Will County Gazette

City of Braidwood City Council met Aug. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Braidwood City Council Tuesday, August 22, 2023 Braidwood City Hall 141 W. Main St., Braidwood, IL 60408

Call to Order: The Regular Meeting of the Braidwood City Council on August 22, 2023 was called to order at 7:00 p.m., by Mayor Hart in the Council Chambers of the Braidwood City Hall.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hart requested all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Upon Roll Call by the Clerk, the following members of the corporate authorities answered "Here" or "Present";

Elected Officials;

Present: Commissioner Money, Commissioner Wietting, and Mayor Hart

Absent: Commissioner Walsh and Commissioner Mikel

Appointed Officials:

Present: City Clerk Weaver, City Administrator Altiery, Chief Lyons, City Engineer Dave Weber, and City Attorney Hannah Lamore in place for Bryan Wellner

Absent:

Quorum: There being sufficient members of the corporate authorities in attendance to constitute a quorum, the meeting was declared in order.

Public Comment: Fred Miller 42 Dinosaur, Shadow Lakes: Honorable Mayor Hart and members of the Braidwood City Council: A serious speeding problem has been a continuous and on-going issue within the Shadow lakes Community in Braidwood. Over the years, residents have offered suggestions to the Home Owners Association to address these issues, but no effective measures were implemented and their concerns have been repeatedly bushed aside.

On the 17th of July, I emailed the Shadow Lakes HOA and requested that a Traffic Enforcement Agreement be looked into with the City of Braidwood. The request was ignored. On the 25th of July, the City of Braidwood was emailed and a response was requested, which again was disregarded. Only after a 3rd written request to the City on the 18th of August did I receive an invitation to discuss the issue with the Mayor and City Administrator. After careful consideration, I respectfully declined and decided to present this on-going issue in an open forum to be officially recorded into the public record.

Through the Freedom of Information Act, the electronic speed monitoring report was conducted over the 4th of July weekend by the Braidwood PD and released on the 28th of July. Copies of the report were emailed to the City and Shadow Lakes HOA, which conclusively documented that severe speeding issues had been identified.

On the 7th of August a productive conversation was held with the Braidwood Police Chief, but despite the lengthy discussion and sincere hopes for betterment, the problem continues to remain.

It is ironic that the Chairman of Shadow Lakes II Home Owners publicly addressed the City Council in regards to the lack of guiderails on Novy Road in 2021 as a “Tragedy Waiting to Happen” which was reported by the local media in a press release.

The Chairman of the Shadow Lakes Association, along with other elected board members were elected to lead the Association and are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Shadow Lakes. The past and present Chairmen and board members have completely and utterly failed the residents regarding their responsibilities; thus, we are calling on the City of Braidwood in a plea for assistance.

Employed by the Association, Shadow Lakes Security and Code Enforcement are untrained and have been proven to be completely ineffective in protecting the community that they are paid by the residents to serve. A combined effort is not only wished for, but is desired. The taxpayer dollars paid to the City of Braidwood by Shadow Lakes residents demand that we receive assistance in combating this aggravated problem.

The safety of Shadow Lakes residents, especially the children, handicapped, senior citizens, pedestrians and residents walking their pets, should most certainly be giving the utmost priority to ensure that they are not endangered. Daily, the residents traverse very narrow unlit streets, without sidewalks and guiderails, which are surrounded by deep water and are confronted by all types of motorized and non- motorized vehicles operating at documented speeds up to 40 mph. The posted speed limit is 10mph.

This problem can no linger be conveniently ignored, swept under a rug or wished away. What will we say as a combined community on the day of an unfortunate event occurs? It is not "if" it is going to happen, but sadly "when". In fact, "The Real Tragedy Waiting to Happen”, will be the result of a systematic failure, which can be prevented through a mutual cooperation agreement between both entities. I am openly petitioning and imploring the City Council to initiate and enter into discussion with the Shadow lakes II Association to explore options in regards to a written and lawful Traffic Enforcement Agreement in accordance with Chapter 625 ILCS/5/11-209.1., as provided for in Chapter 95-1/2, Section 11-209 of the Illinois Revised Statues. Thank you.

Mike Tomasek 284 Fossil Ridge Rd, Shadow Lakes: I would like to respond the gentleman a little bit, providing some history, I was Chairman of the Association until Wayne took over in 2018. We had considered entering into an agreement with the City of Braidwood as far as Traffic Enforcement at one point. It was not accepted by the board at that time because, among other things the city wanted us to insure it against any type of cost the city could encounter, also the fact that we are private, our streets are private, we are a private association. We are not part of the city the regards to traffic enforcement and matters such as that. I think it is appropriate to have a discussion, I am sure Wayne is addressing the issue, he did at our last meeting. He knows there is a problem, we have mechanisms in place to enforce speeding rules in the association. There have been fines issued in the past, I am sure Wayne is on top of it. Again, this has been something we did consider, the conversation might be useful to have. But it is important to keep in mind that we are private, our streets are privately owned by Shadow Lakes Association. I would hope that the board would not entertain any type of notion that we would insure the city, we just couldn't do something like that. I speak as a member now of Shadow lakes not as a policy making role. I just thought I would supply some historical context. Thank you.

Kim Ormond 667 W Third: I am here about the Tryner farm development at 1121 N Division. Development is inevitable as property is sold, but building for the sake of building is senseless.

Developments must not be detrimental to residents or the environment. Adding 400 apartments to a city the size of Braidwood is insane.

One of the main reason people chose to live in Braidwood, is because it's a small town and lacks the population density which leads to traffic jams, higher crime rates, lack of green spaces, and increased pollution.

Don't just look at increased tax revenue, with that increase in revenue will come more expenses for the city because of that development. It's not free money.

1. At certain times of the day, it's already difficult to make a left turn onto Coal City Road or go across to Frontage from Division. With hundreds more people clustered into this area, that intersection will be a nightmare with a spike in accidents. Coal City Road is already in poor condition and will deteriorate more.

2. The U.S. Census estimates the population of Braidwood as of July 2022 to be 6,156. If the apartment complex adds just 1,000 residents, that is an increase of over 16%. Adding this amount of people in one fell swoop, and in one small area is lunacy. No town or city could handle and almost 20% population increase thrown at it all at once like this.

3. How will the school system handle the mass influx of students and how will this affect our taxes?

Can the city's sewage system handle the wastewater from thousand of new drains from showers, sinks, and toilets? Will we see raw sewage backups into private homes like Lockport? This development will need a lot of blacktop, which reduces permeable land that can absorb rainwater. Where will all the storm water go? Can the city handle the massive increase in demand for clean water? Are those additional tax dollars really going to cover all the expenses of this mad population increase?

4. Look at how other cities have been affected by the mega complexes. Morris has some big apartment blocks, ask the residents of that town how they like the crime state coming from its Twilight complexes. How much in tax dollars will it cost for additional police officers?

5. Demand: It is inconceivable there is a demand for 400 units in a town this size. Do Coal City or Wilmington have complexes this large? No. We are a small town, not a large city like Morris or Joliet.

6. Is this initial proposal of 400 units just a tactic designed to cause panic, so the city will accept a different, but still detrimental proposal later? Braidwood needs sensible development, not the lesser of two evils' being rammed down our throats by a developer who has no personal involvement in the community.

7. Does any member of Braidwood government have a stake in this that will benefit them, their family members, or friends? If so, that person should recuse themselves from any vote on this matter or from voicing any opinion as this is clearly a conflict of interest.

Creating a population explosion in Braidwood will destroy the lifestyle people have chosen. Bigger is not always better and there is nothing wrong with a small town. Warehousing people into 4 story boxes is not in keeping with the character of the community. If I wanted to live in Joliet I would move there.

Liz Dixon 195 N Lincoln St: First of all, I would like the thank the council for my dad's sign. It was very nice; I was in tears when I was putting it up. It was great that they got me a ladder and got me up there to put it up. Mayor Hart, Comm. Walsh, and Tony were there, thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to be there. Next, I would like to thank Officer Beaty for taking the time, his own time, after his shift, and went out to the Oakwood Cemetery on Essex Road where James Braidwood is buried, the founder of our city. So, any of you who did not know that, take a ride out there on Essex Road, second road on the left. He cleaned it up. When my grandson and I went out there he said this is deplorable, it had mold all over it, it was a mess, you couldn't read his name or dates. It looks fantastic and the mayor has some pictures. If anyone wants to take a ride out there you are more than welcome, it's an old cemetery.

Jeff Petric 1055 N Center: During the rezoning I brought up about trucks going down Center Street. Tonight at 5:30 going down Center Street, here come a Dollar General truck travelling right at me. For some of you may know, the one ditch on the east side is really deep. There is no where for this truck to go when there is no where for me to go. I came to ask Comm. Mikel, who is not here tonight, but Mr. Lyons you will work, Is Center Street a truck route?

Chief Lyons: If they are making a delivery going down the alley way.

Mr. Petric: No, they are coming off Coal City Road on Center.

Chief Lyons: No, its not a truck route.

Mr. Petric: Ok, so I turned around and followed him, at Center and Cermak he about took out the wires. So, we can't be allowing Dollar General trucks down Center Street. Secondly, Center Street has turned into Route 66 Raceway. I know you guys used to sit at the pump station and control. There are not police on Center Street anymore. I am asking, pleading, I have grandchildren, lets control the streets, lets control the speed because it is out of control.

Rob Horton 1145 N Center St: I will echo what Jeff said. There are cars that go 40mph but there are cars that go 80mph, they get airborne. They are out of control.

I want to echo what this lady said (Kim Osmond) about the proposed development, rezoning. There are dozens open within the city limits, properties already that can be developed. I don't know why we think we need to add this other big piece to it. There is sewer and water at these undeveloped properties that are vacant and up for sale. Why do we want to add all this other when can't handle what we have available. I don't think we need it.

Adam Beaty 289 Deer Run Drive: I am going to use my time not to address the board, but to turn and address everyone else. Thank you for your kind words about the monument, that was very nice. I loved doing that, it's a great passion of mine.

I want to address you today, as you may know, I am Officer Beaty from the Braidwood Police Department and I was formally your City Clerk. With my boss watching me, as a matter of policy, anything I say up here may not reflect the opinions of the Braidwood Police Department. I would like everyone to know that come September 5th, signature petitions will be going out and I will be going door to door. I will be seeking the State House seat in District 80 as a Republican. For District 80, it is directly across the street, Lincoln St up to First; all the way up to Cermak; then East. It covers Shadow Lakes and all the way out to Chicago Heights, Steger, and Crete. It a big District about 71,000 registered voters. I am focusing on Crime, Education and Belief. I have been questioned about belief, we have lost a lot of faith in our state, we need to restore it. As you know I am great at restoring things. So, I am passionate about restoring faith in our state. We have lost people in our state because of loss of faith, I want to be a voice in Springfield and bring people and businesses back. I will be seeking the Republican nomination for 80th District State Representative. My children in the back, Kennedy who has autism, excuse her hoots and hollers, she gets excited watching me up here. I am big on parent choice when it comes to the education system. She is doing fantastic in our system with Reed-Custer, who have been great with her. I would like to keep that kind of stuff going and expand those programs for children across the state. If anyone has questions you can find me on Facebook.

Ms.Lamping: If you are elected to that position, would you continue your duties as a police officer?

Mr Beaty: I would have to step back from that if I am elected. I can talk with Todd and find out if there is a part-time basis, I can use to maintain my certifications as a police officer. If I don't get re-elected a second term, that can always remain an option. I love this community, I want to help people beyond our community, expand what values we have here to the State of Illinois. Thank you.

Tim O'Brian 1021 Cermak: Ever since the meeting last week there has been a lot of buzz about this project. I am one to come to the source and ask either city council or zoning. I have been told by 8 or 9 people that the gentlemen that wants to build this project was also handed a sweetheart deal and built a whole bunch of houses on Cermak Road and paid little to nothing for those lots that he somehow was tied into possibility someone here or previously. I don't know if I have the right to ask permission on how this man obtained all these lots for almost no money or if I have to go through the Freedom of Information Act. But I will be here if someone wants to talk to me afterwards. Does anyone know if there is truth to this matter? That this guy stole all these lots on Cermak and built 8, 9, 10, 11 houses and paid almost nothing for every lot. No one wants to answer me?

Mayor Hart: We cannot respond during public comment.

Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Wietting made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Money, to approve meeting minutes from the August 8, 2023. Regular Council Meeting. Motion carried with 3 ayes: 0 nays. (Money, Wietting, and Hart)

Mayor's Report: I would like everyone to know that D'Orazio Ford has given the City of Braidwood and City of Wilmington vehicles. Ours happens to be a red truck; I don't know what Wilmington has. But if you see it, it does not belong to anybody here, it belongs to the city, and it is for city use.

Is asking for a motion for a Resolution to appoint City Clerk Sarah Weaver as the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Authorized Agent. Commissioner Money made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Wietting to appoint City Clerk Sarah Weaver as the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Authorized Agent. Motion carried with 3 ayes; 0 nays. (Money, Wietting, and Hart).

Administrator Report: I would like to remind that our September 12 meeting will be moved to September 13.

Secondly, I greatly appreciate everyone with their voices and opinions. We do have a couple positions open on the zoning board if you are interested, please contact City Hall.

Next, on August 28, Route 66 Tobacco Store will have its grand opening.

Also, with everyone coming up here to voice their opinions on the development. This is not the city's proposal; this has nothing to do with what the city wants. It's a proposal by the developer brough as a concept plan to the council and the people for an idea to see where it's going to go. Last time I spoke with him he was pulling the proposal for apartments most of the them and switching to light industrial. Again, this is just a proposal, it was not brought in for a vote. As for the comment about the lots, that deal was made by a previous council.

City Clerk Report: Asking for a motion to approve the Knights of Columbus to hold their annual Tootsie Roll Drive Sept. 15, 16, and 17 with volunteers to stand at the 4-way stop in Braidwood at Division St and 113 and at the stop lights up town. The funds are used to help people with intellectual Disabilities. Commissioner Wietting made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Money to approve the Knights of Columbus to hold their annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Motion carried with 3 ayes; 0 nays. (Money, Wietting, and Hart).

Also, I spoke with our building department about permits. Our permits can be submitted directly to our building department. You can get the application on our website at braidwood.us and submit them to her email, you can take a picture and scan them it you cannot get here between the hours of 9am 5pm at permits@braidwood.us. When you receive your permit, please make sure you have your placard that is issued to you by the city in the window or visible form the street for code enforcement to see. And as a reminder for all inspections please call at least 24-48 hours ahead so we can get that scheduled with the inspector because he is not in-house, so we need time to get it on the sheet.

Engineer Report:

Chief of Police:

City Attorney Report:

Accounts & Finance Report: Commissioner Money made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wietting, to approve the Payment of Bills, in the amount of $172,552.85 as identified in the Accounts Payable General Ledger dated August 22, 2023. Motion carried with 3 ayes: 0 nays. (Money, Wietting, and Hart) Commissioner Money then made a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Wietting, to Approve Payroll Expenses, in the amount of $107,084.25 as identified in the Payroll General Ledger dated August 18, 2023. I would like to explain that this includes the amount of $21,756.28 that was paid out for retirement that was due to Aubrey Glisson, who retired last week, per the union contract that was due to him. This is the reason for the amount, the regular payroll is $85,327.97. Motion carried with 3 ayes; 0 nays. (Money, Wietting, and Hart).

Streets & Public Improvement Report:

Public Building & Property Report: Sunday they guys worked pretty quick; we had a vehicle run into a fire hydrant here in town. They were able to isolate it, get it under control and get it taken care of pretty quick. Hats off to the guys at the city for that.

Public Health & Safety Report: Given by Chief Lyons: We had an officer graduate from the police academy on Friday, which I posted on our social media. He will go through 16-week field training program, unfortunately it will be delay by 4 weeks because he is Army Reserve and will go for his training for that.

We have another gentleman replacing a retiree who will be leaving for the academy next Wednesday. So, he will be gone for 16 weeks. Then he will be going through the field training program from 14-16 weeks.

Through August 8 - August 21 the Braidwood Police Department responded to 212 calls. We had 5 arrests and 8 charges.

Planning & Zoning Report:

Old Business: Jay Dixon 195 N Lincoln: I couldn't bring up during new business until he spoke on it. D'Orazio Ford gave the city a pick-up truck, why can't we put on the back that it was donated by them so people don't just assume we bought another new truck. It's there, it's public, and it's advertisement. Then everyone will know we didn't just buy the truck, it was donated. That is my suggestion.

City Admin Altiery: Just to clarify, they only give it to us to drive for a year and swap it out for another. So, it is not completely our vehicle.

Mr. Dixon: You can put a magnet on it.

New Business:

Executive Session:

Adjournment: Commissioner Wietting made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Money, to adjourn the August 22, 2023 regular meeting of the Braidwood City Council. Motion carried with 3 ayes: 0 nays. (Money, Wietting, and Hart) The next regular meeting of the Council will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 7:00pm

https://www.braidwood.us/_files/ugd/4cd10a_84d8c921ff4f41a58ba927db0c9c324b.pdf