George Smith

The agenda includes an executive session regarding the Open Meetings Act, a community calendar update, and a special event assistance request for the Mokena Lions Club Firecracker Festival. Additionally, the meeting will cover a special accounts payable finance report, a gun awareness proclamation, the review of an emergency operations plan, and a work session concerning multiple land use requests, including rezoning, lot consolidation, and special use permits for various local properties.

The agenda includes an executive session and a consent agenda covering surplus property disposal, a building inspection services agreement, event assistance for the Chamber of Commerce, mobile food vendor fees, and facade improvement requests. The meeting will also feature the Illinois 250 resolution, and new business items including Phase II design engineering for LaPorte Road resurfacing and a bid recommendation for wastewater treatment plant digester blower replacements.

The meeting began with an executive session followed by the regular session. Key discussions included highlighting early voting dates for the upcoming General Election and the unique meeting structure where the executive session preceded the open session. The Consent Agenda approved permission for trick-or-treating on October 31, 2020, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. A proclamation for Respect Life Week was read and accepted. Under Old Business, the Board approved the Final Plat of Subdivision for OPUS Development at Corporate Corridors North, which involved lots previously identified as Lots 14 and 15. A bid recommendation for the Hummingbird Storm Sewer project was presented, and the Board awarded the contract to the lowest bidder, Copenhaver Construction, Inc., for $177,812.00, with authorization for additional work up to $200,000.00. The Village Administrator provided a COVID-19 update and reiterated trick-or-treat hours. Trustees commented on police department service, utility work, and personal matters. The Mayor provided updates on recent criminal incidents, including an armed robbery and a carjacking, noting decreases in car burglaries and thefts, and discussed automated license plate reader cameras and the importance of a Village social media presence.

The Board of Trustees held a regular session where they discussed various topics including a Fourth of July decorating contest, resident concerns about stop sign obedience, and a consent agenda involving street maintenance and an agreement amendment with Homewood Disposal Service, Inc. The board also reviewed the finance report, made appointments for Fiscal Year 2021, and held a public hearing for the proposed FY 21 budget. Additionally, they discussed Rebuild Illinois Grant Applications, proposed budget amendments for 2020, municipal water & sewer fees, and an Automated License Plate Reader recommendation. The Village Administrator provided updates on pending developments and COVID-19, and the board entered an executive session to discuss litigation and personnel matters.

The Board of Trustees held a regular session where they approved a consent agenda including the Good Friday Cross Walk Procession, a public fireworks display, and site plans for Verizon Wireless. They also approved the monthly accounts payable. A proclamation was read in honor of Mr. Benny's Restaurant's 50th anniversary. The board discussed a pond maintenance contract, awarding it to Clarke Aquatic. An update was provided on development projects and an upcoming road closure. The board then went into an executive session to discuss employment matters and collective bargaining.