabis cultivation center. The Mayor provided legislative updates on the People Over Parking Act and the BUILD plan, and discussed advocacy for the REAL Housing Act. The board approved various appointments to the Police Commission and Board of Zoning, Planning and Appeals, authorized several temporary liquor licenses, and approved the closure of public streets for local events. Additionally, resolutions were passed regarding intergovernmental agreements with school districts, purchasing policy bid waivers for facility repairs and security equipment, the rejection of intersection improvement bids, traffic analysis software procurement, and contract awards for rock salt and engineering services for lift station design.

The board meeting included an open forum where residents requested that the board reconsider allowing backyard hens under a regulated ordinance. Additional public comments addressed concerns regarding the display of promotional signage for a dispensary and general dissatisfaction with economic development and gaming institutions in the village. The board discussed concerns over proposed state legislation that could impact residential zoning rights and local utilities. Furthermore, the meeting featured updates from various departments, including announcements about increased police enforcement for the upcoming holiday weekend, National Public Works Week activities, garbage collection schedule changes due to the holiday, and the upcoming annual community cleanup day. The meeting concluded with announcements regarding the Miss Kerry Grove scholarship program and the Memorial Day parade.