Will County Gazette

Village of Bolingbrook Board of Trustees met Feb. 25.

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 February 25, 2025, in Bolingbrook, Illinois, by Mayor Mary S. Alexander-Basta.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Mary S. Alexander-Basta requested Elsie Palmer, assisted by Sharon Gariti, to lead the pledge to the Flag.

ROLL CALL:

Village Clerk, Martha M. Barton, called the roll:

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

Absent: None

Also present were:

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

Absent: IT Manager, Phillip Chau

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS:

Motion Lawler, second Quintero to approve the minutes of the regular meeting February 11, 2025, 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.

Approval of the Agenda as presented:

Motion: Doris

Second: Kelly

Voice Vote: Motion Carried

APPROVAL AND SWEARING-IN OF APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

1. Commission Appointments/Reappointments

a. Special Events Commission Reappointments:

■ Scott Fagust - Vice-Chair, One Year Term

■ Laura Voss - Commissioner, Two Year Term

Motion: Quintero

Second: Lawler

Voice Vote: Motion Carried

Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta swore in the Commissioners.

Reappointment - Commissioners - Two Year Term

■ TJ Girardier

■ Beth Girardier

■ Richard Cochrane

■ Dorene Deatrick

■ Jose De La Torre

■ Amy Kennedy

■ Heladio Kennedy Alan Owens

■ Charlotte Panella

■ Tony Panella

■ Marcelo Valencia

Motion: Kelly

Second: Doris

Voice Vote: Motion Carried

These Commissioners will be sworn in by the Village Clerk at a later date.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

None

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

BILL APPROVAL

Motion Quintero second Carpanzano to approve expenditures submitted as:

Bill Listing A: Payables in the amount of $1,549,106.84

Bill Listing B: Payables in the amount of $1,185,894.27

Total: $2,735,001.11

(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.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION 25R-007

AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT TO THE WILL COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR ADA SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS TO WEBER ROAD:

Motion Lawler, second Carpanzano to adopt a resolution authorizing an additional payment to the Will County Department of Transportation for ADA sidewalk improvements to Weber Road:

Resolution 24R-062 authorized payment to Will County DOT for sidewalk improvements associated with resurfacing Weber Road in amount not to exceed $140,444.13. Final invoice from Will County DOT is $241,899.40 due to increased material costs and other factors beyond the Village's control. Authorizes an additional $101,455.27 to make final payment. Reviewed and approved by the Public Services Committee.

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

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 25R-008

APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 MOTOR FUEL TAX BUDGET AND RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE:

Motion Quintero, second Kelly to adopt a resolution approving the fiscal year 2026 Motor Fuel Tax Budget and resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code:

Approves a form Resolution from IDOT for the use of MFT funds for maintenance under the Highway Code. Approves budget for FY2026 MFT funds, including snow and ice control and maintenance of drainage, pavement, trees, traffic control, streetlight and traffic signals. Attaches to Resolution estimate of General Maintenance Costs, as required by IDOT. Reviewed and approved by the Public Services Committee.

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

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 25R-008

APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR USE OF THE PUBLIC WAY AND TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICE PROVIDER FEES BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK AND METRO FIBERNET, LLC:

Motion Lawler, second Kelly to adopt a resolution approving an agreement for use of the Public Way and Telecommunication Services provider fees between the Village of Bolingbrook and Metro Fibernet, LLC:

Metro Fibernet LLC (Metronet) offers fiber optic infrastructure for internet and phone services. Allows Metronet to construct, erect, renew maintain and operate wires, cables, conduits, vaults, laterals, fiber optics and other fixtures under streets, alleys and public ways with proper permits. Imposes a telecommunications tax of 6% of the gross charge for telecommunications purchased at retail. Reviewed and approved by the Public Services Committee.

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

Nay 0 None

Absent 0 None

Abstentions 0 None

Motion carried.

ORDINANCES:

ORDINANCE 25-002

APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A PLANNED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH VARIANCES AND A PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN AT 860 E. BOUGHTON ROAD (COSTCO WHOLESALE):

Motion Kelly, second Lawler to pass an ordinance approving an amendment to a Special Use Permit for a Planned Commercial Development with Variances and a Preliminary Development Plan at 860 E. Boughton Road (Costco Wholesale):

Special use permit for a planned commercial development with variances and a final development plan was previously approved by Ordinance (14-006). Costco has purchased the property, which previously contained Oberweis and That Burger Joint, and seeks to demolish the structure and use the property for additional parking. Amends prior special use permit by striking the provisions and variances that are no longer applicable and granting a variance to allow development of a lot without a principal structure. Approves the preliminary development plan. 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.

ORDINANCE 25-003

APPROVING EXTENDED BUSINESS HOURS IN THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK (HELLO SHAWARMA-282 S. WEBER ROAD):

Motion Carpanzano, second Quintero to pass an ordinance approving extended business hours in the Village of Bolingbrook (Hello Shawarma - 282 S. Weber Road):

Village Board is authorized to approve extended business hours per Section 12-39(a) of the Village's Municipal Code. Allows Hello Shawarma to remain open until 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. 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.

PUBLIC COMMENTS** - DuPage Township Resource Center and Food Pantry Agenda Item Only

Seven residents spoke out against the proposed food pantry:

• Linda Ellis - cited concerns that in tough economic times, closing the Romeoville location would abandon the residents in Romeoville who need that kind of support.

• Merrill Weber - indicated that his issue was with the ensuing traffic congestion that would occur if the food pantry was built in the proposed location; mentioned that when he used to volunteer at the existing food pantry, scores of vehicles would line up on distribution days, impeding traffic and access to other local businesses.

• Mark Piper - cited his concerns about traffic congestion at the proposed location, commenting that the money to build the proposed food pantry would be better spent supporting the existing facility.

• Jay Kolder - thanked those who listened to the people who would oversee the construction of the food pantry, who have the knowledge of the construction process, which he said has been mismanaged by the Township from the beginning.

• Carol Penning - cited traffic congestion concerns at the proposed location.

• James Grzenia - indicated that he was not opposed to a food pantry, but objected to the proposed location. Also mentioned that he supported the findings of the Plan Commission and was concerned about the cost of providing the additional services that are part of the food pantry proposal.

• Diane Kloepfer - cited her concerns about the additional tax burden of operating the proposed food pantry and that it would change the character of the neighborhood; indicated that she was disappointed that people attended the Plan Commission's meeting to threaten its members, and that she objected to the newsletter sent by the Township that was nothing more than propaganda.

Two residents spoke in favor of the proposed food pantry:

• Barbara Parker - identified herself as Clerk for DuPage Township, cited that 70% of the people using the existing food pantry are from Bolingbrook, indicated that the Plan Commission didn't tell the truth, and took exception to the Mayor's comment [at a different meeting] that it's nice when governmental bodies can work together, since that wasn't happening here.

• Jackie Traynere - indicated that the Village Board should listen to the people who overwhelmingly voted in favor of the food pantry referendum [in the November election], and said that the timing of distributions can be controlled so that there wouldn't be issues of traffic congestion.

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to Adopt the Findings and Recommendation of the Bolingbrook Plan Commission Regarding a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development with Variances and Concept Plan for DuPage Township Resource Center and Food Pantry at the NEC of Canterbury Lane and Lily Cache Lane, as approved February 19, 2025.

Motion: Carpanzano

Second: Quintero

Roll Call Vote: Motion Carried

Trustee Kelly asked for a motion for her to recuse herself from the next item on the Agenda.

Motion: Lawler

Second: Zarate

Voice Vote: Motion Carried

2. Motion Regarding the Application for a Special Use Permit for a Planned Development with Variances and Concept Plan for DuPage Township Resource Center and Food Pantry at the NEC of Canterbury Lane and Lily Cache Lane.

Motion to Deny: Carpanzano

Second: Quintero

Roll Call Vote: Motion Carried

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PRESS (regarding any issue):

None

BOARD COMMENTS AND REPORTS:

TRUSTEE LAWLER:

• Mentioned that he had originally served on the Plan Commission for five years (his first meeting lasted four hours), and commended the Plan Commission for doing their due diligence in regards to the proposed food pantry.

• Commented that many developers speak highly of our Community Development/Building staff and our processes.

• Announced the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation's upcoming fundraising event on March 7th at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. The theme is the "Wild, Wild West" and attendees are encouraged to dress accordingly.

• Regarding the conversation about water rates later in the meeting, commented that the Village can't go back to the old system of drawing water from the aquifers because experts have confirmed that those aquifers would not be able to sustain the Village's water usage. That's why the Village signed on to receive lake water originally. He recommended that residents come directly to the Village with questions because one can't rely on Facebook and other social media for the truth.

TRUSTEE ZARATE:

• Announced the Bolingbrook Lions Club's St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Dance at the Levy Center on Saturday, March 15th. Guests can dine-in or order take-out of the corned beef and cabbage meal.

TRUSTEE KELLY:

• Thanked all of the commissioners who were approved at the meeting, and mentioned that she is looking forward to all of the events celebrating Bolingbrook's 60th birthday.

TRUSTEE QUINTERO:

• Mentioned the Bolingbrook Rotary Club's upcoming Mac & Cheese Cook-off event being held on Saturday, March 8th at New Life Lutheran Church.

TRUSTEE CARPANZANO

• Commented on the Village's hardworking staff, and that he didn't appreciate their being called out by some elected officials. He said to call our elected officials if one has an issue, but not the staff who are doing their jobs.

• Announced the Heart Haven Outreach's annual 3 on 3 event at Brooks Middle School on Sunday, March 2nd, mentioning that this year H2O was joined by the Bolingbrook Police Department in hosting the event.

TRUSTEE DORIS:

• Expressed his thanks to all who attended the evening's meeting, indicating that he appreciated being able to listen to both the residents and the experts (i.e. the Plan Commission) on an issue.

MAYOR ALEXANDER-BASTA:

• Announced the Polar Plunge being held at Town Center on Saturday, March 15th at noon, where members of our intrepid Bolingbrook Police Department will take the "plunge" on our "slip and slide" on the hill, raising funds for the Special Olympics. Both individuals and businesses can sponsor, and this year's goal is to raise $65,000, putting the Village in the Top Ten on the event T-shirt.

• Mentioned that due to her conversation with the president of Illinois American Water (IAW), representatives from IAW will be here on Thursday, March 6th, to meet with residents one-on-one to discuss issues with their water bills. The Village provided a sign-up link on social media for residents to schedule a time for their meeting with IAW representatives.

• She also mentioned that our water meters are not calibrated to Central time - they are set 6 hours ahead, so that spikes in usage that appear in the middle of the night when there is no water usage actually correlate to a time when there is usually water usage. She has also raised this issue with IAW to be addressed.

VILLAGE ATTORNEY ODELSON:

• Indicated that they have created a file and docket statement, with 35 days to file with the Appellate Court; and that Bolingbrook is currently the only municipality to do so.

• Explained that Bolingbrook went to the Appellate Court in 2007 to reduce our water rate. Back then, legislation passed that gave the ICC (whose five members are appointed by the governor) sole discretion over communities' utility rates.

• The Village's argument is that because our State constitution specifies that we are entitled to clean, safe, and affordable water, the high water rates of the IAW are not in keeping with that constitutional guarantee.

ADMINISTRATOR RICKLEMAN:

• Explained that IAW owns the infrastructure of our water distribution. The Village could build its own, but not only would the Village have to bear the cost of construction, but also the cost of maintaining the system. This means that while residents' water rates might end up lower, taxes would most likely have to go up.

• The mayors of other municipalities are now coming to the Village to join forces; meaning more people to lobby for change. All those involved are doing all they can to fight the high rates.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

None

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion Quintero, second Doris to adjourn the meeting.

Voice vote. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

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