Will County Gazette

Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees met May 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the New Lenox Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00p.m. by Mayor Baldermann in the Council Chambers of the New Lenox Village Hall.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

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

Trustees Christopherson, Reiser, Scalise, Wilson, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

Absent – Trustee Madsen

QUORUM

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

OTHER OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE

Also, in attendance were Village Administrator Kurt Carroll, Village Clerk Laura Zilinskas, Community Development Director/Assistant Village Administrator Robin Ellis, Finance Director Kim Auchstetter, Civil Engineer Will Nash, Public Works Director Mark Brow and Attorney Chris Spesia

PROCLAMATION - National Gun Violence Awareness Day Mayor Baldermann, on behalf of the Village Board, proclaimed June 6, 2025 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the Village of New Lenox.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion to approve the 6 items of the #25-13 Consent Agenda was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Wilson

A - Proclamation - National Safety Month

B - Approval of FOB System Upgrade

C - Ordinance #3186 Authorizing Disposal of Surplus Property – Public Works

D - Approval of Purchase – Water Insertion Valve System

E - Approval of Proposal – Weather Insurance – Summer Concerts

F - Approval of Purchase – Exhibit Signs – KidsWork Children’s Museum – Image 360

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Consideration for Approval of a Resolution #25-37 Authorizing Encroachment Agreement – Spencer Road Water Main – ECA Solar Ms. Ellis reported in February the Village board voted not to object to a county Special Use for a commercial solar energy facility. ECA Solar is building a solar farm in unincorporated New Lenox, on property south of the Canadian National rail line east of Spencer Road. Since 2005 the Village has an easement that runs through the property. In order to complete the construction of the site they need to encroach upon the Village’s water main easement off of Spencer Road that services our water storage tanks. Ms. Ellis has worked with the Village’s attorney to create an acceptable encroachment agreement for the Village. The agreement gives the owner the right to construct the improvements but says any cost accrued by the Village, or if there are any problems with our water main, they will be responsible for reimbursing us.

The petitioner had nothing to add at this time.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the resolution was made by Trustee Reiser and seconded by Trustee Scalise

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration of an Ordinance Granting Special Use for a Roof Mounted Commercial Solar Energy Facility – 2250 Berens Drive – 1st Read

Ms. Ellis reported this proposal is to construct a commercial solar energy facility on a portion of the roof of the industrial building located at 2250 Berens Drive. The Plan Commission held the public hearing on the request where there was one couple from nearby Jacob’s Field that were concerned about what they would see and or hear. The petitioner provided information saying that the solar panels do not generate any noise. In addition, because it is roof mounted and there are existing parapet’s, you would not see anything from the residential area. The Plan Commission questioned why they are only taking half of the roof and also why not the west half. The petitioner explained the point of connection with ComEd on the east side of Gougar Road, necessitates having to take this part of the roof. It is about 12-acres of the 27-acre roof. The setback from the roof lines is 10-feet to the north/south and 15-feet from the east which further provides buffering. Ms. Ellis reported in addition, these are static so they don’t tilt. She added, Staff is working with the petitioner on more detailed plans of what needs to be on the ground on the north side of the building.

Trustee Reiser stated he is happy to see that solar facilities are going on rooftops. He added Staff is doing a good job making sure these facilities are done right.

No other comments or questions from the Village Board.

Consideration of an Ordinance Granting Sign Variance – 1000 East Lincoln Highway / CoVantage Credit Union – 1st Read Ms. Ellis reported this variance would allow CoVantage Credit Union to have an electronic message center (EMC)component. They are proposing to construct a new sign using the existing sign base, but include an electronic message center. Staff worked with the petitioner to minimize the number of variances that are required so the overall sign size, height and percentage of the electronic message center is all consistent with Village Code. One variance is the separation between electronic message center signs which the ordinance requires 500-feet between signs. For a number of years, NuMark Credit Union has an electronic message center sign on Route 30 located on the NW corner of their building. Image360 Mokena, sign contractor, on behalf of CoVantage Credit Union, is requesting approval of a variance to reduce the minimum required separation between two (2) (EMC) signs from 500 feet to 270 feet. When the ZBA considered this request there was some discussion of whether we need to look at that provision of the Zoning Ordinance. In this case, because of the setbacks of the right-of-way on Route 30, the signs are setback pretty significantly from Route 30 compared to Joey’s Hot Dogs EMC that is about 15-feet from the right-of-way line. The ZBA recommended approval of the variance and thought that rather than amending the Zoning Ordinance wait to see if we get any future requests.

Mayor Baldermann asked for Village Board comments or questions.

Trustee Reiser stated he agrees with the ZBA in terms of approving this variance only because there is a larger right-of-way that pushes the signs back a bit. He noted that he had driven by the signs at Route 30 and Marley Road and it is difficult to have both signs in your field of vision without having to turn your head. Trustee Reiser said he also agrees with the ZBA to not change the Zoning Ordinance at this point. He said he personally thinks too many of these EMC signs can be unsightly and distracting and we don’t need distractions on a busy road like Route 30.

Mayor Baldermann stated the reason for the zoning requirement is so Route 30 does not look like Las Vegas. Mayor Baldermann said he is not in favor of the variance for that reason. This request is just over half of what we allow. If this request is granted, then we will most likely get inundated with others along Route 30 that want the same exact thing. So in the interest of fairness to others that ask we would have a hard time saying no. Mayor Baldermann said if the Village Board is inclined to approve this request, then he would rather open it up and be consistent with what we are doing. He noted he is also not in favor of this but it is up to the whole Village Board. If we grant this variance, it will be difficult to tell others along Route 30 that they can’t have it.

Trustee Gugliuzza agreed with Mayor Baldermann and asked if the purpose of the CoVantage sign was for advertising.

Ms. Ellis stated it has to be limited to what they are doing at their own business – deals on loans, CD’s, etc.

Trustee Christopherson stated she would like to keep the ordinance as is and not change it.

Trustee Wilson asked what was reason for the 500-foot spacing between the EMC signs.

Mayor Baldermann explained there are studies that have to do with distraction.

Ms. Ellis stated she does not recall and major science behind it but that they were looking at what was reasonable.

Mayor Baldermann said at the time there was discussion of distracted driving and the flashing lights. He explained that New Lenox is very restrictive when it comes to signs so why would we want flashing signs every 250-feet on Route 30. Trustee Gugliuzza agrees that if this is approved this will set a precedents. Mayor Baldermann stated it is a matter of fairness, we want to be supportive of all of our businesses.

Trustee Reiser agreed with Mayor Baldermann but said in this particular case, because they are on opposite sides of the street, there is room to be lenient on the restriction. Trustee Reiser also noted that we don’t want to set the precedent.

Trustee Wilson asked if there any other places in New Lenox where the EMC signs are less than the 500-feet.

Ms. Ellis said Staff noticed that Speed Trec and Lenny’s Food N Fuel at Schoolhouse and Laraway Roads are less than the 500-feet apart.

Mayor Baldermann asked how this happened.

Ms. Ellis stated that since Speed Trec took longer to go through the sign process and Lenny’s came within a shorter amount of time, so it was missed.

Trustee Wilson went on to say we don’t want flashing signs everywhere but he does not view these as flashy signs.

Mayor Baldermann said we have the opinions of the Village Board and this will come back for second read. He reiterated that if the Village Board believes that the 500-foot distance is too restrictive he would rather revisit the Village Code but if we are not inclined to do that than he is not in favor of the variance.

Consideration of an Ordinance #3187 Authorizing Installation of an “All-Way Stop” Sign at Pine Street and Second Avenue – 1st Read Ms. Nash reported Staff is seeking an “All Way Stop” sign at the intersection of Pine Street and 2nd Avenue. The idea had been suggested at a meeting of concerned residents about the traffic created by the work at the intersection of Cedar Road and Haven Avenue.

Mayor Baldermann stated because of the urgency we would ask the Village Board to waive the second read of the ordinance. He asked Mr. Brow to make sure the flashing lights were put up so people know there is a new stop sign and to make sure to notify the Police Chief so there can be extra Police patrol.

Mr. Carroll added the residents are happy with the extra Police patrol.

Trustee Gugliuzza asked when traffic is coming to/from the school/church, by adding the stop signs will this just move the traffic over to other streets.

Mr. Nash explained there are stop signs on First Ave., Second Ave. and Third Ave.

Trustee Gugliuzza was concerned that the traffic would just move to another street.

Trustee Christopherson said she is happy to see the stop sign added.

Trustee Scalise agreed that she is happy with the added stop sign but has concerns with the residents trying to get out of their driveways during the busy times.

Mayor Baldermann noted that Staff had a meeting with the residents in that neighborhood and this was their request. He went onto discuss construction in our town.

Motion to waive second read was made by Trustee Wilson and seconded by Trustee Christopherson. Upon voice vote, the motion was approved.

Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Trustee Gugliuzza and seconded by Trustee Scalise

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of Professional Service Agreement – HR Green – Plan Review and Building Inspection Services Ms. Ellis reported this service agreement is to continue to provide plan review and building inspection services from HR Green. This agreement with HR Green for a three-year term between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2028. There is an increase to meet the increasing cost of providing the service and the cost of an additional inspector to meet the pressing demand of a significant increase of new residential structures in the Village.

Trustee Reiser asked if we only pay for what we use.

Mayor Baldermann stated yes, they are only paid when they work.

Motion to approve the agreement was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Reiser

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of Professional Service Agreement – HR Green – Permit Process Analysis and Staff Training

Ms. Ellis reported this agreement with HR Green is to provide permit technician training to Village Staff. Additionally, HR Green would develop training procedures and provide on-site training for Building Department support staff. The consultant’s Senior Permit Technician would also be available for on-going questions from Village Staff. The cost to provide the outlined services is not to exceed $15,400, and will be billed on actual hours of work performed.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the agreement was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Christopherson

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of Software Enhancement – BS&A

Mayor Baldermann reported our current software for most of our departments, is converting from an on-premise software program to a web-based software program. This is an anticipated expenditure and was included in the budget. The cost of the upgrade is $124,900 for the upgrade and $118,500 in service fees, which includes data conversion and training.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the software enhancement was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Christopherson

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of a Purchase – HVAC Air handlers & Components – Village Hall

Mr. Brow reported the Village’s HVAC system is in need of a substantial overhaul. One of the first steps is to replace the air handlers and components. The plan is to do this work in two phases with the first phase taking place this year. In this first phase, we will be replacing four air handlers, forty variable air volume boxes, and various other controllers and sensors. Building Automation Solutions has been our vendor for software and controller issues for several years, and they also installed all of the front-end software in anticipation of the new components. Building Automation Systems has been doing all of our work for years. Staff is recommending accepting a proposal in the amount of $145,900.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to waive the formal bid process was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Wilson.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

9 May 19, 2025

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Motion to approve the purchase was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Gugliuzza

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of a Proposal – Fuel Tank System – Crossroads Sports Complex

Mayor Baldermann reported as part of the new Crossroads Sports Complex the Village needs to have fuel tanks for the associated equipment. It also may a good spot for an additional fueling station for the Village’s operations. Crowne Storage Tank, Piping and Pump Construction Specialists who installed and maintain the Village’s main fueling station have proposed to install two tanks, one for gasoline and one for diesel fuel at the Sports Complex that will be tied to our fueling system for $53,808. In order to integrate the systems, the Staff seeks the Village Board’s approval to waive the formal bidding process.

Motion to waive the formal bid process was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Christopherson

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Motion to approve the proposal was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Wilson

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for the Approval of a Resolution #25-38 Accepting a Plat of Dedication for a Portion of Haven Avenue

Mayor Baldermann reported this resolution is accepting a plat of dedication for a portion of Haven Avenue. This portion is located on the south side of the Maplewood Cemetery at 331 W. Haven Avenue and is owned by the New Lenox Township. The Village is going to need a utility easement over that section of Haven Avenue to install a force main for the next phase of the Water Resource Recovery Facility.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the resolution was made by Trustee Reiser and seconded by Trustee Scalise

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of a Proposal –Asbestos Removal – 114 N. Cedar Road

Mayor Baldermann reported this proposal is for the removal of asbestos on the window glazing at 114 N. Cedar Road. A proposal was solicited from Asbestos Project Management, Inc. in the total of $3,200.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the resolution was made by Trustee Gugliuzza and seconded by Trustee Scalise

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for the Approval of a Proposal - Demolition - 114 N. Cedar Road

Mayor Baldermann reported Staff received three quotes to demolish the recently acquired 114 N. Cedar, all three of the quotes were close. Bisping Construction was in the amount of $27,850.00. They were the second lowest bidder by only $325.00. Bisping Construction are in unincorporated New Lenox and have several residents that work for them. Also, they do a lot of work for the Village.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the proposal was made by Trustee Gugliuzza and seconded by Trustee Christopherson

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of a Resolution #25-39 Authorizing an Agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers – Local 150 Public Employee Division

Mayor Baldermann reported this collective bargaining agreement between the Village of New Lenox and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 Public Works Division is for the representation of our Public Works Employees. We negotiated a 4-year agreement with representatives from Local 150, the Village’s employees have already ratified the agreement.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the resolution was made by Trustee Reiser and seconded by Trustee Scalise

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION FROM VILLAGE OFFICIALS MAYOR

Mayor Baldermann commented on the success of the Farmer’s Market. Mayor Baldermann reminded there are still concert tickets available.

Mayor Baldermann commented on solar farms, saying we are not anti-solar. He stated that he and others had attended the Will County Board meeting to object to a solar farm in unincorporated New Lenox just north of Lincoln Way West High School. We are pleased to say it was rejected. He thanked Staff and the residents who came to the meeting for their support. Our hope is to continue to grow responsibly and someday see homes come to that area.

VILLAGE ATTORNEY

No report.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR

Mr. Carroll commented on the new water feature at the KidsWork Children’s Museum. In the 6-months they have been opened we have been very successful.

PAYROLL & DISBURSEMENTS

Trustee Scalise made the motion to approve our bi-monthly disbursements in the amount of $8,772,371.52. In addition to these disbursements, approval is needed for a payroll in the amount of $5552,681.02 paid on May 16, 2025.

Trustee Christopherson seconded the motion.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 6 Trustees Reiser, Wilson, Christopherson, Scalise, Gugliuzza and Mayor Baldermann

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Madsen

The motion carried.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR A representative of Dimension Energy, who are installing the rooftop solar panels on 2250 Berens Drive, addressed the Village Board regarding the rooftop solar panels.

Mayor Baldermann asked if you can over saturate an area with rooftop solar panels.

The representative stated yes you can, that is the reason why they are not on every rooftop. The local circuit can only handle so much.

Mayor Baldermann asked what the best distance is to have these rooftop solar panels.

The representative said it really depends on the individual circuit. If it is a higher voltage circuit it may be able to take more – if it already has a lot of generation on it, there might not be room.

Mayor Baldermann asked if the solar panels can supply power to others outside of the building they are mounted on.

The representative stated yes, the community solar model is located on the roof but is not serving that building. It has a new utility service that the ground feeds into the grid and through the Illinois Shine’s Community Solar Program customers subscribe that production. If you don’t put solar panels on your house, but you still sign up for this program, you can get a reduced electric bill.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Scalise

Trustee Scalise commented on the Village Commons and how much better it looks.

Trustee Wilson

Trustee Wilson had no comments.

Trustee Gugliuzza

Trustee Gugliuzza had no comments.

Trustee Christopherson

Trustee Christopherson had no comments.

Trustee Madsen

Absent.

Trustee Reiser

Trustee Reiser had no comments.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Trustee Scalise and seconded by Trustee Wilson. Upon voice vote, the motion carried. The Regular Meeting of the Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees held on May 19, 2025 adjourned at 8:00pm.

https://www.newlenox.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05192025-543