Clarence C. DeBold

The board meeting included a public hearing regarding an annexation agreement for GoPro, which was subsequently closed following public comment. A citizen addressed the board concerning traffic safety issues on Glenn Oaks Lane, suggesting the installation of temporary barriers as a mitigation measure. The board approved several items on the consent agenda, including various accounts payable, contracts for fireworks, equipment for village hall, construction projects, and engineering services. The finance department was formally recognized for receiving a certificate of excellence in financial reporting. The meeting also included an Arbor Day proclamation and a presentation on the upcoming opening of the new local YMCA facility, covering its amenities and planned programming.

The board discussed and approved several items, including the municipal budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and a joint participation agreement for roadway rock salt procurement. Additionally, the board approved a professional services proposal for an annual hazardous sidewalk program and a conditional use permit for outdoor storage along with a site plan amendment for American United Mechanical Technology. Final plats for the Range USA subdivision and the Shorewood Town Center 2 subdivision were also accepted.

The board meeting included the approval of accounts payable and various payments for auditing services, water commission fees, the police department sand project, the pump station and reservoir project, water main replacement, and police body cameras. The board also authorized facilities use agreements with Illinois Select, Manuka Baseball Softball Association, and Shorewood Soccer. Additionally, the board approved the disposal of surplus property, a contract for lift station inspection and cleaning, and a resolution to appoint an alternative voting member to the Southwest Agency for Risk Management. Department reports were provided regarding construction progress, community development, financial updates, park activities, and infrastructure improvements.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the appointment of an Acting Chair, approval of accounts payable, and various payment authorizations for services such as subscription services, landscape pruning, water fees, and infrastructure projects. The board also awarded contracts for a resurfacing project, approved professional engineering services for material testing, authorized the appropriation of motor fuel tax funds for past and upcoming resurfacing projects, and awarded a contract for park reconstruction. Additionally, the board adopted a non-union employee pay plan and reviewed various departmental reports covering building, community development, parks, police, and public works activities.

The Committee of the Whole meeting focused on two primary new business items and an update on old business. The Grand Prairie Water Commission update indicated that bids for valve procurement came in significantly under the expected budget of $12.5 million. The first new business discussion concerned roadway lighting replacement for the IDOT US 52 Reconstruction Project, where the estimated $9 million cost would create a significant deficit in the 5-year capital plan. Options for phasing the replacement of decorative lighting versus replacing with standard aluminum poles were discussed, with a decision to budget $3.2 million for FY29 to maintain current lighting standards where illumination exists. The second new business item involved a proposal from Pivot Energy for an 8-megawatt solar farm on a 56-acre property. The Committee affirmed its opposition to the project based on its location, noting that the Village is strategically planning for residential development and sewer/water infrastructure westward, which conflicts with the solar farm placement. The Village had received a 6-0 negative recommendation vote from the Will County Land Use Committee regarding the solar project.