Joshua Blakemore

The meeting agenda included consent items such as the resolution to abate the 2025 Tax Levy for General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, authorization for the Village Administrator to renew the OpenGov software agreement, and execution of mutual aid and license agreements with the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association and the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, respectively. Key business involved authorizing payments to law firms Tracy, Johnson & Wilson and Ekl Williams & Provenzale, LLC. A public hearing was opened and closed regarding a proposed annexation agreement, rezoning, special use permit, and variance for the Dunkin Development at 135th Street & US Route 30. The Board also considered approving several 2026 community events, including Cruise Nights, the Healthy Driven Harvest Kidz Run, Spooktacular, the Homecoming Parade, and the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Further items included authorizing cost-sharing for the 2026 Non-MFT Street Improvement Program, executing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Na-Au-Say Township Road District, amending an engineering services agreement for West Electric Park OSLAD Improvements, and authorizing the purchase of two new Ford Interceptor SUVs. The Board also considered a 3-year agreement with Dacra Tech for citation processing.

This document, the Unified Development Ordinance Recommendations Report for the Village of Plainfield, outlines proposed updates to modernize the Village's zoning and development codes. It aims to implement the Comprehensive Plan's vision for future growth by streamlining regulations, removing barriers to smart growth, and providing a clear framework for development. Key recommendations include reorganizing the ordinance for ease of use, clarifying administrative roles, updating development application procedures, revising Planned Unit Development processes, and modernizing standards for zoning districts, land use, parking, landscaping, and signage. The report also emphasizes sustainable development practices, enhanced housing choices, and improved community aesthetics.

The agenda for the meeting included a presentation from PST Solutions regarding their services, a review and potential approval of the lateral application packet, and discussions concerning a new email address for police applicants. Key discussion points also involved the review and clarification of preference points for police applicants and an update on the status of candidates approved for the eligibility list during the previous December Special Meeting.

The primary focus of the workshop was the presentation and review of the 2026-2027 Draft Fiscal Year Budget for the Administration, Planning, and Building Departments. Staff presentations included a detailed review of the Police Department's budget, covering mission statements, vision, organizational structure, call statistics, and ongoing projects such as IT system upgrades and body-worn camera updates. The budget summary and proposed fiscal year budget for the Administration/Finance areas were reviewed, with no stated objections to the draft budget pending final considerations for any changes.

The workshop agenda focused on key financial and operational items for the upcoming fiscal year. The primary discussion involved the presentation and review of the 2026-2027 Draft Fiscal Year Budget for the Police Department. Other significant topics included an update on various Capital Projects across the village, and a discussion regarding the draft ordinance for Water/Sewer Rates, which have remained unchanged since February 2021 despite increasing costs. Additionally, staff presented a draft Responsible Bidder Ordinance, which was discussed following requests from local labor organizations, and the board indicated support to move it forward for formal consideration.