Will County Gazette

Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees met Aug. 11.

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, Scalise, Madsen, Reiser, Wilson and Mayor Baldermann

Absent – Gugliuzza

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 and Attorney Chris Spesia

Mayor Baldermann moved agenda item #6 up at the meeting.

PROCLMATION – Bill Potocki

Mayor Baldermann, on behalf of the Village Board, presented a proclamation to Bill Potocki’ s family honoring his years of service with ESDA.

SWEARING IN – Micah Nuesse – Police Chief

Mayor Baldermann swore in Micah Nuesse to the position of Police Chief. Congratulations to Chief Nuesse!

SWEARING IN – Brandon Tilton – Deputy Police Chief Mayor Baldermann swore in Brandon Tilton to the position of Deputy Police Chief. Congratulations to Deputy Chief Tilton!

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion to approve the 2 items of the #25-20 Consent Agenda was made by Trustee Madsen and seconded by Trustee Scalise

A - Ordinance #3212 Amending Village Code – Electronic Message Center Signs and Gas Station Canopy Signs– 2nd Read

B - Approval of an Agreement – iHeartMedia – Christmas in the Commons Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Consideration of an Ordinance Disconnecting Property – 1369 N. Cedar Road – 1st Read

Ms. Ellis reported in October 2003 the Village Board adopted an ordinance annexing the subject 9.65-acre property at 1369 North Cedar Road. The owner has now petitioned to disconnect from the Village’s corporate limits. The owner is seeking to utilize the property in an agrarian fashion more aligned with Will County’s E-1 zoning.

No comments or questions from the Village Board.

This ordinance will come back for second read.

Consideration for Approval of a Resolution #25-49 Approving a Right of Way Use Agreement for Broadband Internet Service with Delta Communications dba Clearwave Fiber

Ms. Ellis reported Clearwave Fiber is planning to come through the entire Village with fiber optic and Broadband Internet service so this is an agreement with them to place their infrastructure within in our rights of way. This is a 10-year agreement with up to four additional 5-year renewal periods. Ms. Ellis noted the state statute precludes us from charging any franchise fees or permit fees for this. Ms. Ellis noted there is a map attached to the agreement that shows that they will start with our municipal boundaries, but it would also go into effect as we grow and create new developments or annex additional property.

Mayor Baldermann asked if this precludes other fiber optic companies from trying and come to New Lenox.

Ms. Ellis stated no, this is not exclusive.

Mr. Carroll noted we will have to be careful how much right-of-way is being used so in the agreement it allows us to review the new businesses that want to come to New Lenox.

Mayor Baldermann asked how are we going to ensure restoration and notification to our residents.

Mr. Carroll stated that is part of the agreement.

Ms. Ellis added they are going to be required to provide a bond to cover restoration and any damages incurred.

Mayor Baldermann asked if there is a timeline for restoration.

Ms. Ellis stated the agreement says 30-days for restoration. We also added language that says any impact to resident’s mailboxes and/or sprinkler systems in the right of-way will be included in the restoration or damages.

Trustee Wilson noted we already have At&t. He asked how many fiber cables can we have before the signals get crossed? Could customers lose their signals? Is there enough room for this company, At&t and possibly other competitors to be in the right-of-way without disturbing services for our residents.

Mr. Carroll stated Clearwave will submitting their plans which will be analyzed and reviewed by our engineering staff. Also, whenever our utilities are crossed, we have to look at the plan to make sure it is not interfering with other services or our own services.

Mayor Baldermann commented on Trustee Wilson’s point saying if there are any disruptions, what will we do to take care of our residents.

Village Attorney Spesia answered there is a clause in the agreement that says they cannot interfere with other cables, so we will be in the position to enforcing that.

Trustee Reiser asked if this is a 10-year agreement?

Ms. Ellis said yes, with four 5-year extensions.

Trustee Reiser asked what if we decide not to continue their service, does all of their infrastructure just stay in the ground?

Charles Lawrence, Clearwave Fiber, addressed the Village Board saying if for any reason the agreement is terminated there is language in the agreement that says the infrastructure will stay there or it can be removed. He went on to say, all of our plant goes in with conduit, so there are no direct buried lines – everything is in plastic tubing with our wires. Mr. Lawrence stated one hundred percent of our infrastructure is fiber optic cables so there should not be any interference with the cables of any competitors.

Trustee Wilson noted there is a limit of how many fiber optic cables can be put in an area before they start interfering with each other.

Mr. Lawrence stated that this has never occurred with them, but they will be very cognizant of making sure they don’t put anything at risk.

Mayor Baldermann asked what their timeline is.

Mr. Lawrence said the design work will take 60-90 days, then around 30-days to get the first permit and then construction. The construction will last approximately 18- months. The pace we go depends on the weather and the partnership with New Lenox.

Mayor Baldermann asked how are the residents notified.

Mr. Lawrence stated after the agreement is approved, they will make broad-based announcements. We will also attend any community events to introduce ourselves and also put ourselves on social media. Also, about 3-4 weeks before the construction starts, we will sent out our first mailings that will have a QR Code with information and a link with our phone number and FAQ’s and ability to submit complaints or questions. About 2-3 weeks before construction we will tag doors and place signs in the right-of-way. Mr. Lawrence also noted that all of their construction vehicles will be marked with Clearway Fiber decals. We will also send street sheets every day to Village Staff which will indicate the parts of the Village that they are working at. Finally, we will have weekly calls to Village Staff.

Trustee Reiser asked if most of or if not all of the installation is by directional boring.

Mr. Lawrence stated correct.

No other comments or questions at this time.

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

5 August 11, 2025

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of Proposal – Drain Installation – KidsWork Children’s Museum

Mr. Brow reported staff received (2) quote to install a trench drain at the front of the playground door of the museum where there had been some flooding from the recent heavy rain. This proposal from Aleck Plumbing was $15,316 and they were able to do the work the next day.

No comments or questions at this time.

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

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

Consideration for the Approval of a Change Order for Fusion Wall Addition – Crossroads Sports Complex

Mayor Baldermann reported this request is for a change order to install fusion (padding) to cover exposed concrete in the backstop areas on five of the sports fields. The total purchase and install for all five fields are $27,000.

No comments or questions at this time.

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

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

Consideration for Approval of a Resolution 25-50 Authorizing a Sponsorship Agreement – Sports Huddle – Crossroads Sports Complex Mayor Baldermann reported this resolution approves a sponsorship agreement with Sports Huddle. With this three-year agreement they will provide free staff apparel and merchandise for the length of the agreement up to $6,500 per year. Sports Huddle will receive one interior sign within the park and a digital logo on the website.

No comments or questions at this time.

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

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

Consideration of an Ordinance Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax – 1st Read

Mayor Baldermann reported at the end of 2025 the State of Illinois will eliminate a 1% grocery tax. This ordinance implements a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax for the Village of New Lenox to replace the State of Illinois’ grocery tax. He explained the loss of the state tax will cost the Village in excess of $1 million dollars that we need for our budget. He went on to say the majority of municipalities are also passing this tax. Mayor Baldermann explained that we get very little property tax as a Village, our money comes primarily through sales tax which is what we use to invest in our community. He noted Illinois has the highest property taxes in the country because of inefficient, ineffective political game playing in Springfield.

Trustee Reiser stated that it’s important that our residents are informed of this tax.

Mayor Baldermann explained this is not an additional tax

Trustee Wilson asked when this tax will go into effect.

Mayor Baldermann stated it is in effect now, but if we did not take action then the tax would drop off on January 1, 2026. But it will remain because of this ordinance.

Trustee Wilson asked if the state ends up giving us back the grocery tax in the future, will we drop our grocery tax.

Mayor Baldermann stated if that happens the Village Board can take whatever action it wants. He went on to say we are also looking at our sales tax amount. Mayor Baldermann explained we only get 4% of the property tax bill. He went onto say we make our money off of sales tax. If we go to 9.5% sales tax, we will take that money and invest it in our town. We are building a sports complex, which will bring in hotels and restaurants which will not only create jobs, bring people here but also have access funds to do more for our residents. Whatever residents we bring in, we are investing it back into the town, and providing services and amenities for our community. We are investing in a new Waste Water Treatment Plant and new water lines. That’s what we do with our taxes. Nobody likes to pay more taxes or a higher water bill but they like to drink clean water and they like to see how much their home is worth. We invest our money, the state squanders it, and then they take from the local municipalities.

No other comments or questions at this time.

Consideration for Approval of an Extension of a Contract - Commuter

Lot Snow Removal – Bisping Construction

Mr. Brow reported this extension of our current contract with Bisping Construction takes the agreement through May 1, 2026. They have held their costs and have successfully performed this task since 2020. They are seeking a 5% increase for rising salt and labor costs.

No comments or questions at this time.

Motion to approve the extension of contract was made by Trustee Reiser and seconded by Trustee Scalise

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM VILLAGE OFFICIALS MAYOR

Appointment – Plan Commission – Stephen Pons

Motion to approve the appointment was made by Trustee Madsen and seconded by Trustee Wilson

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATION FROM VILLAGE OFFICIALS MAYOR

Mayor Baldermann reminded the Andy Grammer concert is this upcoming Saturday.

VILLAGE ATTORNEY

No report.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR

9 August 11, 2025

Mr. Carroll announced we will not have a Council of the Whole meeting in August.

Mr. Carroll informed the Village Board that we are already up to 65,000 visitors at the KidsWorks Children’s Museum this year. He added we also had our best weekend at the Beer Garden at the Crossroads Sports Complex.

PAYROLL & DISBURSEMENTS

Trustee Madsen made the motion to approve our bi-monthly disbursements in the amount of $2,714,294.80. In addition to these disbursements, approval is needed for a payroll in the amount of $588,818.76 paid on August 8, 2025, a payroll in the amount of $612.00 paid on July 29, 2025.

Trustee Scalise seconded the motion.

No comments or questions at this time.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

ABSTAIN: 0

NAYS: 0

ABSENT: 1 Trustee Gugliuzza

The motion carried.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Sharon White stated she is very happy with the building of the Crossroads Sports Complex. She commented that she thinks the food it too expensive.

Mayor Baldermann stated we did go to other sports facilities that are comparable and our prices are not high. He thanked Ms. White for her comment.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Scalise

Trustee Scalise had no comments.

Trustee Wilson

Trustee Wilson stated that he had heard a lot of good comments regarding the Crossroads Sports Complex and how people are hoping we get more restaurants in that area.

Mayor Baldermann stated we will be opening the Beer Garden to the everyone but we are giving the new staff time to get adjusted.

Trustee Wilson reminded that school is starting and to watch out for kids and parents teach their kids to watch out for cars.

Trustee Gugliuzza

Absent.

Trustee Christopherson

Trustee Christopherson commented on how she was able to attend National Night Out.

Trustee Madsen

Trustee Madsen had no comments.

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 July 28th, 2025 adjourned at 8:00pm.

https://www.newlenox.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08112025-558