Galesburg Reporter

New Lenox Township Board met Sept. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order

Supervisor Hickey asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Call to Order/Roll Call

Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; present were Trustees Boban, Trustee Kaupas, Trustee Wennlund, Supervisor Hickey. Trustee Hilton arrived at 7:01p.m.

Elected and appointed officials present: Highway Commissioner Sly, Legal Counsel Michael Pascarella, Linda Stellwagen( filling in for Clerk) and Auditor Matt Bruns.

III. Approval of Minutes

Motion by Trustee Wennlund; seconded by Trustee Boban to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of August 09, 2018 as presented; no further discussion; all others in favor; none opposed (Trustee Hilton not present for this vote); motion carried.

IV. Special Guest/Public Comments

Supervisor Hickey asked if there were any comments from the public, a gentleman in the audience asked the board to speak loudly so they could be heard.

Trustee Hilton arrived at 7:01 p.m.

Ms. Broderick asked what happened to the bathrooms and where would one use one. Supervisor Hickey, explained that during construction we are using the ones at the senior building and or the food pantry. He further explained that the bathrooms would be painted tomorrow, we are waiting on the tile then once its tiled, the plumber will be able to install the fixtures and then stalls will be put in. After that they should be reopened. Supervisor Hickey reminded everyone where the washrooms were located.

V. Board Issues

A. FY 2017-2018 Audit Report Approval

Matt Bruns Certified Public Accountant from Bruns & Bruns ,Ltd. Presented the Annual Financial Report for the year ended March 31, 2018. Mr. Bruns reported that there are no major reporting changes. As a financial stand point, the Township’s debt financial position which has increased by about $300,000 shows that the townships equity has increased a little bit. It was about $500,000 last year, this year it’s about $300,000. Fund Balance went down a little this year, revenue was still up. There was more expenditure from the Road District however that was from finishing up some projects that got paid this year. He thanked staff for all their help. He asked for questions. Trustee Boban asked about getting an extension so that the board would have plenty enough time to review the Audit before approval. Mr. Bruns said he would put in for the extension.

B. Approval for Full-Time

Supervisor Hickey explained the need for full-time.

Motion by Trustee Wennlund, seconded by Trustee Kaupas to approve Linda Stellwagen (Office Manager) from a part-time position to a full-time position. No further discussion; all in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

C. Approval of Marshall Cemetery Tree Removal Bid

Two bids were received one from Homer in the amount of $3,275 and one from Stumps in the amount of $4,250 for removal of an Oak Tree, Two Ash Trees, a Cherry Tree and Five Scrub trees.

A motion was made by Trustee Wennlund, seconded by Trustee Kaupas, to accept the low bid from Homer in the amount of $3,275 for tree removal services.

No further discussion; On a roll call vote; Trustee Boban aye, Trustee Kaupas aye, Trustee Wennlund aye, Trustee Hilton aye and Supervisor Hickey aye, all in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

Supervisor Hickey shared with the board that at the Maplewood Cemetery a Walnut tree was hit by lightning. He has called TORMA they told him to get bids. He has contacted Homer and Stumps. It looks like by $5 Stumps will be the low bidder.

D. Approval for Bathroom Partitions

Specialty Direct has put a bid in for installation of Partitions and Grab Bars for both Bathrooms in the amount of $4,355.

A motion was made by Trustee Kaupas, seconded by Trustee Boban, to accept the bid from Specialty Direct. Discussion ensued; On a roll call vote; Trustee Boban aye, Trustee Kaupas aye, Trustee Wennlund aye, Trustee Hilton aye and Supervisor Hickey aye, all in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

VI. Reports from Township Officials

A. Supervisor

1. Supervisor Hickey reported the construction is coming along the office’s will be painted tomorrow, the carpet tiles will be installed in the office’s a week from tomorrow. The bathrooms will also be painted tomorrow they will be painting the top 3 feet, the bottom 5 feet will be tiled according to code.

2. Retrofitting of the Lights have been completed, the lights are now on sensors discussion ensued.

3. Supervisor Hickey shared that Road Commissioner Sly shared with him that he has had a request for an Honorary Street name be named after an individual (discussion ensued). He is looking for perhaps a

resolution from the board in support of the Commissioners decision.

Trustee Reports

1. Trustee Boban highlighted thoughts on how to compare actual cost saving from the retro fitted lighting.

Trustee Boban reported the third bin from County has been delivered for recycling, he is hoping that it does not get abused.

Electronics report, Trustee Boban stated, the program year-round is very well received by the community.

Mosquito Abatement the counts are still up. They will continue to monitor it; if needed another spraying may occur.

Safety Handbook is still in progress.

2. Trustee Kaupas reported that the foundation meeting will be held next Thursday, and she will be in attendance.

3. Trustee Wennlund stated that the tree issues have already been addressed.

Trustee Wennlund reported, that by the Supervisors request he is serving on the New Lenox Fire District Advisory Counsel. He reported that the Fire Protection District has considered bankruptcy and that’s a serious issue, it’s a matter of life and death. He stated that we have a responsibility to the residents of New Lenox township to provide a timely response for life and death situations. He strongly feels that we all need to support the referendum on the ballot in November. The committee is working very hard to get the information out there, to make this a successful referendum.

4. Trustee Hilton reported that 647 rides in August and 612 rides in July were utilized. They are very happy with the new Van. She understands there is a need for some part-time help servicing the riders, but with it being on short notice and not consistent times that it’s hard to find.

B. Clerk Smith absent

C. Highway Commissioner Sly reported, Summer is over, they are trying to wrap things up. They are still working on some drainage work, sidewalks and curbs.

D. Assessor Hernandez was absent however she provided Supervisor Hickey with preliminary values from the County for the 2018 assessed value the preliminary number is $1,577,292,321.

VII. Report from Attorney no report

VIII. Approval of Bills

A motion was made by Trustee Wennlund, seconded by Trustee Kaupas, to accept and pay all bills and late bills as presented. No further discussion; on a roll call vote; Trustee Boban aye, Trustee Kaupas aye, Trustee Wennlund aye, Trustee Hilton aye and Supervisor Hickey aye, all in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

IX. Other Business

No other business was brought forward.

X. Adjournment/Executive Session; Possible Land Acquisition

There being no further business to come before this Board, Supervisor Hickey asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting and go into Executive Session. Motion made by Trustee Wennlund, seconded by Trustee Kaupas. All in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

Open Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

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