Village of Mettawa

The Finance Committee reviewed several critical financial matters. Discussions included the status of a scanning project, where two-thirds completion was reported, and the payment of $67,000 in Lake Forest Tax Sharing. The Committee reviewed the October 31, 2025 Treasurer's Report, noting revenue was over budget and expenditures were under budget. The Committee finalized plans to issue 159 checks for the 2025 Tax Rebate Program. Direction was requested regarding the renewal contract for the Village Engineer, resulting in a recommendation to offer a $16,000 flat monthly retainer while exploring other engineering firms. The Committee reviewed the FY2025-2026 Budget versus Expenses mid-year, noting upward revenue trends. Final recommendations included approving the 2025-2026 insurance policy, approving the resolution for the 2025 Tax Levy amount, and approving amendments to the agreements for the Village Administrator and Village Clerk services, noting cost savings associated with retaining these roles as part-time. Additionally, a resident reward program was discussed for future consideration.

The Finance Committee meeting covered several financial operations. Discussions included initiating a wire transfer of $300,000.00 from the IL Funds account to the Wintrust account to cover a W.W. Grainger quarterly sales tax sharing payment. The total invoices presented for payment amounted to $420,700.61. The Treasurer's Report ending November 30, 2025, was reviewed, noting a decrease in Funds on Deposit due to tax rebate payouts and a commitment to correct an Excel formula error in the bank account balances page. The committee also reviewed the James Anderson Company Agreement for 2026 and the engineering contract terms, with a recommendation to initiate a Request for Proposal process. Finally, the committee reviewed and recommended for approval an ordinance authorizing the levy and collection of taxes for the Village of Mettawa for the tax year 2025, noting no increase in SSAs amounts this year.

The Public Works Committee meeting focused on several operational and budgetary items. Key discussions included the assessment of private retention pond inlets and outfalls, which resulted in a recommendation for a 4-year maintenance schedule. The committee also reviewed the follow-up on the swale construction at Maclean Preserve at Oasis Park, noting that drainage is currently satisfactory and the area should be mowed. For fiscal projects, discussions centered on repairing village shoulders post-snow plowing season, addressing falling Lake County Forest Preserve trees interfering with wires along St. Mary's Road, and investigating drainage ditch repairs on Bradley Road, with consideration given to using R5 boulders to prevent erosion. Additionally, the committee addressed a resident complaint regarding speeding cars on Old School Road and noted poor snow clearing performance by Milieu Design, suggesting a contractual clarification meeting.

The Finance Committee reviewed invoices for payment, noting the inclusion of Morton Salt restocking charges and a planned permit fee refund for a resident who is demolishing a home instead of remodeling. The Treasurer's Report ending December 31, 2025, was reviewed, showing significant monthly revenue and expenses, and updates were provided regarding the issuance of 1099 forms. The committee also reviewed the status of outstanding tax rebate checks, noting that most have been deposited. Under additional items, the committee discussed engineering service providers, learning that the Village of Third Lake uses IMEG, which provides institutional knowledge despite a mixed review, and noted that Third Lake faces higher permitting costs compared to James Anderson. The discussion included Mettawa's current compliance with upcoming 2027 certified inspector requirements. A resident raised concerns regarding a disconnect between James Anderson's plan approval for insulation and B&F Inspection Company's requirements during the final inspection of his basement ceiling fireproofing. The committee also discussed obtaining data for a fee generator spreadsheet to better understand the $18,000 monthly engineering service amount.

The meeting commenced with a quorum established. The primary focus of the new business was Case No: 25-SU-PUD-1, an application by W.W. Grainger, Inc., seeking approval for an amendment to the Special Use-Planned Unit Development to permit the construction of freestanding solar panel accessory structures within the parking facilities. A public hearing was conducted, and numerous exhibits detailing the proposal, site information, and solar studies were entered into the record. Following the hearing, the Commission recommended approval of an Ordinance Granting an Amendment to the Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development and approval of the Amended Planned Unit Development Final Development Plan for the specified property. The Commission also authorized the Chairman to draft the Findings and Facts and report these recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Trustees.