Elwood public meetings in 2021

Planning and Zoning Commission

This is a procedural agenda with no specific items listed. The commission will handle routine matters including call to order, roll call, minutes, and public comments.

• Public comments limited to two minutes per person

Finance Committee

The committee will review unpaid invoice reports for January 12, 2022, and paid invoice reports from November and December 2021. Members will also review and provide recommendations on the monthly financial report.

• Review of Unpaid Invoice Report for 01/12/2022
• Review of Paid Invoice Reports (11/23/2021–11/30/2021 and 12/02/2021–12/20/2021)
• Review of Monthly Financial Report

The Finance Committee approved the November 23, 2021 minutes and voted to send the unpaid invoice report ($92,349.79), paid invoice report ($393,804.21), and November 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for consideration on January 12, 2022. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved November 23, 2021 meeting minutes
• Sent unpaid invoice report ($92,349.79) to Village Board
• Sent paid invoice report ($393,804.21) to Village Board
• Sent November 2021 monthly financial report to Village Board

Joint Review Board of the Deer Run Industrial Park Economic Development Project Area TIF Disclosure

The Joint Review Board of the Deer Run Industrial Park TIF district will hold its annual meeting to review financial activity in the redevelopment district for Fiscal Year 2021, as required by state statute. The meeting is open to the public, and attendees with disabilities may request accommodations from the Village Clerk.

• Annual review of Deer Run Industrial Park TIF district finances for FY2021
• Public input invited at the meeting
• Meeting to be held at Elwood Village Hall, 401 E. Mississippi Avenue

Joint Review Board of the Deer Run Industrial Park Economic Development Project Area TIF Disclosure

The Joint Review Board of the Deer Run Industrial Park TIF District is holding its annual meeting to review financial activity in the redevelopment district for Fiscal Year 2021, as required by state statute. The agenda includes appointing a public member, electing a chairperson, reviewing minutes, and hearing a compliance report. This is a routine annual oversight meeting.

• Review of financial activity for Fiscal Year 2021
• Presentation of report on compliance with Public Act 85-1142 for period ended April 30, 2021
• Village President's certification and Legal Counsel's opinion
• Public comments opportunity

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board is meeting to review routine reports and consider several action items, including a liability insurance proposal for 2022-2023 and authorization to hire a full-time police officer. The agenda also includes a closed session for personnel, collective bargaining, real estate, and litigation matters.

• Consideration of liability insurance proposal for January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023
• Authorization to hire a full-time police officer
• October 2021 financial report review
• Paid invoices totaling $3,470,152.75 (Oct 23-Nov 9) and $6,353.17 (Nov 11-19)
• Unpaid invoices totaling $75,197.27

The Village Board approved the liability insurance proposal for January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2023, in the amount of $176,605, reflecting a 6.6% premium increase. The Board also authorized the hiring and appointment of Ashley D. Rossi as a full-time police officer. The consent agenda was approved, including bills paid totaling $3,476,505.92 and unpaid invoices of $75,197.27. No public comments or presentations were made.

• Approved the Consent Agenda, including minutes, paid invoices totaling $3,476,505.92, and unpaid invoices of $75,197.27.
• Approved the liability insurance proposal for 2022-2023 in the amount of $176,605.
• Authorized the hire and appointment of Ashley D. Rossi as a full-time police officer.
• Removed the November 10, 2021 Closed Session Minutes from the Consent Agenda for consideration.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Elwood Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to discuss several planning topics, including zoning districts, the comprehensive plan, industrial development, a Union Pacific Railroad easement, and village parks. No formal decisions or public hearings are listed on the agenda; the meeting appears to be primarily for discussion and reports.

• Discussion of Elwood Zoning Districts
• Discussion of Comprehensive Plan
• Discussion of Industrial Development
• Discussion of Union Pacific Railroad Easement
• Discussion of Village Parks

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the August 24, 2021 meeting as presented. The Commission discussed potential amendments to the Village's residential zoning ordinance, including rules for three-car garages and modular homes, and agreed to review amendments and make recommendations to the Village Board. They also discussed updating the Comprehensive Plan and received updates on several industrial developments, including Jackson Generation, Central States Communications Tower, and Centerpoint Container Yards 4 and 5. No formal decisions were made on these discussion items.

• Approved the minutes of the August 24, 2021 meeting as presented.
• Discussed potential amendments to the residential zoning ordinance regarding three-car garages and modular homes; no action taken.
• Discussed updating the Comprehensive Plan for unincorporated land; no action taken.
• Received updates on industrial developments: Jackson Generation, Central States Communications Tower, Centerpoint Container Yard 4 and 5; no action taken.
• Discussed Union Pacific Railroad easement concerns and Village's submitted requests; no action taken.
• Discussed potential change of Community Garden to miniature golf course; no action taken.
• Discussed $10,000 grant for multi-use learning facility; no action taken.
• Adjourned the meeting.

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and recommend approval of unpaid and paid invoices, as well as the monthly financial report. The agenda is routine financial oversight, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 12/01/2021
• Review of paid invoice reports for 10/23/2021-11/09/2021 and 11/11/2021-11/22/2021
• Review of monthly financial report

The Finance Committee approved the October 26, 2021 meeting minutes and voted to send the unpaid invoice report ($76,160.47), the paid invoice report ($3,476,505.92), and the October 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for consideration on December 1, 2021. All motions carried. No other business or public comments were recorded.

• Approved the October 26, 2021 meeting minutes as presented.
• Approved sending the unpaid invoice report ($76,160.47) to the Village Board for December 1, 2021 consideration.
• Approved sending the paid invoice report ($3,476,505.92) to the Village Board for December 1, 2021 consideration.
• Approved sending the October 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for December 1, 2021 consideration.
• Approved adjournment of the meeting.

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Elwood Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to consider minutes from September 22, 2021, and to discuss upcoming events and programs, including the BMX track, community garden/miniature golf, and the tree lighting parade. The meeting is open to public comments.

• Consideration of meeting minutes from September 22, 2021
• Discussion of BMX track
• Discussion of community garden/miniature golf
• Discussion of tree lighting parade

The Park and Recreation Committee approved the September 22, 2021 meeting minutes. They discussed upcoming projects: the Village Board approved a BMX track at Lloyd Erickson Park, and the Park Board approved a miniature golf course at the Community Garden, which will be presented to the Village Board for approval and 2022 budgeting. The Village received a $1,000 grant from Com Ed for the Christmas parade, and the Village Board approved a 5:30 pm start time for Park Board meetings starting January 2022.

• Approved September 22, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Village Board approved BMX track at Lloyd Erickson Park
• Park Board approved miniature golf course at Community Garden; to be presented to Village Board
• Village received $1,000 Com Ed grant for Christmas parade
• Village Board approved 5:30 pm start time for Park Board meetings starting January 2022

Village Board

The Village Board of Trustees will conduct a special meeting and public hearing regarding the 2021 property tax levy. The board will also review an audit presentation and consider an ordinance approving the levy amount.

• Public Hearing: 2021 Property Tax Levy Increase
• Audit Presentation: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by Lauterbach & Amen
• Ordinance to approve the 2021 Property Tax Levy
• Review of paid invoices totaling $732,580.65 from September 28 to October 22
• Oath of Office for Officer Robert Wellen

The Elwood Village Board approved the 2021 Property Tax Levy of $539,694, a 71.12% increase over the previous year's $315,395, to capture additional revenue from a reassessed power plant. The board also approved the consent agenda, the 2022 meeting schedule, and donations to holiday food baskets and the Jackson Township Twilighters. No public comments were made.

• Approved 2021 Property Tax Levy of $539,694 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and bills totaling $1,102,017.90
• Adopted 2022 regular meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved up to $2,600 donation for holiday food baskets with Jackson Township (unanimous)
• Approved $500 donation to Jackson Township Twilighters (unanimous)
• Administered Oath of Office to Officer Robert Wellen
• Closed session held; no actions taken afterward

Planning and Zoning Commission

The agenda for the October 26, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in Elwood, IL, indicates that the session was canceled. No specific decisions, discussions, or public hearings are listed because the meeting did not take place.

Finance Committee

The committee will review unpaid invoice reports, paid invoice reports, and the monthly financial report. The meeting also includes a presentation of the 2020-21 annual audit.

• Review and recommendation of Unpaid Invoice Report for 11/10/2021
• Review and recommendation of Paid Invoice Reports (09/28/2021–10/05/2021 and 10/07/2021–10/22/2021)
• Presentation of the 2020-21 Annual Audit
• Review of Monthly Financial Report

The Finance Committee approved the July 27, 2021 meeting minutes and forwarded the unpaid invoice report ($256,018.34), paid invoice report ($3,650,018.44), and the August 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for consideration on October 6, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made; other business items were listed but not discussed in detail.

• Approved July 27, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
• Sent unpaid invoice report of $256,018.34 to Village Board (motion carried)
• Sent paid invoice report of $3,650,018.44 to Village Board (motion carried)
• Sent August 2021 monthly financial report to Village Board (motion carried)

Elwood International Port Authority

The scheduled meeting for the Elwood International Port Authority on October 6, 2021, was canceled.

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board will review routine financial reports and consider several ordinances to abate taxes levied for 2021 to pay principal and interest on three series of general obligation refunding bonds. The board will also consider a BMX bike track, Halloween trick-or-treat hours, and a street sweeper purchase, along with declaring surplus equipment for sale. Public comments are limited to two minutes per person.

• Ordinance abating 2021 tax levy for $4,130,000 Taxable GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2021
• Ordinance abating 2021 tax levy for $3,805,000 Taxable GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2010A
• Ordinance abating 2021 tax levy for $6,470,000 GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2015
• Consideration of BMX bike track
• Street sweeper purchase and surplus ordinance

The Village Board approved three ordinances abating 2021 property taxes for bond payments, totaling over $1.7 million, and approved installing a BMX bike track in Lloyd Erickson Park at no material cost. They also set Halloween trick-or-treat hours for 3-7 pm on October 31 and authorized selling a surplus street sweeper at auction. All votes were unanimous.

• Adopted ordinance abating 2021 tax levy for $4,130,000 GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2021 (6-0)
• Adopted ordinance abating 2021 tax levy for $3,805,000 GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2010A (6-0)
• Adopted ordinance abating 2021 tax levy for $6,470,000 GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2015 (6-0)
• Approved BMX bike track in Lloyd Erickson Park at no material cost to Village (6-0)
• Set Halloween trick-or-treat hours for Oct 31, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (6-0)
• Adopted ordinance declaring 1997 Ford Cargo L-T CF-8000 sweeper surplus and authorizing sale at auction (6-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The September 28, 2021 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and public hearing has been canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and recommend approval of unpaid and paid invoices, as well as the monthly financial report. The agenda is routine financial oversight, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 10/06/2021
• Review of paid invoice reports for 08/24-08/31 and 09/02-09/27
• Review of monthly financial report
• Approval of minutes from 07/27/2021 meeting

The Finance Committee approved the July 27, 2021 minutes, the unpaid invoice report of $256,018.34, the paid invoice report of $3,650,018.44, and the August 2021 monthly financial report, all to be sent to the Village Board for consideration on October 6, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural.

• Approved July 27, 2021 meeting minutes
• Approved sending unpaid invoice report ($256,018.34) to Village Board
• Approved sending paid invoice report ($3,650,018.44) to Village Board
• Approved sending August 2021 monthly financial report to Village Board

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board is meeting to consider several ordinances, including a special tax levy for Special Service Area 1, a development and special use agreement, and a special use permit for a container/dray storage facility. They will also review financial reports, a street maintenance resolution, and a request from the fire district to reduce building permit fees. The agenda includes routine consent items and closed session discussions.

• Ordinance levying special tax for Special Service Area 1 for tax year 2021
• Ordinance authorizing development and special use agreement
• Ordinance approving special use for PUD to allow container/dray storage facility
• Resolution for street maintenance in the amount of $9,000
• Elwood Fire Protection District request for reduction in building permit fees

The Village Board approved a special use permit for CenterPoint's container/dray storage facility at Noel and Patterson Roads, along with a development agreement that uses a one-time payment to redeem the Village's 2021 bond debt of approximately $4.2 million. The board also adopted the SSA 1 tax levy for 2021 at $1,031,684, approved a $9,000 MFT appropriation for road maintenance, and waived $41,560 in building permit fees for the Elwood Fire Protection District. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved SSA 1 special tax levy for 2021 at $1,031,684 (5-0)
• Approved development and special use agreement with CenterPoint to redeem 2021 bond debt (5-0)
• Approved special use permit for CenterPoint container/dray storage PUD at Noel and Patterson Roads (5-0)
• Approved $9,000 MFT appropriation for street maintenance (5-0)
• Waived $41,560 in building permit fees for Elwood Fire Protection District (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bills paid and unpaid reports (5-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development. The proposal involves a container storage and chassis/dray storage facility that allows stacking up to five high.

• Special Use Permit for a Container Storage Facility and Chassis / Dray Storage Facility
• Planned Unit Development in the I-3 Zoning District
• Proposed use of approximately 123.965 acres at the northwest corner of Noel and Patterson Roads
• Consideration of May 26, 2021, Special Meeting minutes

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a container storage and chassis/dray storage facility on 123.965 acres at the northwest corner of Noel and Patterson Roads. The recommendation includes several exceptions to the zoning ordinance, such as allowing stacking up to five high and wider entrances. The report will be sent to the President and Board of Trustees for final decision.

• Approved minutes of May 26, 2021 meeting (5-0)
• Opened public hearing for Special Use Permit (6-0)
• Closed public hearing (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Use Permit for PUD with conditions (6-0)
• Recommended approval of report to President and Board of Trustees (6-0)

Village Board

The Village Board of Trustees will review financial reports and various department updates. The board will also consider a resolution for the Children’s Garden Expansion and Multi-Use Learning Center Project.

• Resolution for ComEd Green Region Program participation
• Review of June 2021 Financial Report
• Presentation of paid invoices totaling $983,367.85
• Presentation of unpaid invoices totaling $279,240.80
• Oath of office for Sergeant Marc Reid

The Village Board approved a resolution to participate in the ComEd Green Region Program for the Children's Garden Expansion and Multi-Use Learning Center Project, accepting a $10,000 grant that requires a matching contribution. The board also approved the consent agenda, confirmed the appointment of Valerie Darin to the Park and Recreation Committee, and went into closed session for pending litigation, taking no action afterward.

• Approved resolution authorizing participation in ComEd Green Region Program for Children's Garden expansion (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and bill reports (5-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Valerie Darin to Park and Recreation Committee (5-0)
• Moved into closed session for pending litigation (5-0)
• Reconvened open session with no actions taken

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Elwood Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to consider minutes from May and discuss several park-related projects, including a BMX track, skate park, dog park, and the potential formation of a park district. Fundraising efforts are also on the agenda. The meeting is primarily a discussion session with no final decisions listed.

• Consideration of May 26, 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion of BMX track
• Discussion of skate park
• Discussion of dog park
• Discussion of forming a park district and fundraising

The committee discussed plans for a BMX/skate track at Lloyd Erickson Park, with donated clay dirt, and will present the proposal to the Village Board for approval. The committee decided not to form a park district and to keep the village garden as a garden rather than convert it to a dog park. A $10,000 ComEd grant was received for a Multi-Use Learning Center, with matching funds and donations from Austin Tyler and JPower. The minutes from May 26, 2021, were approved.

• Approved May 26, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed BMX/skate track at Lloyd Erickson Park; to present to Village Board
• Decided not to form a park district at this time
• Decided to keep village garden as a garden, not a dog park

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Elwood Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to discuss and hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning text amendment. The agenda lists only this item, so the meeting is focused on that potential change to local zoning rules.

• Public hearing on zoning text amendment
• Meeting at 401 E. Mississippi Avenue, Elwood, IL

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and make recommendations on unpaid and paid invoices, as well as the monthly financial report. The agenda is routine financial oversight, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 08/11/2021
• Review of paid invoice reports from 06/26/2021 to 07/06/2021 and 07/08/2021 to 06/26/2021
• Review of monthly financial report

The Finance Committee approved the June 26, 2021 minutes, and voted to forward the unpaid invoice report ($279,240.80), paid invoice report ($983,367.85), and the June 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for consideration on August 11, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made; other business items were only listed.

• Approved June 26, 2021 meeting minutes
• Forwarded unpaid invoice report of $279,240.80 to Village Board (motion carried)
• Forwarded paid invoice report of $983,367.85 to Village Board (motion carried)
• Forwarded June 2021 monthly financial report to Village Board (motion carried)

Elwood International Port Authority

The Elwood International Port Authority is meeting to discuss regional truck routes, active and upcoming development projects, and area construction, as presented by the village engineer. The public works director will also report on seasonal issues and general maintenance. The agenda includes public comments and approval of minutes from the previous year.

• Discussion of regional truck routes map
• Update on active development projects and upcoming projects
• Report on area construction projects
• Public works report on seasonal issues and general maintenance

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board is meeting to consider routine consent items, a street maintenance resolution, and an ordinance on architectural seals for single-family homes. The agenda also includes public comments, department reports, and a closed session for personnel, property, and legal matters.

• Consent agenda includes paid invoices totaling $1,501,611.87 and unpaid invoices of $103,025.76
• Resolution for maintenance of streets and highways in the amount of $75,900
• Ordinance amending code regarding architectural seals for single-family residential construction
• Certificate of Recognition for Daniel Bosonetta
• Closed session for employee matters, collective bargaining, real estate, and litigation

The Village Board approved a resolution to spend $75,900 from its Motor Fuel Tax account on road maintenance, including rock salt, calcium chloride, and street lights. The board also adopted an ordinance requiring architectural seals for single-family residential construction. The consent agenda, including bills and minutes, was approved.

• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes and bill reports totaling $1,501,547.87 in paid and unpaid invoices.
• Adopted an ordinance amending the Village Code to require architectural seals for single-family residential construction.
• Approved a resolution for maintenance of streets and highways in the amount of $75,900 from the Motor Fuel Tax account.

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and recommend approval of unpaid and paid invoices, as well as the monthly financial report. The agenda is routine financial oversight with no major policy decisions.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 07/07/2021
• Review of paid invoice reports from 05/22/2021 to 06/01/2021 and 06/03/2021 to 06/25/2021
• Review of monthly financial report

The Finance Committee approved sending the unpaid invoice report ($103,025.76), paid invoice report ($1,501,641.87), and the May 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for consideration on July 7, 2021. All motions carried unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved April 27, 2021 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Forwarded unpaid invoice report of $103,025.76 to Village Board (motion carried)
• Forwarded paid invoice report of $1,501,641.87 to Village Board (motion carried)
• Forwarded May 2021 monthly financial report to Village Board (motion carried)

Planning and Zoning Commission

This meeting of the Village of Elwood Planning and Zoning Commission, scheduled for June 22, 2021, was canceled. No business was conducted or discussed.

• Meeting canceled

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board is meeting to consider several items, including an ordinance for a special use for a full-service restaurant at 108 E. Mississippi Avenue, an insurance renewal, and a police vehicle purchase. They will also review financial reports and consider agreements with Surf Air Wireless for broadband internet. The agenda includes routine consent items and a closed session for personnel and legal matters.

• Special use ordinance for full-service restaurant at 108 E. Mississippi Avenue
• Insurance renewal plans for 2021-2022 with Alliant Mesirow
• Agreements with Surf Air Wireless for broadband internet (cooperation and right of way)
• Authorization to purchase a public safety vehicle
• Paid invoices totaling $99,361.69 and unpaid invoices of $162,976.34

The Village Board approved the consent agenda, including bills totaling $262,344.13, and the 2021-2022 Alliant Mesirow insurance renewal with employees paying 25% of premiums. It adopted ordinances granting variances to the Elwood Fire Protection District for 309 W. Mississippi Street and a special use permit for La Pasadita Mexican Restaurant at 108 E. Mississippi Avenue. The Board also approved cooperation and right-of-way agreements with Surf Air Wireless for a fiber optic network, a police vehicle purchase, and the prevailing wage resolution.

• Approved consent agenda including bills totaling $262,344.13 (5-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 Alliant Mesirow insurance renewal with 25% employee premium share (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance granting variances to Elwood Fire Protection District for 309 W. Mississippi (5-0)
• Adopted special use permit for full-service restaurant at 108 E. Mississippi (5-0)
• Approved cooperation agreement with Surf Air Wireless for fiber optic network (5-0)
• Approved right-of-way use agreement with Surf Air Wireless (5-0)
• Adopted prevailing wage rates resolution (5-0)
• Approved purchase of police vehicle and equipment totaling $52,847 (5-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Elwood Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a special meeting to conduct public hearings on two requests: a zoning variation and variance for an accessory structure exceeding size and height limits in an R-1 residential district, and a special use permit for a full-service restaurant in the C-1 shopping district. After the hearings, the commission will vote on recommendations to the Village Board.

• Zoning variation for accessory structure over 1,000 sq ft in R-1 district
• Variance for accessory structure height of 35 feet in R-1 district
• Special use permit for full-service restaurant in C-1 district
• Public hearings with testimony and evidence
• Recommendations to Village Board on approval or denial

The Elwood Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of two variances for the Elwood Fire Protection District to build an accessory structure exceeding the 1,000 sq ft limit and height of 35 feet, and a special use permit for a full-service restaurant in the C-1 district. All motions passed 6-0. The recommendations will be forwarded to the Village President and Board of Trustees.

• Recommended approval of zoning variation for accessory structure exceeding 1,000 sq ft (6-0)
• Recommended approval of variance for accessory structure height of 35 feet (6-0)
• Recommended approval of report to President and Board of Trustees for two variances (6-0)
• Recommended approval of special use permit for full-service restaurant in C-1 district (6-0)
• Recommended approval of report to President and Board of Trustees for special use permit (6-0)

Parks & Recreation Committee

The committee will review the minutes from the January 28, 2021 meeting. Members will also discuss upcoming programs, grants, and developments regarding a BMX track and a skate park.

• Review of January 28, 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion regarding grants
• Discussion regarding BMX Track
• Discussion regarding Skate Park

The committee approved the January 27, 2021 meeting minutes unanimously. No grants were reported, and no new information was presented on the skate park. The BMX track discussion will continue with a meeting with USA BMX, and other items like the dog park and fundraising were listed for discussion but no decisions were made.

• Approved January 27, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:30 pm (unanimous)

Finance Committee

This Finance Committee meeting has been cancelled. The agenda was routine, covering approval of minutes, unpaid and paid invoice reports, and a monthly financial report.

• Meeting cancelled
• Review of unpaid invoices for 06/02/2021
• Review of paid invoices from 04/24/2021 to 05/21/2021
• Monthly financial report review

Village Board

The Village Board will administer the Oath of Office for the Village President and three Trustees. The meeting includes considerations for hiring three full-time police personnel and a professional engineering services agreement.

• Oath of Office for Village President Doug Jenco and Trustees Jodie Bertucci, Kendy Elberson, and Ron Schmidt
• Consideration of authorization to hire two full-time patrol officers and one full-time police supervisor
• Consideration of Baxter & Woodman professional agreement for Village Engineering Services
• Review of March 2021 Financial Report
• Presentation of unpaid invoice report totaling $87,416.65

The Village Board approved a new employment agreement for Police Chief Fred Hayes extending his service to May 1, 2025, and authorized the hiring of two full-time police officers and one police sergeant. The board also renewed the engineering services contract with Baxter & Woodman and confirmed appointments to the WESCOM board and Planning and Zoning Commission. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Police Chief Employment Agreement extending Chief Hayes to May 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Baxter & Woodman Professional Agreement for engineering services (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Robert Wellen as full-time Police Officer (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Joshua Vancina as full-time Police Officer (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Marc Reid as Police Sergeant (unanimous)
• Confirmed appointment of Kendy Elberson to WESCOM Executive Board (unanimous)
• Confirmed appointment of Michael Norton to Planning and Zoning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including minutes and bills (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

This meeting of the Elwood Planning and Zoning Commission, scheduled for April 27, 2021, was canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and make recommendations on unpaid and paid invoices, as well as the monthly financial report. The agenda is largely procedural, involving standard financial oversight duties.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 05/05/2021
• Review of paid invoice reports from 03/27/2021 to 04/06/2021 and 04/08/2021 to 04/23/2021
• Review of monthly financial report

The Finance Committee approved the March 30, 2021 meeting minutes and voted to send the unpaid invoice report ($87,416.65), paid invoice report ($114,677.94), and the March 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for consideration on May 5, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made; other business items were listed but not discussed in detail.

• Approved March 30, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
• Approved sending unpaid invoice report ($87,416.65) to Village Board for May 5, 2021 consideration
• Approved sending paid invoice report ($114,677.94) to Village Board for May 5, 2021 consideration
• Approved sending March 2021 monthly financial report to Village Board for May 5, 2021 consideration

Elwood International Port Authority

The Elwood Village Board will hold a final reading and vote on the annual budget for May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022, and consider authorizing the hiring of two part-time police officers. The board will also review financial reports, approve routine bills, and hear department updates. A closed session is scheduled for personnel, real estate, and litigation matters.

• Final read of ordinance approving annual budget for May 1, 2021–April 30, 2022
• Authorization to hire two part-time police officers
• Paid invoice reports totaling $1,237,869.58 and $53,357.16
• Unpaid invoice report totaling $662,623.44
• National Public Works Week proclamation

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board will hold a final reading and vote on the annual budget for May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022, and consider authorizing the hire of two part-time police officers. The board will also review financial reports, approve routine bills, and hear department updates. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, real estate, and litigation matters.

• Final reading of ordinance approving annual budget for May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022
• Authorization to hire two part-time police officers
• Paid invoice reports: $1,237,869.58 (Feb 20 – Mar 2) and $53,357.16 (Mar 4 – Mar 26)
• Unpaid invoice report: $662,623.44
• National Public Works Week proclamation

The Elwood Village Board approved the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021, and ending April 30, 2022, as a final read. The board also considered authorizing the hiring of two part-time police officers, but no final action was recorded in the minutes. The consent agenda included approval of minutes and payment of bills, but specific outcomes were not detailed.

• Approved annual budget for May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022 (final read)
• Consent agenda approved (minutes, bills paid/unpaid) – no separate vote recorded
• Considered hiring two part-time police officers – no action recorded

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and recommend approval of unpaid and paid invoices, as well as the monthly financial report. The agenda is routine financial oversight with no major policy decisions.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 04/07/2021
• Review of paid invoice reports from 02/20/2021 to 03/26/2021
• Review of monthly financial report

The Finance Committee approved the February 23, 2021 meeting minutes and voted to send the unpaid invoice report ($662,623.44) and the paid invoice report ($1,291,226.74) to the Village Board for consideration on April 7, 2021. The committee also approved the February 2021 monthly financial report for forwarding to the Village Board. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned.

• Approved the February 23, 2021 meeting minutes as presented.
• Approved sending the unpaid invoice report ($662,623.44) to the Village Board for April 7, 2021 consideration.
• Approved sending the paid invoice report ($1,291,226.74) to the Village Board for April 7, 2021 consideration.
• Approved sending the February 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for April 7, 2021 consideration.

Planning and Zoning Commission

This Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and public hearing, scheduled for March 23, 2021, was canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Village Board

The Village Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming annual budget. The board will also consider several ordinances related to municipal fees, property sales, and highway maintenance.

• Public hearing for May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022 Budget
• Ordinance for new municipal fees and repeal of Ordinance 876
• Ordinance authorizing the sale of surplus Village-owned real property
• Authorization to purchase a video storage server for police cameras
• Presentation of unpaid invoices totaling $151,889.81

The Village Board held a public hearing and reviewed the proposed FY 2021-2022 budget, but did not adopt it (first read only; final adoption scheduled for April 7, 2021). The Board adopted a resolution for work on state highways, an ordinance ceding private activity bonding authority, and an ordinance establishing new municipal fees (repealing Ordinances 876 and 1054). It also approved a plan review and inspection services proposal from B & F Construction Code Services, Inc., and authorized the purchase of a video storage server for the police department for $18,127.00.

• Adopted a resolution for location, construction, operation, and maintenance on state highways within the Village for 2021-2022.
• Adopted an ordinance ceding private activity bonding authority to the Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority.
• Adopted an ordinance establishing new municipal fees and repealing Ordinances 876 and 1054.
• Approved the B & F Construction Code Services, Inc. proposal for plan review and inspection services.
• Authorized the purchase and installation of a video storage server from Veloctia Technology for $18,127.00.
• Approved the appointment of Audrey Friebele to the Park and Recreation Committee for a four-year term.
• Approved the Consent Agenda, including minutes, bills paid ($102,482.43 total), and unpaid invoices ($151,889.81).
• Tabled the ordinance for sale of surplus real property (deal fell through, removed from agenda).

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and recommend approval of unpaid and paid invoices, as well as the monthly financial report. The agenda is primarily procedural, consisting of routine financial oversight items.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 03/03/2021
• Review of paid invoice reports from 01/22/2021 thru 02/02/2021 and 02/04/2021 thru 02/19/2021
• Review of monthly financial report

The Finance Committee approved the minutes from the January 26, 2021 meeting. It also voted to send the unpaid invoice report ($151,889.81), the paid invoice report ($102,482.43), and the January 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for consideration on March 3, 2021. No other business was discussed, and no public comments were made.

• Approved the January 26, 2021 meeting minutes as presented.
• Approved sending the unpaid invoice report ($151,889.81) to the Village Board for March 3, 2021.
• Approved sending the paid invoice report ($102,482.43) to the Village Board for March 3, 2021.
• Approved sending the January 2021 monthly financial report to the Village Board for March 3, 2021.

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board will consider several financial items, including a $5 million general obligation refunding bond ordinance, a municipal gas use tax agreement and ordinance, and new water meter fees. The board will also review the December 2020 financial report and a History Club donation. Presentations on grant procurement and Surf Broadband are scheduled, and a closed session is planned for personnel and other matters.

• Ordinance authorizing up to $5,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021
• Municipal Gas Use Tax Collection Agreement and ordinance to create a gas use tax
• Ordinance establishing new water meter fees and repealing Ord 928
• Paid invoices totaling $33,519.10 and unpaid invoices totaling $116,621.47
• Appointment of a Park and Recreation Committee member

The Village Board approved several financial measures, including a $5,000,000 general obligation refunding bond at 2.50% interest, a municipal gas use tax collection agreement with Nicor, and an ordinance creating the gas use tax. They also adopted new water meter fees, approved a $500 donation to the history club, and confirmed Molly Lopez to the Park and Recreation Committee. The meeting included a closed session with no actions taken afterward.

• Approved Municipal Gas Tax Collection Agreement with Nicor (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance creating Municipal Gas Use Tax (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance establishing new water meter fees, repealing Ord 928 (unanimous)
• Approved $500 donation to Elwood/Jackson History Club (unanimous)
• Confirmed Molly Lopez to Park and Recreation Committee for 4-year term (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including bills of $33,519.10 paid and $116,621.47 unpaid (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Committee

The Elwood Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to consider the minutes from November 18, 2020, and to discuss upcoming events and programs, including a sensory playground. The meeting is open to public comments and will be held via Zoom.

• Consideration of minutes from November 18, 2020
• Discussion of sensory playground

The Elwood Park and Recreation Committee approved the minutes from its November 18, 2020 meeting. Members discussed upcoming items including disc golf signage, grant research, entertainment for Elwood Days, and a potential BMX track, but no formal decisions were made on these topics.

• Approved November 18, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Elwood Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a meeting and public hearing on January 26, 2021, at 401 E. Mississippi Avenue. The agenda contains no specific items, so the meeting is likely procedural or will address matters raised at the hearing.

Finance Committee

The Elwood Finance Committee is meeting to review and make recommendations on the unpaid invoice report for 02/03/2021, the paid invoice report from 01/05/2021 through 01/22/2021, and the monthly financial report. They will also consider minutes from the 11/24/2020 meeting. The agenda is routine financial oversight with no major policy decisions listed.

• Review of unpaid invoice report for 02/03/2021
• Review of paid invoice report 01/05/2021 thru 01/22/2021
• Monthly financial report review
• Approval of minutes from 11/24/2020 meeting

Elwood International Port Authority

The meeting agenda includes the presentation of minutes from July 1, 2020. The board will also hear a development discussion and a report on seasonal issues from Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar.

• Presentation of July 1, 2020 minutes
• Development discussion
• Seasonal issues report by Larry Lohmar

Village Board

The Elwood Village Board is meeting to review routine reports and consider authorizing repairs to Well 10. The board will also vote on a consent agenda that includes approving paid and unpaid invoices totaling $164,052.24. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, real estate, and litigation matters.

• Authorization for Well 10 repairs – consideration
• Paid invoice report Nov 4–Dec 8, 2020: $49,979.65
• Paid invoice report Dec 10–Jan 3, 2020: $25,092.75
• Unpaid invoice report: $88,979.84
• November 2020 financial report – review

The Village Board unanimously approved a motion to authorize Municipal Well & Pump to replace the Well 10 motor and pump, including new piping and wiring, at a cost not to exceed $201,240. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes and bill reports. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports and acknowledgments.

• Approved $201,240 Well 10 motor and pump replacement (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and bill reports (6-0)