Katherine Diehl

The agenda for the President and Board of Trustees meeting included the swearing in of Officer Griffin Harmer. Key discussions covered a resolution to waive bidding requirements and approve a Residential Solid Waste Services Franchise Agreement with Flood Bros. Disposal Co., resolutions concerning performance bonds for Terra Business Park Phase II improvements, and a resolution adopting the Electronic Attendance at Village Meetings Policy. Other items included discussions regarding the 2026 St. Patrick's Day Activities, an ordinance amending the Code to create Chapter 152 regarding the Floodplain Management Code, an ordinance amending sections regarding Pawnbrokers, and discussions on funding and paint color options for the Standpipe Painting and Rehabilitation Project. The meeting also scheduled time for Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, personnel, property acquisition/sale, appointments, and collective negotiating matters.

The meeting began with the swearing in of the newest police officer, Griffin Hmer, who recently graduated from the Mon County Law Enforcement Training Center and has already been involved in a drug arrest during field training. Following the swearing in, the consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting and approval of several warrant lists for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Additionally, the consent agenda covered the approval of a resolution waiving bidding requirements and approving a residential solid waste services franchise agreement with Flood Brothers Disposal Company, as well as resolutions authorizing performance bond reductions and replacements for utility improvements at the Terra business park phase 2. An Illinois Department of Transportation resolution for expending motor fuel tax funds in fiscal year 2026 was also approved, alongside the adoption of an electronic attendance at village meetings policy. Discussions then turned to the 2026 St. Patrick's Day activities, noting potential challenges due to a new pathway on Water Street, and plans to coordinate with police and fire departments. A discussion also occurred regarding the St. Patrick's Day parade entertainment and associated insurance updates. The board moved to approve an ordinance amending title seven of the code to create chapter 152 regarding flood plane management code, which updates the existing ordinance to comply with FEMA regulations by eliminating a 50% cumulative value cap on home updates over the life of the building, instead resetting the cap every 10 years, and separating the substantial damage clause from the substantial improvement clause. A subsequent discussion addressed an ordinance amending sections regarding pawn brokers, focusing on restricting them to the B3 zoning district via a special use permit process, although some trustees expressed openness to including the B2 district.

The meeting included opening proceedings and a pledge of allegiance. A public hearing was opened regarding the proposed redevelopment plan and project for the Beverly Road and Route 72 redevelopment project area and tax increment finance district, which was subsequently postponed to a later date. The consent agenda involved approving the minutes from the February 5th, 2026 meeting, accepting warrant lists for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, approving a plat of easement for 507 Rock Road Drive, and approving resolutions related to a performance bond reduction and the open-end lease of three vehicles. Furthermore, ordinances were approved amending code sections regarding pawn brokers and establishing a pilot project for consuming alcoholic beverages in a designated outdoor refreshment area during select summer village-sponsored events. A significant discussion focused on a cost-sharing initiative with the East London Countryside Fire Protection District and Andrews Assist for the purchase and installation of a permanently installed outdoor Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit at the depot. The presentation detailed the collaboration, the features of the specialized AED safe station, and the cost structure, noting the AED unit itself and installation labor were being donated by Andrews Assist and Lauderdale Electric, respectively.

Key discussions included public comments where residents voiced concerns regarding increased heavy truck traffic on Barington Street and the planned resurfacing coinciding with that route. The board also addressed several consent agenda items, including the retroactive approval of minutes from November 8, 2025, and the approval of warrants totaling approximately $398,529.46 and $516,524.08. Other items involved approving a partial waiver of building permit fees for the Fox River Valley Public Library District and authorizing execution of agreements related to a concession stand termination and a new commercial lease for Dukes Blues and Barbecue LLC. Additionally, an agreement for a villagewide geographic information system with Baxter and Woodman, Inc., not exceeding $40,000, was discussed. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a proposed three-year waste hauler agreement with Flood Brothers Disposal, including rate increases of about 3.5% annually and coverage for emergency services and two new 2026 events. A specific direction was sought regarding the inclusion of Village Green in the franchise agreement. Finally, the board discussed the extension of an agreement with Red Speed Illinois LLC for red light cameras, noting their contribution to reducing T-bone collisions but also addressing concerns about data privacy and fairness regarding tickets issued to vehicle owners rather than drivers.

The Regular Meeting agenda included several consent agenda items, such as approving warrants, a resolution for a partial waiver of building permit fees for the library district, authorizing agreements related to the Caboose concession stand and a Commercial Lease Agreement for 16 East Main Street, approving a resolution for a Village-wide Geographic Information System (GIS) development not to exceed $40,000, and authorizing the termination of a driveway license agreement for properties on Roslyn Road. Other agenda items involved discussion and direction on a proposed Waste Hauler Agreement with Flood Bros Disposal Co., extending an agreement for Red Light Cameras, discussions on Cell Tower Lease Agreements and a Pilot Project for a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, and discussions regarding a proposal for providing snow removal for downtown businesses. The meeting also planned for an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, personnel, property acquisition/sale, appointments, and collective negotiating matters.