Mack Sanders

The meeting covered several key discussion points. Consensus was reached to move forward with a government lease agreement for five police vehicles, with the formal resolution to be approved at the next meeting. A presentation was given regarding LED street lighting conversion, including potential costs and ComEd incentives. The board discussed a proposed resolution with New Beginnings to convert village-owned rehab homes into properties for sale, with concerns raised about oversight due to the lack of an Economic Development Director. The Mayor sought agreement to move forward with retaining an HR Consultant and a PR Consultant, with subsequent discussion about contract terms, including work location and termination clauses. The Zoning Board of Appeals & Review request from Tangible Dreams, concerning a potential recovery home, was tabled, and an ad hoc committee on Specialized Housing was proposed. Public comments addressed water bill payment adjustments, general concerns about economic development oversight, and procedural conduct during public comment sections.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a meditation. The Board recessed to an Executive Closed Session to discuss personnel matters and possible employment, reconvening shortly thereafter. Key discussions and actions included approving minutes from several prior meetings. Under Presentations of Ordinances and Resolutions, the Board approved an IDOT Resolution of Maintenance for 2026, and ordinances terminating TIF District #2 and abating taxes for 2019A and 2019C General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds. An ordinance for the 2025 Tax Year Levy and Assessment of Taxes was approved, along with resolutions regarding the tax levies and establishing 2026 official meeting dates, which included amending the calendar to remove March 17th. New Business focused on amending the Accounts Payable distribution, notably adjusting charges related to Constellation New Energy, and approving an agreement with Motorola for Fire Department radios. Unfinished Business included approving consultant agreements for an H.R. Consultant and an attempt to approve a P.R. Consultant. Officer reports covered mayoral activities, including distributing donated turkeys and ongoing commissioner appointment discussions which were placed on hold pending research. The Board also addressed public comments regarding a Police and Fire Commission status, utility billing discrepancies, and a disruptive property condition.

Key discussions for this meeting include a review of the consulting contract with Akil Abree Consultants, LLC. Other agenda items involved consideration of donating a used ambulance to the City of Harvey, discussion regarding scrapping village vehicles, the renewal of the GLCAP contract, a resolution supporting the renewal of a Class 8 Real Estate Tax Assessment Clarification for a property at 21700 Mark Collins Drive, and a Request for Qualifications & Proposals for IT Services. The Mayor also planned to discuss Com-Ed grants.

The meeting agenda included an Executive Closed Session to discuss personnel matters, pending litigation updates, collective bargaining issues, executive session minutes review, real estate, and employment/compensation. Key resolutions proposed included supporting the renewal of a Class 8 Real Estate Tax Assessment Clarification for 21700 Mark Collins Drive, authorizing the donation of surplus personal property (Ambulance), and accepting two grants from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for Low Income Energy Efficiency Outreach and Engagement ($25,000.00) and Powering the Holidays ($2,500.00). New business focused on approving financial distributions totaling $726,508.76, approving a contract renewal with GLCAP, proceeding with a Request for Qualifications & Proposals for IT Services, and approving contract negotiations with the United Steelworkers union for Public Works and Office and Technical Employees. Officer reports included the Mayor's proposed appointments for the Police and Fire Commissioner and the Zoning Board of Appeals Commissioner.

The meeting began with an Executive Closed Session to discuss Employment and Legal Updates. Key public comments included inquiries regarding the process for appointing new Police and Fire Commissioners and Zoning Commission members, concerns over new executive salaries totaling $300,000.00, and a formal request for reinstatement by the former Public Works Director alleging retaliation. The board passed an Ordinance Authorizing Expenditures Pending Passage of Annual Appropriations Ordinance and approved Accounts Payable totaling $468,200.56. Officer reports covered legal fees exceeding budget, planned community events such as a Legal Defense Workshop and Veteran's Day Celebration, and updates on infrastructure projects including the Merril Avenue water main replacement and upcoming Fire Hydrant Repair and Replacement project. The Police Department reported 611 calls in September, and the Fire Department reported 130 calls, mostly EMS. The Community Development Department reported generating over $65,000 in revenue and is addressing compliance issues with businesses. Board members provided updates on committee activities, including updates on the Fire Department hiring interviews and discussion on securing a grocery store linkage analysis.