Will County Gazette

Village of Frankfort Committee of the Whole met June 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Keith Ogle called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Village Administration Building, 432 W. Nebraska Street, Frankfort, Illinois.

ROLL CALL

Village Clerk Katie Schubert called the roll. In attendance were Mayor Keith Ogle, Clerk Katie Schubert, Trustees Michael Leddin, Jessica Petrow, Maura Rigoni, and Dan Rossi. Staff in attendance included Assistant Administrator John Burica, Police Chief Leanne Chelepis, Deputy Chief Will Dowding, Finance Director Jenni Booth, Public Works Supt. Terry Kestel, Director of Community and Economic Development Mike Schwarz, and Event Coordinator Sue Lynchey.

Trustees Adam Borrelli and Gene Savaria were absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES (MAY 14, 2025)

Trustee Petrow moved, seconded by Trustee Rigoni, to approve the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting of May 14, 2025, as amended. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

FISCAL YEAR 2026 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE

Finance Director Jenni Booth presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriation Ordinance. She explained that the ordinance sets the maximum legal spending limits for the fiscal year, which runs from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, and must be adopted before July 31. The total proposed appropriation is $59,366,900, which is $5,633,600 (10.48%) higher than the approved FY 2026 budget of $53,733,300 but $8,845,600 lower than the previous year's appropriation. The increase accounts for contingencies and potential timing changes in capital projects. The General Fund operating budget is balanced and includes a $2,458,600 transfer to the General Capital Fund, while the Sewer and Water operating budget is also balanced and allows for a $5,805,200 transfer to the Sewer and Water Capital Fund. Appropriated figures were calculated by increasing most budgeted expense lines by 5% and adding a 5% contingency to each fund. The Motor Fuel Tax Fund, which had no budgeted amount, includes a $500,000 contingency appropriation. Sufficient revenues and cash reserves are available to cover all appropriated expenses, though reserves are expected to be used for capital expenditures.

Staff recommended that the Committee of the Whole forward a recommendation to the Village Board to adopt the FY 2026 Appropriation Ordinance as presented.

Trustee Petrow moved, seconded by Trustee Leddin, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to adopt the FY 2026 Appropriation Ordinance as presented. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS – DISCUSSION

Assistant Village Administrator John Burica presented preliminary cost estimates for several potential community enhancement projects, as directed by the Board. Items presented for discussion included a shared path/sidewalk on Locust Street (west side, south of Nebraska Street), a multi-use path on Pfeiffer Road (east side, south of Laraway Road), and permanent downtown improvements related to Kansas and Oak Streets. The discussion was to get more formal engineering estimates and designs for these possible improvements.

Two sidewalk options were presented for Locust Street: Option A, an asphalt shared-use path estimated at $178,000, and Option B, a 5-foot concrete sidewalk estimated at $184,000. The Board unanimously supported Option A. The Board also unanimously supported proceeding with the multi-use path on Pfeiffer Road south of Laraway, estimated at $375,000.

For the proposed permanent downtown improvements, Board members favored exploring the Kansas Street modifications converting the segment between Ash and Oak Streets to one-way westbound traffic while expanding pedestrian areas and maintaining parking (estimated cost: $240,000). For Oak Street, the Board unanimously supported Option B, reversing the direction of traffic to northbound (estimated cost: $40,000).

Staff will proceed with further planning and analysis based on Board direction. WI-FI EQUIPMENT PURCHASE & INSTALLATION FOR BREIDERT GREEN

Assistant Village Administrator John Burica presented a proposal to install public Wi-Fi on Breidert Green, utilizing the Grainery building as the primary equipment location. The recommendation follows previous Board discussions and community feedback requesting enhanced internet access in the downtown area.

The proposal includes the purchase of necessary Wi-Fi hardware (routers, antennas, etc.) by the Village, with Urbancom—under its existing service agreement—handling network integration, system activation, and ongoing maintenance at no additional labor cost to the Village. Installation will be coordinated to provide optimal coverage across Breidert Green. A tiered network access plan was proposed, consisting of three Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Assistant Administrator Burica highlighted several benefits, including improved public amenities, cost efficiency through existing service agreements, and alignment with community feedback for improved connectivity downtown.

Committee members supported the purchase of Wi-Fi equipment as presented.

Trustee Petrow moved, seconded by Trustee Rigoni, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to approve the purchase of Wi-Fi equipment for installation on the Grainery to provide public internet access on Breidert Green, utilizing Urbancom’s services for implementation and services as outlined in the existing agreement, in the amount of $18,965.00. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

PURCHASE OF LED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAGE – PFEIFFER AND COLORADO

Assistant Administrator John Burica presented a recommendation from staff and the Traffic Advisory Committee in response to resident concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Pfeiffer Road and Colorado Avenue. After a comprehensive evaluation, the Traffic Advisory Committee proposed a series of improvements to enhance visibility and promote safer pedestrian behavior in this high-traffic area.

The proposed measures include:

1. Installation of LED Pedestrian Crossing Signs – The Village would purchase and install three LED pedestrian crossing signs with four push-button activation devices. The signs, to be procured through the OMNIA Partners contract, will cost no more than $26,500 (including shipping). These LED signs are designed to improve visibility and alert drivers during low-light conditions or periods of high traffic.

2. Sidewalk Expansion – Approximately $15,000 will be allocated for constructing new sidewalk segments on the north side of Colorado Avenue, between Pfeiffer Road and Eagle Bluff Court, closing existing gaps and ensuring continuous pedestrian access.

3. Crosswalk Optimization – The southern crosswalk at Pfeiffer Road will be removed to consolidate foot traffic to one crossing point. The remaining crosswalk will be upgraded with high-visibility crosshatch striping to enhance safety and driver awareness.

The committee discussed the issue of incomplete sidewalk segments ("missing links") and who bears responsibility for their completion—whether it's the developer, through a letter of credit, the subdivision, or the taxpayers. There was consensus on the need to see if a plan could be developed to hold developers accountable for completing the missing sidewalk sections in unfinished subdivisions. The committee requested that staff contact the respective lot owners to determine whether they are willing to complete the sidewalk construction themselves or consent to a lien if the Village undertakes the work.

Trustee Rigoni moved, seconded by Trustee Leddin, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to authorize the purchase and installation of the LED pedestrian crossing signage with push button activation for the Pfeiffer Road and Colorado Avenue intersection at a cost not to exceed $26,500, in accordance with the Traffic Advisory Committee’s recommendation. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPLACEMENT VEHICLES

A. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD LT – Phillips Chevrolet

Deputy Chief Will Dowding presented a request for approval to purchase a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD LT to replace an existing investigator vehicle, a 2010 Ford Fusion, which has significant mechanical issues. The request also includes the surplus of the 2005 Ford Fusion. Funding for the new vehicle was included in the current fiscal year budget.

Deputy Chief Dowding reported that pricing was requested from three local Chevrolet dealerships: Chevy of Homewood, Apple Chevy, and Phillips Chevy. Phillips Chevy provided the most competitive quote, offering the vehicle at a cost of $27,850.00, with anticipated delivery by July 2025.

In addition to the vehicle purchase, approximately 8 to 10 weeks will be required for the upfitting of emergency equipment, to be completed by Public Safety Direct. The estimated cost for the upfitting is $10,000.00.

Committee members supported the purchase and upfitting of the new vehicle and the surplus of the 2010 Ford Fusion.

Trustee Rigoni moved, seconded by Trustee Leddin, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to approve the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD LT from Phillips Chevrolet of Frankfort at a cost of $27,850.00 and to authorize the upfitting of the vehicle with emergency equipment by Public Safety Direct at a cost not to exceed $10,000.00; and that the total expenditure for purchase and upfitting shall not exceed $37,850.00. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

Trustee Leddin moved, seconded by Trustee Rossi, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to approve the sale of the surplus property, a 2010 Ford Fusion, and authorize its disposal at auction. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

B. 2025 Ford AWD Utility Police Interceptors (Three) – Currie Motors

Deputy Chief Will Dowding presented a request for approval to purchase three 2025 Ford AWD Utility Police Interceptors to replace aging squad cars currently in the fleet. These replacements were included in the fiscal year budget. All vehicles would be purchased through Currie Motors of Frankfort under the competitive bid pricing available through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative. Each vehicle is priced at $46,482.00, which includes the base price, selected options, and factory wiring for emergency equipment. The total cost for the three vehicles is $139,446.00. Vehicle delivery is anticipated by late October 2025.

Deputy Chief Dowding also noted that upfitting for emergency equipment and vehicle graphics will require an additional 8 to 10 weeks post-delivery and is estimated at $20,000.00 per vehicle, bringing the total project cost to $199,446.00. Upfitting will be completed by Public Safety Direct.

Committee members supported the purchase and upfitting of three new vehicles.

Trustee Petrow moved, seconded by Trustee Rigoni, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to the Village Board to approve the purchase of the three squad vehicles and complete the necessary upfitting, with the total project cost not to exceed $199,446.00. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

2025 REPLACEMENT PICKUP TRUCK – BID CONSIDERATION

Public Works Superintendent Terry Kestel presented a request to purchase a 2025 Ford F-150 pickup truck as budgeted in the FY 2025/26 Capital Budget. The vehicle will replace an existing Public Works Department pickup truck.

Staff obtained a quote from Currie Motors through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC), Contract #232, which satisfies competitive bidding requirements. A request for a comparable bid was also submitted to Phillips Chevrolet; however, they were unable to provide pricing through a competitive contract.

Details of the Currie Motors quote:

• Vehicle: 2025 Ford F-150

• Price: $43,259.00

The Committee of the Whole supported the purchase of the pickup truck.

Trustee Rossi moved, seconded by Trustee Leddin, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to approve the purchase of the 2025 Ford F-150 from Currie Motors of Frankfort through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative at a cost total cost not to exceed $43,259.00. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

OLD FRANKFORT WAY MONUMENT SIGN - CONSIDERATION

Public Works Superintendent Terry Kestel presented a proposal to replace the existing wooden monument sign located at Old Frankfort Way and Route 45, as included in the FY 2025/26 Capital Budget. The current sign has undergone multiple repairs in recent years and is once again in need of repair.

Staff recommended replacing the wooden sign with a limestone monument sign that matches the design of the sign located in front of Village Hall. The new sign would be fabricated by local Frankfort business, Tri-State Stone, at a cost of $15,633.12. Public Works staff would complete the installation, including cleaning and resealing the existing stone base, with the new limestone sign mounted on top.

The Committee of the Whole supported staff’s recommendation to replace the Old Frankfort Way monument sign.

Trustee Leddin moved, seconded by Trustee Rossi, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to approve the purchase of a new monument sign for the intersection of Old Frankfort Way and Route 45, to be fabricated by Tri-State Stone, at a cost of $15,633.12 and installed by public works staff. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion carried.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS – TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN APPROVAL

Deputy Chief Will Dowding reported the Traffic Advisory Committee met on May 14, 2025, and unanimously approved the Traffic Control Plans for several subdivisions, authorizing the installation of new stop and yield signs at key intersections.

The approved signage includes:

• Abbey Woods North Subdivision

o Northbound Waterview Trail at St. Francis Road – Stop Sign

o Eastbound Waterview Lane at Waterview Trail – Stop Sign

• Misty Creek Subdivision

o Misty Creek Lane at Laraway Road – Stop Sign

o Misty Creek Lane at 116th Avenue – Stop Sign

• The Reserve of Copper Creek

o Pacific Street at California Lane – Yield Sign

o California Lane at Locust Street – Stop Sign

o Wyoming Way at Locust Street – Stop Sign

Committee Members supported the Traffic Control Plans as presented.

Trustee Rigoni moved, seconded by Trustee Petrow, to forward a recommendation to the Village Board to update the Village of Frankfort Code of Ordinances, Chapter 71: Traffic Control Schedules, to include the installation of the stop and yield signs as presented.

OTHER BUSINESS

o Traffic Advisory Committee Requests and Meeting Info

Trustee Petrow asked about the procedure for submitting traffic requests to the Traffic Advisory Committee and suggested increasing awareness about meeting schedules.

o Traffic Safety Review Request

Trustee Petrow requested a review of traffic conditions near St. Francis Road and downtown to assess safety measures.

o Town Hall Meeting Regarding Village Water Supply

The Village is considering tentative dates to schedule a town hall meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments were made.

ADJOURNMENT

Hearing no further business, Mayor Ogle called for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Rigoni moved, seconded by Trustee Rossi, to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting of Wednesday, June 11, 2025. A voice vote was taken. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:31 P.M.

https://cms9files.revize.com/frankfortil/2025-06-11-cow-min.pdf