Jim Brown

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The board approved expenditures for the month, including significant payments for health insurance, water services, sewer surcharges, asphalt pavement patching, and an agreement for Orchard Lane. They recognized a local business for its community support during the COVID-19 situation. The board also discussed the impact of the coronavirus, including working with state and federal officials, contacting local nursing homes, and emphasizing social distancing. They declared April 24, 2020, as Arbor Day in the village. A public hearing was held for the fiscal year 2021 budget, with presentations on revenue challenges, pension costs, and budget highlights, including a balanced budget and adherence to fund balance policies. The board approved the annual fiscal budget for 2020-2021 and appointed a finance director as an authorized agent to IMRF. Additionally, they authorized the conveyance of certain property, approved contracts for carpeting replacement, approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and approved a contract to Creative Sounds. They also approved agreements with the Improv Playhouse Theatre Incorporated, ratified a collective bargaining agreement with a fraternal Order of Police, and approved an ordinance amending the zoning code relative to brew pubs with tap rooms. The board approved a special use permit and provided a note on the budget.

The Village Board meeting included reports from the Committee of the Whole and the Mayor, covering topics such as the appointment of a Trustee and Clerk, the swearing-in of a Police Officer, and a proclamation honoring the service of Trustee Sylvia Valadez. The consent agenda included approvals for meeting minutes, expenditures, a contract for construction management services, IAPD credentials certification, establishing regular meeting dates for 2026, appointing an authorized agent to IMRF, amending a contract with Filas Media Consulting, purchasing rock salt, amending the zoning ordinance, approving a change order with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., and declaring certain equipment as surplus. The board also addressed the acknowledgement receipt of ACFR and Auditor Communication, the 2025 Preliminary Tax Levy Approval, and an ordinance regarding the dissolution of the Avon-Fremont Drainage District. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss probable/pending litigation, land acquisition, sale of land, executive session minutes, personnel & collective bargaining.

The meeting primarily focused on the planning of a Trivia Night, including updates on sponsorships and in-kind donations, organizing prizes, securing a Master of Ceremonies, a guest speaker, and volunteers. Discussions covered online payment options, ticket pricing, and the creation of bid sheets. Additionally, the board decided to remove the Teacher Kits initiative due to the lack of a provided list. Future agenda items include Cops & Bobbers.

The meeting included updates on financials, with a savings deposit noted. Discussions covered Trivia Night planning, including sponsorships and in-kind donations, and highlighting sponsors on social media. New business included teacher kits in lieu of a kids' school supply drive and volunteer recruitment for National Night Out. Future agenda items, such as participation in El Mercadito and Elote Fest, were considered but did not generate interest.

The meeting included discussion of reports from the Standing Committee and the Mayor, along with the Clerk's Report. The consent agenda included approval of expenditures, resolutions regarding the release of closed session minutes, the purchase of trees, employee tuition reimbursement, and declaring a vehicle and certain equipment as surplus. Also on the agenda were resolutions authorizing a contract for repairs at the Wood Street Pump Station, ordinances implementing a municipal grocery retailers' occupation tax and amending the home rule municipal retailers' occupation tax, and approving a memorandum of understanding with the Lake County Municipal League. The meeting also had an executive session regarding probable/pending litigation, land acquisition, sale of land, executive session minutes, personnel & collective bargaining.