Will County public meetings in 2024

Forest Preserve Board Regular Meeting for Leisa

The Board of Commissioners will review a deed transfer for 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve and the 2025 fee schedule. The body is also considering several contracts for capital improvements and vehicle purchases.

• Resolution No. 24-19: Accepting 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve from the Illinois Department of Nature Resource
• Ordinance No. 674: Public Utility License No. 24-13 for Commonwealth Edison to install four utility poles in Hadley Valley Preserve
• Task Order No. 24-03: Up to $394,880.00 to Christopher Burke Engineering, Ltd. for Isle a La Cache improvements
• Contract for $102,311.00 to Sutton Ford for two 2024 Ford F-250 pickup trucks
• Ordinance No. 675: Adopting the 2025 Fee Schedule

Stormwater Management Planning Committee - Regular Meeting - Cancelled

The Will County Stormwater Management Planning Committee's regular meeting scheduled for December 26, 2024 was cancelled. No agenda items were presented, and the next meeting is set for January 23, 2025.

Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners - Re-Organizational Meeting

The Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners will hold a re-organizational meeting to adopt organizational rules, elect a president and officers, and review November 2024 financial statements.

• Adoption of Forest Preserve District of Will County Organizational Rules
• Election of President of the Forest Preserve District
• Election of Officers of the Forest Preserve District
• Schedule of Bills - November 2024
• Monthly Financial Statements - November 2024

The Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners held its re-organizational meeting, electing Destinee Ortiz as President and Judy Ogalla as Vice President for the first and second one-year terms, respectively. The board also approved organizational rules, appointed officers and committee chairs, and approved the November 2024 schedule of bills. A motion to appoint Julie Berkowicz and Jackie Traynere as president and vice president was defeated.

• Approved organizational rules (unanimous)
• Elected Destinee Ortiz as President and Judy Ogalla as Vice President (13-8)
• Defeated motion to appoint Julie Berkowicz and Jackie Traynere as President/Vice President (10-11)
• Appointed Mica Freeman as Secretary (19-2)
• Defeated motion to appoint Dawn Bullock as Treasurer (10-11)
• Appointed Julie Berkowicz as Treasurer (19-2)
• Appointed Sherry Newquist as Finance Chair and Vince Logan as Finance Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved November 2024 schedule of bills (unanimous)

Will County Board - Recessed Meeting

The Will County Board will conduct an open public hearing for land‑use cases, considering three separate ordinances that amend the county zoning ordinance for specific properties. It will also review and approve several contract awards and professional‑services agreements for countywide maintenance and road design projects. The meeting includes routine approvals such as minutes, appointments, and committee scheduling.

• Ordinance amending zoning for Midwest Capital Investments LLC – special use permit for ancillary liquor service and setback variance (ZC‑24‑076)
• Ordinance amending zoning for Victor H Lule Huerta – map amendment from R‑4 to C‑3 and multiple variances (ZC‑24‑074)
• Ordinance amending zoning for Jackson Creek Fellowship Church – special use permit for dynamic digital display and sign variances (ZC‑24‑067)
• Resolution 24‑325 confirming award of contract for countywide Bituminous Patching material
• Resolution 24‑330 adopting IDOT resolution using $4,817,920.00 MFT funds for highway maintenance

The Will County Board approved the Access Will County Plan (24-340) by a 12-9 vote, authorizing the countywide transportation plan. The board also approved a one-year intergovernmental agreement with PACE for paratransit Dial-a-Ride services (24-339) by a 17-3 vote, with one abstention. A motion to postpone the plan was defeated 10-11, and a motion to revert to a prior resolution (23-313) was also defeated 10-11.

• Approved Access Will County Plan (24-340) (12-9)
• Approved PACE paratransit IGA (24-339) (17-3, 1 abstention)
• Defeated motion to postpone Access Will County Plan (10-11)
• Defeated motion to revert to Resolution 23-313 (10-11)
• Approved West River Road supplemental engineering agreement (24-331) (20-1)
• Approved MFT funds for West River Road engineering (24-332) (20-1)
• Approved David Oxley appointment to fill District 5 vacancy (unanimous)
• Approved three zoning cases (ZC-24-076, ZC-24-074, ZC-24-067) (unanimous)

WC Democratic Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Board Democratic Caucus will hold a special meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. The group will also review old business regarding various organizations and member salaries.

• Discussion of County Board Member Salary
• Review of U.C.C.I, NACo, I.S.A.C.O, and Access Will County
• Discussion of County Board Agenda

The Will County Board Democratic Caucus met on December 18, 2024, and approved the minutes from the November 20, 2024 special meeting. They discussed renewing the U.C.C.I membership, which was secured at a reduced cost of $4,000 due to a refund. No formal votes were taken on other substantive matters; the meeting focused on discussions about the Access Will County plan, county board member salaries, and upcoming agenda items.

• Approved minutes of Nov 20, 2024 special meeting (6-0)
• Renewed U.C.C.I membership at $4,000 (discussed, no formal vote)
• Adjourned at 6:23 PM (unanimous)

WC Republican Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Board Republican Caucus is holding a special meeting to discuss various County Board agendas. The discussion will cover multiple committees including Finance, Land Use & Development, and Public Health & Safety.

• Discussion of Land Use & Development agenda
• Discussion of Finance agenda
• Discussion of Public Works & Transportation agenda
• Discussion of Public Health & Safety agenda
• Discussion of Capital Improvements & IT and Landfill agendas

The Will County Republican Caucus met on December 17, 2024, and approved minutes from two prior meetings. Members discussed the County Board agenda, including plans to remove items 7 through 14 from the consent agenda for individual discussion, concerns about Access Will County items, and a proposed change to the County Board meeting time to 9:00 a.m. No formal votes were taken on these agenda items during the caucus.

• Approved minutes of Sep 18, 2024 special meeting (7-0)
• Approved minutes of Oct 15, 2024 special meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed removing items 7-14 from consent agenda (no vote)
• Discussed removing items 3-4 (Access Will County) from consent agenda (no vote)
• Discussed changing County Board meeting time to 9:00 a.m. (no vote)

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The commission will consider several variance requests for accessory buildings and lot sizes. The body is also reviewing special use permits for three commercial solar energy facilities and a rural events venue.

• Special use permits for commercial solar energy facilities at 6952 W Bruns Rd, Vacant W Smith Road, and Vacant New Lenox Road
• Special use permit for rural events at 14151 W Chicago-Bloomington Trail
• Special use permit for a group care home (max 6 residents) at 7551 W Hickory Creek Dr
• Variance for accessory building area at 20959 W McGilvray Dr (1,500 to 3,221 sq ft)
• Variance for accessory building area at 17138 Bluff Rd (1,800 to 3,802 sq ft)

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved three commercial solar energy facility special use permits, along with related variances, and denied a special use permit for a group care home. The solar permits were approved with conditions, including for a 52-acre facility in Monee Township (5-2), a facility on Smith Road in Manhattan Township (6-1), and a facility on New Lenox Road in Joliet Township (4-3). The commission also approved a variance for a large accessory building and chicken coop in Lockport Township, and a special use permit for rural events in Homer Township.

• Approved special use permit for commercial solar facility in Monee Township (5-2)
• Approved special use permit for commercial solar facility in Manhattan Township (6-1)
• Approved special use permit for commercial solar facility in Joliet Township (4-3)
• Denied special use permit for group care home in Frankfort Township (3-4)
• Approved variances for accessory building and setback in Lockport Township (7-0)
• Approved special use permit for rural events in Homer Township (7-0)
• Approved amendment to sign posting requirements for public hearings (7-0)

WC Executive Committee - Board Agenda Setting Meeting

The Will County Executive Committee will vote on an IDOT resolution that uses $4,817,920 of MFT funds for county‑wide maintenance material. It will also confirm award of contracts for bituminous patching, prime, aggregate, and sign materials, and approve supplemental professional services agreements for design engineering on West River Road and other projects. Additional items include raffle license waiver requests, intergovernmental agreements for paratransit and road improvements, and several zoning ordinance amendments and special‑use permits.

• Adopt IDOT Resolution for county‑wide maintenance material using $4,817,920 MFT funds (Item 10)
• Confirm award of contracts for bituminous patching, prime, aggregate, and sign materials (Items 5‑9)
• Approve supplemental professional services agreement with TERRA Engineering for Phase II design on West River Road and allocate $102,870 MFT funds (Items 11‑12)
• Review raffle license waiver provision requests from Belmont Athletic Club and Will County Beekeepers Association (Items 1‑2)
• Consider zoning ordinance amendments for special‑use permits, variances, and a dynamic digital display (Items 19‑21)

The Will County Executive Committee moved 25 items forward to the full County Board, including several road maintenance contracts, zoning cases, and appointments. The committee also approved a motion to add green landscaping to block illumination from a proposed digital sign at Jackson Creek Fellowship Church, and postponed naming the old courthouse property park. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved minutes from Nov 7 and Nov 14 meetings (11-0)
• Moved forward raffle license fee waivers for Belmont Athletic Club and Will County Beekeepers Association
• Moved forward delinquent tax program authorization
• Moved forward paratransit service intergovernmental agreement
• Moved forward 10 countywide maintenance material contracts and IDOT resolution using $4,817,920 in MFT funds
• Moved forward supplemental engineering agreements for West River Road, Laraway Road, 135th St, Bell Road, and Gougar Road projects
• Moved forward zoning case ZC-24-076 for special use permit for ancillary liquor at 23956 S. Route 53, Elwood
• Moved forward zoning case ZC-24-067 for dynamic digital display at Jackson Creek Fellowship Church, with added condition for green landscaping to block illumination

WC Committee of the Whole - Informational Meeting

The Will County Board Committee of the Whole will hold an informational meeting to receive presentations on the annual budgets of Pace, Metra, and the Regional Transportation Authority. The meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the County Board Room.

• PACE Annual Budget Presentation
• Metra Annual Budget Presentation
• RTA Annual Budget Presentation

The Will County Board Committee of the Whole held an informational meeting with presentations from Pace, Metra, and the RTA on their annual budgets. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for information and discussion only. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Land Use & Development Committee - Regular Meeting

The regular meeting scheduled for December 10, 2024, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2025.

Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners - Re-Organizational Meeting - Cancelled

The Re-Organizational Meeting scheduled for December 9, 2024, was cancelled. The agenda had included the election of officers and the approval of organizational rules.

• Approval of Forest Preserve District of Will County Organizational Rules
• Election of President and officers
• November 2024 Schedule of Bills

Historic Preservation Commission - Regular Meeting

The commission will discuss updates regarding the City of Joliet Historic Context Study and landmark monitoring. The body is also deciding on the 2025 meeting schedule and items for the annual meeting agenda.

• City of Joliet Historic Context Study update
• Landmark Monitoring update and discussion
• Approval of 2025 HPC Meeting Dates
• Review of Commissioner Reappointments/Appointments
• Bylaws and Ordinance updates review

The Will County Historic Preservation Commission heard a presentation from the Manhattan Park District about restoring the 100-foot round barn at Round Barn Farm, a Will County landmark. No formal action was taken on the project, but the commission discussed the upcoming certificate of appropriateness process. The commission also approved several administrative items, including the agenda, minutes, nominations for officers, and 2025 meeting dates.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes from Aug 7, 2024 (7-0)
• Nominated Dan Seggebruch for vice-chair (7-0)
• Nominated Gerianne Eck for secretary (7-0)
• Tabled election of officers to next meeting (7-0)
• Approved no changes to bylaws (7-0)
• Approved 2025 HPC meeting dates (7-0)

Stormwater Management Planning Committee - Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Planning Committee is meeting to approve funding for the 50/50 Project Program. The body will consider funding for drainage and pond projects in several townships and villages. The committee will also set its 2025 meeting schedule.

• Funding up to $25,000.00 for Village of Manhattan Trask Street Drainage Improvements
• Funding up to $17,000.00 for Village of Monee Court Street Culvert Replacement
• Funding up to $8,785.87 for Plainfield Township Williamsburg Subdivision Drainage Pipe Installation
• Second reimbursement of $607.06 for Village of Bolingbrook Town Center Pond Rehabilitation
• Second reimbursement of $607.06 for Wheatland Township Road District Clow Creek Industrial Park

The Stormwater Management Planning Committee approved funding for three 50/50 cost-share projects and the associated resolutions, all by unanimous 11-0 votes. It also approved the 2025 meeting schedule (fourth Thursday monthly at 10 AM). The meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Approved 50/50 funding for Plainfield Township Williamsburg Subdivision drainage pipe installation ($8,785.87) (11-0)
• Approved 50/50 funding for Village of Bolingbrook Town Center Pond Rehabilitation (2nd reimbursement) (11-0)
• Approved 50/50 funding for Wheatland Township Road District Clow Creek Industrial Park (2nd reimbursement) (11-0)
• Approved Resolution #24-06 for Plainfield Township project (11-0)
• Approved Resolution #24-09 for Bolingbrook project (11-0)
• Approved Resolution #24-10 for Wheatland Township project (11-0)
• Approved Resolution #24-07 for Village of Monee Court Street Culvert Replacement (11-0)
• Approved Resolution #24-11 for Village of Manhattan Trask Street Drainage Improvements (11-0)

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The Planning and Zoning Commission will review a variance request to reduce lot area, lot frontage, side yard setback, and street yard setback for 1312 Bruce Road. Staff recommends approval of all four variances to bring the property into compliance after an unpermitted garage was built. The commission will also consider several other zoning cases, map amendments, special‑use permits, and a temporary use permit for events.

• Variance request (V‑24‑257 to V‑24‑260) for 1312 Bruce Road, Lockport (lot area 10 acres to 1.25 acres, frontage 300 ft to 0 ft, side yard setback 50 ft to 16 ft, street yard setback 100 ft to 32 ft)
• Special‑use permit (S‑24‑082) for rural events at 14151 W Chicago‑Bloomington Trail, Homer Glen
• Special‑use permit (S‑24‑086) for a truck terminal at vacant property on W Lorenzo Rd, Wilmington
• Map amendment (M‑24‑018) and special‑use permit (S‑24‑085) for a truck terminal at 22645 Cherry Hill Road, New Lenox
• Temporary use permit (TUP‑24‑004) for weddings and events at 15839 W Doyle Road, Manhattan

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved four variances for a property at 1312 Bruce Road, allowing a shed built without a permit to remain despite neighbor objections. The commission also approved a map amendment and special use permit for a truck terminal in Wilmington Township, and tabled several other cases. The 2025 meeting schedule was approved.

• Approved variance for lot area from 10 acres to 1.25 acres (4-0)
• Approved variance for minimum lot frontage from 300 feet to 0 feet (4-0)
• Approved variance for side yard setback from 50 feet to 16 feet (4-0)
• Approved variance for street yard setback from 100 feet to 32 feet (4-0)
• Approved map amendment from A-1 to I-2 for Wilson Chemical Solutions (4-0)
• Approved special use permit for truck terminal for Wilson Chemical Solutions (4-0)
• Tabled special use permit for rural events for Paleothodoros (4-0)
• Approved 2025 meeting dates (4-0)

WC Republican Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Board Republican Caucus is holding a special meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. No other specific actions or decisions are listed.

• Discussion of the County Board Agenda

The Will County Republican Caucus held a special meeting and unanimously approved a motion to nominate Jim Richmond as the Republican Leader, with a 7-0 roll-call vote. Members discussed proposed County Board rules changes, including concerns about the Landfill Committee's status and unredlined changes, but no formal action was taken on the rules. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.

• Approved motion to nominate Jim Richmond as Republican Leader (7-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Will County Board - Reorganization Meeting

The Will County Board held a reorganization meeting to introduce newly elected officials, administer oaths of office, and adopt the 24-319 Governance Rules and Procedures. The board also nominated and elected its Speaker, Democratic Leader, and Republican Leader, and set a public comment period before adjourning.

• Adopt County Board Rules – 24-319 Governance Rules and Procedures
• Nomination and election of Board leadership (Speaker, Democratic Leader, Republican Leader)
• Motion to seat newly elected/re‑elected County Board members
• Motion to place on file the certificate of publication
• Public comment period

The Will County Board held its reorganization meeting, adopting a substantially amended set of governance rules (24-319) by a 19-1 vote. The board also elected Joe VanDuyne as County Board Speaker, Sherry Williams as Democratic Leader, and Jim Richmond as Republican Leader. The meeting was marked by extensive debate over the rules, with several amendments approved, including keeping the invocation, adding a consent agenda, and requiring both parties to share proposed rule changes before the reorganization meeting.

• Adopted amended County Board rules 24-319 (19-1)
• Elected Joe VanDuyne as County Board Speaker (19-1)
• Elected Sherry Williams as Democratic Leader (11-0)
• Elected Jim Richmond as Republican Leader (9-0)
• Approved motion to go through rules line-by-line (unanimous)
• Approved keeping the invocation (13-8)
• Approved adding a consent agenda (unanimous)
• Defeated motion to make Landfill Committee an Ad Hoc Committee (1-20)

Stormwater Management Planning Committee - Regular Meeting

The scheduled regular meeting of the Will County Stormwater Management Planning Committee for November 28, 2024 has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered at this time. The next meeting is set for December 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

Will County Board - Recessed Meeting

The Will County Board will consider the FY2025 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, along with several land‑use decisions, including a special‑use permit for a 3,590‑acre commercial solar project and a construction sales permit at 6525 W. Steger Road. Additional items include intergovernmental agreements for traffic‑signal maintenance in Monee and a $50,000 transportation appropriation for Gougar Road railroad‑crossing improvements. The meeting also features various levy authorizations and executive‑committee actions.

• Ordinance approving FY2025 Annual Budget and Appropriation (Item 24‑283)
• Special‑use permit and variances for AEUG Will Solar, LLC commercial solar facility (3,590.06 acres) – 62 parcels
• Special‑use permit for construction sales/services at 6525 W. Steger Road, Monee (Item ZC‑24‑078)
• Intergovernmental agreements with Village of Monee for traffic‑signal maintenance at Manhattan‑Monee Road intersections
• Appropriation of $50,000 for design and engineering of Gougar Road at‑grade railroad crossing improvements

The Will County Board postponed a decision on a 3,590-acre commercial solar energy facility (ZC-24-025) in Custer and Reed Townships until February 20, 2025, by a 12-8 vote. The board approved the FY2025 budget and multiple tax levies, and adopted a formal opioid program for distributing settlement funds. Several other land use, transportation, and administrative items were approved unanimously.

• Postponed AEUG Will Solar commercial solar facility decision to 2/20/2025 (12-8)
• Approved FY2025 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (18-2)
• Approved Corporate Fund Levy (18-2)
• Approved FICA, IMRF, Tort Immunity, Worker's Comp, TB Sanitarium, Health Dept, Highway, Bridge, Federal Aid, Mental Health levies (18-2 each)
• Adopted Will County Board Opioid Program (unanimous)
• Approved special use permit for construction sales/services at 6525 W. Steger Rd, Monee (19-0)
• Approved 2025 Comprehensive Noxious Weed Work Plan (19-0)
• Approved resolution supporting local food sources as alternative to South Suburban Airport (18-2)

WC Democratic Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Board Democratic Caucus is holding a special meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. The group will also review old business regarding U.C.C.I, NACo, and I.S.A.C.O.

• Discussion of County Board Agenda
• Review of U.C.C.I, NACo, and I.S.A.C.O business

The Will County Democratic Caucus unanimously approved a motion to suspend rules allowing Acciona Energy to present, and members voted to support tabling the solar facility proposal until February. The caucus also approved the October 16, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0). No other formal votes were taken; the meeting lacked a quorum.

• Approved Oct 16, 2024 caucus minutes (6-0)
• Approved motion to suspend rules for Acciona Energy presentation (unanimous)
• Supported tabling Acciona solar project until February (unanimous)

WC Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee - Special Meeting - Cancelled

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee scheduled a special meeting for November 19, 2024, but the meeting was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, voted on, or decided. The next meeting date has not been set.

WC Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee - Special Meeting

The Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee is meeting to review survey results regarding the naming of 14 W. Jefferson. The body will also hear a recommendation from Aneta Linko concerning the naming of the new park.

• Discussion of survey results for naming 14 W. Jefferson
• Recommendation for the naming of the new park by Aneta Linko

The Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee voted 3-1 to recommend naming the property at 14 W. Jefferson 'Courtside Plaza' to the Executive Committee. The vote followed a survey where Courtside Plaza received five votes, with one each for Lettie Burlingame Memorial Park and James B. Campbell Memorial Park. The motion will be considered by the Executive Committee on December 12, 2024.

• Approved minutes of Oct 15, 2024 special meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended 'Courtside Plaza' as name for property at 14 W. Jefferson to Executive Committee (3-1)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:40 AM (unanimous)

WC Republican Caucus - Special Meeting - Cancelled

The special meeting scheduled for November 19, 2024, has been cancelled. No decisions were made and no new meeting date has been determined.

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The commission is meeting to discuss various zoning requests, including special use permits and variances. Key items include a request for a digital display sign and a permit for liquor service at a restaurant.

• Special use permit and variances for a dynamic digital display sign at 25800 S. Center Rd, Monee
• Special use permit for ancillary liquor service and street setback variance at 23956 S. Route 53, Elwood
• Appeal of administrative decision regarding a special use permit extension at 1601 New Lenox Road, Joliet
• Lot frontage and side yard setback variances at 23246 Central Park Ave, Richton Park
• Map amendment from R-4 to C-3 and multiple variances at 3300 State Street, Lockport

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special use permit for a dynamic digital display at Jackson Creek Fellowship Church, along with three variances, but denied a variance for the sign's setback from the street right-of-way. The commission also approved an appeal of an administrative decision for a special use permit extension, a map amendment, and several other variances. All decisions were made with recorded votes.

• Approved special use permit for dynamic digital display at Jackson Creek Fellowship Church (6-0)
• Approved variance for sign area from 50% to 63% (5-1)
• Approved variance for setback from residential structure from 300 to 170 feet (6-0)
• Denied variance for setback from street right-of-way from 10 to 2 feet (3-3)
• Approved variance for sign height from 8 to 11 feet (4-2)
• Approved appeal of administrative decision for special use permit extension at 1601 New Lenox Rd (6-0)
• Approved map amendment from R-4 to C-3 at 3300 State St, Lockport (6-0)
• Approved special use permit for ancillary liquor service at 23956 S. Route 53, Elwood (6-0)

Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Forest Preserve District Board will vote on the FY 2025 Appropriation and Budget Ordinance No. 659 and adopt six levy ordinances for 2024. It will also consider three resolutions related to land transfers and future capital projects, and approve two contracts totaling $214,708.20 for ecological management and trail rehabilitation.

• Approval of Appropriation and Budget Ordinance No. 659 for FY 2025
• Adoption of Ordinance Nos. 660‑665 levies (Audit, Liability, IMRF, FICA, Corporate, C&D) for 2024
• Resolution No. 24‑20 to accept transfer of Parcel SUXP0A1 from Will County
• Resolution No. 24‑21 to accept donation of ~9.5‑acre parcel adjacent to Fiddyment Creek Preserve
• Award of $160,908.20 contract to Natural Resource Management, Inc. for overseeding at Forked Creek Preserve

The Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners approved the FY2025 appropriation and budget ordinance (No. 659) and six 2024 levy ordinances (Nos. 660-665) by a 19-1 vote, with Commissioner Balich dissenting. The board also approved several resolutions and contracts, including accepting a land donation and awarding a contract for ecological management at Forked Creek Preserve.

• Approved FY2025 budget ordinance No. 659 (19-1)
• Approved 2024 levies: audit, liability, IMRF, FICA, corporate, C&D (each 19-1)
• Approved resolution to accept transfer of parcel SUXP0A1 from Will County (unanimous)
• Approved donation of ~9.5-acre parcel adjacent to Fiddyment Creek Preserve (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to negotiate on parcels in 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program (unanimous)
• Awarded $160,908.20 contract to Natural Resource Management, Inc. for Forked Creek Preserve overseeding (unanimous)
• Approved $53,800 task order to Strand Associates for Old Plank Road Trail engineering (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of Interpretive Naturalist (unanimous)

WC Executive Committee - Board Agenda Setting Meeting

The Will County Executive Committee will meet to set the agenda for the County Board, including items on board appointments, engineering contracts, and the designation of a road as a freeway.

• Approval of County Executive appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission
• Approval of County Executive appointments to the Rock Creek Drainage District
• Authorizing renewal of professional engineering services contract with Baxter and Woodman
• Authorizing designation of Manhattan-Monee Road as a Freeway
• Declaring various county equipment surplus for disposal

The Will County Executive Committee adopted a program to distribute opioid settlement funds and moved multiple resolutions forward to the full County Board, including a resolution supporting local food sources as an alternative to the South Suburban Airport and designating Manhattan-Monee Road as a freeway. The committee also approved the amended County Board agenda before adjourning.

• Moved Extension of Term of Board of Review to County Board (11-0)
• Moved contract renewal for Baxter and Woodman engineering services to County Board (11-0)
• Moved appropriation for County Engineer's MFT salary to County Board (11-0)
• Moved surplus equipment disposal to County Board (11-0)
• Adopted program to distribute Opioid Settlement Agreement funds (11-0)
• Moved Allies for Agriculture resolution to County Board (11-0)
• Moved resolution supporting local food sources as alternative to South Suburban Airport to County Board (10-1)
• Moved designation of Manhattan-Monee Road as a freeway to County Board (9-1)

WC Ad-Hoc Access Will County Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Ad‑Hoc Access Will County Committee will discuss a resolution that supports an enhanced Will Ride program. The program is intended to provide transportation for elderly residents and individuals with physical impairments. The committee will vote on the resolution during the special meeting.

• Approval of minutes from the Oct 10, 2024 special meeting
• Resolution supporting an enhanced Will Ride program for the elderly and physically impaired

The Ad-Hoc Access Will County Committee reviewed a resolution aimed at enhancing the Will Ride transportation program for elderly and physically impaired residents. No final action was taken on the resolution, as members discussed potential amendments, funding, and service logistics. The committee agreed to continue discussions at a future meeting.

• Approved minutes from October 10, 2024 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:24 PM (4-0)

WC Legislative Committee - Regular Meeting

The Legislative Committee will consider two new business items: authorizing the State FY2025 Legislative Agenda and the Will County Health Department FY2025 State Legislative Agenda. No other decisions are listed. The meeting also includes routine reports, old business updates, and a public comment period.

• Authorize the State FY2025 Legislative Agenda (presented by Julie Berkowicz)
• Will County Health Department FY2025 State Legislative Agenda (presented by Elizabeth Bilotta)

The committee approved the minutes from the October 1 meeting and moved the State FY2025 Legislative Agenda forward for County Board consideration. Members received updates on federal and state legislative sessions and heard a presentation from the Will County Health Department regarding vaccine and overdose prevention goals.

• Approved Oct 1, 2024 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Moved State FY2025 Legislative Agenda forward to County Board (Unanimous)

WC Finance Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Finance Committee will review and vote on multiple appropriations, including grant allocations and a series of tax levies for various county funds. The agenda also includes a report on sales and cannabis taxes and a request to use contingency funds for the Merit Commission. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of the county’s annual budget and appropriation ordinance for the fiscal period Dec 1 2024 – Nov 30 2025.

• Appropriating DCEO grant funds (presented by Kathy Pecora)
• Appropriating Illinois State Board of Elections Voter Registration State Grant 2025 (Chuck Pelkie)
• Authorizing use of contingency funds for the Merit Commission (Pam Taylor)
• Tax levies for Federal Aid Matching, Bridge, Highway, Health, TB Sanitarium, Workers' Comp, Tort Immunity, IMRF, FICA, Corporate, and Community Mental Health Board (ReShawn Howard)
• Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for FY 2024‑25 (ReShawn Howard)

The Will County Finance Committee voted unanimously to move the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the County Board, with a directive to place $200,000 for Route 66 Centennial expenses into contingency funds. The committee also moved forward 17 tax levy resolutions, a DCEO grant appropriation, a voter registration grant, contingency funds for the Merit Commission, and other items. One levy, for the Community Mental Health Board, passed 5-1 with Member Berkowicz voting no. All items will be considered by the Will County Board on November 21, 2024.

• Moved 2025 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved $200,000 for Route 66 Centennial to contingency funds (unanimous)
• Moved Community Mental Health Board tax levy to County Board (5-1)
• Moved 16 other tax levies to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved DCEO grant appropriation to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved voter registration state grant appropriation to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved $17,000 contingency for Merit Commission to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Oct 1 and Oct 9 meetings (unanimous)

WC Public Health & Safety Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee will meet on November 12, 2024. The agenda includes approval of the October 8, 2024 committee minutes and several informational reports. The primary new‑business item is a proposal to increase private‑pay rates for Sunny Hill Nursing Home. The committee will discuss the rate increase.

• Proposal to increase private‑pay rates for Sunny Hill Nursing Home

The Public Health & Safety Committee unanimously moved forward a resolution to increase private pay rates for Sunny Hill Nursing Home, sending it to the Will County Board for final approval. The committee also approved the October 8, 2024 meeting minutes. Informational reports were discussed first due to lack of quorum, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved October 8, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Moved forward resolution to increase private pay rates for Sunny Hill Nursing Home (unanimous)

WC Land Use & Development Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Land Use & Development Committee will consider an ordinance amendment to grant a Special Use Permit for construction sales and services at 6525 W. Steger Road, Monee Township. The committee will also address a Letter of Credit release for Denler Unit 2 and authorize a second extension for a Special Use Permit at 2406 Offner Road, Beecher. Additional items include a solar status report, solar guidelines, and updates to the county's noxious weed work plan and land resource management plan.

• Ordinance amendment for Special Use Permit (S‑24‑083) at 6525 W. Steger Road, Monee Township
• Denler Unit 2 Letter of Credit Release
• Authorization of second extension (SEXT‑24‑009) for Special Use Permit ZC‑22‑003 at 2406 Offner Road, Beecher
• Solar status report and proposed "Solar Guidelines for the County"
• 2025 Will County Comprehensive Noxious Weed Work Plan update

The Will County Land Use & Development Committee approved a special use permit for Construction Sales and Services at 6525 W. Steger Road, Monee, IL (Case ZC-24-078/S-24-083) by a 6-0 vote. The committee also approved the release of a $2,830,624 letter of credit for the Denler Unit 2 subdivision, which was never recorded, and a second extension for a special use permit for McMann Farms. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

• Approved special use permit for Construction Sales and Services at 6525 W. Steger Road, Monee (6-0)
• Approved release of $2,830,624 letter of credit for Denler Unit 2 subdivision (6-0)
• Approved 2nd extension (SEXT-24-009) for special use permit for McMann Farms (6-0)
• Approved 2025 Will County Comprehensive Noxious Weed Work Plan (6-0)
• Approved minutes from Oct 8 and Oct 10, 2024 meetings (6-0)

Forest Preserve District Finance Committee - Regular Meeting

The committee will consider and vote on the Appropriation and Budget Ordinance No. 659 for fiscal year 2025 and six levy ordinances (Audit, Liability, IMRF, FICA, Corporate, C&D) for 2024. It will also review three resolutions concerning land acquisition: a parcel transfer from Will County, a donation of a ~9.5‑acre parcel near Fiddyment Creek Preserve, and authorizing staff to begin negotiations for parcels in the 2025‑2030 Capital Improvement Program. An executive session will address collective bargaining, land acquisition, litigation, personnel, and review of its minutes.

• Approve Appropriation and Budget Ordinance No. 659 for FY 2025
• Approve Ordinance No. 660‑665 levies for 2024 (Audit, Liability, IMRF, FICA, Corporate, C&D)
• Approve Resolution 24‑20 to accept transfer of Parcel SUXP0A1 from Will County
• Approve Resolution 24‑21 to accept donation of ~9.5‑acre parcel adjacent to Fiddyment Creek Preserve
• Approve Resolution 24‑22 to authorize staff to negotiate parcels for the 2025‑2030 Capital Improvement Program

The Finance Committee approved the FY2025 appropriation and budget ordinance, along with six 2024 levy ordinances, all by unanimous votes. It also approved resolutions to accept a parcel transfer from Will County, a 9.5-acre donation adjacent to Fiddyment Creek Preserve, and to initiate negotiations on capital improvement parcels. The meeting was procedural with no public comments or closed session.

• Approved October 2024 Schedule of Bills totaling $1,239,012.78 (7-0)
• Approved FY2025 Appropriation and Budget Ordinance No. 659 (7-0)
• Approved 2024 Audit Levy Ordinance No. 660 (8-0)
• Approved 2024 Liability Levy Ordinance No. 661 (8-0)
• Approved 2024 IMRF Levy Ordinance No. 662 (8-0)
• Approved 2024 FICA Levy Ordinance No. 663 (8-0)
• Approved 2024 Corporate Levy Ordinance No. 664 (8-0)
• Approved 2024 C&D Levy Ordinance No. 665 (8-0)

Forest Preserve District Retiree Health Insurance Trust Fund - Regular Meeting

The Retiree Health Insurance Trust Fund will consider approving a resolution for the 2025 budget and reviewing the quarterly investment and operating statements. The meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2024, at 302 N. Chicago St. in Joliet.

• Approval of Resolution No. 24-01, 2025 Budget
• Quarterly Schedule of Bills
• Quarterly Investment Report
• Quarterly Operating Statement
• Review of August 1, 2024 minutes

The Forest Preserve District of Will County Retiree Health Insurance Trust Fund approved its 2025 budget (Resolution No. 24-01) and the quarterly schedule of bills, both unanimously. The board also approved the minutes from the August 1, 2024 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 2025 budget via Resolution No. 24-01 (unanimous)
• Approved quarterly schedule of bills (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 1, 2024 (unanimous)

WC Landfill Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Landfill Committee will meet on November 7, 2024. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of minutes and a pledge of allegiance. The primary substantive item is an update on the county's Solid Waste Plan presented by Dave Hartke. No decisions or votes are listed for this agenda.

• Approval of October 3, 2024 meeting minutes
• Executive session minutes from October 3, 2024
• Update on Solid Waste Plan (presentation by Dave Hartke)
• Public comment period

The committee unanimously approved the October 3, 2024 regular meeting minutes and, after a brief executive session to correct an error, approved the amended executive session minutes. The state fully approved the Solid Waste Plan on October 29, 2024, and the committee will post it on the division website. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Oct 3, 2024 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter executive session to correct error in Oct 3 executive session minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Oct 3 executive session minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 11:22 AM (unanimous)

Forest Preserve District Operations Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Forest Preserve District Operations Committee will consider awarding a contract for overseeding and ecological management at Forked Creek Preserve and approve engineering services for the Old Plank Road Trail rehabilitation. The meeting will also include reports on capital projects and vandalism.

• Award of $160,908.20 contract to Natural Resource Management, Inc. for Forked Creek Preserve
• Approval of $53,800 task order to Strand Associates for Old Plank Road Trail rehabilitation
• Approval of task order for engineering services related to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm
• Permission to bid 2025 ecological management contracts at various preserves
• Permission to advertise for a Real Estate Manager

The Operations Committee approved all five new business items unanimously (7-0), including a $160,908.20 contract for overseeding and ecological management at Forked Creek Preserve, a $53,800 engineering task order for Old Plank Road Trail rehabilitation, a request to seek engineering proposals for Hidden Lakes Trout Farm improvements, permission to bid 2025 ecological management contracts, and permission to advertise for a Real Estate Manager. All items were forwarded to the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners. The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 AM.

• Approved $160,908.20 contract to Natural Resource Management, Inc. for Forked Creek Preserve overseeding (7-0)
• Approved $53,800 task order to Strand Associates for Old Plank Road Trail engineering (7-0)
• Approved request to seek engineering proposals for Hidden Lakes Trout Farm improvements (7-0)
• Approved permission to bid 2025 ecological management contracts (7-0)
• Approved permission to advertise for a Real Estate Manager (7-0)
• Approved October 3, 2024 minutes (7-0)

WC Executive Committee - Assignment Meeting

The Executive Committee is meeting to assign items to various boards and discuss county business. Key agenda items include the annual budget and appropriation ordinance for the period beginning December 1, 2024, and multiple tax levy funds.

• Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal period beginning December 1, 2024
• Tax levies for Corporate Fund, FICA, IMRF, Tort Immunity, Worker's Comp, TB Sanitarium, Health Department, County Highway, and County Bridge funds
• $50,000 appropriation for design and engineering costs for railroad crossing improvements on Gougar Road (CH 52)
• Intergovernmental agreements with the Village of Monee for traffic signal maintenance on Manhattan-Monee Road
• Distribution of remaining ARPA funds and updates on FEMA funded projects

The Will County Executive Committee met on November 7, 2024, and approved the minutes from two prior meetings. The committee also unanimously approved the committee assignment requests, which included items such as the 2025 noxious weed work plan, various tax levies, and intergovernmental agreements. No substantive decisions were made on the items listed under old business, as they were only updates.

• Approved minutes from Oct 3, 2024 Assignment Meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Oct 10, 2024 Board Agenda Setting Meeting (unanimous)
• Approved committee assignment requests (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 10:35 AM (unanimous)

WC Public Works & Transportation Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee will consider authorizing intergovernmental agreements for traffic signal maintenance in Monee and appropriating $50,000 for railroad crossing improvements on Gougar Road. The committee will also review professional service agreements for right-of-way acquisition on Francis and Gougar Roads and discuss altered speed zones.

• Authorize traffic signal maintenance agreements with Village of Monee
• Appropriate $50,000 for railroad crossing improvements on Gougar Road
• Authorize right-of-way acquisition services for Francis and Gougar Road improvements
• Establish altered speed zone 695 along 80th Avenue
• Discuss Fall Community Workshops for Our Way Forward 2050

The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee unanimously approved six items, all forwarded to the Will County Board. These include two intergovernmental agreements with the Village of Monee for traffic signal maintenance, $50,000 for design work on Gougar Road railroad crossing improvements, two right-of-way acquisition service agreements for the Francis Road project, and a new speed zone on 80th Avenue. The committee also discussed upcoming community workshops for the Our Way Forward 2050 plan and fielded resident concerns about road projects.

• Approved IGA with Village of Monee for traffic signal maintenance at Manhattan-Monee Rd, Central Ave & Egyptian Trail (unanimous)
• Approved IGA with Village of Monee for traffic signal maintenance at Manhattan-Monee Rd with Ridgeland Ave & 6605 W Manhattan-Monee Rd (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 appropriation for design/engineering of Gougar Rd railroad crossing improvements north of US Route 30 (unanimous)
• Approved professional services agreement with Polach Appraisal Group for right-of-way appraisals on Francis Rd project (unanimous)
• Approved professional services agreement with Santacruz Land Acquisitions for right-of-way negotiations on Francis Rd project (unanimous)
• Approved establishment of altered speed zone 695 along 80th Avenue in Green Garden Township (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Oct 1, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn at 9:24 AM (unanimous)

WC Capital Improvements & IT Committee - Regular Meeting - Cancelled

The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting scheduled for November 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at 302 N. Chicago St. in Joliet has been cancelled. The agenda included items such as the approval of minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting and a facilities update.

• Meeting cancelled
• Approval of October 1, 2024 minutes
• Facilities Update presentation

The November 6, 2024 meeting of the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee was cancelled because only two of seven members were present, lacking a quorum. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was a unanimous motion to adjourn. The committee had previously met on October 1, 2024, where it approved the September minutes and discussed facilities updates.

• Meeting cancelled due to no quorum (2 of 7 members present)
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (2-0)

Historic Preservation Commission - Regular Meeting

The Will County Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled for November 6, 2024, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for December 4, 2024.

• Meeting cancelled for November 6, 2024
• Next meeting scheduled for December 4, 2024

Planning and Zoning Commission-Public Hearing Meeting

The public hearing meeting scheduled for November 5, 2024, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2024.

WC Committee of the Whole - Informational Meeting

The committee is holding an informational meeting to discuss the fall session, including updates on the lame duck period and vetoes. No other specific decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Fall Session, Lame Duck, and Veto updates

The Will County Board Committee of the Whole informational meeting on October 29, 2024 was called to order at 2:30 PM but could not proceed because no quorum was present. Chair Judy Ogalla was the only member recorded as present; all other listed members were absent. A planned presentation on the Fall session, lame duck, and veto update was not delivered. The meeting was closed at 2:33 PM.

• Meeting closed at 2:33 PM due to lack of quorum; no business conducted
• No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded

Stormwater Management Planning Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Stormwater Management Planning Committee will vote on funding agreements for two drainage projects: up to $8,785.87 for the Plainfield Township Williamsburg Subdivision drainage pipe installation, and up to $17,000 for the Village of Monee Court Street culvert replacement. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of the September 26, 2024 minutes, public comment, and announcements.

• Approve funding up to $8,785.87 for Plainfield Township Williamsburg Subdivision drainage pipe installation
• Approve funding up to $17,000 for Village of Monee Court Street culvert replacement
• Approve minutes of the September 26, 2024 meeting
• Discuss pending 2024 projects for Village of Manhattan, Lockport Township, and balance of funds
• Public comment period

The Stormwater Management Planning Committee met but lacked a quorum, so no formal votes were taken. Members discussed approving $8,785.87 for Plainfield Township's drainage pipe project and how to redistribute $1,214.13 in remaining 50/50 program funds, but deferred decisions to a future meeting. They also set a November 19 deadline for Manhattan and Lockport to submit paperwork or risk losing their funding, and rescheduled the next meeting to December 3.

• No formal votes taken due to lack of quorum
• Deferred approval of $8,785.87 for Plainfield Township drainage project
• Deferred decision on redistributing $1,214.13 in remaining 50/50 funds
• Set November 19 deadline for Manhattan and Lockport to submit paperwork
• Rescheduled next meeting to December 3

Will County Board - Recessed Meeting

The Will County Board meeting will consider a series of land‑use actions, including special use permits, map amendments and variances for solar facilities, a wine bar, and other developments. It will also vote on finance and public‑works items, notably the purchase of wetland banking site credits for $119,700. Additional agenda items include professional services agreements for right‑of‑way acquisition and several intergovernmental agreements.

• Approve purchase of wetland banking site credits for $119,700 (Laraway Rd/US 52 intersection) – item 24‑270
• Approve purchase of wetland banking site credits for West River Rd – item 24‑271
• Approve special use permit and variances for a 68.24‑acre commercial solar facility at 2618 S Chicago St – item ZC‑24‑045
• Approve map amendment and special use permit for a wine bar/tavern at 7238 W Benton Dr – item ZC‑24‑070
• Approve professional services agreements for right‑of‑way acquisition for Gougar Rd (CH 52) improvements – items 24‑266 to 24‑269

The Will County Board approved the 2024 corporate fund levy at 2% CPI plus new property, after a motion to amend from the proposed 0.75% passed on a tie-breaking vote by the County Executive. The board also approved the Community Mental Health Fund levy at $8 million, a compromise from the proposed $10 million. Several land use cases were decided, including approval of two solar energy facilities and denial of a rezoning to industrial in Homer Glen.

• Approved 2024 corporate fund levy at 2% CPI (11-11, Executive broke tie to pass)
• Approved Community Mental Health Fund levy at $8 million (19-3)
• Approved solar facility special use permit at 2618 S Chicago St, Joliet (21-1)
• Approved solar facility special use permit at 116 Zipf Rd, Joliet (19-3)
• Denied rezoning from A-1/C-2 to I-1 in Homer Glen (0-22)
• Approved rezoning and variances for farm at 23532 S Scheer Rd, Frankfort (21-0)
• Approved $53,020 payment to HERO (unanimous)
• Approved $119,700 wetland credit purchase for Laraway Road (21-0)

WC Democratic Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Board Democratic Caucus is holding a special meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. The meeting includes standard procedural items and a period for public comment.

• Discussion of County Board Agenda

The Will County Democratic Caucus met and approved the previous meeting's minutes. Members discussed the County Board agenda, including a reduced annual aggregate levy and a cut to the Community Mental Health Fund from $10 million to $5 million, with several members expressing concerns. No formal votes were taken on these agenda items during the caucus meeting.

• Approved minutes of Sep 18, 2024 special meeting (7-0)
• Discussed reduced annual aggregate levy, with some members considering amending to $8 million
• Discussed Community Mental Health Fund reduction from $10M to $5M
• Discussed Family Guidance Centers agreement and ARPA fund allocation
• Adjourned at 6:54 PM (unanimous)

WC Republican Caucus - Special Meeting - Cancelled

The Will County Board Republican Caucus special meeting scheduled for October 16, 2024 at 5:30 PM was cancelled. No agenda items were considered at this meeting. The next scheduled meeting is set for October 15, 2024 at 5:30 PM.

WC Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee - Special Meeting

The Ad‑Hoc Ordinance Review Committee will consider proposed amendments to County Ordinance Chapters 41, 42, and 43. It will also follow up on a prior amendment to Chapters 31‑35 that was discussed in a previous meeting. The committee will prepare recommendations for the Executive Committee.

• Amending Will County Code of Ordinances Chapters 31‑35 (Vince Logan)
• Review of changes to Will County Ordinance Chapters 41, 42, and 43 (Phil Mock)

The Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee voted to move forward several proposed amendments to Will County Code chapters 31-35, including adding 'Repealed' to struck-through headings, updating the Administrative Office of the County Board language, and renaming the Animal Control Program section. The committee also voted to remove the County Regional Planning and Zoning Commission and amend stormwater district membership language. All motions passed with unanimous or 4-0 votes. The committee will continue reviewing chapters 41, 42, and 43 at its next meeting.

• Approved adding 'Repealed' and repeal date to all struck-through chapter headings (4-0)
• Approved changing §32.012 to state the County Board creates the Administrative Office, appointed by the County Board Chair (4-0)
• Approved renaming §33.063 to 'Animal Control Program' adding '(Animal Control Protective Services)' (4-0)
• Approved amending §33.122(B) to base stormwater districts on current County Board Districts and delete precinct listings (unanimous)
• Approved removing County Regional Planning and Zoning Commission title and repealing §34.85 (unanimous)
• Approved removing 'Regional Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals' from §34.88 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Sep 17, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

WC Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee will meet to discuss park options, the naming of a new park, and sidewalk removal. The meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2024, at 10:30 AM.

• Recommendation of Park Options
• Recommendation for the Naming of the New Park
• Recommendation on Sidewalk Removal and Replacing with Grass
• Approval of October 2, 2024, meeting minutes
• Executive Session

The committee discussed park design options for the Old Courthouse site, reviewed naming suggestions, and debated the sidewalk removal issue. No formal decisions were made on these items; the only action taken was approving the previous meeting's minutes. The committee requested the State's Attorney's Office research the RFQ process and the County Executive's duties regarding property maintenance.

• Approved minutes of Oct 2, 2024 special meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed park options, no formal action taken
• Discussed park naming suggestions, no decision made
• Discussed sidewalk removal, no action taken
• Requested State's Attorney research on RFQ process and County Executive duties

WC Republican Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Board Republican Caucus is holding a special meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. The discussion will cover several committees, including Land Use & Development, Finance, and Public Health & Safety.

• Discussion of Land Use & Development
• Discussion of Finance
• Discussion of Public Works & Transportation
• Discussion of Public Health & Safety
• Discussion of Capital Improvements & IT

The Will County Republican Caucus met to discuss the upcoming County Board agenda. Key items included a postponed land use item, a proposed budget with a .75 levy and $5 million for Mental Health, and a resolution for HEROS funding. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was for discussion and preparation.

• Discussed County Board agenda; land use item postponed to January 2025
• Reviewed proposed budget with .75 levy and $5M for Mental Health
• Discussed HEROS funding resolution and agreement for outside organizations
• Noted $300,000 allocated to Old Courthouse project in budget
• Identified budget cuts: $13,350 from County Board, $22,000 from Sheriff's budget
• Moved Will County Solid Waste Plan to County Board
• Agreed to follow up on Mental Health funding concerns with Ms. Bilotta
• Adjourned at 6:15 PM

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider three variance applications for accessory structures and lot dimensions, and one special‑use permit for a commercial project. Each request is identified by a case number and property address. The commission will also approve the minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting.

• Variance V‑24‑236: increase accessory structure height to 33 ft at 14058 W Delaney Road, Manhattan, IL (Case ZC‑24‑079)
• Variance V‑24‑244: increase accessory building area to 3,058 sq ft at 16044 W. Linsey Lane, Lockport, IL (Case ZC‑24‑085)
• Variances V‑24‑247, V‑24‑248, V‑24‑267, V‑24‑268: reduce side‑yard setbacks, lot frontage and lot area at 13961 W Bruns Road, Manhattan, IL (Case ZC‑24‑088)
• Special‑Use Permit S‑24‑083: authorize construction sales and services at 6525 W. Steger Road, Monee, IL (Case ZC‑24‑078)
• Approval of minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved all five zoning cases on the agenda, each unanimously 7-0. These included variances for accessory building height, accessory building area, side yard setbacks, lot frontage, and lot area, as well as a special use permit for construction sales and services. The minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting were tabled.

• Approved variance for accessory building height from 25 to 33 feet (7-0)
• Approved variance for accessory building area from 1,800 to 3,058 sq ft (7-0)
• Approved variance for side yard setback (east) from 50 to 11 feet (7-0)
• Approved variance for side yard setback (west) from 50 to 20 feet (7-0)
• Approved variance for lot frontage from 300 to 164.58 feet (7-0)
• Approved variance for lot area from 10 to 5 acres (7-0)
• Approved special use permit for construction sales and services with two conditions (7-0)
• Tabled approval of October 1, 2024 minutes (7-0)

WC Executive Committee - Board Agenda Setting Meeting

The Will County Executive Committee will consider several funding and contract items. Members will discuss changes to the rules for spending American Rescue Plan (ARPA) money and how the remaining ARPA funds will be distributed. The committee will also review a payment to Family Guidance Centers for mobile outreach services and a request to let the County Executive sign an agreement with Steger Estates Fire Protection District for radio system access. Additional agenda items include appointments to drainage districts and other agencies.

• Authorizing payment to Family Guidance Centers, Inc. for operations costs of mobile outreach services
• Creating an ordinance requiring notification by the Will County Division of Transportation on road projects
• Amending the parameters for the expenditure of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds
• Distribution of remaining ARPA funds
• Authorizing the County Executive to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Steger Estates Fire Protection District for access to the countywide radio system

The Will County Executive Committee approved a motion to amend ARPA fund parameters, allowing quarterly payments without a contract, and moved several items to the full County Board, including a payment to Family Guidance Centers and an intergovernmental agreement with Steger Estates Fire Protection District. The committee also approved a raffle license waiver provision and continued discussion on distribution of remaining ARPA funds.

• Approved motion to amend ARPA parameters to allow quarterly payments without a contract (10-1)
• Moved forward payment to Family Guidance Centers for mobile outreach services (10-1)
• Moved forward ordinance requiring notification on road projects (unanimous)
• Moved forward amendment to ARPA expenditure parameters (10-0)
• Continued distribution of remaining ARPA funds to Nov 14 meeting
• Approved raffle license waiver provision request (10-0)
• Moved forward IGA with Steger Estates Fire Protection District for radio system access (10-0)
• Moved forward FY24 JAG IGA with City of Joliet (unanimous)

WC Ad-Hoc Access Will County Committee - Special Meeting

The Access Will County Committee is meeting to review an executive summary and receive an update on the Dial-A-Ride program. The session includes a review of minutes from the August 8, 2024, special meeting.

• Update on Will County Dial-A-Ride
• Review of Access Will County Executive Summary

The Ad-Hoc Access Will County Committee approved the August 8, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously. Members discussed the Dial-A-Ride program's ridership and billing, and reviewed an executive summary of a study funded by a $200,000 grant, noting low participation and unpaid township contributions. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved August 8, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:13 PM (unanimous)

WC Land Use & Development Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Land Use & Development Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss procedures for agricultural properties and zoning notifications. The meeting will be held at the County Board Committee Room and streamed via WebEx.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Discussion on agricultural property drainage
• Review of zoning notification procedures
• Public comment period
• Meeting streamed via WebEx

The Land Use & Development Committee held a special meeting to discuss two topics: requiring field tile drainage studies for new homes on agricultural parcels (A1/A2) and improving zoning notification procedures. No formal decisions were made; the committee requested staff to research how neighboring counties handle drainage requirements and to consider adding project purpose to zoning signs. The meeting adjourned without voting on any ordinance changes.

• Requested staff research neighboring county practices on drain tile studies (no vote)
• Discussed adding project purpose to zoning signs (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting 4-0

Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Forest Preserve District Board will vote on Ordinance Nos. 660‑665, establishing audit, liability, IMRF, FICA, corporate (3%), and construction & demolition levies for 2024. It will also adopt the 2025 fee schedule (Ordinance No. 675) and approve a deed transfer of 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve. Additional contracts include a $394,880 task order for Isle à la Cache improvements and a $102,311 purchase of two Ford F‑250 trucks.

• Approval of Levy Ordinances Nos. 660‑665 for 2024 funding
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 675 establishing the 2025 fee schedule
• Approval of Resolution No. 24‑19 to accept deed of 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods
• Task Order No. 24‑03 to Christopher Burke Engineering for $394,880 Isle à la Cache improvements
• Contract award to Sutton Ford for $102,311 purchase of two 2024 Ford F‑250 trucks

The Forest Preserve District Board approved the 2025 fee schedule (Ordinance 675), placed the tentative budget and levy ordinances on public display, and accepted a deed for 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve. They also awarded contracts for appraisal and land survey services, approved a task order for Isle a La Cache improvements, and purchased two pickup trucks. All votes were unanimous or near-unanimous.

• Approved 2025 Fee Schedule (Ordinance 675) (17-0)
• Approved tentative budget (Ordinance 659) for public display (18-0)
• Approved levy ordinances 660-665 for public display (18-0)
• Accepted deed for 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve (Resolution 24-19) (17-0)
• Awarded four professional appraisal services contracts for 2025-2030 CIP (17-0)
• Awarded four professional land survey services contracts for 2025-2030 CIP (17-0)
• Approved Task Order No. 24-03 for Isle a La Cache improvements ($394,880) (19-0)
• Awarded contract for two 2024 Ford F-250 pickup trucks ($102,311) (unanimous)

WC Finance Committee - Special Meeting

The Finance Committee is holding a special meeting to review the FY2025 Budget and appropriation transfers. The committee will also address annual aggregate levy estimates for the Corporate Fund and Community Mental Health Fund.

• FY2025 Budget
• Annual Aggregate Levy - Corporate Fund
• Annual Aggregate Levy - Community Mental Health Fund
• Transferring Appropriations within various County Budgets

The Will County Finance Committee voted to amend the Annual Aggregate Levy for the Community Mental Health Fund from $10 million to $5 million (4-3), citing missing annual reports and taxpayer burden, and moved it forward to the County Board. The committee also unanimously moved forward the FY2025 budget and a 0.75% corporate fund levy amendment, with no cuts to staff or services. The FY2025 budget was discussed but not voted on.

• Amended Community Mental Health Fund levy to $5,000,000 (4-3)
• Approved motion to vote as amended on Community Mental Health Fund levy to $5,000,000 (4-3)
• Moved forward FY2025 budget to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved forward Annual Aggregate Levy - Corporate Fund to 0.75% (unanimous)
• Approved motion to amend Annual Aggregate Levy - Corporate Fund to 0.75% (6-1)
• Approved motion to vote as amended on Annual Aggregate Levy to 0.75% (6-1)
• Moved forward Transferring Appropriations within Various County Budgets (unanimous)

OPEB - Regular Meeting

The Will County OPEB Committee will consider the Trust Investment Policy presented by Karen Hennessey and review an investment report from UBS Financial. The meeting also includes routine approval of minutes from the July 9, 2024 meeting.

• Will County OPEB Trust Investment Policy presentation (Karen Hennessey)
• Investment Report from UBS Financial
• Approval of minutes from the July 9, 2024 meeting

The committee approved a change to the Will County OPEB Trust Investment Policy, lowering the minimum target asset allocation for the fixed income asset class from 40% to 35%. The board also approved the minutes from the July 9, 2024, meeting and received an investment report from UBS Financial.

• Approved July 9, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved change to OPEB Trust Investment Policy (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:10 AM (unanimous)

WC Public Health & Safety Committee - Regular Meeting

The Public Health & Safety Committee will hear an update on the MAPP Collaboratives Food Nutrition Access Team. It will also review the October monthly update, the PHS October report, and a substance‑use initiatives update. The meeting includes a public comment period before adjourning.

• Update on MAPP Collaboratives – Food Nutrition Access Team (Caitlin Daly)
• Monthly Update October 2024 (Elizabeth Bilotta)
• PHS October Report (Maggie McDowell)
• Monthly Substance Use Initiatives Update (Dr. Kathleen Burke)
• Public comment period

The Will County Public Health & Public Safety Committee approved the minutes from its September 10, 2024 meeting by a 4-0 vote. The committee also received informational updates and presentations regarding food nutrition access, health department programs, Sunny Hill nursing home operations, and substance use initiatives.

• Approved minutes from the September 10, 2024 Regular Meeting (4-0)

WC Land Use & Development Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Land Use & Development Committee will review several ordinance amendments that request map changes, special use permits, and variances for properties across the county. A major item is a request by RE LAND IL IV, INC. for mining, quarrying, concrete mixing and debris‑fill permits on a 90‑acre site in Wheatland Township. Other items include solar facility permits, a wine‑bar special use permit, and various zoning variances. The committee will also hear updates on the 2025 noxious‑weed work plan and solar status reports.

• Ordinance for RE LAND IL IV, INC. seeking map amendment and special use permits for mining/quarrying, concrete/asphalt mixing and debris‑fill on ~90 acres in Wheatland Township (Bolingbrook)
• Ordinance for Nexamp Solar (Michael McDonald) requesting a special use permit for a 68.24‑acre commercial solar facility at 2618 S Chicago Street, Joliet
• Ordinance for Apres’ LLC requesting a special use permit for a wine bar/tavern at 7238 W Benton Drive, Frankfort
• Ordinance for James Ketelaar requesting map amendment from A‑1/C‑2 to I‑1 for vacant property east of 14928 W 159th St and along S. Cedar Rd, Homer Glen
• Ordinance for James M. Powell requesting variances for lot frontage and street setback on vacant property on S Rincker Rd, Crete

The committee denied a map amendment to rezone property in Homer Glen from A-1/C-2 to I-1 following testimony regarding property maintenance issues and inconsistency with local land use plans. The committee approved several other requests, including solar energy facility permits and a map amendment for a wine bar. A major quarry expansion request (ZC-24-066) was tabled until January 2025 at the applicant's request.

• Denied map amendment ZC-24-050 for industrial rezoning (0-7)
• Approved map amendment ZC-24-055 from R-1 to E-2 (4-0)
• Approved special use permit for solar facility ZC-24-045 (7-0)
• Approved map amendment ZC-24-046 from A-2 to A-1 (7-0)
• Approved special use permit for solar facility ZC-24-046 (7-0)
• Approved map amendment ZC-24-049 from C-6 to A-1 (7-0)
• Approved map amendment ZC-24-060 from R-2 to C-4 (7-0)
• Tabled quarry expansion case ZC-24-066 until January 2025 (7-0)

WC Executive Committee - Assignment Meeting

The Will County Executive Committee will consider several authorizations, including the purchase of wetland banking site credits for the Laraway Road and US Route 52 intersection project. The meeting also includes updates on FEMA‑funded projects, discussions on a solar energy facility ordinance, and various intergovernmental agreements for traffic signal maintenance and right‑of‑way services. Committee assignment requests and several state attorney opinions will be reviewed.

• Approval of purchase of wetland banking site credits ($119,700) with Mill Creek WB, LLC for Laraway Road (CH 74) at US Route 52 intersection
• Authorization of intergovernmental agreements for traffic signal maintenance at Bell Road & Founders Crossing and Bell Road & Martingale Lane in Homer Glen
• Approval of professional services agreements for right‑of‑way acquisition and appraisals for Gougar Road (CH 52) improvements over the Canadian National Railroad
• Discussion of a new Solar Energy Facility Ordinance
• Updates on FEMA‑funded projects, including capital building supplies and professional services

The Executive Committee unanimously remanded proposed amendments to County Code Chapters 31-35 back to the Ad hoc Ordinance Review Committee after members said corrections were still needed. The committee also approved the list of committee assignment requests for the upcoming year. Several FEMA-funded project updates were presented, and the 9 Osgood Street lease negotiations with Joliet were discussed but no action was taken.

• Remanded ordinance amendments (Chapters 31-35) to Ad hoc committee (unanimous)
• Approved committee assignment requests (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment at 11:47 AM (unanimous)

WC Landfill Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Landfill Committee will consider the adoption of the Solid Waste Management Plan 2017‑2024. It will also review a flowchart outlining timelines and deadlines for a landfill expansion, followed by a presentation on expansion options. These items guide future waste handling and facility growth.

• Authorize adoption of the Solid Waste Management Plan 2017‑2024 (Land Use)
• Review flowchart with timeline and deadlines for landfill expansion (Devin Moose)
• Presentation on options for landfill expansion (Devin Moose)

The committee unanimously moved the Solid Waste Management Plan 2017-2024 forward to the Will County Board for adoption. Members also heard a presentation on nine conceptual landfill expansion options, ranging from 7 to 48 million cubic yards and 8 to 51 years of landfill life, but took no action on expansion. The committee then entered executive session to discuss real property acquisition.

• Approved minutes of Sep 5, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Moved Solid Waste Management Plan 2017-2024 to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for real property acquisition questions (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment at 1:45 PM (unanimous)

Forest Preserve District Operations Committee - Regular Meeting

The Forest Preserve District Operations Committee is meeting to approve engineering services for preserve improvements and the purchase of vehicles. The body will also consider a utility license for electric poles in Hadley Valley Preserve.

• Task Order No. 24-03 for $394,880.00 to Christopher Burke Engineering, Ltd. for Isle a la Cache Improvements
• Contract for $102,311.00 to Sutton Ford for two 2024 Ford F-250 Pickup Trucks
• Ordinance No. 674 for Public Utility License No. 24-13 to Commonwealth Edison for four utility poles along Farrell Road in Hadley Valley Preserve

The Operations Committee approved three items, all forwarded to the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners. These include a $394,880 task order for engineering services at Isle a La Cache, a $102,311 contract for two pickup trucks, and a utility license for ComEd to install poles in Hadley Valley Preserve. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved Task Order No. 24-03 for $394,880 to Christopher Burke Engineering for Isle a La Cache improvements (5-0)
• Approved $102,311 contract to Sutton Ford for two 2024 Ford F-250 pickup trucks (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 674 granting ComEd utility license for four poles in Hadley Valley Preserve (5-0)

Forest Preserve District Finance Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Forest Preserve District Finance Committee will consider several financial actions. Items include approving the 2025 fee schedule, awarding appraisal and land survey contracts for the 2025‑2030 Capital Improvement Program, and adopting six levy ordinances (Audit, Liability, IMRF, FICA, Corporate, C&D) for 2024. The committee will also accept a deed transferring 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve to the district.

• Award of four professional appraisal services contracts for the 2025‑2030 Capital Improvement Program
• Award of four professional land survey services contracts for the 2025‑2030 Capital Improvement Program
• Approval of Ordinance No. 675 adopting the 2025 fee schedule
• Approval of Resolution No. 24‑19 accepting deed for 10.707 acres of Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve
• Approval of Levy Ordinances Nos. 660‑665 covering audit, liability, IMRF, FICA, corporate (3%), and C&D levies for 2024

The Finance Committee approved the tentative Appropriation and Budget Ordinance No. 659 for public display, along with four professional appraisal and four land survey contracts for the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program. It also approved Ordinance No. 675 adopting the 2025 fee schedule, Resolution No. 24-19 accepting a 10.707-acre land transfer from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Levy Ordinances Nos. 660-665. All items were forwarded to the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners with unanimous votes.

• Approved Schedule of Bills totaling $1,783,730.38 (7-0)
• Approved Finance Minutes of September 5, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved tentative Appropriation and Budget Ordinance No. 659 for public display (7-0)
• Approved four professional appraisal services contracts for 2025-2030 CIP (6-0)
• Approved four professional land survey services contracts for 2025-2030 CIP (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 675 adopting 2025 fee schedule (6-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 24-19 accepting 10.707-acre Thorn Creek Woods transfer (6-0)
• Approved Levy Ordinances Nos. 660-665 (6-0)

Historic Preservation Commission - Regular Meeting

The scheduled meeting for the Will County Historic Preservation Commission on October 2, 2024, has been cancelled.

WC Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Ad‑Hoc Old Courthouse Committee will meet on Oct 2, 2024. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, roll call, and approval of minutes. The only substantive item is a recommendation to fund a park request for proposals, including fencing and cordoning. No other decisions are listed.

• 15279 – Recommendation to fund the park RFP, fencing and cordoning (Janet Diaz)

The Will County Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee discussed funding options for the Will County Courthouse Park project at 14 West Jefferson Street. Committee members and staff discussed remaining demolition funds and whether to request $300,000 for the 2025 budget. Legal counsel advised that no formal committee vote was necessary since the request would be brought directly to the Finance Committee by members serving on it.

• Approved minutes from the September 17, 2024 special meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn at 9:52 AM (Unanimous)

WC Legislative Committee - Regular Meeting

The Legislative Committee will approve minutes from the September 3 meeting, receive federal and state legislative updates, review the state legislative agenda, and consider a report from the ISACo Board of Directors on its policy committees. No decisions on ordinances, contracts, or fees are listed.

• Approve minutes from Sep 3, 2024 Legislative Committee meeting
• Federal Legislative Update (Smith Dawson & Andrews)
• State Legislative Update (Mac Strategies)
• Review of the State Legislative Agenda (Julie Berkowicz)
• ISACo Board of Directors – Policy Committees report (Julie Berkowicz)

The Will County Legislative Committee approved the September minutes and discussed updates to its state legislative agenda, removing several items including SB2780 and SB2813. No formal votes were taken on the agenda changes; members agreed on which paragraphs to keep or remove. The committee also heard reports on state and federal legislative updates, with no decisions made on those items.

• Approved September 3, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Removed SB2780 (Property Tax – County Executive) and SB2813 (Counties CD-Board Compensation) from state legislative agenda
• Removed paragraph on quick-take proceedings on 143rd St. from transportation section
• Removed mandated fees paragraph from Voting and Elections section
• Removed Recycling Initiative paragraph from Environment section
• Kept paragraphs on additional state funding, transportation delays, and composting initiative
• Adjourned meeting at 1:55 PM (unanimous)

WC Finance Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Finance Committee will review several budget items, including a corporate fund budget‑to‑actual report and estimates of annual levy amounts. It will consider authorizing the use of contingency funds for security services and appropriating grant funds for the coroner’s budget. Additional items include transferring appropriations, authorizing payment to HERO, and authorizing documents for the delinquent tax program.

• Authorizing payment to HERO
• Appropriating grant funds in Coroner's Budget
• Authorizing use of contingency funds for Security Services
• Estimate of the Annual Aggregate Levy – Corporate Fund
• Transferring appropriations within various County budgets

The Will County Finance Committee postponed decisions on the annual aggregate levies for the Corporate Fund and Community Mental Health Fund to a special meeting on October 9, 2024. The committee moved forward a $50,000 payment authorization to HERO for substance abuse services, with $25,000 to be paid initially. Several other items, including budget transfers and grant appropriations, were also moved forward to the County Board.

• Postponed Corporate Fund levy estimate to Oct 9 special meeting (5-1)
• Postponed Community Mental Health Fund levy estimate to Oct 9 special meeting (unanimous)
• Moved forward $50,000 HERO payment authorization to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved forward transferring appropriations within county budgets (unanimous)
• Moved forward use of contingency funds for security services (unanimous)
• Moved forward appropriating grant funds in Coroner's budget (unanimous)
• Moved forward authorizing documents for delinquent tax program (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Sep 17 special meeting (unanimous)

WC Capital Improvements & IT Committee - Regular Meeting

The Capital Improvements & IT Committee will conduct its regular business, including a roll call, approval of the September 3, 2024 meeting minutes, and a facilities update presented by Bill Fern and Dave Tkac. The agenda also lists standard items such as public comment, announcements, and an executive session before adjourning. No specific policy decisions or contracts are identified in the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from the September 3, 2024 meeting
• Facilities update presented by Bill Fern and Dave Tkac
• Public comment period
• Announcements/reports by the chair
• Executive session

The Capital Improvements & IT Committee unanimously approved the September 3, 2024 meeting minutes. Members discussed facilities updates, including Veterans Day courthouse lighting and energy efficiency projects, and considered a request to discuss the Des Plaines River stream gauge in Plainfield, which was deferred to the Executive Committee. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved September 3, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:36 AM (unanimous)

WC Public Works & Transportation Committee - Regular Meeting

The committee will consider an ordinance to require public involvement for Will County DOT projects and receive a status update on the 143Rd Street reconstruction. It will vote on multiple intergovernmental agreements for traffic‑signal maintenance, a speed‑zone change on Garfield Avenue, several right‑of‑way appraisal contracts for Gougar Road improvements, and the purchase of wetland banking credits, including a $119,700 acquisition for the Laraway Road project. Additional discussion items include a traffic study notice for Wilmington‑Peotone Road and routine construction and maintenance status reports.

• Purchase of wetland banking site credits ($119,700) with Mill Creek WB, LLC for Laraway Road (CH 74) at US Route 52 intersection
• Intergovernmental agreement for maintenance and energy of traffic signals at Bell Road (Ch 16) and Founders Crossing
• Intergovernmental agreement for maintenance and energy of traffic signals at Bell Road (Ch 16) and Martingale Lane
• Altered Speed Zone 694 along Garfield Avenue within the New Lenox Township Road District
• Professional services agreement for right‑of‑way acquisition appraisals with Shonkwiler & Shonkwiler for Gougar Road (CH 52) improvements over the Canadian National Railroad

The Public Works & Transportation Committee unanimously moved forward 10 items to the Will County Board, including intergovernmental agreements for traffic signal maintenance in Homer Glen, a speed zone change in New Lenox, and multiple right-of-way appraisal and wetland credit agreements for road projects. The committee also approved the September 3, 2024 minutes as amended to record a 'no' vote by member Sherry Williams. No items were denied or tabled; the Bell Road and Founders IGA was deferred to a later Executive Committee meeting.

• Moved forward IGA with Homer Glen for Bell Rd & Founders Crossing signal maintenance (unanimous)
• Moved forward IGA with Homer Glen for Bell Rd & Martingale Lane signal maintenance (unanimous)
• Moved forward altered speed zone 694 on Garfield Ave, New Lenox (unanimous)
• Moved forward appraisal agreements with Shonkwiler & Shonkwiler, Hampton Lenzini, Chicago Metro Realty, Swanson & Brown for Gougar Rd (unanimous)
• Moved forward $119,700 wetland credit purchase with Mill Creek WB for Laraway Rd (unanimous)
• Moved forward wetland credit purchase with Mill Creek WB for West River Rd (unanimous)
• Moved forward supplemental appraisal agreement with Hanson Professional Services for Laraway Rd (unanimous)
• Approved September 3, 2024 minutes as amended (unanimous)

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission denied all six requests for a proposed mining/quarrying expansion in Wheatland Township (ZC-24-066), including the map amendment from A-1 to I-3, three special use permits, and two variances. The commission also approved several other zoning cases, including solar energy facilities, a wine bar/tavern special use, and various map amendments and variances.

• Denied map amendment A-1 to I-3 for 90.096 acres (0-6)
• Denied special use permit for mining/quarrying with blasting (0-6)
• Denied special use permit for concrete and asphalt mixing (0-6)
• Denied special use permit for CCDD fill operations (0-6)
• Denied variance for open pits/shafts setback east side (0-6)
• Denied variance for open pits/shafts setback south side (0-6)
• Approved special use permit for commercial solar facility at 2618 S Chicago St (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved special use permit for wine bar/tavern at 7238 W Benton Dr (6-0)

Stormwater Management Planning Committee - Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Planning Committee will consider and approve award funding for several township and village projects, such as the Village of Bolingbrook Town Center Pond Rehabilitation and culvert replacements in Wilton and Green Garden Townships. Each item lists the total project cost and the amount granted from the county fund. The meeting also includes discussion of future stormwater meeting dates.

• Award $25,000 for Village of Bolingbrook Town Center Pond Rehabilitation (project total $835,402.45)
• Award $25,000 for Trask Street Drainage, Village of Manhattan (project total $1,071,821.00)
• Award $17,000 for Court Street Culvert Replacement, Village of Monee (project total $34,000.00)
• Award $25,000 for Clow Creek Industrial Park, Wheatland Township (project total $120,000.00)
• Award $6,600 for Dralle Road / Prairie Creek Culvert Replacement, Green Garden Township (project total $15,300.29)

Will County Board - Regular Meeting

The Will County Board will hold a land‑use public hearing and vote on several zoning ordinance amendments, including approval of a special‑use permit and 62 variances for a 3,590.06‑acre commercial solar project and approval of a truck terminal permit, while denying a detached accessory dwelling unit request. The Finance Committee will consider multiple tax‑abatement items to fund debt service on General Obligation bonds. The Public Works & Transportation Committee will consider intergovernmental agreements and a professional services contract for U.S. Route 6 improvements.

• Approval of Special Use Permit and 62 variances for AEUG Will Solar commercial solar facility (3,590.06 acres) – votes 4‑1 and 5‑0
• Approval of Special Use Permit for Truck Terminal (Regis Berkeley A&R Properties) – votes 5‑0 and 7‑0
• Denial of Special Use Permit and variances for Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit at 1801 Pennington Court – votes 0‑4 and 0‑7
• Tax abatements to pay debt service on bonds: $7,635,822 (Transportation Improvement), $5,406,425 (Building Will), $4,921,200 (Refunding), $1,453,550 (Building Will 2016), $5,947,127 (Building Will 2020), $4,619,250 (Renewable Natural Gas Facility)
• Authorization of professional services agreement with TranSystem Corp for Phase I engineering on U.S. Route 6 (County Board District 1)

The Will County Board voted 11-10 to postpone a special use permit for a 3,590-acre commercial solar energy facility (ZC-24-025) until the November 21 meeting, after the applicant requested more time. The board approved a truck terminal special use permit (12-9), approved a commercial solar facility in Beecher (12-9), and denied a detached accessory dwelling unit in New Lenox (0-21). The board also approved multiple tax abatements, intergovernmental agreements, and authorized fencing around the former courthouse site.

• Postponed 3,590-acre solar facility special use permit to Nov 21 (11-10)
• Approved truck terminal special use permit at 10S290 Hanslik Court (12-9)
• Approved commercial solar facility on S Western Ave, Beecher (12-9)
• Denied detached accessory dwelling unit at 1801 Pennington Court (0-21)
• Approved concrete plant special use permit at 806 Gardner St (unanimous)
• Approved 7 tax abatements for bond debt service (unanimous)
• Authorized fencing around former courthouse at 14 W Jefferson St (11-10)
• Approved 15 animal protection service intergovernmental agreements (unanimous)

WC Democratic Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Democratic Caucus will hold a special meeting on September 18, 2024. Members will discuss several old‑business topics, including U.C.C.I, NACo, I.S.A.C.O, and opioid funding distribution, each presented by Jackie Traynere. New business includes a feasibility study for the Will County Environmental Network and a discussion of the County Board agenda, also presented by Jackie Traynere. No formal decisions are noted in the agenda.

• U.C.C.I discussion (Jackie Traynere)
• NACo discussion (Jackie Traynere)
• I.S.A.C.O discussion (Jackie Traynere)
• Opioid Funding Distribution discussion (Jackie Traynere)
• Will County Environmental Network Feasibility Study (Jackie Traynere)

The Will County Democratic Caucus met and approved the August 14, 2024 special meeting minutes (8-0). Members discussed opioid funding distribution, noting the State's Attorney's Office is creating an agreement and that new non-government agencies receiving awards will need a basic agreement. No formal decisions were made on the opioid funding or other discussed items.

• Approved August 14, 2024 special meeting minutes (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:27 PM (unanimous)

WC Republican Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Republican Caucus is holding a special meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. The discussion will cover multiple committees, including Land Use & Development, Finance, and Public Health & Safety.

• Discussion of Land Use & Development agenda
• Discussion of Finance agenda
• Discussion of Public Works & Transportation agenda
• Discussion of Public Health & Safety agenda
• Discussion of Capital Improvements & IT and Landfill agendas

The Will County Republican Caucus met on September 18, 2024, and discussed several agenda items, including a large solar project in Braidwood, a truck terminal in Naperville, and other land use cases. No formal votes were taken during the caucus; the only actions were approving the previous meeting minutes and adjourning. The caucus also reviewed committee reports on finance, public works, and executive matters.

• Approved minutes of Aug 15, 2024 special meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed 3,300-acre solar project in Braidwood; Land Use voted no, applicant requested tabling to November
• Discussed truck terminal in Naperville; committee supported, but some members opposed
• Discussed solar case in Beecher; generally supported
• Discussed pool house project in New Lenox; New Lenox, PZC, and Land Use voted no
• Discussed Walsh Ready Mix roof project in Joliet; passed PZC and Land Use unanimously
• Tabled HERO item in Finance Committee for further review
• Approved contract for State Lobbying Services (reported by Chair)

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider several variance requests, including a request to increase the maximum accessory building area and to reduce street‑yard setbacks for the property at 2809 E. Washington Street, Joliet. The commission will also review additional variance applications for properties on 705 S. Schoolhouse Road, 3503 Lockner Blvd., and 23532 S. Scheer Rd., as well as ordinance proposals to amend map designations in Homer and Lemont townships.

• Variance (V‑24‑211) to increase maximum accessory building area from 1,800 sq ft to 2,233.02 sq ft for 2809 E. Washington St., Joliet (Case ZC‑24‑062)
• Variances (V‑24‑212) and (V‑24‑234) to reduce minimum street‑yard setbacks from 47 ft to 13.12 ft (Cass St.) and to 2.42 ft (Washington St.) for the same property (Case ZC‑24‑062)
• Variances (V‑24‑226) and (V‑24‑242) for street and side‑yard setbacks on 705 S. Schoolhouse Road, New Lenox (Case ZC‑24‑072)
• Ordinance to amend map designations (M‑24‑009) changing area A‑1/C‑2 to I‑1 for parcels east of 14928 W 159th St. and along S. Cedar Rd., Homer Glen (Case ZC‑24‑050)
• Variance extension (VEXT‑24‑003) for Ray and Joyce Cambruzzi at 26247 Willow Lane, Wilmington (Case VEXT‑24‑003)

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission denied a request to rezone two parcels in Homer Township from A-1/C-2 to I-1 (industrial), voting 0-5. The denial followed objections from the Village of Homer Glen, which filed a legal objection, and testimony from neighboring residents about existing truck-related nuisances. The commission also approved multiple variances for accessory buildings and setbacks, and tabled two map amendments for a separate property in Lemont.

• Denied map amendment from A-1/C-2 to I-1 for 13764 S. Archer Ave. area (0-5)
• Tabled map amendments from A-1 to C-4 for two parcels in Lemont (5-0)
• Approved variance for accessory building area to 2,233.02 sq ft in Joliet (5-0)
• Approved variance for street yard setback to 13.12 ft (Cass St) in Joliet (5-0)
• Approved variance for street yard setback to 2.42 ft (Washington St) in Joliet (5-0)
• Approved variances for street and side yard setbacks in New Lenox (5-0)
• Approved three variances for accessory building, setback, and fence height in Plainfield (5-0)
• Approved map amendment from R-1 to E-2 and three variances in Manhattan Township (5-0)

WC Finance Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Finance Committee will hold a special meeting on September 17, 2024. After routine items, the committee will discuss the county budget. No other decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Budget

The Will County Finance Committee met to discuss the FY2025 budget, focusing on allocations, capital improvement projects, and contract management. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with staff answering questions about funding for the Children's Advocacy Center, Laraway Communications Center, and other items. The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and adjourned.

• Approved minutes of Sep 3, 2024 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 1:41 PM (unanimous)

WC Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee will discuss the amount of funds left from the demolition of the old courthouse. Members will also consider repairs needed for the courthouse plaza and potential landscaping and fencing work on the former courthouse property. No formal decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Funds remaining from the demolition of the old courthouse (Mike Mahoney, Dave Tkac)
• Repair of the plaza at the old courthouse (Mike Mahoney, Dave Tkac)
• Landscaping and fencing for former courthouse property (discussion)
• Approval of minutes from the July 16 and August 20 special meetings

The Will County Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee met on September 17, 2024, and unanimously approved the minutes from its July 16 and August 20 meetings. The committee discussed remaining demolition funds, plaza repair options, and fencing/landscaping for the former courthouse property, but took no formal action on these items. Two resolutions on fencing and cordoning off damaged areas are moving to the full County Board.

• Approved July 16, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 20, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed remaining demolition funds (~$700,000 under budget, $70,000 contingency)
• Discussed plaza repair options and liability concerns
• Discussed fencing, signage, and lighting for former courthouse property
• Adjourned at 11:27 AM (unanimous)

WC Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee - Special Meeting

The Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee is meeting to study and evaluate proposed changes to county ordinances. The committee reviews the necessity and impact of these changes before making recommendations to the Executive Committee.

• Review of updated information for Chapter 40
• Review of proposed changes to Ordinance Chapters 41, 42, and 43
• Review of previously discussed Chapters 40.02, 40.22, and 40.23

The Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee reviewed proposed changes to Will County ordinance chapters 41, 42, and 43, focusing on purchasing regulations. They approved the previous meeting's minutes and discussed several amendments, including grammatical fixes and reporting changes. A decision on requiring the County Executive to notify the board about bid openings was deferred until after caucus discussions. The committee will continue reviewing contract execution sections at the next meeting.

• Approved minutes from Aug 20, 2024 special meeting (5-0)
• Reviewed and discussed changes to Chapter 41 purchasing regulations
• Agreed to receive §41.015 B) 19 report at the April meeting
• Deferred decision on bid notification requirements pending caucus input
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

WC Executive Committee - Board Agenda Setting Meeting

The Will County Executive Committee will vote on authorizations for payments, project updates, and a series of intergovernmental agreements, including animal protection service agreements with dozens of villages. Additional items include a contingency fund use for IPMG wire, a DOT fuel tank replacement bid, a state lobbying contract, and a public utility easement for fiber conduit. The committee will also approve several county executive appointments.

• Authorize payment to Family Guidance Centers, Inc. for operations costs of mobile outreach services
• Authorize use of contingency funds for IPMG wire
• Authorize intergovernmental agreements for animal protection services with villages such as Beecher, Braidwood, Channahon, Elwood, and others
• Award bid for DOT fuel tank replacement
• Authorize the County Executive to execute a contract for state lobbying services

The Will County Executive Committee discussed a proposed intergovernmental agreement where Joliet would rent the Problem Solving Courts building for $1 and the County would rent 9 Osgood Street to Joliet for $1, with Joliet responsible for maintenance and build-out. The committee also moved forward numerous items to the full County Board, including animal control agreements with 17 villages, a DOT fuel tank replacement bid, and a contract for state lobbying services. A motion to amend the Will County Code of Ordinances Chapters 31-35 was tabled. The committee approved the County Board agenda as amended.

• Approved minutes of Sep 5, 2024 assignment meeting (unanimous)
• Moved forward IMRF Authorized Agent appointment to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved forward use of contingency funds for IPMG Wire to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved forward 17 animal protection service IGAs with area villages to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved forward DOT fuel tank replacement bid to County Board (unanimous)
• Moved forward state lobbying services contract to County Board (unanimous)
• Tabled amendment to Will County Code of Ordinances Chapters 31-35 (unanimous)
• Approved County Board agenda as amended (unanimous)

Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

The Forest Preserve District Board will review and approve the FY2025 draft budget. It will also consider a resolution on the right of first refusal for Tract 520 in the Fiddyment Creek Watershed, multiple contract awards, and two new ordinances. The meeting includes routine reports, public comments, and an executive session on personnel and litigation matters.

• Approval of Resolution No. 24-17 authorizing the right of first refusal on Tract 520 in the Fiddyment Creek Watershed
• Review and approval of the FY2025 Draft Budget
• Award of $82,240.00 contract to GC Designs, Inc. for Veterans Memorial Trail landscape enhancements
• Award of $34,813.74 contract to Lakeshore Recycling Systems for West Zone waste removal and recycling
• Approval of Ordinance No. 673 authorizing Comcast underground fiber optic cable installation on the Wauponsee Glacial Trail at Laraway Road

The Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners met and approved the Decennial Committee minutes from August 8, 2024, unanimously. No new business was conducted, and no public comments were received. The meeting adjourned shortly after convening.

• Approved Decennial Committee minutes from August 8, 2024 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:29 AM (unanimous)

WC Public Health & Safety Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee will consider the Side by Side Burn item presented by Erik Hoffer. The meeting also includes informational updates on substance‑use initiatives, a monthly update, approval of Board of Health meeting minutes from August 21, 2024, and a PHS September report. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Side by Side Burn (presentation by Erik Hoffer)
• Monthly Substance Use Initiatives Update (Dr. Kathleen Burke)
• Monthly Update September 2024 (Elizabeth Bilotta)
• Approved Board of Health Meeting Minutes 8.21.24 (Elizabeth Bilotta)
• PHS September Report (Maggie McDowell)

The committee approved the minutes from its August 13, 2024 meeting with a 3-0 vote. The meeting then moved outside for a fire safety demonstration on residential sprinklers, with presentations from fire officials and a burn survivor. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Aug 13, 2024 meeting minutes (3-0)

WC Land Use & Development Committee - Regular Meeting

The Land Use & Development Committee is considering several special use permits and zoning variances. Key items include two commercial energy projects and a truck terminal. The body will also discuss solar guidelines and land resource management.

• Special use permit for AEUG Will Solar, LLC commercial solar facility on 3,590.06 acres
• Special use permit for a truck terminal at 10S290 Hanslik Court, Naperville
• Special use permit for a commercial energy facility on S Western Ave, Beecher
• Variances for a detached accessory dwelling unit at 1801 Pennington Court, New Lenox
• Special use permit and height/setback variances for a concrete plant at 806 Gardner Street, Joliet

The Land Use & Development Committee denied a special use permit for a large commercial solar energy facility following significant public opposition. The committee also approved a truck terminal and a smaller 3-megawatt solar project, while denying a request for a detached accessory dwelling unit.

• Denied special use permit for 3,590.06-acre commercial solar energy facility (0-5)
• Denied motion to table solar facility decision until next month (1-4)
• Approved special use permit for truck terminal at 10S290 Hanslik Court (5-0)
• Approved special use permit for 3-megawatt commercial energy facility in Will Township (4-1)
• Denied special use permit for detached accessory dwelling unit at 1801 Pennington Court (0-5)
• Approved special use permit for nonconforming concrete plant at 806 Gardner Street (5-0)
• Approved second extension for outdoor storage yard at New Avenue, Lockport (5-0)

WC Executive Committee - Assignment Meeting

The Will County Executive Committee will consider a series of tax abatements for 2025 to cover debt service on several General Obligation bonds. It will also review intergovernmental agreements for traffic signal maintenance, use of contingency funds, and numerous animal protection service agreements with surrounding villages. Additional items include updates on FEMA‑funded projects and a request for a state attorney opinion on the Old Courthouse ownership.

• Tax abatements to pay debt service: $7,635,822, $5,406,425, $4,921,200, $1,453,550, $5,947,127, $4,619,250
• Intergovernmental agreements for traffic signal maintenance on U.S. Route 6 and multiple intersections in Lockport
• Authorization to use contingency funds for postage and IPMG wire
• Animal protection service agreements with villages including Beecher, Braidwood, and Homer Glen
• FEMA funded project updates for capital building supplies and professional services

The Will County Executive Committee approved the minutes from the August 8, 2024 meeting (11-0) and accepted the committee assignments as amended (unanimous). The meeting was primarily informational, with updates on FEMA-funded projects, the 9 Osgood Street project, and the 1300 Copperfield Ave. project, but no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from Aug 8, 2024 meeting (11-0)
• Accepted committee assignments as amended (unanimous)

Forest Preserve District Finance Committee - Regular Meeting

The Finance Committee will consider and vote on Resolution No. 24‑17, which authorizes exercising and terminating the right of first refusal on Tract 520 in the Fiddyment Creek Watershed. The committee will also review the FY 2025 draft budget. It will approve the schedule of bills totaling $1,722,952.59 and the August 1, 2024 finance minutes.

• Approval of Resolution No. 24‑17 for Right of First Refusal on Tract 520, Fiddyment Creek Watershed
• Review of FY 2025 draft budget
• Approval of schedule of bills totaling $1,722,952.59
• Approval of Finance Committee minutes from August 1, 2024
• Executive session topics: collective bargaining, land acquisition, pending litigation, personnel, review of executive session minutes

The Finance Committee approved Resolution No. 24-17 authorizing the exercise and termination of the right of first refusal on Tract 520 in the Fiddyment Creek Watershed, forwarding it to the Board of Commissioners. The committee also reviewed the draft FY2025 budget, which projects $22,630,936 in revenues and a 21.39% decrease in the property tax rate, with further review scheduled for October. The August 2024 schedule of bills totaling $1,722,952.59 and the August 1, 2024 minutes were approved.

• Approved Resolution No. 24-17 on right of first refusal for Tract 520 (7-0)
• Approved August 2024 schedule of bills totaling $1,722,952.59 (7-0)
• Approved Finance Committee minutes from August 1, 2024 (7-0)
• Reviewed draft FY2025 budget; further review scheduled for October

Forest Preserve District Operations Committee - Regular Meeting

The Forest Preserve District Operations Committee is meeting to award several maintenance contracts and approve utility and land agreements. The body will also discuss hiring a Director of Finance and cost-sharing for the I&M Canal Path.

• Contract of $181,750.00 to Homer Tree Care, Inc. for Annual Tree and Brush Maintenance
• Contract of $82,240.00 to GC Designs, Inc. for Veterans Memorial Trail Landscape Enhancements
• Contract of $34,813.74 to Lakeshore Recycling Systems for West Zone Waste Removal and Recycling
• Ordinance No. 673 for Comcast Corporation to install fiber optic cable at Wauponsee Glacial Trail and Laraway Road
• Resolution No. 24-18 for a cost-sharing agreement with Lockport and Romeoville for I&M Canal Path costs

The Operations Committee approved three contracts totaling $298,804.13 for trail landscaping, waste removal, and tree maintenance, along with five ordinances/resolutions including terminating a license agreement, granting Comcast a utility license, and a cost-sharing agreement for the I&M Canal Path. All items were forwarded to the full Board of Commissioners. No closed session occurred, and public comments discussed potential trail partnerships at Hickory Creek Preserve.

• Approved $82,240 contract to GC Designs for Veterans Memorial Trail landscaping (7-0)
• Approved $34,813.74 contract to Lakeshore Recycling Systems for West Zone waste removal (8-0)
• Approved $181,750 contract to Homer Tree Care for tree and brush maintenance (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 672 terminating private license agreement at Joliet Junction Trail and Theodore Marsh Preserves (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 673 granting Comcast utility license for fiber optic cable at Wauponsee Glacial Trail (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 24-18 for I&M Canal Path cost-sharing with Lockport and Romeoville (8-0)
• Approved permission to bid overseeding and ecological management at Forked Creek Preserve (8-0)
• Approved permission to advertise for Director of Finance position (8-0)

WC Landfill Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Landfill Committee is meeting to discuss old and new business. The primary item on the agenda is the authorization to adopt the Solid Waste Management Plan 2017-2024.

• Adoption of the Solid Waste Management Plan 2017-2024

The Will County Landfill Committee voted 5-2 to postpone adoption of the Solid Waste Management Plan 2017-2024 until next month, after members raised questions about the plan and requested more information. The committee also discussed upcoming landfill siting studies, which are about 70% complete, and planned an executive session for next month.

• Approved minutes of Aug 1, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Postponed adoption of Solid Waste Management Plan 2017-2024 (5-2)

Historic Preservation Commission - Regular Meeting

The scheduled regular meeting of the Will County Historic Preservation Commission for September 4, 2024 has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered. The commission will reconvene at its next meeting on October 2, 2024.

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The commission will consider several zoning requests, including special use permits for a truck terminal and a commercial energy facility. The body will also review variance requests for building areas and setbacks, as well as temporary use permits for a festival and asphalt stockpiling.

• Special Use Permit for Truck Terminal at 10S290 Hanslik Court, Naperville
• Special Use Permit for Commercial Energy Facility on S Western Ave, Beecher
• Variance for accessory building area (3,000 to 10,743.5 sq ft) at 19309 W. Manteno Road, Wilmington
• Special Use Permit for Concrete Plant and height variance (35 to 81 ft) at 806 Gardner Street, Joliet
• Temporary Use Permit for Annual Fall Festival with Paintball at 3450 Crete-Monee Road, Monee

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on September 3, 2024, and voted on several zoning cases. The most significant action was the denial of all four requests related to a large accessory dwelling unit and pool house at 1801 Pennington Court in New Lenox, despite staff recommending approval of the special use permit. The commission also denied a variance to expand an accessory building in Wesley Township. Other items, including a truck terminal special use permit, a solar energy facility, a concrete plant, and two temporary use permits, were approved.

• Denied special use permit for detached accessory dwelling unit at 1801 Pennington Court (0-7)
• Denied variance for accessory building area from 1,800 to 5,288 sq ft (0-7)
• Denied variance for accessory dwelling unit area from 650 to 3,280 sq ft (0-7)
• Denied variance for ADU height from 20 to 26 ft (0-7)
• Denied variance for accessory building area from 5,928 to 10,743.5 sq ft in Wesley Township (2-5)
• Approved special use permit for truck terminal in Wheatland Township with 5 conditions (7-0)
• Approved special use permit for commercial solar energy facility in Will Township with 5 conditions (6-1)
• Approved special use permit for nonconforming concrete plant in Joliet with 2 conditions (7-0)

WC Legislative Committee - Regular Meeting

The Legislative Committee will meet to receive ISACo legislative reports and to review federal and state legislative updates. It will also examine the state legislative agenda. No specific actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• ISACo Legislative Reports
• Federal Legislative Update (Smith Dawson & Andrews)
• State Legislative Update (Mac Strategies)
• Review of the State Legislative Agenda (Julie Berkowicz)

The Will County Legislative Committee met on September 3, 2024, and approved the prior meeting's minutes unanimously. The meeting focused on updates from federal and state lobbyists, including discussions on a continuing resolution, the Farm Bill, a pilot trucking bill, and transit funding. Members reviewed the state legislative agenda, including property tax items and health department funding requests, but took no formal votes on these items.

• Approved minutes of Aug 6, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed opposing federal pilot trucking bill; no formal action taken
• Reviewed state legislative agenda items including property tax and health funding; no votes taken
• Adjourned at 1:48 PM (unanimous)

WC Finance Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Finance Committee will discuss revenue budget items, a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility financial summary, and the assignment of tax sale certificates. It will consider authorizing the County Executive to execute documents for the delinquent tax program and a series of tax abatements to pay debt service on several General Obligation bonds for 2025. Additional items include using contingency funds for postage and moving grant and appropriation funds within the Health Department budget.

• Tax abatement to pay $7,635,822 debt service on $42,030,000 Transportation Improvement Bonds (Series 2010)
• Tax abatement to pay $5,406,425 debt service on $53,060,000 Building Bonds (Series 2019)
• Tax abatement to pay $4,921,200 debt service on $11,005,000 Refunding Bonds (Series 2015A)
• Authorizing use of contingency funds for postage
• Transferring appropriations within the Will County Health Department budget

The committee approved the assignment of tax sale certificates and moved several tax abatement requests and budget appropriations to the Will County Board. A payment to HERO was tabled pending further documentation. Members also held discussions on corporate fund revenue and the RNG facility's financial status.

• Approved assignment of tax sale certificates (Unanimous)
• Tabled payment to HERO pending documentation (6-1)
• Moved forward authorization for delinquent tax program documents (Unanimous)
• Moved forward 6 tax abatement requests for various bond series (Unanimous)
• Moved forward $340,000 contingency fund use for postage (Unanimous)
• Moved forward Health Department budget appropriation and transfer items (Unanimous)
• Approved August 6, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

WC Capital Improvements & IT Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee will approve the minutes from its August 6, 2024 meeting. It will also hear a facilities update presented by Bill Fern and Dave Tkac. No new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from the Aug 6, 2024 meeting
• Facilities update presented by Bill Fern and Dave Tkac

The committee approved the August 6, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0) and adjourned unanimously. No new business or substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of a facilities update presentation and discussion, including ADA compliance, tornado training, and a potential river gauge funding request.

• Approved August 6, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

WC Public Works & Transportation Committee - Regular Meeting

The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee will discuss a Joliet water‑main variance request, community input on the IL‑53/Manhattan‑Arsenal Road intersection, and an ordinance to require public involvement for DOT projects. It will also authorize several intergovernmental agreements for traffic‑signal maintenance and a $1,684,795.50 improvement on US Route 6 using MFT funds.

• Discussion of City of Joliet variance request for water main along Renwick Road
• Discussion of community input for the IL Route 53/Manhattan‑Arsenal Road intersection
• Creating an ordinance requiring public involvement for Will County DOT projects
• Authorizing intergovernmental agreements with Village of Homer Glen (Bell Road) and City of Lockport (multiple traffic‑signal sites)
• Approving a $1,684,795.50 improvement on U.S. Route 6 from I‑55 Frontage Road to Terminal Court using MFT funds

The committee voted 4-3 to move forward an amended ordinance requiring public notification for Will County DOT projects, including mail notices to property owners within a half-mile radius and biennial project presentations to the County Board. The committee also unanimously advanced several intergovernmental agreements and a temporary ingress/egress request. No final decisions were made; all items were forwarded to the Will County Board for action.

• Approved minutes of Aug 6, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Moved forward ordinance requiring public involvement for DOT projects, as amended (4-3)
• Moved forward temporary ingress/egress for Manhattan-Monee Road (unanimous)
• Moved forward IGA with Homer Glen for Bell Road improvements (unanimous)
• Moved forward 4 IGAs with Lockport for traffic signal maintenance (unanimous)
• Moved forward IGA with Bolingbrook for intelligent traffic signals (unanimous)
• Moved forward IDOT joint agreement for U.S. Route 6 improvements (unanimous)
• Moved forward professional services agreement with TranSystem for U.S. Route 6 (unanimous)

Stormwater Management Planning Committee - Regular Meeting

The Stormwater Management Planning Committee will consider several new business items, including a funding request to replace a failing box culvert on Dralle Road in Green Garden Township. The request outlines Phase 1 professional services costing $15,329 and a rough Phase 2 construction estimate of $100,000. The agenda also includes an award for a Plainfield Township drainage pipe installation and an update on a stormwater issue at 19241 W. Quail Court, Elwood.

• Box culvert replacement on Dralle Road, Green Garden Township – Phase 1 $15,329, Phase 2 approx. $100,000
• Award of Plainfield Township project for drainage pipe installation
• Stormwater issue update for Jackson Township at 19241 W. Quail Court, Elwood, IL
• Review of 2024 Project Funds
• Public comment and other routine agenda items

The committee approved a $6,600 funding request from Green Garden for phase one engineering of a box culvert replacement, despite having only that amount left in the 2024 fund. It also approved a $15,500 disbursement to Plainfield Township for a completed drainage pipe installation. Additionally, the committee set an October 1st deadline for all project paperwork and agreed to consider redistributing funds from projects that miss the deadline.

• Approved $6,600 for Green Garden box culvert engineering (10-1)
• Approved $15,500 disbursement to Plainfield Township for drainage pipe installation (12-0)
• Approved motion requiring all project paperwork by October 1st (10-0)
• Approved motion to consider redistributing funds from projects missing the October 1st deadline (10-0)
• Approved July 25, 2024 meeting minutes (11-0)

WC Planning and Zoning Commission - Public Hearing

The Planning and Zoning Commission will review a request from AEUG Will Solar, LLC for a commercial solar energy facility. The proposal includes requests for variances regarding mowing frequency and ground cover plant height.

• Special Use Permit for Commercial Solar Energy Facility (3,590.06 Acres) - ZC-24-025
• Variance request to reduce required mowing from 5 to 2 times
• Variance request to increase maximum ground cover plant height from 13 to 36 inches
• Project location: Custer and Reed Townships, generally south of Smiley Road and east of Essex Rd

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on a request by AEUG Will Solar, LLC for a special use permit for a 3,590-acre commercial solar energy facility in Custer and Reed townships, along with variances to reduce required mowing and increase ground cover height. The commission heard staff recommendations, applicant testimony, and public comments both for and against the project. No decision was made; the hearing was continued to August 21, 2024.

• Approved minutes from July 16, 2024 public hearing (6-0)
• Approved minutes from July 2, 2024 public hearing (6-0)
• Heard ZC-24-025: special use permit for 3,590-acre solar facility; no vote, continued to Aug 21

WC Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Ad‑Hoc Ordinance Review Committee will examine proposed changes to several ordinance chapters, including Chapters 30‑39, Chapter 40, and Chapters 41‑43. The committee will also consider a recommendation to forward Article III of all approved chapters to the Executive Committee for approval. The meeting includes time for public comment before adjournment.

• Review of changes to Ordinance Chapters 30‑39 (old business)
• Review of updated information for Chapter 40 (new business)
• Review of changes to Ordinance Chapters 41‑43 (new business)
• Recommendation to move Article III of all approved chapters to the Executive Committee for approval
• Public comment period

The Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved the minutes from the July 16 meeting and recommended that proposed changes to ordinance chapters 30 through 35 be sent to the Executive Committee. Members also discussed updates to fiscal affairs and procurement ordinances, though no final decisions were made on those sections.

• Approved July 16, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Recommended sending ordinance chapters 30 through 35 to the Executive Committee for approval (Unanimous)

WC Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee - Special Meeting

The Will County Ad‑Hoc Old Courthouse Committee will discuss several improvements to the former courthouse site, including sidewalks, landscaping, a pavilion, electricity, lighting, a water fountain, parking, and park naming. The committee will also present a recommendation to request the County Board Executive to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the property at 14 W. Jefferson Street. All items are listed for discussion; no final decisions are indicated.

• Sidewalks on site of former courthouse property (discussion)
• Landscaping and fencing for former courthouse property (discussion)
• Building a pavilion or gazebo at former courthouse property (discussion)
• Need of electricity at former courthouse property (discussion)
• Recommendation to request an RFP for 14 W. Jefferson Street property

The Will County Ad-Hoc Old Courthouse Committee unanimously recommended that the Executive Committee cordon off the plaza of the former courthouse property due to deteriorated concrete and a tripping hazard. The committee also unanimously recommended keeping a fence around the property until a decision is made on its future, and moving forward with an RFP for the property at 14 W. Jefferson St. The minutes of the July 16, 2024 meeting were tabled, and a motion to table them was approved.

• Recommended cordoning off the former courthouse plaza for public safety (unanimous)
• Recommended keeping a fence up until a decision is made on the property at 14 W. Jefferson St (unanimous)
• Recommended moving forward with an RFP for the former courthouse property (unanimous)
• Tabled the minutes of the July 16, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to table the July 16, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Will County Board - Recessed Meeting

The Board will present the Fiscal Year 2025 County budget. Two resurfacing contracts with Austin Tyler Construction, Inc. totaling $398,395.75 will be approved. Several zoning ordinances will be considered, including a commercial solar permit in Elwood and an accessory dwelling unit permit on West Manhattan-Monee Road. Additional items include various land‑use approvals and finance committee authorizations.

• State of the County/Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Presentation (New Business item 1)
• Contract award to Austin Tyler Construction, Inc. for $281,695.20 to resurface Lincolnwood Subdivision on New Lenox Road (Public Works item 24‑200)
• Contract award to Austin Tyler Construction, Inc. for $116,700.55 to resurface Troy Road District roadways (Public Works item 24‑201)
• Special Use Permit for a Commercial Solar Energy Facility at 25217 S Chicago Rd, Elwood, IL, approved with conditions (Land Use item 9)
• Special Use Permit and Variance for an Accessory Dwelling Unit at 11401 West Manhattan‑Monee Road, Monee, IL, approved with conditions (Land Use items 2‑5)

The Will County Board held a recessed meeting on August 15, 2024, where the County Executive presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget of $824 million. The board took action on several zoning cases, including denying a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility in Minooka (ZC-24-037) and approving another in Elwood (ZC-24-040). The board also approved a map amendment and special use permits for a truck terminal and outdoor storage in Monee, and denied a special use permit for an outdoor storage yard in Lockport.

• Denied special use permit for solar energy facility in Minooka (3-15)
• Approved special use permit for solar energy facility in Elwood (16-2)
• Approved map amendment and special use permits for truck terminal in Monee (18-1)
• Denied special use permit for outdoor storage yard in Lockport (7-12)
• Approved special use permit for detached accessory dwelling unit in Joliet (unanimous)
• Approved historic landmark nomination for First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington (unanimous)
• Approved $281,695.20 contract to Austin Tyler Construction for road resurfacing (unanimous)
• Approved $116,700.55 contract to Austin Tyler Construction for road resurfacing (unanimous)

WC Republican Caucus - Special Meeting

The Will County Republican Caucus will hold a special meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. Topics include land use, finance, public works, health and safety, and other legislative areas. No specific actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

The Will County Republican Caucus met and unanimously approved the minutes from the July 18, 2024 special meeting. Members discussed the upcoming County Board agenda, including the 2023 audit, a Safe Streets for All presentation, and the Solid Waste Plan, with one member indicating he would vote no on the plan. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval and adjournment.

• Approved July 18, 2024 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 9:01 AM (unanimous)

WC Democratic Caucus - Special Meeting

The Democratic Caucus is meeting to discuss the County Board agenda. The session includes reviews of old business regarding U.C.C.I, NACo, I.S.A.C.O, and A.R.P.A.

• Discussion of County Board Agenda
• Review of U.C.C.I
• Review of NACo
• Review of I.S.A.C.O
• Review of A.R.P.A.