Will County Gazette

Village of Bolingbrook Board of Trustees met April 23.

Here are 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. on April 23, 2024, in Bolingbrook, Illinois, by Mayor Mary S. Alexander-Basta.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Mary S. Alexander-Basta requested Laura Voss, Civic and Cultural Affairs Commissioner, to lead the pledge to the Flag.

ROLL CALL:

Deputy Village Clerk, Crystal Tovar, called the roll:

Present were: Mayor Mary S. Alexander-Basta; Trustees Maria A. Zarate, Michael T. Lawler, Michael J. Carpanzano, Troy J. Doris, Jose Quintero, and Jean M. Kelly.

Absent: Village Clerk, Martha Barton

Also present were:

Deputy Village Clerk, Crystal Tovar; Village Attorney, Burt Odelson; Administrators, Ken Teppel and Lucas Rickelman, Finance Director, Rosa Cojulun; Director of Public Works, Andres Orrego; Police Chief, Michael Rompa; Fire Chief, Jeff LaJoie; and Director of Community Development, Matt Eastman.

Absent: Chief Information Officer, James Farrell.

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS:

Motion Quintero, second Carpanzano to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April, 9, 2024, as submitted by the Village Clerk.

Voice vote. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDITIONS:

Village Attorney Odelson indicated that there were no additions or corrections to the Agenda. Motion Lawler, second Doris to approve the Agenda as presented.

Voice vote. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS AND SWEARINGS-IN-BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Commission Appointments/Reappointments

Beautification Commission; New Appointment

• Lorraine Setecka Morrall - Two Year Term

Motion Carpanzano, second Quintero to approve the appointment.

Voice vote. Motion carried.

Bolingbrook Community Television (BCT) Commission; New Appointments

• Gabriel Fonseca - Two Year Term

• Aamer Abdul-Jaleel - Two Year Term (Swear-In Only - Appointed at Meeting of April 9, 2024)

Motion Lawler, second Doris to approve the appointments.

Voice vote. Motion carried.

Civic and Cultural Affairs and Parade Commission; New Appointment

• Zulfiqar Ahmed - Two Year Term

Motion Kelly, second Carpanzano to approve the appointments.

Voice vote. Motion carried.

Plan Commission; New Appointment

• April Palmer - Two Year Term

Motion Lawler, second Quintero to approve the appointments.

Voice vote. Motion carried.

PROCLAMATIONS:

• Arab American Heritage Month - April 2024; accepted by Anas Riyal, Vice President of the Arab American Association of Engineers & Architects.

• Arbor Day - April 27, 2024; accepted by Forestry Foreman, Kevin Engel.

• Municipal Clerks Week - May 5 through May 11, 2024; accepted by Deputy Village Clerk, Crystal Tovar.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS: Mayor:

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - Stormwater - Presentation by Joe Otero, Concrete and Stormwater Foreman (attached).

PUBLIC HEARING RE: BOLINGBROOK FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR ALL FUNDS:

Motion Carpanzano, second Lawler to open Public Hearing.

Voice vote. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

Motion to close Public Hearing: Quintero, second Zarate

Voice vote. Motion carried.

BILL APPROVAL

Motion Kelly, second Lawler to approve expenditures submitted as:

Bill Listing A Payables in the amount of $ 867,478.81

Bill Listing B – Prepaids in the amount of $ 635,998.44

Total: $1,503,477.25

(Copies were made available in the Finance Department, Clerk's Office, and on the Village website.)

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

TAX RECEIPTS:

February 2024 State Income Tax - $1,144,804.30, a 10.4% increase from a year ago.

January 2024 Sales Tax - $3,048,534.13, a 1.9% increase from a year ago.

February 2024 Motor Fuel Tax - $262,877.00, an 11% increase from a year ago.

January 2024 State Administrative Fee - $24,296.58.

MAYOR

The Mayor addressed issue of the Administrative Fee, mentioning that she and the two Administrators spent time in Springfield for two sessions (Lobby Day and with the Illinois Municipal League and others) in the past two weeks. She explained that the State collects sales tax on behalf of municipalities and then distributes those funds back to them. The Administrative Fee is what the State charges the municipalities for this service. It represents a cost to the Village of roughly $250,000 a year.

She also mentioned that Governor Pritzker suggested in his State of the State address that he intends to eliminate the 1% grocery tax, which are funds that should be going to the municipalities. Although that would save our residents $1.00 per $100 spent in groceries, it would also eliminate those funds paid by non-resident visitors to Bolingbrook who patronize our businesses such as Costco, truck stops and gas stations, etc. The elimination of those grocery tax funds would represent another $2 million shortfall to the Village, adding up to a total shortfall of roughly $8 million annually. In order to meet next year's budget expectations and needs, these funds will have to come from somewhere if changes are not made at the state level.

The Mayor emphasized that the Mayors, Administrators, and Legislators across the state are firmly opposed to these actions leading to the shortfalls, with more information forthcoming. The Deputy Mayor added that these administrative fees were implemented just a few years ago and represent a recent change by the State, which did not exist in the past.

RESOLUTIONS:

24R-023

APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF PERMIT AND LICENSING SOFTWARE FROM PLACER LABS, INC. FOR CONTRACT TERM OF ONE YEAR (SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY APPROVAL):

Motion Doris, second Zarate to adopt a resolution approving the purchase of permit and licensing software from Placer Labs, Inc. for contract term of one year (subject to attorney approval):

The software utilized retrieves pertinent information to help the Village maintain a competitive economic edge. It also provides live virtual support as reasonably needed. The cost for this software is $27,000.00. Reviewed and approved by Public Services Committee.

The Mayor commented that this software will facilitate the gathering of demographic data in order to help us know how and to whom the Village needs to market to bring in appropriate new businesses and services. Trustee Lawler commented that the collection of this data is anonymous.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24R-024

APPROVING FINAL CHANGE ORDER FOR THE RODEO DRIVE AND KINGS ROAD ROUNDABOUT:

Motion Lawler, second Zarate to adopt a resolution approving final change order for the Rodeo Drive and Kings Road roundabout:

Payment for this project was postponed until costs were finalized. Resolution (19R-001 and 19R-034) authorized Village funding for this project, totaling $184,552.27.

Reviewed and approved by Public Services Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24R-025

APPROVING GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE RENEWALS FOR 2024- 2025 (SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY APPROVAL):

Motion Quintero, second Kelly to adopt a resolution approving general liability insurance coverage renewals for 2024-2025 (subject to attorney approval):

Recommended by Aliant - Village Broker of Record, the total estimated cost for the project amounts to $1,437,801.00, reflecting a 4.1% increase from the last fiscal year, equivalent to $56,013.00. Despite this increase, the project remains $64,199.00 under budget. Reviewed and approved by Finance Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24R-026

APPROVING J. HASSERT LANDSCAPING AND THE LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST PROPOSALS FOR MULCHING VARIOUS LANDSCAPES THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK:

Motion Kelly, second Carpanzano to adopt a resolution approving J. Hassert Landscaping and the Landscape Specialist proposals for mulching various landscapes throughout the Village of Bolingbrook:

The mulching project encompasses various landscaping locations, including Town Center, Weber Road east shoulder from Chanticleer to Bradford, Bolingbrook Drive (Route 53) medians, airport entrance, and Pace lots on Old Chicago Drive and Canterbury Lane. Mulching serves multiple purposes, such as conserving water, protecting soil from erosion, reducing weed growth, and offering numerous other environmental benefits. A request for proposals was sent to six (6) vendors, with two (2) returning responses. Reviewed and approved by Public Services Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24R-027

APPROVING A PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT TRAFFIC CABINETS FROM TRAFFIC CONTROL CORPORATION:

Motion Lawler, second Doris to adopt a resolution approving a purchase of replacement traffic cabinets from Traffic Control Corporation:

The purchase involves two (2) traffic cabinets and includes all necessary hardware for the operation of traffic signals. Having these cabinets in stock facilitates immediate replacement, thereby minimizing downtime for signals. This procurement is from a sole supplier. The budgeted amount for this purchase was $45,100.12, exceeding the allocated budget by $20,753.88.

Reviewed and approved by Public Services Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24R-028

APPROVING EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH AVALON PETROLEUM COMPANY: MOTION:

Motion Zarate, second Kelly to adopt a resolution approving extension of contract with Avalon Petroleum Company:

The contract extension, originating from bid no. 23.01 dated April 26, 2022, spans until April 30, 2025. Fuel pricing is determined by the daily "rack price" established by OPIS (Oil Price Information Service). For delivery, there's a charge of 0.011 cents per gallon for diesel and a deduction of 0.019 cents per gallon for unleaded fuel. The budgeted and actual cost for this contract is $635,000.00.

Reviewed and approved by Public Services Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24R-029

APPROVING LEASING OF HOLIDAY DECORATIVE PIECES FROM ARTISTIC DESIGN: Motion Quintero, second Zarate to adopt a resolution approving leasing of holiday decorative pieces from Artistic Design:

The Village will lease eleven (11) unique decorative pieces to enhance the Winter Wonder Walk during the holiday season. The vendor will provide setup, maintenance, removal, and storage services from November to January. The total cost of this arrangement is $42,182.26. Reviewed and approved by Public Services Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24R-030

APPROVING CHANGE ORDER TO THE APPROVED PROPOSAL FROM ELEVATIONS LANDSCAPING, LLC., (24R-006), FOR ADDITION OF A DOCK TO THE TOWN CENTER POND PROJECT AT 375 W. BRIARCLIFF:

Motion Doris, second Lawler to adopt a resolution approving change order to the approved proposal from Elevations Landscaping, LLC., 24R-006, for addition of a dock to the Town Center Pond project at 375 W. Briarcliff.

The Town Center Pond, which is over twenty-five years old, is currently undergoing the replacement of its retaining wall in accordance with resolution 24R-006. As part of this project, the addition of a dock is proposed to enhance the pond's appeal and enable fishing in deeper areas. Furthermore, introducing an additional focal point at the far corner of the pond aims to attract people and optimize the utilization of the entire area, especially during official Village events. The change order reflects an increase of $100,000.00 to accommodate these enhancements.

Reviewed by all relevant personnel and officials.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

ORDINANCES:

24-020

APPROVING 2024-2026 NEGOTIATED LABOR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK AND THE BOLINGBROOK FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION LOCAL 3005 OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS AFL-CIO-CLC (SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY APPROVAL):

Motion Lawler, second Quintero to pass an ordinance approving 2024-2026 negotiated labor contract between the Village of Bolingbrook and the Bolingbrook Firefighters Association Local 3005 of the International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO-CLC (subject to attorney approval):

The contract spans from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2026. It aligns the annual cost-of-living increase with other Village of Bolingbrook unions and introduces a rescue task force. Additionally, the contract enhances minimum staffing by adding one by adding one additional firefighter/paramedic per shift. Furthermore, it clarifies and codifies current internal procedures regarding shift trades, separation of service, overtime, and scheduling. Reviewed and approved by Public Safety Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24-021

AMENDING THE BOLINGBROOK ANNUAL BUDGET, 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR: Motion Lawler, second Zarate to pass an ordinance amending the Bolingbrook annual budget, 2023-2024 fiscal year:

During the fiscal year some budgetary items exceed the original budgeted amount. In order to balance the budget, staff prepares an amended budget at the end of the fiscal year. This transfers amounts between line items and accounts, so they balance. This ordinance approves the interfund and expense transfers. Reviewed and approved by Finance Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24-022

ADOPTING THE BOLINGBROOK ANNUAL BUDGET, 2024-2025 FISCAL YEAR: Motion Doris, second Lawler to pass an ordinance adopting the Bolingbrook Annual Budget, 2024-2025 Fiscal Year:

The fiscal year begins on May 1, 2024, and ends on April 30, 2025. Total receipts from all sources, including interfund transfers, amount to $192,664,082.00. Conversely, total expenses from all funds, inclusive of capital improvements, tally up to $207,043,516.00. Reviewed and approved by Finance Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24-023

APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF SUBDIVISION - 1914 TO 1924 DANUBE DRIVE AND 1 TO 5 IVY COURT 12 LOTS OF RECORD:

Motion Lawler, second Doris to pass an ordinance approving final plat of subdivision - 1914 to 1924 Danube Drive and 1 to 5 Ivy Court - 12 lots of record:

The property encompasses approximately 1.38 acres. The Village is conveying it to the existing residences of River Bend Subdivision, thus saving the Village the annual upkeep of parcels that are difficult to reach.

Reviewed and approved by Plan Commission

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

24-024

AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CHAPTERS 16, 30, 34, 50, 54, AND VILLAGE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE:

Motion Carpanzano, second Zarate to pass an ordinance amending certain provisions of chapters 16, 30, 34, 50, 54, and Village Fee Schedule of the Municipal Code:

The proposed amendments involve various chapters of the Municipal Code. They include revisions to articles II and V of Chapter 16, articles 103(2)(i), 165(j), 167(a)(10), 167(b)(3), 168(b), 169, and 173(f)(2)(b) of Chapter 30, as well as article 9 of Chapter 34, article 118(1) of Chapter 50, and article 570(a) of Chapter 54. Amendments also include the Village Fee Schedule. Reviewed and approved by Public Services Committee.

ROLL CALL: Yea 6 Carpanzano, Doris, Kelly, Lawler, Quintero, Zarate

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PRESS:

Mr. Grzenia from 4 Kids' Sake extended an invitation to residents for an upcoming event. On May 11, residents are asked to leave their nonperishable items by their mailbox, where a mail carrier or a representative from 4 Kids' Sake will collect them for distribution. This initiative supports approximately 800 families per week in need of resources. The organization is located at 339 Remington Blvd and is open Monday through Friday 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Additionally, on May 11, volunteers are needed to assist at the post office between 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

BOARD COMMENTS AND REPORTS:

TRUSTEE QUINTERO:

• Congratulated and thanked the commissioners who were sworn in.

• Announced Arbor Day activities at Bull Dog Park and at Town Center on Saturday, April 27th

TRUSTEE KELLY:

• She thanked all the new Commissioners for stepping up.

• Announced that the Garden Club on May 11 is having their annual garden sale behind Village Hall between 9:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

TRUSTEE DORIS:

• Congratulated and thanked the commissioners who were sworn in.

• Announced the Holi Mela event on Saturday, April 27th, a festival of colors to be held at 201 Recreation Drive in Annerino.

• Thanked everyone present at the meeting.

TRUSTEE CARPANZANO:

• Echoed the comments made by others in appreciation for the commissioners for stepping up as well all the Firefighters in attendance for all they do.

• Announced the Mother's Day Craft show May 10th-12th. Please visit the Promenade website for more information.

• Mentioned Team CHD, an organization that brings awareness for congenital heart defects is hosting their annual walk on May 19th. Please visit TeamCHDlillinois on Facebook for all the details.

TRUSTEE ZARATE:

• Congratulated and thanked the commissioners who were sworn in. Announced the shredding event on Saturday, April 27th, at Town Center

TRUSTEE LAWLER:

• Expressed his gratitude to the Fire Department and his belief that Bolingbrook's Fire Department is among the best in the country and commended them for making all residents proud.

• He also thanked all the commission who were sworn in.

• Acknowledged the Bolingbrook Community Chorus, celebrating its 50th year anniversary, and who is always on the lookout for residents to join.

• Mentioned the Summer Concert Series, scheduled every Wednesday 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center behind Village Hall, running through early September.

MAYOR BASTA:

• Mentioned her hope for a ribbon-cutting ceremony soon for the completed work behind Village Hall, just in time for the summer concerts.

• She also expressed gratitude to all the Department heads and staff present at the meeting.

ADMINISTRATORS:

• Administrator Ken Teppel congratulated all involved in their success in reaching the agreements with Bolingbrook Firefighters Local 3005. Added that the contract with Union 522 (which is mostly clerical) should be finalized in the next few weeks. 

• Administrator Lucas Rickelman thanked the staff and all the department heads for all their hard work in putting together the budget.

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion Quintero, second Zarate to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.