Village of Homer Glen Village Board met Feb. 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order on February 25, 2026 by Mayor Neitzke-Troike at 6:30 p.m. in the Village Board Room, 14240 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
C. MOMENT OF SILENCE
D. ROLL CALL
Present were Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike, Trustees Curtis Mason, Mike Lepore, Bob Schaller, Bart Holzhauser, and Nick Muller. Trustee Rose Reynders was absent. Also present on behalf of the Village were Village Attorney Michael Pasquinelli, Village Manager Joe Baber, Village Clerk Candice Bielski, Planning & Zoning Director Christopher Gruba, and Economic Development Director Janie Patch. A quorum was established.
E. COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
1. Ed Kerfin – American Legion Post 2011, Presenting the Veteran Support Appreciation Award. Mr. Kerfin and the American Legion Post 2011 presented the award to the following businesses/ residents for their continued service, leadership, and support to American Legion Post 2011 and to the Veterans:
• EXI Inc. – Carol Ann Riche
• Marian Village – Linda McCluskey
• State Farm – Michelle Kerfin
• Judge Art Smigielski
F. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA – None
G. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Trustee Mason motioned to approve the agenda, Trustee Muller second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 28, 2026 – Village Board Meeting
Trustee Holzhauser motioned to approve the minutes, Trustee Schaller second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
I. PUBLIC COMMENT – None.
J. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND OTHER OFFICERS
1) Village Manager – Discussed that an informational video has been posted on the village website regarding the wastewater treatment plant. Village Manager Baber also wanted to inform residents that there was a controlled burn over at Erin Hills Park and tomorrow there will be one at Culver Park.
Also reporting for the Behavioral Health and Addiction Recovery Committee, on March 21st the Behavioral Health and Addiction Recovery Committee will be sponsoring a mental health resource presentation on loneliness here at Village Hall on Saturday, March 21st from ten to noon.
2) Trustee Holzhauser – Congratulated all the American Legion Post 2011 awardees. I think that’s amazing and all the work they do for the veterans. Also mentioned the informational video regarding the wastewater treatment plant and thanked Brett Westcott and everyone at the village involved in that fantastic job. Recommended everyone check it out.
3) Trustee Lepore- On behalf of the Economic Development Committee, I’m proud to announce a local business service promotion that we will be doing soon. All retail service businesses are welcome to participate in Homer Glen’s inaugural local business coupon booklet. Throughout the month of April, we’re showcasing local shopping and service conveniences that make our community special. The coupons will be inserted in the village newsletter and mailed to every home in early April. The deadline to participate locally in this local business promotion is Friday, March 13th. I encourage everyone to sign up. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Director Janie Patch or myself.
4) Trustee Mason – No report.
5) Trustee Muller – No report.
6) Trustee Schaller– Also noted that the informational wastewater treatment plant video was excellent. On behalf of the Environment Committee, we had a special meeting and are working diligently on the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
7) Village Clerk – Reminded residents regarding the upcoming election and where they can go for early voting.
Congratulated the following Lockport Township High School Teams:
• LTHS Boys Basketball Team – Claimed 2nd Place at the Southwest Suburban Conference
• LTHS Girls Basketball Team – Won the Opening Round of the IHSA Regionals
• LTHS Girls Bowling Team – Took 1st Place at the Southwest Suburban Conference
• LTHS Girls Varsity Cheer Team – They placed 2nd at IHSA State
• LTHS Boys Swim and Dive Team – Finished 4th in the SWSC Conference
• LTHS Boys Wrestling Team – Won the SWSC Championship
• Recognized LTHS Wrestler Claudia Heeney who will be competing for her third straight state championship.
8) Village Attorney – Attorney Pasquinelli gave an update regarding Case #2023466 and was pleased to report that they have reached a tentative agreement with the parties to resolve the case. The agreement will be subject to this board’s review and approval.
Attorney Pasquinelli also gave an update regarding Illinois American Water. Illinois American Water filed its petition for a rate increase before the ICC formally. It is under docket #260127. The village will be posting on its website an informational piece on how the public can put their actual comments into that actual docket. This is one of the ways that each resident can voice their position on this rate increase before the ICC. The village will be putting together a step-by-step guide on how to do this, and I urge each and every one of you to make your voices heard.
9) Public Safety Officials – No report but asked for a resident’s information who spoke during public comment at the last board meeting regarding people cutting through her subdivision.
10) Village President – Mayor Neitzke-Troike noted the amazing job on the informational video that was posted on the website regarding the wastewater treatment plant. The whole purpose of these videos is to educate the residents with truth, with facts, and with real information of what is actually going on in Homer Glen.
K. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Consider for Approval the Treasurer’s Report of Cash and Investments for the Period Ending October 31, 2025, in the amount of $53,597,215.77.
Trustee Lepore motioned to approve the consent agenda, Trustee Muller second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
L. LEGISLATION AND ACTION ITEMS
1. Motion to Approve a reimbursement grant award under the Commercial Building Improvement Grant Program to Bell Road Plaza Inc. (property owner) for eligible improvements at 14201-14215 S Bell Road in the amount of $7,500.00.
Trustee Lepore motioned to approve the reimbursement grant award, Trustee Mason second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll on the Amendment:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Steilen, & Reynders
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (0)
The Mayor did not vote.
The motion carried.
2. A) Motion to pull from the table an Ordinance, with conditions, granting [1] a special use for a major change to a PUD with exceptions, [2] a special use for a car wash (classified as an automobile repair, service and body shop use), [3] a special use for a drive-through establishment, [4] a special use for an automobile service station (gas station), [5] a special use for a 24-hour operation (Lot 2 only); and [6] site improvement plans for a unified development for certain real property located in the C-2 Local Business zone district at 13812 S. Bell Road and 13830 S. Bell Road, Homer Glen, Illinois [HG-2530-PUD].
Trustee Mason motioned to pull the item from the table, Trustee Schaller second.
Voice Vote:
Ayes: 5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
B) Motion to Approve an Ordinance, with conditions, granting [1] a special use for a major change to a PUD with exceptions, [2] a special use for a car wash (classified as an automobile repair, service and body shop use), [3] a special use for a drive-through establishment, [4] a special use for an automobile service station (gas station), [5] a special use for a 24-hour operation (Lot 2 only); and [6] site improvement plans for a unified development for certain real property located in the C-2 Local Business zone district at 13812 S. Bell Road and 13830 S. Bell Road, Homer Glen, Illinois [HG-2530-PUD].
Conditions:
1. Meet all applicable building code requirements and apply for all building permits;
2. Meet all applicable engineering codes and requirements for Final Engineering;
3. The car wash special use is approved on the condition that the operator will take precautions necessary during the peak season to avoid hazards in the access road or blocking of the access road, including one or more or the following: additional staff will be used to help direct and manage the traffic flow through the site; a staff person will be placed at the internal intersection west of Bell Road to help direct traffic; electing the most efficient time for vacuuming (i.e. before or after a car wash; and/or traffic exiting the car wash will be prohibited from making a left turn to (1) exit the car wash site via the right-turn in/right-turn out access drive or (2) enter the vacuum stations. The operator shall also report to staff upon inquiry concerning the peak season operations and any of the precautions noted above;
4. To provide masonry veneer on the gas pump canopy columns. Masonry veneer shall consist of brick or stone of the variety used on the primary building;
5. Signage on the building on Lot 2 shall comply with current Village sign regulations;
6. Replace 4 Armstrong Maple trees with 4 Chicagoland Hackberry trees per the Landscape Plan;
7. All wall signs on the car wash building shall be turned off at closing time each day;
8. The color of the canopies for the car wash vacuums stations and the car wash pay station shall match the car wash building and shall not include any gas brand dress.
Trustee Mason motioned to approve the ordinance with conditions, Trustee Schaller second.
Discussion:
(Please note that the petitioner’s microphone was not on and it is difficult hearing his responses to the Board.)
Trustee Mason – With the help of legal we’ve had time to clean up the language in the village facts and findings and exhibit D. I think at this point, it’s adequate. I think that the proposed use has been considered in relation to the location, the goals, and the objectives of the village’s comprehensive plan. In general, it’s in accordance with the guidance of our plan. The special use conforms to the applicable regulations in the district in which it is located, including the planned developments, except to the extent that the applicant has requested the village board to modify and waive any such regulations pursuant to the recommendations of the Planning Commission.
Trustee Schaller – In reviewing this, given the site’s significant great changes in its adjacency to agricultural property to the north, I think approval should be conditioned upon submission of some more engineering, providing some stormwater calculations demonstrating that post development runoff rates, drainage patterns will not exceed existing conditions and will not cause flooding, erosion, or concentrated discharge onto the neighboring properties, including the horse farm to the north. Final engineering should also identify designated snow storage areas and demonstrate that snow melt runoff is directed into the approved stormwater system and not on adjacent properties. If those standards aren’t met, the project should not go forward to permit.
Trustee Schaller requested an amendment to the original motion with the above conditions being added, Trustee Lepore second.
Attorney Pasquinelli – Noted that Trustee Schaller’s concerns were addressed in the original conditions. He stated that Recommended Conditions Number 2 states that the applicant must meet all applicable engineering codes and requirements for final engineering.
Trustee Schaller stated that with the clarification from Attorney Pasquinelli, there was no need for an amendment. Trustee Schaller pulled his amendment.
Trustee Holzhauser – The development feels forced to him. The land and the lot feel too small for everything that is going into it. It seems like overdevelopment. Trustee Holzhauser noted that the residents are looking for restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. This project does not fall under any of those buckets for him.
Trustee Lepore – I share some of Trustee Holzhauser’s concerns regarding this project. I’m a fan of growth in Homer Glen. Controlled growth and businesses that will make sense for their overall plan. The concern I have is just that you have four different entities in this area bringing a lot of traffic. The car wash meets maximum occupancy on a busy day. I see that the gas station, plus the convenience store, plus the eatery, plus the car wash, just a lot of traffic going out. It is just a lot here. Trustee Lepore discussed with the petitioner how traffic would be handled, especially during peak hours. The Petitioner Mark Daniels noted that they worked out the traffic flow and do not see any problems as far as the number of businesses, the square footage, and the amount of expected traffic.
Trustee Muller – Addressed concerns with the development being built right next to the horse farm. We have a horse farm and then suddenly, bam, you are in this type of commercial. I would like to see a little bit of a transition into our developed commercial area, not just the instant change that this development is showing.
Trustee Holzhauser – Asked the petitioner why he allowed the permit to expire for this development when he had approval back in 2023 and what is being presented to the board now, is nearly identical to what was approved in 2023.
Petitioner Daniels – Noted that the first delay had to do with the board putting a moratorium on the issuance of new liquor, tobacco, and video gaming licenses. There were changes to the code regarding these items and it was a concern because that is a huge revenue stream for them. Petitioner Daniels went to several meetings when these topics were addressed to watch what would happen. Other delays had to do with utilities and the subdivision plat. Petitioner Daniels stated, everybody here is working towards a common goal except for what I am hearing here is, hearing new concerns about noise that doesn’t exist. We are hearing about legal terms, legal traffic rules, denying the zoning application when it comes to noise. There was never an issue of noise until someone from Rivera’s Horse Farm was worried that when they ride their horses towards the car wash someone might honk their horn and startle the horses. I’m sorry, that happens on a road.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike – Confirmed with Petitioner Daniels that there will be no semi-trucks. Mayor Neitzke-Troike also questioned if the beef sandwich restaurant would be open 24 hours. Petitioner Daniels discussed that the beef sandwich restaurant might come later, but for now they are looking at having a convenience store that would be open 24 hours.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike – Also addressed concerns with the petitioner potentially requesting a liquor and video gaming license. The mayor discussed that the gas station would be selling diesel and if it meets the state requirements of being a large gas station they would be allowed ten video gaming machines that would be on for 24 hours. The mayor also addressed her concerns that per the floor plans, the gas station convenience store is separate from the restaurant use, so that if the gas station convenience store also opened a restaurant, they could be eligible for a second gaming license for up to 10 machines. That would be a total of sixteen machines. Mayor Neitzke-Troike also noted that if the petitioner is going to be selling diesel at the gas station, with diesel comes trucks and she does not believe that Bell Road is a truck route. Mayor Neitzke-Troike noted that she is aware that the petitioner is not asking for a liquor or video gaming license at this time, but per the floor plans in front of her, there is a Lot 1 and a Lot 2, with a request for both lots to have 24-hour operation. She asked the petitioner for a clear understanding of what business would be in Lot 2. It was confirmed by Petitioner Daniels that part of Lot 2, which is 7,710 square feet, would have a beef sandwich restaurant called Scali’s Beef. The mayor noted that she understands the petitioner is not in front of the board for a liquor or video gaming license at this time, but she does not like the back and forth and would like clear and specific answers on the future plans of the development.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike – Wanted it confirmed that what the board was voting on is only the gas station being built, and even though the design plans show video gaming in them, that is not what the board is voting on at this time. Mayor Neitzke-Troike wanted everyone to know what they’re voting on because she did not want them beholden to this, if this is what they vote on today. She stated that she is aware the liquor license and the gaming part is not in front of them at this time, but they have a floor plan in front of them that they are approving that shows gaming machines in the floor plan. Mayor Neitzke-Troike noted that due to that, it’s kind of blurry on what they’re voting on. As the Liquor Commissioner, she is okay with a gas station that is open 24 hours a day, but she is not okay with a 24-hour bar with gaming.
Petitioner Daniels – Stated that they will never sell liquor, beer, or wine outside the hours authorized by the board pursuant to a liquor license. Mayor Neitzke-Troike stated she wants it written clearly in the conditions of the ordinance.
Trustee Lepore – Stated that he knows this is a dream build for the developer. I’m not sure the residents in Homer Glen feel the same way to having another gas station, car wash, convenience store, another fast-food place, tobacco, or more gaming. What works at 95th Street and Roosevelt may not be in the best interest of Homer Glen.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike asked if the board was ready to vote.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (2) Trustees Mason and Schaller.
Nays: (3) Trustees Lepore, Muller, and Holzhauser
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion failed
Petitioner Daniels stated he would be filing a lawsuit against the village this week.
Attorney Pasquinelli – Recommended the board motion to reconsider. Attorney Pasquinelli stated that the board should temporarily table the item, so that the issues many of the trustees have can potentially be clarified. Attorney Pasquinelli stated that the law gives them four options. They can table the item, they can also refer it back to the plan commission, they can approve it with certain conditions or certain conditions removed, or the board can outright deny it. Attorney Pasquinelli recommended the board move to reconsider it and at least potentially suspend the rules and have the trustees discuss some of those potential other alternatives.
Trustee Mason motioned to move to reconsider the actions of the prior decision based on Attorney Pasquinelli’s recommendation to discuss other alternatives or action that the board can take, Trustee Schaller second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (4) Trustees Mason, Muller, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (1) Trustee Lepore
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion passed.
Trustee Mason – Asked for clarification regarding the hours for liquor sales. Trustee Mason wanted to make sure it was clarified and stated in the ordinance.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike – Noted that the petitioner would have to follow Homer Glen’s ordinance regarding what the code states as far as when they can sell liquor. She stated that she also does not like to be threatened with a lawsuit.
Attorney Pasquinelli – Noted that the board can remove the special use condition allowing the business to be open 24 hours and can always revisit it later and allow them the 24-hour operation in the future.
Trustee Muller – Stated again his issue is it is one more gaming, liquor, and gas station establishment and he also does not like it being right next door to the horse farm.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike – Discussed that the horse farm is aware of what the property next to them is zoned and you cannot control what someone puts on their property if they are legally zoned for it.
Attorney Pasquinelli – Stated that even if the board grants a special use for the car wash, it does not mean that the way the car wash effectively operates cannot be controlled and regulated by the board.
Trustee Schaller – Stated his observation is, he’s seeing what gas stations are morphing into. He discussed he had issues with the floor plan. It is a multi-use, multi-tenant, all under one roof. What blurs the line for him is, if the knee wall was a solid wall and had its own entrance, there would not be a lot of this discussion.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike – Her concern is if people are going to go in and if the food is still available 24 hours a day, then people are going to sit down, grab food and just keep going with the gaming. I don’t want to encourage that.
The mayor also wanted clarification on which entity would be applying for video gaming. Would it be the gas station or the beef restaurant? If they both met the video gaming requirement that would be potential for sixteen machines and she was not in favor of that.
Trustee Holzhauser – Had no issues with the gas station and felt the video gaming should be on the restaurant side. His issues and concerns are the location of the gas station.
Attorney Pasquinelli – Explained that from a legal perspective, the board has to vote for or against the ordinances before them. They need to go through the ten enumerated criteria and determine whether or not those criteria have or have not been met based upon all the information that was contained in their packet, which included the report of the Planning Commission, the recommendations, all counsel’s arguments that he submitted and exhibit B, which is all before them, in addition to the comment, public testimony, and all the other submittals that have been submitted part of this case, and they would also have to have a supermajority.
Trustee Muller – Addressed concerns that if the gas station and the restaurant were separate entities, then the petitioner needed to add more bathrooms. Petitioner Daniels agreed to add more bathrooms.
The board again addressed their concerns with the gas station and restaurant hours and wanted clarification regarding video gaming in the ordinance.
Trustee Mason motioned to amend the ordinance to read that a condition of all the special use is being granted within this ordinance that, if a liquor license from the applicant is applied for and approved by the local liquor commissioner, there shall be placed a limit of one (1) gaming license, with a total of six (6) gaming machines for Lot 2. Trustee Schaller seconded the motion. .
The Mayor asked for a Voice Vote on the Amendment:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Mason, Lepore, Muller, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion passed.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll on the Amended Ordinance:
Ayes: (3) Trustees Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (2) Trustees Lepore and Muller
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion passed.
3. Motion to Approve a Proclamation Retroactively Celebrating Arbor Day, April 25, 2025 in the Village of Homer Glen.
Trustee Schaller motioned to approve the proclamation, Trustee Mason second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
4. Motion to Approve the Release of the Letter of Credit for Dunkin Donuts at 12129 W 159th Street in accordance with Village Code.
Trustee Muller motioned to approve the Release of the Letter of Credit, Trustee Lepore second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
5. Motion to Approve Payment of an Invoice for the Heroes Trail West Expansion Project in the Amount of $57,955.42 to be Paid to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Trustee Mason motioned to approve the payment, Trustee Schaller second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
6. Motion to Approve Resolution No. 26-006, Approving the Following Executive Session Minutes: September 24, 2025, October 8, 2025, and October 22, 2025. The Executive Session Minutes Still Require Confidential Treatment and are not to be Released.
Trustee Lepore motioned to approve Resolution No. 26-006, Trustee Muller second.
The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
M. OLD BUSINESS – None
N. NEW BUSINESS –
Trustee Schaller – Discussed obtaining long term law enforcement and requested that it be on the next agenda for the board to vote on.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike requested that Clerk Bielski reach out to the sports teams to have recognized at the next meeting under Community Recognition.
O. WORKSHOP – None
P. EXECUTIVE SESSION –
Trustee Lepore motioned to enter into executive session, Trustee Muller second.
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. to enter into executive session. The Board took a ten- minute recess.
1. Discussion Regarding Personnel
2. Discussion Regarding Pending and Ongoing Litigation
3. Discussion Regarding Public Utilities
4. Discussion Pertaining to Land Acquisition
5. Executive Session Minutes
The Board came out of executive session at 9:23 p.m. and no action had been taken.
Q. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Mason motioned to adjourn, Trustee Lepore second.
Voice Vote:
Ayes: (5) Trustees Muller, Lepore, Mason, Holzhauser, and Schaller.
Nays: (0)
Abstained: (0)
Absent: (1) Trustee Rose Reynders
Present: (0)
The motion carried
The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
https://www.homerglenil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252026-3098
