Will County Gazette

Village of Elwood Board met March 3

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees, Village of Elwood at 7:00 PM, was called to order by Village President Doug Jenco.

Role Call

Present: Village Board President Doug Jenco, Village Board Trustees: Darryl Lab, Ron Schmidt, Jodie Bertucci, Tricia Maas, Michael Varman, and Kendy Elberson

Also, Present: Village Administrator/Village Clerk Julie Friebele, Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar, Police Chief Fred Hayes, Finance Director Robbie Day, and Attorney Jordan Kielian

The Meeting Opened with the Pledge to the Flag

Presentations and Public Hearings

a) Open Public Hearing at 7:03 PM

A motion was made by Trustee Maas to open the public hearing for the Proposed Annual Fiscal Year 2021 – 2022 Budget of the Village of Elwood. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

The Public Hearing Notice regarding the Annual Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget was published in the Wilmington Free Press on February 10, 2021.

Finance Director Robbie Day did an excellent job in preparation of the proposed 2021-2022 Annual Budget. Ms. Day also prepared a power point presentation so that the Trustees and members of the audience may review the proposed budget.

Village Administrator Julie Friebele presented the proposed 2021-2022 Annual Budget reviewing the following fund balances, revenues, and expenses:

General Fund Revenues:

The total projected revenues of $4.6 Million for 21-22 represent a 5.75% increase over the current budget. The gains seen are in the following revenue line items:

• Property Tax $15,028 increase, 4.99% Property Tax Levy Ordinance

• Utility Tax: $100,000 increase, by adoption of the Gas Use Tax Ordinance

• Building Permit Fees increase in anticipation of 2 new Habitat Homes to be built

• Police & Safety Grant $7,555 from IPRF & $27,552 for 2021 STEP Grant

General Fund Administration Department Budget represents a $105,000 increase in expenses over the current year. Legal services of $45,000 & contingency of $50,000 saw the largest increase, while personnel services saw a 1.5% decrease. A total projected budget of $1,981,555 is requested in the 2021-2022 budget.

General Fund Police Department is requesting $1,820,844 for the fiscal year 21/22, it reflects a $123,000 increase. Personnel services, training, and operating contracts Wescom and the K9 program represent a large portion of the increase. Vehicle maintenance also saw an increase of $9,000 to purchase extended warranties for 2- 2021 Chevy Tahoes.

General Fund Streets Department has several maintenance projects in its $882,568 projected budget, including concrete repairs at Lloyd Erickson pavilion, repairing sidewalks with pumping instead of replacement, and the restrooms at Tyler Park. This facility maintenance project and the proposed Equipment Maintenance make up the majority of the 3% increase. The mosquito abatement line item saw a decrease of $3,500; public works received certification and can perform this service in-house.

Motor Fuel Tax per capita fee for the tax has decreased from $25.35 to $20.50. The Village will be using the fund balance to install street lights on St. Louis Street and on a portion of Elwood International Port Road. The projected budget for this fund is $75,900.

In the Water & Sewer Capital Fund the Village will continue to replace aging water meters and MTUs this year. The proposed $353,085 budget amount also includes a transfer for the debt service payment. We budget for the 2010A bond payment in this fund just in case we have to pull the funds from this account.

In Water & Sewer Operating Revenues the proposed $1.2 MIL budget includes a 6% increase in Water user fees and a 3% increase in Sewer user fees.

Water & Sewer Fund Water Department the 21-22 Water Department Budget of represents a 6.89% increase over the current year. Scheduled facilities and system maintenance account for a $10,000 increase in these line items. Upgrades to the Scada system estimated at $34,000 and the added interest payment for the 2021 Bonds brings the total projected Water Fund budget to $733,748.

Water & Sewer Fund Sewer Department - The Sewer Department splits many line items with the Water Department, and as expected, there is an increase to Debt Service Payment line item. Facilities maintenance expenses require additional funds to replace a headworks screen rebuild, OX Ditch bearings replacement, and UV Light Equipment Rebuild Phase 1. The budgeted amount for this fund is $803,318 and the combined proposed operating budget for Water & Sewer departments is $1.5MIL.

TIF Fund is a pass-through fund of $10MIL, Real Estate Taxes are collected, the monies are then disbursed to make the bond payments.

Capital Construction Fund has a $2,315,552 budget for 21-22. Expenses include the replacement of 1 police vehicle with safety packages for $60,522, Safety upgrades to the Admin reception area for $30,000, and concrete replacement at the Village Hall's main entrance for $30,000, where settling has occurred. The public works department will purchase 2 Hustler mowers and trade in the bucket truck for a man lift. A transfer of $1,216,526 accounts for most of this year's budget; these funds will cover a portion of both the Police and Streets Department's operation.

Debt Service Fund: The debt service fund is another pass-through fund used to retire the Village's debt. The $964,075 budget covers the payment for the 2015 bonds. This bond issue will end in 2023.

b) Public Comments – Members of the audience did not have public comments.

c) Close the Public Hearing

A motion was made by Trustee Schmidt to close the public hearing for the Proposed Annual Fiscal Year 2021 – 2022 Budget of the Village of Elwood. Trustee Bertucci seconded the motion. A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – Pertaining to Agenda Items

Members of the audience did not have public comments pertaining to agenda items.

Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Trustee Bertucci to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:

Presentation of Minutes – February 3, 2021

Presentation of Closed Session Minutes – February 3, 2021 Not For Release

Presentation of Bills – Paid Invoice Report January 22, 2021 through February 2, 2021, in the amount of $75,765.28.

Presentation of Bills – Paid Invoice Report February 4, 2021 through February 19, 2021, in the amount of $26,717.15.

Presentation of Bills – Unpaid Invoice Report in the amount of $151,889.81.

Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS FROM VILLAGE OFFICIALS

Administration – Village Administrator Julie Friebele

January 2021 Financial Report

The January 2021 Financial Report prepared by Finance Director Robbie Day was presented to the Village Board for review. The report represents the Village of Elwood’s year to date revenues, expenses, and end of the month fund cash balances.

An Ordinance Approving the Annual Budget of the Village of Elwood Beginning May 1, 2021 and Ending April 30, 2022

Annually the Village staff conducts a public hearing and presents the proposed fiscal year budget for review by the Board of Trustees. Modifications to the internal budget process has allowed for a more comprehensive, transparent, and detailed budget to be compiled. This action assists Village staff by making the day-to-day operations of the Village more efficient and accurate in coding payables and budgeting into the future. Village Board reviewed the proposed FY 2021-2022 Annual Budget Ordinance of the Village of Elwood Beginning May 1, 2021 and Ending April 30, 2022. The Ordinance was presented as a First Read and not eligible to be considered and adopted this evening. The said Ordinance will be on the Village Board meeting agenda April 7, 2021 as a Final Read for consideration and adoption.

A Resolution for Location, Construction, Operation and Maintenance on State Highways, Within the Village of Elwood

Chapter 121 of the Illinois revised statute requires that any person, firm or corporation desiring to do work on state maintained rights of way must first obtain a written permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation. This includes any emergency work on broken water mains or sewers. A surety bond is required with each permit application. For permit work to be performed by employees of a municipality a resolution is acceptable in lieu of the surety bond. This resolution does not relieve contractors hired by the municipality from conforming with the normal bonding requirements nor from obtaining permits. This resolution does not constitute a blanket permit for work in the State system. A separate application must be made in each instance. In the case of an emergency, a verbal authority may be given prior to receipt of the written application. The resolution will be effective for the years 2021 and 2022. A motion was made by Trustee Varman to adopt a Resolution for Location, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance on State Highways, Within the Village of Elwood. Trustee Lab seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

An Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority

Under the Federal Tax Reform Act of 1986, the Village receives an annual allocation of private activity bonding cap that can be used to provide below market rate financing for economic development and/or housing projects. The allocation is calculated on a per capita basis with the Village’s allocation equal to our population (2,260) times $110.00 for a total of $248,600. Pursuant to a law passed by the Illinois General Assembly some years ago, the Village may either allocate its bonding cap to a specific project or cede it to another development agency. If the Village does neither, the cap reverts to the Governor’s office for reallocation to projects around the state. Typically, the Village must take action by May 1st to either reserve the cap for use on a specific project or cede it to another agency but the Governor’s office has allowed an extension on the time frame due to COVID-19. We have ceded our cap to the Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority (WKRDA) in past years. Ceding the cap to WKRDA allows the Village to retain access to the cap until the end of the current calendar year.

A motion was made by Trustee Elberson to adopt an Ordinance Authorizing the Ceding of Private Activity Bonding Authority. Trustee Maas seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Real Property Owned by the Village of Elwood and the Execution of a Purchase and Sale Contract With Respect Thereto

The deal fell through, removed from the agenda.

An Ordinance Amending The Village of Elwood Code of Ordinances to Establish New Municipal Fees and Repealing Ordinance 876 and 1054

The Village previously established permit and inspection fees, zoning application fees, general fees, and water-sewer tap-on-fees through Ordinance 876 and 1054. We found it essential to establish a new schedule of Municipal Fees that are reasonable and necessary. The fees in Ordinances 876 & 1054 do not reflect some of the actual costs to the Village. One of the significant discrepancies is reflected in the plan review fee. Most other fees only reflect slight increases; some stayed the same or slightly decreased. A motion was made by Trustee Lab to adopt an Ordinance Amending the Village of Elwood Code of Ordinances to Establish New Municipal Fees and Repealing Ordinance 876 and 1054. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

B & F Construction Code Services, Inc. Proposal for Plan Review and Inspection Services

B & F Construction Code Services provides inspection services for the Village of Elwood. The service consists of building plan review, inspections, property maintenance inspections, department administration assistance with zoning and planning for residential, mixed uses, and commercial projects. The proposal provides fees for these services. A motion was made by Trustee Schmidt to approve the B & F Construction Code Services, Inc. Proposal for Plan Review and Inspection Services. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

Police Department – Chief Fred Hayes

During the month of January 2021

The Elwood Police Department responded to 569 calls for service. For more details concerning the types of calls, residents can visit the Village of Elwood website.

Police officers issued a total of 330 citations:

• Local Citations (O.V.) 16

• State Citations 314

• Overweight Violations (25)

• Monthly Total 330

• 2021 Year to Date Total 330

Arrest Report Summary:

• Traffic Arrests 21

• Warrant Arrests 4

• Criminal 0

• Monthly Total 25

• Year to Date Total 25

TRAINING REPORT: ALL ONLINE CLASSES

OFFICER CLASS DATE Hours Ed Wright Child Abuse and Neglect 1-7-2021 2 Ken Jaburek Child Abuse and Neglect 1-9-2021 2 Andrew Anderson Child Abuse and Neglect 1-12-2021 2 Nick Adams Child Abuse and Neglect 1-19-2021 2 Ed Wright Law for Police Canine 1-10-2021 2 Ed Wright Laws for Arrest 1-19-2021 2 Nick Adams Mental Health Awareness 1-19-2021 8

Total Training Hours: 20

Homicide in Elwood, Friday 26, 2021

Officers responded to a call about a motorist in distress in a vehicle on Baseline Road near Noel Road in a logistics, industrial warehouse area. The Elwood Police Officer found the motorist/victim was shot and killed inside his car. All Elwood Police Officers were called in to assist with the incident. Chief Hayes is very proud of Sergeants: James Hartley and Andrew Anderson, Officers: Nick Adams, Edward Wright, Kenneth Jaburek, Nick Vandal, Sean Swabowski, Brad Lande, Sarah Zimmerman, and Nick Bertucci. The family of the victim thanked the Elwood Police Department for all that they are doing for them.

Authorization to Purchase Video Storage Server for In-Car and Body Camera

The Elwood Police Department uses a computer networked digital sever for all internal department computer needs. A portion of the computer server is also used as a digital media storage device for digital forensic evidence including crime scene photographs, video files from criminal investigations, digital documents, and video files from the departments In-Car Video Camera System. Illinois State Statue requires in-car video camera recordings be retained for a storage period of 90 days, unless the recordings are made as a part of an arrest or the recordings are deemed evidence in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding and then the recordings must only be destroyed upon a final disposition and an order from the court. In addition, newly proposed state legislation under HB3653 the so called “Police Reform Act”, will require the police department to use body cameras. The use of body cameras will exponentially create massive amounts of video data that will need to be placed in storage.

Recently the storage capacity of the police server reached its maximum capacity. Therefore, the need to expand capacity and separate the department’s digital media storage was identified. The addition of a new standalone server will ensure the department has adequate capabilities for data retention of digital media evidence.

A motion was made by Trustee Bertucci to authorize the purchase and payment for a computer server from Veloctia Technology in the amount of $13,857.00, plus $4,270.00 installation costs for a total cost of $18,127.00. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

Public Works – Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar

Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP)

The motor mounts for the ox ditch are rebuilt and installed, and is back in operation.

Village Clean Up

Now that the snow melted the Public Works crews are cleaning up the winter garbage on the Village roadways.

Village Hall Heating System

The new boilers are installed and are approximately 75% ready to be put into operation. There is still work to be completed regarding the low voltage controls.

Snow Storm

The Public Works crews spent 583 hours plowing and salting the Village roadways and logged 3,803 miles spreading 342 tons of salt during last month's significant snowstorms.

Village Administrator – Julie Friebele

Midewin’s 25th Anniversary

Midewin’s William Shea reached out to me, because Midewin would like to celebrate their 25th anniversary with the Village, by having a Bur Oak tree planted in Elwood, to commemorate Midewin’s 25 years and their friendship with the Village of Elwood that developed during that time. Midewin Alliance and the Midewin Heritage Association have agreed to supply to the Village a 5-Gal potted Bur Oak tree and a plaque to commemorate Midewin’s 25th Anniversary. They are hoping to have the trees planted in mid-April, once the ground has thawed, so they could use the footage from the plantings in their Arbor Day Tree webinar, that they will be hosting on April 30th, where they will be doing a live planting of a Bur Oak on Midewin as well. Mr. Shea will reach out to me again when they have the date they will have the tree in hand, then we can schedule a date that will work for the Village Board to participate in the planting. After doing a little research I found that the tree reaches up to 80 feet at maturity and loves full sun. Possibly we can plant the tree and place the commemorative plaque in one of our beautiful Village parks so all residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy it!

US Census 2020

The US Census Bureau recognizes the Village of Elwood as an invaluable member of the 2020 Census Community Partnership Program and appreciated the Village’s efforts made in making the Partnership Program a success and helping achieve a successful 2020 Census. The region exceeded the National Self-Response Rate of 67% and had the highest self-response rate among all regions of 69.8%.

Easter

The Village of Elwood is unable to host our annual Egg Hunt tradition this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. This news is disappointing to us all! We want the Elwood students and their families to know we are thinking of them and we miss celebrating the Elwood traditions with them.

The students will each receive a special surprise from their friends at the Village Hall.

Thank you to Elwood School for working with the Village to make this possible.

We wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Upcoming March Meetings

Planning and Zoning March 23rd 7:00 pm

Park Committee March 24th 6:00 pm

Finance Committee March 30th 4:00 pm

Village President – Doug Jenco

I want to point out what an excellent job our Elwood Police Department does! Thank you to Chief Fred Hayes and the entire staff.

Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar and crew, outstanding job on with the snow removal. Thank you to Finance Director Robbie Day; we appreciate all you do.

Appointment of a Park and Recreation Committee Member

On November 24, 2021 Dorothy Cirrencione resigned from the Park and Recreation Committee. Village President Jenco appointed Molly Lopez’s to fill the vacancy and serve as a member on the Park and Recreation Committee for a four (4) year term, unfortunately she was unable to accept the appointment. Village President Jenco appointed Audrey Friebele to fill the vacancy and serve as a member on the Park and Recreation Committee for a four (4) year term. A motion was made by Trustee Elberson to approve and confirm the appointment of Audrey Friebele to serve as a member of the Park and Recreation Committee for a four (4) year term. Trustee Maas seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.

Other Business

Statement of Village of Elwood President Doug Jenco Regarding the Proposed Bridge & NorthPoint I want to thank Stop Northpoint for hosting a Press Conference In Chicago on March 3rd and for all its work that supports the preservation of the Elwood community and our neighboring communities. I want to thank Allen Lynch. This man is an American Hero who so deservedly earned the nation’s highest Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery in combat. Yet his fight continues on behalf of veterans both living and dead. Elwood is honored and humbled with his continued fight to preserve our sacred Cemetery. I want to thank the Governor’s office for standing by Elwood and refusing to seize control of our community’s roads on behalf of a private corporation.

And I want to thank all that was in attendance at the press conference and all of our veterans who served in any capacity.

Elwood is proud to be the home of Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. It’s a special place to everyone in our community, and it’s a special place for me. My father, my uncles, and a number of my friends are buried there. We tell our veterans “Thank you for your service” and “Thank you for your sacrifice.” We say that because we recognize that when you serve in the military, you risk your own life for a cause greater than yourself. Everyone buried in Abraham Lincoln selflessly sacrificed for our country and for our freedom. We honor our warriors’ sacrifice by giving them a final resting place that remains peaceful. The Village of Elwood intends to keep Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery peaceful.

Northpoint doesn’t care about that peace. Northpoint wants to make money. They want to build a bridge. They want to run their trucks alongside the cemetery. Not some of their trucks, not most of their trucks, every single one of their trucks— thousands of trucks a day—so their corporation can profit.

Elwood has a message for Northpoint:

Take your bridge. Take your trucks. Take it somewhere else.

Stay away from Abraham Lincoln. Stay away from our veterans. They deserve better.

Elwood stands by our veterans, and Elwood stands by everyone who stands against Northpoint. Know that as long as you are in the fight, Elwood is with you.

Parking of Semi Trucks in Joliet Terminals

Trustee Maas discussed the trucking terminals in Joliet to implement a tax that would pay $40.40 per truck stall, because Joliet officials feel the semi trucks are adding a lot of stress to their infrastructure.

Valentine’s Day Presents to Elwood School Students

Trustee Maas discussed how well received the Village’s Valentine’s Day gifts to the Elwood students were well received.

Public Comments

Members of the audience discussed the following:

• Plantiffs in the Stop NorthPoint case.

• Thank you to the Elwood Police Department for the wonderful job you are doing.

Closed Session

None

Actions To Be Taken Following The Closed Session Meeting

No closed session, no actions were taken.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Trustee Schmidt to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. The Village Board all voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried.

http://www.villageofelwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03032021-617