Village of Bolingbrook Mayor and Board of Trustees met Nov. 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER:
The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bolingbrook was called to order at the hour of 7:30 p.m., November 17, 2020, in Bolingbrook, Illinois, by Mayor Mary S. Alexander-Basta.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta requested Joy Basel to lead the pledge to the Flag.
ROLL CALL:
Village Clerk, Carol S. Penning, called the roll:
Present were: Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, Trustees Maria A. Zarate, Michael T. Lawler, Mary Alexander Basta, Michael J. Carpanzano, Sheldon L. Watts and Robert M. Jaskiewicz
Also present were:
Village Clerk – Carol S. Penning, Village Attorney - Burt Odelson, Co-Administrators – Ken Teppel and Lucas Rickelman, Finance Director - Rosa Cojulun and Police Chief - Michael Rompa
Absent: None
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS:
Motion Carpanzano, second Watts to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 27, 2020 as submitted by the Village Clerk.
Voice vote. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDITIONS:
Burt Odelson, Village Attorney indicated that he had a revision to the agenda due to a typographical error. Page six, paragraph seven, eight and nine are resolutions and they are to be reversed as follows: Number nine, which is Resolution 20R-045 will become number seven on the agenda, Resolution 25-044 remains eight and Resolution 25-043 is nine.
Motion Lawler to adjust the numbering of resolutions, 20R-043, 20R-044 and 20R-045. The resolution numbers are reversed as follows: 20R-043 will be renumbered to 20R-045, 20R 044 remains 20R-044 and 20R-045 will be renumbered to 20R-043, second Watts to approve the agenda as amended.
Voice vote. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING: None
REPORTS OF OFFICERS: None
PROCLAMATIONS: None
Mayor Basta shared that at this evening's meeting there are a limited number of attendees due to COVID and of course we are online for at home viewers. The Commissioners that are being sworn in are socially distanced in various rooms, will be coming in to be sworn in and then exit out. There are nine new commission appointments and six commission reappointments.
APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Motion Carpanzano, second Zarate to approve the new appointments to the following Commissions:
Bolingbrook Community Television (BCT): New Appointments:
• Essam Choudhary - Chair
• Michael Goldman - Vice-Chair
• Christian Cairy - Commissioner
• Ruben Cordoba, Jr. - Commissioner
• Monte Larrick - Commissioner
• Jacob McVey – Commissioner
• Liz Pohl – Commissioner
• Marissa Yelenosky - Commissioner
Reappointments – The Oath of Office will be administered at a later date in the Mayor's office.
Norman Gallant - BCT Commissioner
Nancy M. Hansen - BCT Commissioner
Nancy Lou Hansen - BCT Commissioner
Michael Jacobs - BCT Commissioner
Mehwish Rana - BCT Commissioner
Rana Saeed – BCT Commissioner
Plan Commission:
New Appointment:
• Lawrence Cooper - Vice-Chair
Voice vote. Motion carried.
PROMOTIONS/SWEARING IN:
MAYOR BASTA ADMINISTERED THE OATH OF OFFICE TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS:
Bolingbrook Community Television (BCT): New Appointment:
• Essam Choudhary - Chair
• Michael Goldman - Vice-Chair
• Christian Cairy - Commissioner
• Ruben Cordoba, Jr. - Commissioner
• Monte Larrick - Commissioner
• Jacob McVey - Commissioner
• Liz Pohl – Commissioner
• Marissa Yelenosky - Commissioner
Plan Commission:
New Appointment:
• Lawrence Cooper – Vice-Chair
OPERATION CHRISTMAS BOLINGBROOK 2020
Mayor Basta introduced the Chair of Operation Christmas, Lee Bush Jr. Operation Christmas Bolingbrook is a volunteer organization that has been in operation for 47 years under the umbrella of the nonprofit Community Service Council. This project involves volunteers from Bolingbrook and takes an exceptional effort each year to ensure that each struggling family during the Christmas season receives the assistance that is so greatly needed. Last year alone, they served over 400 families in Bolingbrook.
Lee thanked Mayor Basta and the Trustees for their continued support of Operation Christmas. This is the 47th year of serving Bolingbrook. Each year they have taken care of anywhere between three to five hundred families. This year, they are on track, and in one week, registered 350 families here in town. This is a new track record for Operation Christmas, but the increase of families needing assistance is due to the impact of COVID. They are seeing, through their registration, that families are struggling more this year.
Lee Bush shared that they have not been able to do traditional fundraising because of COVID, so they are asking for help from the community for monetary donations and new toys. If you need help for the holidays, you can go on the Village website under residents, upcoming events. There is a login there for you to go to and sign in. You can also go to their Facebook page at Operation Christmas Bolingbrook.
He announced that Operation Christmas has a big toy drive coming up on the Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. The event will follow COVID guidelines and the volunteers will be social distancing. Lee also mentioned that they will have new toy drop off boxes at various locations in the community.
Mayor Basta added that a donation box is set up at Village Hall for toy donations. She thanked Lee Bush for all he is doing to brighten the lives of families in Bolingbrook. She appreciates him and all the OCB volunteers.
CREATION OF SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE
Mavor Basta indicated that she is establishing an ad hoc committee to review our current waste hauling contract. In addition, to develop a set of specifications and documents with the intent to send out bid request proposals for a new garbage contract.
She requested the assistance of Trustee Lawler and Trustee Jaskiewicz to co-chair the committee. The committee should consist of 8 to 10 members. She added that she is requesting that the co-chairs submit prospective committee member names to her for appointment.
She shared that the specifications should include a toter or cart option and direct resident billing. Co-administrator Lucas Rickelman will provide technical support and be the liaison to the ad hoc committee and the administration. The committee should finish their work in early 2021 with a bid to go out shortly thereafter. The current contract with Groot expires April 30 of 2022 Motion Carpanzano, second Zarate to approve an ad hoc garbage and solid waste committee.
Voice vote. Motion carried.
The Village Clerk's Office received petitions that were filed for a referendum question regarding a garbage tax. Mayor Basta asked Attorney Jim Boan to share information with our residents as it relates to this referendum.
Jim Boan commented that there was a misleading referendum question filed today referring to a garbage tax. He shared that there is no garbage tax. Two years ago, the tax levy for garbage was removed. If you look at your tax bill in the last two years, you will see there is no levy for garbage, so therefore there is no tax. At that time, the tax bill was reduced and the levy was eliminated, and the Village Board deemed to lower the property tax rate and to go to a quarterly fee, not a tax, a fee for garbage. This was done so that all the residents paid the same amount. Under the old system, a resident with a $300,000 home was paying three times as much as a resident that had a $100,000 home, even though homes all generate basically the same amount of garbage. He added that the public should be aware of the facts and not look at just whatever the political rhetoric is that goes along with these questions, Jim Boan reiterated that the public needs to be aware that there is no garbage tax.
Village Attorney Burt Odelson added that there are three questions on the agenda tonight. These are advisory questions asking the advice of the residents of Bolingbrook, but the petition that was filed today is a petition signed by residents of Bolingbrook. As Mr. Boan indicated, there is absolutely nothing true about the sentence presented on this petition. Quite frankly, it is appalling. This is an affront to the electoral system since there is nothing on this question that is true.
It asks if the Village of Bolingbrook should rescind something that they did not pass. You cannot rescind something that you did not pass. It says this is a tax on garbage. It is not a tax on garbage, as Mr. Boan said; it is a fee like every other municipality who charges fee. It says it was a 40% increase which is not true. It was not increased when it shifted from property tax to direct billing to the residents. It was not an increase of any sort. Unfortunately, people were asked to sign something that is totally not true. This is unfortunate in our government, and it is a fraud on the people.
Discussion ensued.
Bd. Min, 11.17.20
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING ITEMS BEFORE THE BOARD THIS EVENING: None
BILL APPROVAL:
Motion Jaskiewicz, second Watts to approve expenditures submitted as Bill Listing A Payables in the amount of $359,730.62, Bill Listing B - Pre-Paids in the amount of $374,704.54, totaling $734,435.16. (Copies were made available in the Finance Department and the Village Clerk's Office.)
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Basta, Watts, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz None
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
TAX RECEIPTS
August 2020 State Income Tax - $816, 168.04 (August 2019 State Income Tax – $778,857.04) -4.79% Increase
July 2020 Sales Tax - $3,152,859.01 (July 2019 Sales Tax - $2,844,525.70) – 10.8% Increase
August 2020 Motor Fuel Tax - $253,120.14 (August 2019 Motor Fuel Tax - $243,971.02) – 3.8% Increase
July 2020 State Administrative Fee - $25,193.21
MOTION:
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IN PROPERTY, INC. VS THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK (19MR1445)
Motion Carpanzano, second Lawler to accept a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute a settlement agreement in the case of Daria Property, Inc. Vs The Village of Bolingbrook (19MR1445).
This Motion approves a Settlement Agreement and brings an end to case 19MR1445, which was filed on May 21, 2019 against the Village. Each party bears their own fees and cost. Upon acceptance, the Agreement will be filed with the court and the case will be dismissed.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
RESOLUTONS:
RESOLUTION 20R-037 APPROVING LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE AND AMY CHINNASWAMY (EDGEHILL DRIVE)
Motion Lawler, second Watts to adopt a resolution approving a license agreement between the Village and Amy Chinnaswamy (Edgehill Drive).
The next two Resolutions concern two adjoining neighbors. The resident at 104 Edgehill Drive currently has a fence, which is located on Village property, which she would like to replace. The resident at 105 Delmar Drive has an existing fence on Village property. If approved both fences will encroach 5.4 feet onto Village property (Janes Avenue Right-of-Way). the encroachment has been there for many years and does not affect the sidewalk or roadway. These Resolutions approve license agreements with the homeowners allowing one fence to remain and the other replacement fence to be constructed on Village property. The Agreements are for twenty-five years, but may be terminated by either party with a 120 day notice. The homeowners agree to maintain the property and add the Village as an additional insured on their homeowners' insurance policy. The Village has done this elsewhere.
ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 20R-038 APPROVING LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE AND JOSE BUGARIN (DELMAR DRIVE) Motion Watts, second Zarate to adopt a resolution approving license agreement between the Village and Jose Bugarin (Delmar Drive).
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 20R-039 APPROVING PURCHASE OF TWO FLYGT MODEL SR-4670 SUBMERSIBLE SLUDGE STORAGE TANK MIXERS FROM XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS USA, INC. FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY #1 - 151 W. ROYCE ROAD Motion Watts, second Lawler to adopt a resolution approving purchase of two Flygt Model SR-4640 submersible sludge storage tank mixers from Xylem Water Solutions USA, Inc. for Wastewater Treatment Facility #1 - 151 W. Royce Road.
This Resolution approves the purchase of two sludge tank mixers for use at Sewage Treatment plant #1(Royce Road, west of Route 53). Mixers are used to keep sludge in liquid state so it can be pumped for transport. The existing mixers are twenty years old and need replacement. The purchase is from Xylem Water Solutions USA, Inc., a sole supplier. The cost is $53,779.64. The Public Services Committee has reviewed and recommends approval.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried
RESOLUTION 20R-040 APPROVING PROPOSAL FOR RENEWAL OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE WITH ILLINOIS COUNTIES RISK MANAGEMENT TRUST (ICRMT) Motion Lawler, second Carpanzano to adopt a resolution approving proposal for renewal of workers' compensation insurance with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT).
This Resolution renews the Village's Workmans' Compensation policy with the Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT). The Village is self-insured for the first $100,000.00 of each claim after which, the ICRMT "umbrella" kicks in. Alliant, Village's Broker of Record, is recommending that the retention be increased to $200,000.00 per claim. This years' cost is estimated at $2,290,818.00 based on current claims loss experience. The fixed premium is $962,316.00 and is included in that amount. The budgeted amount is $2,186,515.00. The program cost is $104,303.00 over budget. The Finance Committee has reviewed and recommends acceptance.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nayo 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 20R-041 APPROVING PROPOSALS FROM ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES FOR RENEWAL OF INSURANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTS Motion Watts, second Lawler to adopt a resolution approving proposals from Alliant Insurance Services for renewal of insurance and administrative contracts.
This Resolution accepts a renewal proposal from Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the Village's Employee Group Health and Life benefits. The Village is self-insured (SIR) for the first $95,000.00 (an increase of $5,000.00). The renewal is for calendar year 2021 with this December designated for "open enrollment". With the increase in the SIR, the Village's fixed cost is reduced from $1,169,281.00 to $1,032,938.28. The claim liability is expected to increase from $8,536,961.48 to $9,058,200.44, a 6.1% increase. The annual fixed cost of the dental program is $20,005.46 and the expected annual claim liability including the SIR IS $371,585.76, which is a 10.4% decrease. Dearborn National and Pay Flex continue to provide Life, AD & D and COBRA administration. The annual estimated premium is $102,750.20, which is a 5.2% increase over the current year. Total estimated annual cost of employee benefits is $9,532,536.40. The Finance Committee has reviewed and recommends acceptance.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent0 None
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 20R-042 ESTABLISHING AND AUTHORIZING THE RESTAURANT GRANT PROGRAM IN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK, WILL AND DUPAGE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS Motion Carpanzano, second Jaskiewicz to adopt a resolution establishing and authorizing the restaurant grant program in the Village of Bolingbrook, Will and DuPage Counties, Illinois.
Restaurants are under severe financial pressures due to COVID-19. While the Governor currently has Region 7 (including Bolingbrook) under mitigation, when indoor dining is allowed, patrons may still be concerned about COVID-19. One way to reduce contamination is to provide Ultra Violet light treatment of the air being circulated. UV has been shown to be effective in hospitals, food processing and commercial settings for some time. This Resolution establishes a Grant Program for the installation of UV lighting in the HVAC systems of local restaurants. After installation, a local restaurant may apply for reimbursement of up to 75% or up to $1,500.00 (the lessor of) per building upon presentation of proof of installation and the invoice. The Village is setting aside $50,000.00 of the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) money to fund the program. Applications will be processed "first come - first served" until the funding has been exhausted.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
Mayor Basta shared that due to the current COVID pandemic, we have been unable to host Town Hall meetings to get feedback from residents on issues that are of importance to them. With that being the case, the recent trend has been for municipalities to go to public referendum on issues that impact the community. Speaking with residents, several questions have come up, and we thought it best to place them on the ballot as advisory questions to see how the community feels regarding these topics. This is part of the open communication that we have been talking about consistently. Some of the things we have to think about as it relates to certain issues, for example the cannabis issue, is zoning. That is very important. Projected revenue versus projected costs.
Another item of resolution this evening is video gaming. Video gaming allows restaurants to have up to six machines and locations such as truck stops to have up to ten. The question is do we want to see in our restaurants machines lined up with video gaming. Again, that goes back to the residents. People have asked, and we are curious to find out, what a majority of the residents feel about these topics.
Another the item on the agenda for referendum is regarding the hotel and motel tax. This was approved by the Illinois General Assembly to promote tourism. The Village belongs to both the Heritage Corridor and the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau. These funds are used to help promote our hotels through the use of Expedia, Travelocity and other forms of marketing. We also encourage visitors to come visit our venues, which include the Promenade, our two museums, the Bolingbrook Historic Museum on Briarcliff Road, as well as the one at Clow Airport. We also use places such as the Bolingbrook Golf Club, where we have tournaments such as the NFL, retired NFL Players Golf Tournament, as well as Bo
Jackson and several others.
RESOLUTION 20R-043 PROVIDING FOR AND REQUIRING THE SUBMISSION OF AN ADVISORY QUESTION OF PUBLIC POLICY CONCERNING ALLOWANCE OF VIDEO GAMING WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT OF THE ELECTORS IN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK IN WILL AND DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS AT THE APRIL 6, 2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION Motion Watts, second Lawler to adopt a resolution providing for and requiring the submission of an advisory question of public policy concerning allowance of video gaming within the Village of Bolingbrook to appear on the Ballot of the Electors in the Village of Bolingbrook in Will and DuPage County, Illinois at the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election.
The Village "opted out" of video gaming on March 13, 2012 (Ordinance 12-018). Under the Statute, if video gaming is approved restaurants could have up to six machines and truck stops up to ten machines. Restaurants must have a liquor license to qualify for video machines. Due to the pandemic, many restaurants are financially distressed and video poker could provide them with a new revenue stream.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried
RESOLUTION 20R-044 PROVIDING FOR AND REQUIRING THE SUBMISSION OF AN ADVISORY QUESTION OF PUBLIC POLICY CONCERNING USE OF HOTEL/MOTEL TAX DOLLARS TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT OF THE ELECTORS IN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK IN WILL AND DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS AT THE APRIL 6, 2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION
Motion Carpanzano, second Zarate to adopt a resolution providing for and requiring the submission of an advisory question of public policy concerning use of Hotel/Motel Tax Dollars to appear on the Ballot of the Electors in the Village of Bolingbrook in Will and DuPage County, Illinois at the April 6, 2021 consolidated Election,
By State Statute, the Hotel/Motel tax must be used to promote tourism. The Village participates in a number of agencies that promote tourism such as Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau and DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau. These agencies seek to promote the tourism regionally and include our hotels and restaurants. The Village also seeks to promote smaller local events and venues such as concerts, craft fairs, Village restaurants and local businesses. Should the Village continue investing in supporting and sponsoring Village venues, festivals and events?
ROLL CALL:
Yea 5 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano
Nay 1 Jaskiewicz
Absent 0 None
Motion carried
RESOLUTION 20R-045 PROVIDING FOR AND REQUIRING THE SUBMISSION OF AN ADVISORY QUESTION OF PUBLIC POLICY CONCERNING ALLOWANCE OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT OF THE ELECTORS IN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK IN WILL AND DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS AT THE APRIL 6, 2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION Motion Lawler, second Watts to adopt a resolution providing for and requiring the submission of an advisory question of public policy concerning allowance of Cannabis Businesses within the Village of Bolingbrook to appear on the Ballot of the Electors in the Village of Bolingbrook in Will and DuPage County, Illinois at the April 6, 2021 consolidated Election.
This Resolution approves three questions to be placed as non-binding advisory referendum issues on the ballot for the April 6, 2021 local election. Each of these issues are being considered and discussed in Illinois municipalities and the Village Board would like citizen input. The State approved the use of recreational marijuana effective January 1, 2020 and medical marijuana in 2014. The state licenses marijuana dispensaries subject to local zoning. The Village initially "opted out of allowing dispensaries in the Village via the use of its' zoning authority. As the use of marijuana becomes more acceptable, the Board would like to know the residents view of these facilities.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE 20-062 ESTABLISHING A NEW CLASS "C-10" LIQUOR LICENSE: Motion Lawler, second Zarate to pass an ordinance establishing a new class "C-10" liquor license.
This Ordinance establishes a new Class "C-10" liquor license allowing for consumption on the premises of beer and wine in conjunction with an axe throwing business establishment.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE 20-063 AMENDING CHAPTER 13 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE AND INCREASING CLASS "C-10" (BEER AND WINE) FROM ZERO (O) TO ONE (1) MASTER AXE – 623 E. BOUGHTON ROAD SUITE 150 Motion Carpanzano, second Watts to pass an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code and increasing Class "C-10" (beer and wine) from zero (0) to one (1) Master Axe - 623 E. Boughton Road Suite 150.
Master Axe is located at 623 E. Boughton Road, Suite 150. The business is open from noon to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and from noon to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The business would like to sell beer and wine and will have food available to the premises via 3rd party providers. The annual license cost is $3,000.00. This Ordinance approves a new Class “C-10" liquor license for Master Axe.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
Mayor Basta asked if there were any questions or comments from the public or press. She indicated that the Village Clerk's Office did receive an email on November 17th. Mayor Basta read it in its entirety.
To the Village Board: There have been disturbing reports in the last week about overwhelmed medical facilities in Bolingbrook and a rapidly deteriorating quality of care. Every day more COVID-positive patients are admitted to area hospitals than are discharged. Hospitals are converting whole wings into COVID wards. This leads to other patients being displaced, increasingly to hallways. Medical workers are physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted, which leads to mistakes, sometimes deadly ones. Furthermore, hospitals become shorter staffed each day as medical workers contract COVID. We have seen in Italy, New York and Texas what happens when hospitals become overwhelmed: patients dying in hallways, lifeless bodies stacked into refrigerated trucks like firewood. Our hospitals have reached a breaking point, but the COVID patients keep coming. New cases in Will County have exploded in the last month and continue to increase exponentially. Deaths per week have tripled. Hospitals are begging people to stay home and abide by state public health measures. Yet the Mayor has put out a public statement saying that she will support Bolingbrook businesses who disregard public safety measures, measures that the world's greatest public health experts have recommended to help prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. Bolingbrook residents are horrified by the Mayor's disregard for human life
The shutdowns are not fair to small businesses. But, if we continue to ignore the, our hospitals will become completely overwhelmed. If this happens, thousands more people across Illinois will die including hospital workers, Bolingbrook residents, small business owners, wait staff, and children. They will die, not just from COVID, but also from asthma and other conditions that are normally easily treatable at a hospital.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Two vaccines have proven to be more effective than anyone could have hoped for. Hundreds of millions of vaccine doses are expected to be available to Americans this spring. The decisions we make between now and then are life and death decisions. Please choose life; please enforce the state public health measures in Bolingbrook. There is no bigger threat to the safety of Bolingbrook than the collapse of our healthcare system. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Dr. Cari Launiere
Mayor Basta commented that the Village passed a grant this evening to strive to make our restaurants safe, not just for now, but going forward. She reiterated that she issued a statement that the Village will continue to advise everyone to adhere to the recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Please wear masks, practice social distancing and frequently wash your hands. We will continue to advocate for Federal and State levels to direct aid to the Village of Bolingbrook. The Village will continue to share resources that will support business owners and our community as we work towards recovery from the pandemic. Mayor Basta invited Dr. Cari Launiere to come to her office and show her where the Mayor of Bolingbrook stated that restaurants are to remain open in an unsafe environment. She stressed that she has zero tolerance for people who think that they can say things that are untrue. She emphasized that there is nothing more important to her than the safety of Bolingbrook residents and the safety of the Village staff. We have done everything possible to ensure that. We have also spoken to people in management at AMITA Health. She added that she does not know where Dr. Launiere's facts came from, but when letters are submitted, it would help to quote their sources.
Ken Teppel, Co-Administrator for the Village of Bolingbrook mentioned a few things in reference to the letter. You might be wondering where the data is coming from, that was citied, He shared that he spoke to Obed Cruz, the chief nursing officer. The hospital has been busier than normal due to the strike at AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center Joliet. They have twice the workload with the same staff at AMITA, because of the strike at Saint Joseph's. That includes the COVID testing site at that location. The testing at Saint Joseph's was moved to Bolingbrook They do approximately 130 tests a day and it is on a first come first serve basis. People get in line, they can submit their documents, such as their insurance card, and wait in their car. When they are ready, they will get a text or call and they can come in instead of waiting out in the cold. He added that the hospital is turning over almost 30% every day. It is a constant in and a constant out. As far as the virulence of this strain, they have so many different treatment options. The tier three mitigation will be enacted starting midnight, Friday morning, 12:01 a.m. The entire state is not being shut down again, but it is recommended that museums and indoor amusements be closed. Social gathering places, such as the use of our community rooms are going to be shut down. The 10-person guideline is still a mandate. There is a 25% restriction on health clubs and personal care, such as nail salons and hair salons. There are stricter restrictions being placed upon us. As far the Village meeting rooms, the fire stations and community rooms and the Community Center, they all have to be shut down along with our museums.
QUESTIONS FROM AUDIENCE/PRESS: None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS AND REPORTS:
TRUSTEE ZARATE Shared that the American Red Cross has a blood drive on Friday, November 20th and Friday, December 11th. The time will be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Community Service Council located at 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite C. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 Red Cross or 800-733-2767.
TRUSTEE LAWLER Shared that Bolingbrook is perhaps the most diverse community in Illinois. We celebrate our diversity in many ways as was alluded to earlier tonight. We usually have festivals behind Village Hall throughout the year, not this year due to COVID, but we are celebrating the various holidays of our diverse community. This holiday season, we will be showcasing the community's diversity in an international Festival of Lights, a holiday decor display. It will be out in front of Village Hall. Each participant will be provided a six by six foot space to create a large-scale display representing their unique holiday tradition. If you are interested in participating, we will have the notice up on the website and scrolling on BCT between programming. You will have to register by Monday, November 23rd.
We talked about earlier with Operation Christmas and what they are doing for those in need in Bolingbrook. We also have a number of other community organizations and we will be featuring them as well. We are in the process of gathering information from the various organizations who are doing food drives and coat drives. We are compiling that list and their contact information for those who want to donate and help out the less fortunate in Bolingbrook. He shared that he received a call from a resident who was asking how to help. She runs an organization of high school students who give back to the community. They recognize the many opportunities to share and were asking for information on where to help out. He mentioned the LaBranche Family Foundation. They have a webs
They are longtime Bolingbrook residents who do a great job throughout the year. They have a holiday program to help people. Valley View School District has an ongoing program, Hunger Free food program. Donations can be made through the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation to provide food year-round for those families that are in need. This is an ongoing program, but certainly special this time of year. We will get more information up on the Village website for those who want to give back to the families in Bolingbrook who are less fortunate. Look for that in the upcoming days.
TRUSTEE WATTS Congratulated those that were appointed to commissions or reappointed. We appreciate the continued service, especially during these times, for individuals to step up to serve our community in this way is a wonderful thing. He encouraged residents to shop Bolingbrook, with the current COVID pandemic that is going on, we really need to be sure that we shop Bolingbrook. He added that it is tempting to shop online, but now more than ever, it is important that we support our local businesses. He hoped that everyone stays safe and has a great evening.
TRUSTEE CARPANZANO Encouraged residents to shop and eat in Bolingbrook. You are going to be getting in your mail a really neat "Eat in Bolingbrook" postcard, thanks to some great organizations in town, including the Bolingbrook Chamber, Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and AMITA Health. It has some great information and more importantly, a fantastic website that says eatinbolingbrook.com plus a weekly raffle for a local restaurant gift card. Please check your mailboxes. It shows how you can support our local restaurants through carry out and drive through services. He provided information on the Cheesy Pretzel 5k sponsored by H20. The event takes place the entire week of Thanksgiving, November 20th through the 28th. There is no actual event, so you can run on your own at your leisure around your house or on your favorite pathway. You can register at cheesypretzelsk.org and it will benefit Heart Haven Outreach. He shared that Santa is at Bass Pro Shops. You have to preregister. He mentioned that he already took his little guy there, but the event is happening through Christmas Eve. It is a free photo with Santa. You can go to Bass Pro Shops website and get your slot ahead of time. It is a contact-less Claus visit. There is plexiglass, Santa wears a face shield and there are temperature screens taken. This is definitely the world we live in, but it is safe and clean. They wipe down in between every single family. He announced that Small Business Day is on Saturday, November 28th. He recommended to shop small, shop local and shop Bolingbrook, especially on November 28th, 2020. Lastly, he mentioned the holiday lights show is at The Promenade Bolingbrook every evening from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on the hour. The light show will be at five o'clock, six o'clock, seven o'clock, eight o'clock and nine o'clock. You can catch the music and light show on the 60-foot tree. It has over a hundred thousand LEDs.
He discussed the referendum that was sponsored and submitted by a political opponent, Jackie Traynere, which is not factual and at best is misleading. He indicated that he wanted to make it known that 1) the village is responsible for providing facts as presented by the Village Attorney this evening, 2) that we all make sure that we engage with those that are in the know. If you have a question from any of your trustees, your elected officials or from the village, please reach out, call the Mayor's office or call the executive office and get the answers and 3) do not believe everything you read on Facebook.
TRUSTEE JASKIEWICZ Mentioned that we had Operation Christmas here this evening. We talked about the Village and the restaurant grant program. Those are all great. The government, the local government, state government and all that are trying to help people. He indicated that he wanted to make a point that you need to be able to help yourself too. You need to play safe. You need to wear a mask. You need to social distance. The people that claim that it is their personal freedom and right not to do so are endangering the majority of us. He asked residents to follow the rules as it relates to COVID. He encouraged people to make it a safe Thanksgiving for your family. You do not want it to be your last holiday. You would like to see your family for many more Thanksgivings. So, if you have to skip one, so you can have 10, 12, 15 or 20 more, skip this one. If you have Thanksgiving in your home, make it a safe one.
He read the three statements that were either texted or emailed to him during the meeting as follows:
Please note: these statements were not sent directly to the Village Clerk's Office prior to 3:00 p.m. on the Village's Website regarding the guidelines for Resident Requests from the Public.
Statement #1 From: Reem Townsend
I'm kindly asking our Village Mayor and Trustees to give the residents a voice and the decision on the garbage bill/tax. Instead of leaving it up to the Board of a few people, it would be better to have this referendum added to the ballot so the thousands of Village residents can have a say. We all have this bill, and we should all get a say in how we are charged. It should be up to us, your constituents. I hope the Board can respect the request of the residents in getting this referendum added to the ballot. If not, it will be like the Board is blatantly ignoring our voices and the voices of the community. If the garbage bill is what's best for the community, then the Board shouldn't worry about adding the referendum to the ballot this April.
Statement #2: From Jackie Traynere of the DuPage Township Democrats
The DuPage Township Democrats filed a petition today on behalf of residents of Bolingbrook that have suffered under the new garbage tax/fees. Seniors and others on fixed incomes have had a very difficult time managing this new, not anticipated burden. The Village Trustees implemented this new fee without consulting the voters in the community directly. They have made many decisions without consulting voters, including decisions to ban video gaming and cannabis sales time and time again. As the Chair of the DuPage Democratic or DuPage Township Democratic Organization, I find it insulting that now that we have filed this petition, you conveniently decided to put three referendums on the ballot this week. Most residents would not be aware of the three referendum limit. Thankfully, we were able to file our petition today with not just the 2,800-signature requirement but with over 4,000 signatures. This was done during a pandemic that has threatened the health of so many in our community. I am particularly grateful to James Bastounes and Laurie Marschke for their outstanding efforts and supporting this effort. I am looking forward to hearing what our community has to say about cannabis and video gaming, as I see that the communities all around us are benefiting from these two tax revenue streams. This is from Jackie Traynere of the DuPage Township Democratic Organization.
Statement #3: From: Elnalyn Costa
Bob, Please share my remarks for public comment for garbage referendum at tonight's meeting. I may not be able to attend in person, but will try. Thank you, El
Trustees: Over 4,000 residents have signed a petition to ensure the Garbage Referendum is on the ballot on April 6, 2021. Residents across the village have penned their name in support of this referendum, and had there been more time to file this referendum in January, there very well would have been a couple thousand more signatures included in the filing. Listen to the concerned residents of Bolingbrook and honor our voices. Instead, the establishment stronghold of this board aims to block this effort by using the 3 limit rule in its favor. Obstructing the Garbage Referendum politicizes the process and silences the voices of the residents of Bolingbrook. The Trustees are aware that citizens who support Bolingbrook United championed this effort and worked hard over the past year to ensure we lawfully had our concerns with the garbage heard through a ballot referendum. Instead of prioritizing this village-wide concern, the establishment trustees choose now to feign interest for toters and other garbage issues, when really we have only been disappointed by the lack of action on this matter for years under this leadership and responsible handling of our village finances,
Mayor Basta reiterated to Trustee Jaşkiewicz that any statements with regards to tonight's meeting were supposed to be turned in to the Village Clerk's Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting so that she could read them prior to the meeting and out loud at the meeting.
Mayor Basta asked Trustee Jaskiewicz if the residents don't pay for garbage, who's going to pay for it. The village? She added that maybe I am not understanding the question and maybe it's just posed incorrectly or maybe I just need to have one-on-ones, but someone has to pay for the garbage to be picked up. If you want the village to pay for it, that's fine. But where does the village get its money? You, the taxpayers, the residents. I'm a little bit confused. The Village is saying it's not a tax. It is a utility bill just like anything else. It's a service. You get your garbage picked up. This is nothing new to Bolingbrook. I don't understand why we're wasting so much time talking about garbage.
She stressed what happens when you don't pay your water bill. What happens when you don't pay your electric or gas bill? It gets shut off. What's going to happen when you don't pay your garbage bill? It's not going to get picked up. Who's going to pick it up? The village? Who's going to pay for that? Codes officers have to come out and enforce it. Who's going to pay for that? Nothing is free. It's not. And that is why we're putting together thiş Ad Hoc Committee. We're putting together this committee, with you Bob, a resident on the West side of Bolingbrook, and Trustee Lawler's on the East side. You pick your people, you decide, and then let's do it the right way, Let's do it correctly. Let's go out to bid. Let's see what options are available. Let's have the company bill you directly, but get ready to suffer the consequence when you don't pay that bill. I don't understand. And please, my door is wide open. If someone would just please just explain to me with everything that's going on, not just in our country, in the world right now, why our biggest issue that we are discussing is trash and has been for multiple years.
Trustee Jaskiewicz indicated that gist of what they're asking is that the garbage bill would be put back on the property taxes and paid out of there.
Mayor Basta shared that the money we need to operate is given to the assessor and then she takes it and divides it. That is $65, that's how we came to $62 or $65. It didn't get charged $62 per household. It got thrown into the levy and then the levy got divided based on the cost of the house and the taxes. That is why we were saying it wasn't a fair fee. The garbage company doesn't charge us based on how big your house is or how much taxes you pay on your house. It charges a flat fee per house. Whether they pick up one bag or a hundred bags, it's a flat fee. And that's what we did. We gave that flat fee back to the homeowners. We are not making a penny on this. The $2 service charge, that's what the company charges. You pay it all upfront. It does not go to the Village. We're putting together this committee and we're taking the billing process away from the Village.
VILLAGE CLERK PENNING Shared that the Community Service Council has funds available to help families with rent and mortgage payments during these difficult times. The assistance available will be to cover up to three months of rent or mortgage payments with a total not to exceed $3,600. The delinquency must be related to loss of income directly related to COVID. You can contact the CSC at 815-886-5000.
Added that because of the upcoming holiday, I have an "attitude of gratitude". This is my second to last meeting and wish everybody in the community, a Happy Thanksgiving. Wished former Mayor Claar, a happy 75th birthday on Thanksgiving Day.
Stressed that we are in a community that has all different political parties, Republican, Democrat and Independent, but on a local level, we are Bolingbrook. It was truly unfortunate to hear a comment from the Democratic Chairman, who is also running for political office. It insults the residents of the Village of Bolingbrook, because we do not have Democrat toters or Democrat garbage. We have Bolingbrook garbage. Bob, stop making this political as a Republican and Democrat situation. Trustee Jaskiewicz, you truly disappoint me tonight.
Mayor Basta requested that Trustee Jaskiewicz forward the three comments he received to the Village Clerk's Office. She directed the Village Clerk to include them in the minutes.
She stressed that we welcome public comments. She encouraged people to stop in and ask the questions, have conversations. You can see documents, just come in and just ask for them. You want to meet with the Finance Director, not a problem. This is your community. We are here to run it for you the best that we can, but it is yours. Take ownership of it. Come in and have conversations. Please do not put up walls and build barriers. That is not what Bolingbrook is about,
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion Carpanzano, second Watts to adjourn the meeting.
Voice vote. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
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