Village of Vernon Hills

The board meeting addressed several key business items, including the recognition of a committee volunteer for his dedicated service, a review of an actuary report concerning the village police pension fund, and a positive update on a community fundraising event. The board approved several ordinances related to the Westfield Hawthorne shopping mall, authorizing expansion, remodeling, the establishment of restaurant locations, and the addition of a movie theater. Additionally, the board considered and approved renovation plans for the exterior of a local facility, which include painting, new wood-framed awnings, and updated patio materials.

The board meeting included the presentation of proclamations to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the USA and to congratulate the Vernon Hills High School boys bowling team for their second-place finish in the state finals. The Village Manager provided updates on an upcoming electric aggregation referendum and the efforts of the Protect Local Government Revenues Coalition. Additionally, the Assistant Village Manager discussed the initiative to post meeting and event videos on the village website to enhance transparency. The board also approved a voucher list of bills, tabled a vote on an ordinance, and addressed items related to the communications center remodel project.

The Board discussed progress on electric aggregation, including upcoming interviews with consultants and public hearing schedules. The assistant manager provided a report on the success of the holiday light show, noting record traffic and coordination efforts. The Board also discussed the status of strategic planning, potential improvements to the village, including streetlight repairs, and upcoming capital projects for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, such as Village Athletic Complex enhancements, dugout roofs, and road improvement programs.

The meeting featured a proclamation honoring the First Lego League robotics team for winning the Illinois state championship. Additionally, representatives provided an update on Project Turf, a community initiative to fund a synthetic surface for a local athletic field. Discussions included strategies for community engagement, fundraising progress, and collaboration with the Village on technical requirements, such as detention pond adjustments and berm restoration, to facilitate the project's completion by the fall of 2012.

The Board discussed several topics, including an upcoming Open Meetings Act training session, a report on the State of the Village presentation, and a project regarding electric aggregation for local municipalities. Plans for the summer celebration entertainment were reviewed. The Board also addressed the scheduling of budget meetings and received an update on the Route 45 phase one transportation study, including considerations for intersection lighting. Additionally, a request for a variance for the Target store at 313 East Town Line Road was voted on, and a request from the Tilted Kilt to host an outdoor St. Patrick's Day event with alcohol service and security measures was reviewed and approved. Finally, a request for an outdoor merchandise display and sales permit for Home Depot was discussed.