Will County Gazette

City of Braidwood City Council met April 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order: The Regular Meeting of the Braidwood City Council on April 8, 2025 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 Earling, Commissioner Wietting, Commissioner Walsh, Commissioner Wilczak and Mayor Hart

Absent: None.

Appointed Officials:

Present: City Clerk Weaver, City Administrator Altiery, Chief Goodwin, City Engineer Sean Kelly, and City Attorney 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: Danita Morgan; 465 E. Reed St. (Coalition): There was a good turnout for the garden day, and there will be a planting day coming soon. There are now two micro pantries at CVS. One of them is a teen program for them to restock. There will be a teen program at the Fossil Ridge Public Library on April 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. for prevention and life skills. Lastly, the Drug Takeback will be Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Liz Dixon; 195 N. Lincoln: The council ran on what is best for Braidwood, but what seems to be happening tonight is not what the citizens of Braidwood want. Two-thirds of the vote count for the incoming council shows a desire for change, specifically to terminate Mr. Altiery. Yet tonight, there is a proposal to move him to a different position despite the citizens' concerns. Please consider if this will benefit the City of Braidwood and show that you will listen to the citizens of Braidwood.

Kyle Shores; 976 N English: Stated he believed the room is above the safe occupancy limit and requested to table the meeting. Attorney Weller pointed out that there was still room in the council for people if needed, as no one should be in the hallway or standing in the doorway. The occupancy for the room is 196. He came to speak in protest and thinks this is a joke. States that you cannot put a motion, second the motion and vote on the motion that is on the agenda in the same night without previous discussion. He was a union president and knows the Robert's Rules of Order. The commissioners and mayor are reserving the democracy for the few in favor of Tony Altiery. Who is the council representing? Who are you helping? Tony Altiery. He has personal and professional aggrievances with Tony. He stated he will not yield while the council pretends to represent the district. Mr. Shores called for someone to filibuster this; who has the conscious to do so? Do something to represent the constituency, not yourself or Mr. Altiery, who has been voted out twice. The town voted for Mr. Early and Todd Lyons, who stated they would not keep him. Time expired.

Maylu Jensen; 340 S. Washington St: She wanted to note that May is coming and would like everyone to think about No Mow May to help save the bees. The natural wildflowers will bloom and it will help the bees if we don't mow our lawn. They will help pollinate other food we need to eat also. She spoke last year about CMAP and not wanting any of that growth. She asked about how this come about? She moved to this city because she wanted a tiny little town in a quiet community. Did the community have any say in on how we should have our town developed or not. Lastly, wanted to say how she was upset on the amount of money for Mr. Altiery and all the benefits. Compared our town to Napervile. Time expired.

Cindy Howard; 137 N. Division St.: The election is over. But a lot of accusations were out there all over social media to remove one person but have also hurt some good people of this town. This has given our town a bad reputation. This needs to stop: the half-truths, the accusations, and the name-calling. The town needs to come together as neighbors and friends and rebuild our reputation after this.

Charles Booth; 594 N. Will Rd: The council needs to get their act together about hiring Tony. Tony put out a list who he felt did not pay enough property taxes. It was personal because Mr. Booth doesn't pay property taxes as a 100% disabled vet. What do you pay on your business property across the street? How much does Warren pay for his business property?

The mayor interrupted to remind the audience and council not to respond during public comment. The council will respond during their time to report on the agenda.

Tony took a list that is public information but went further and put personal phone numbers and posted it on social media and tried to blame the tax assessor. He knew what he did was wrong, and Mr. Booth chose not to sue the city. But he is now getting threats to his family. Tony needs to be out of here. Warren and Dale need to vote no on this appointment. Tony should be terminated after the new mayor comes in. Who is going to do the commissioner's job if Tony gets in? Will he still do the administrator job? The problem with the current mayor is that she was never elected into that position and should not be in this position at all.

Debbie Jackson; 984 Mabel Ct.: Feels what the council is doing is wrong. She was on the zoning board because she wanted to be part of the city. She left the zoning board because it didn't matter; the decisions were already made. She doesn't understand why Tony would want this position when she has been here 30 years and have never seen anything like this. People don't want him here. She has heard hundreds of stories and she went to him but was lied to by Tony numerous times. Everyone on the council claims they care about the city. The people have spoken; what is the council doing? No one should be appointed to a job right now; the new council should make that decision. $120,000 of taxpayers' money is coming out of our pockets for a job that has not been needed in all this time. Now that a new administration is coming in, we instantly need this job so Tony can stay in office. It just seems illegal. If the council cares about the people, the people have spoken. Karen, you were put in a difficult situation and feel you did the best you could. The election was lost because of Tony. Feels this is wrong and is not sure if this was a quid pro quo if Todd won, but it is not right.

James Perona; 165 W. Cermak: Went to visit his sister, Marykay Tryner, with his other sister but found out she was gone and was not allowed to see her. Asked why he not allowed to see her? Asked if Mr. Vehrs can come here. Why, as the administrator, have you not done anything? Everyone knows who stole the property. Seniors in this town are being manipulated for their land and companies. Asked the Mayor and everyone: Where is my sister? Why can't I see my sister? Why are you not talking?

Mayor Hart stated that we will answer questions during our reports on the agenda.

Attorney Wellner stated that public comment is not a dialogue.

Tracy Markey: Karen was not elected Mayor but elected to Accounts and Finance because the elected Mayor quit two weeks in and she followed what she was supposed to do. She did not bully anybody. For the people to hold accusations against anyone is ridiculous. Should not post all over Facebook, and the council should not respond to any of it. Thanks to Mayor Hart for all your hard work.

Kevin Barry; 218 N. English St.: Is proud to live in Braidwood but is embarrassed by Facebook over the election time. Facebook is a necessary evil. He feels this council has not been communicating well with the people of things that are taking place. Both sides were nasty, but it mainly feels like it came from this side. This council puts items on the agenda with no discussion and is voted in on the same night. Also, with the agenda, there is a letter that is posted tomorrow saying that the council has already voted in favor of Mr. Altiery's job. How is that possible?

Richard Marshall; 924 W. Anndon Ln.: The complaint is that there was an election on April 1, and Mr. Altiery was voted out. The current council is attempting to hamstring the incoming administration and that is wrong. Mr. Marshall is president of Townes of Braidwood HOA and the association is outraged by this. The members will not let this rest if it is passed, which is apparent. It is corrupt beyond anything, and the association will look into this further. Will not tolerate politicians dictating to everyone else after they lose. The correct action should be to table this until the new administration comes in and they can choose who to hire and fire. The mayor should not affect the people's future on their way out of the door.

Linda Santerelli; 806 W. Bergera Rd.: Is upset how the council is changing the ordinances for Tony. The job was never posted. She believes it will cost more money in the long run because of the legality of it. Wants to know if this is legal for the council. Is asking if it is voted on tonight, vote no, or table it.

Ricky Ortiz; 181 N. Division St.: One out of every sixth house you passed tonight voted against Tony Altiery, not against the council, but Tony. After Mr. Ortiz made a post on Facebook, Mr. Altiery called his office but did not expect Mr. Ortiz to answer. Mr. Altiery asked to speak to his boss because of what was posted on Facebook. If this council wants what is best for Braidwood, then you need to look. Has this room ever been this full? 77% of the people who showed up to vote do not want Tony. There are two positions that are open, and if they are needed, they can be voted on next month, not right now. This council should vote against the position and not vote because Tony told you to.

Ken Comer; 398 S. Francis St.: Has been in the business for over forty years and has more certificates than Tony and anyone on the council. The whole council needs to go, not just Tony, because they are not doing their jobs either.

Andrew Hughes; 154 S. Kenard St.: Since he has been here, he has not seen anything done with his street. Kenard Street is full of potholes. Does not know Mr. Altiery, but the benefit package that was put together and the 100% sick time payout are unheard of. What is this council doing? It is not public service. If this does get voted on, change the benefit package.

Wayne Kancler; 226 Fossil Cove Ln.: He has been coming to the council meetings regularly for the last 15 years and has never seen a crowd like this. The average meeting size is 10, and has seen as few as three or four people. This is how every meeting should be and not because everyone is mad about something. Would like to thank the current council and stated how Karen was put into a position by an ordinance when the last mayor decided to step down. It was not expected, but it feels Karen has done a fine job controlling and leading the council. Kim and Ron were appointed and not elected, but it feels you guys jumped right in and took the job seriously and have been open. Over the last 15 years, which is about 5-6 administrations, he has not seen another administrator work as hard as Tony. Hopes the new council, along with Dale and Warren, will continue with the projects already in the works. To make sure they finish up the two car dealerships, potential data center, bank, and Mastodon truck stop. Thanked all for their service to the community and will be subject to accusations as well as the new council.

Nicole Shores; 976 N English: Read a letter on behalf of someone else requesting to table the ordinance and appointment on the agenda until the new council is sworn in. They feel this creates a binding action against the new council. In Illinois, the relevant statute for the outgoing council making binding decisions, therefore binding the incoming council to these decisions, is in the municipal code. It outlines that the term of appointment of municipal officers cannot exceed that of the mayor or president of the municipality. This provision ensures that the outgoing council cannot bind incoming councils with employment decisions or ordinances that extend beyond their term.

Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Earling made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilczak, to approve meeting minutes from the March 25, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. Motion carried with 5 ayes: 0 nays; 0 Abstain (Earling, Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart)

Mayor's Report: Hart: Requested a motion to approve Ordinance 25-14 to add an additional liquor license for the Mastodon truck stop gas station. Commissioner Earling made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilczak to approve Ordinance 25-14 to Increase the amount of Class A Liquor Licenses for the City of Braidwood. Motion carried with 5 ayes: 0 nays; (Earling, Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart)

Also, requested a motion to approve Ordinance 25-15 for electric rate service for the municipality building. Representatives Anton and Carolyn came up to speak. This is an agreement to lock in rates for the public buildings, not for the residents of the town. Commissioner Wietting made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilczak to approve Ordinance 25-15 approving an Electric Service Agreement between the City of Braidwood and Dynegy Energy Services, LLC and Authorizing the Execution of the Agreement. Motion carried with 4 ayes: 1 nay; (Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart)

Mayor Hart read a letter from Chief Bret Goodwin on his resignation from the Braidwood Police Department on April 17, 2025 after 24 years of service. Thanked Mayor Hart for the appointment and for serving the citizens of Braidwood. Mayor Hart also read a response letter thanking the Chief for his leadership and dedication to our community.

Standing ovation and thanks from all constituents in the council.

Administrator Report: No report.

City Clerk Report: No report.

Engineer Report: No report.

City Attorney Report: No report.

Accounts & Finance Report: Commissioner Earling made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilczak, to approve the Payment of Bills, in the amount of $165,671.99 as identified in the Accounts Payable General Ledger dated April 8, 2025. Motion carried with 5 ayes: 0 nays. (Earling, Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart)

Commissioner Earling then made a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Wietting, to Approve Payroll Expenses, in the amount of $93,202.89 as identified in the Payroll General Ledger dated March 28, 2025. Motion carried with 5 ayes; 0 nays. (Earling, Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart).

Streets & Public Improvement Report: Walsh: Ran for commissioner two years on what was best for the city. The five that were on that council ran to keep the chief of police and city administrator, and it had the backing of the whole city council. Has been here since 2000 and has seen things he didn't like and when Todd Lyons gave him a call in November of 2022, he was flattered that he asked him to run for commissioner. Todd and Tony together helped to get Dale started and went to Will County for the paperwork. There were good things happening between 2019-2023, and wanted to be part of that also. Tony was appointed to public works two years, so this is not a made-up position. Part of the duties of the Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvement is to appoint with the advice and consent of the city council the Supervisor of Streets and Public Improvements and such managers as the city council may provide for in the annual budget. The reason for the increase in the budget was it was known that they would hire more people in public works. In April of 2019 there was only $67,000 in the bank and was barely able to make payroll. As of April 7, 2025 in all the bank accounts, there is a total of $9,614,875.00. Commissioner Walsh made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilczak to approve Ordinance 25-16 Amending Sections of the Braidwood Code of Ordinances pertaining the Public Property Department. Attorney Wellner spoke about two amendments in this ordinance. One of the amendments in Sec 2-88, specifically number 4, gives clarity and defines what the commissioner can do and creates a vacancy of Supervisor of Public Property if this is not filled. The second section is to create the specific duties of Supervisor or Public Property. Commissioner Wilczak contacted Attorney Wellner on a couple miniscule things but this ordinance will amend those changes as well during final approval. The first change is Sec. 2-88, which should read Supervisor of Public Property not Superintendent of Water. The second change is in Sec 2-103, which is changed to preparing a written daily work schedule in coordination with the Commissioner of Public Property and not receiving a written daily work schedule from the Commissioner of Public Property. Commissioner Wilczak wanted to clarify that this ordinance is reaffirming positions that were already there and creating a parallel position on the public property side which is already being performed by a city employee. Attorney Wellner confirmed. Commissioner Wietting stated that we budgeted this in the annual budget. Motion carried with 5 ayes; 0 nays. (Earling, Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart).

Commissioner Wietting appoints Tony Altiery to the Position of Supervisor of Public Property. Stated how he is an independent thinker and has managed many businesses and has accountability for every penny with growth and new equipment as needed. In 2019 Tony came to the city and like Dale said, there was only $67,000 in the bank. Tony was able to switch insurance companies and saved over $165,000 a year by switching. He helped us save over $20,000 on a water tower project. These are just a couple examples of how the city has saved money because of Tony Altiery. Comm. Wietting stated the money that is in the grant fund, Illinois Funds, general fund, IMET fund, which total $9.6 million. Tony's salary is less than Wilmington and Coal City, and they also have assistants that they pay. He is glad to see everyone here, but where have you been the last two years when all this has been going on in the budget? It was to include the position for Tony and also another full-time person and two part-time persons for streets and water so we can continue to upgrade the infrastructure that has been neglected for decades. With these funds in the bank, it can grow about a million a year to help the future rebuild. Debbie Jackson spoke out about how the council works for the people and they feel this is being done shady. He probably has saved us some money but he has also cost us a lot of money. He has also upset a lot of people. So, instead of creating this mess, why did you just wait for the next council, and if we need this position, just let them fill it? Commissioner Earling spoke on how every administration has done this before. The constituents are requesting for this to be tabled and have the new council vote on this matter. Commissioner Walsh made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilczak to approve the appointment of Tony Altiery to the position of Supervisor of Public Property. Commissioner Wilczak spoke on how Tony Altiery is already doing this job on a part-time basis with his administrator job. Motion carried with 4 ayes: 1 nay; (Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart)

Commissioner Walsh appoints Tony Altiery as Supervisor of Streets and Public Improvements. Commissioner Wietting made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilczak to approve the appointment of Tony Altiery as Supervisor of Streets and Public Improvements. Motion carried with 4 ayes: 1 nay; (Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart)

Commissioner Wilczak made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wieting to approve Resolution 25-3 to Approve Benefits to be provided to Tony Altiery as Supervisor of Streets and Public Improvements and Supervisor of Public Property. Commissioner Wilczak spoke about some of the accomplishments that Tony has done for the city both as an Administrator and as a Supervisor of Public Works. He would like to see more people at the council meetings to know what is going in the city instead of reading what everyone else is posting on Facebook. Attorney Wellner answered the question from public comment on why the letter is already dated for April 8 when it hasn't been voted on yet. His explanation is that the letter was typed as if this will be passed; however, if it was not passed, then the letter becomes null and void. Motion carried with 4 ayes: 1 nay; (Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak, and Hart)

Public Property Report: Wietting: The water tower out back is up and running. Still need one more valve to replace, but it is about three weeks out, and then we will have that project finished up.

Public Health & Safety Report: Wilczak: Braidwood Police Department Press Release had a total number of calls for service 229, case reports 18, total subjects arrested 8, total arrest charges 19, total number of traffic stops 78, citations 35, written warnings 43, semi-truck violations 2, and total number of P-tickets 4.

Braidwood ESDA month of March report had total number of 59 hours, 10.5 hours to assist the Braidwood Fire Department, 6.5 hours to assist Braidwood Police Department Emergency Assistance, 19.5 hours for Severe Weather Operations. The incidents that were assisted were help with a stranded boater on Braidwood Cooling Lake, Polar Plunge at the BRC, a disabled semi on Main St., traffic control and road closures.

Today, most of the council attended an Emergency seminar at Dresden for a potential emergency situation. The representatives have taken their time to prepare in case there is an emergency here. Everyone who attended on behalf of the city is here trying to do the best for the City of Braidwood.

Planning & Zoning Report: George Kocek: No report. The next meeting is to be determined.

Old Business: None.

New Business: Walsh: The city clean-up date has been changed to April 26 from 9am to noon. All volunteers can meet here at City Hall. There will be vests, pickers, buckets, and garbage bags available to Hart: At the end of the next council meeting, the new administration will be sworn in. Would like to thank everyone for coming to the meeting. The council did hear the concerns, but it doesn't always mean the council will act on the suggestions.

Earling: Congratulations to all of the new council members coming in. This is a tough seat to fill.

Wilczak: He would like to congratulate everyone as well.

Hart: Agreeing with Kim about anybody who would like to run for office and give them credit as it's not an easy thing to do. Congratulations to all the new council members.

Adjournment: Commissioner Wilczak made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Earling, to adjourn the April 8, 2025 regular meeting of the Braidwood City Council. Motion carried with 5 ayes: 0 nays. (Earling, Wietting, Walsh, Wilczak and Hart)

The next regular meeting of the Council will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm

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