Kankakee Times

Village of Bourbonnais Board of Trustees met June 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Meeting called to order at 5:30 PM by Village President Jeff Keast

1. CALL TO ORDER

Procedural: A. Pledge of Allegiance led by Max Edwards, a student from Bishop McNamara School. Procedural: B. Roll Call - Village Clerk Brian Simeur

Members present: Village President Jeff Keast, Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer. Also in attendance were Attorney Patrick Dunn and Administrator Michael Van Mill. Absent: Treasurer Ron Riebe

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Action, Minutes: A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes from May 19, 2025

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Randy King to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes from May 19, 2025, as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

>Mayor Keast requested permission from the Board to move Agenda Item 9B up in the meeting.

9. POLICE COMMITTEE - Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Chair

Information: B. Swearing in Patrolman Justin Beaupre

>Chief Sztuba swore in new Patrolman Justin Beaupre.

>Mayor Keast requested permission from the board to move Agenda Item 15B up in the meeting.

15. VILLAGE PRESIDENT'S REPORT - Jeff Keast

Action, Proclamation: B. PROCLAMATION NO. 25-381 - A Proclamation Honoring David Gifford for 18 Years of Service as an Employee for the Village of Bourbonnais

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Randy King to read Proclamation 25-381 in its entirety. Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Randy King to adopt Proclamation 25-381. Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

>Mayor Keast thanked David Gifford for his 18 years of service to the Village of Bourbonnais. It was noted that a couple of changes needed to be made to said proclamation, which will be done before it is signed.

3. CORRESPONDENCE - None

4. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND ADVISORY BOARDS - None

5. BIDS AND QUOTES - None

6. FINANCE COMMITTEE - Trustee Rick Fischer, Chair

Action, Accounts Payable: A. Finance Committee - Consideration of the June 2, 2025 Accounts Payable

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Bruce Greenlee to approve the general and special fund bill list, as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

>Finance Director Tara Latz clarified the details on the proposed Grocery Tax and Non-Home Rule Tax for the Village of Bourbonnais that are up for first reading tonight. These taxes not only affect residents, but also anyone who spends money in the Village. The increase of 1% would bring our current sales tax from 6.25% to 7.25% village-wide. The business district tax would go from 7.25% to 8.25%.

Action, Ordinance: B. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2494 - An Ordinance Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers' Occupation Tax and Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax for the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois (FIRST READING)

>Mrs. Latz explained the details of the Municipal Grocery Tax. The State of Illinois' new law will be removing the statewide Grocery Tax effective January 1, 2026. This had been in place since 1990. This Grocery Tax will replace the State tax that will be removed. The Village would lose approximately $750,000 of budgeted annual revenue. As of early May, there have been 163 communities throughout Illinois that have implemented this replacement of the grocery tax.

Action, Ordinance: C. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2495 - An Ordinance Implementing a Non-Home Rule Municipal Retailers' Occupation Tax and a Non-Home Rule Municipal Service Occupation Tax for the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois (FIRST READING)

>Mrs. Latz explained the Non-Home Rule Tax. This would impose an additional 1% tax on the purchase of goods within the Village. This does not apply to groceries, prescriptions, medical appliances, or titled goods such as cars, boats, or RVs. Research shows 20 other municipalities in a 60-mile radius have a Non-Home Rule sales tax. This is on par with neighboring communities such as Bradley and Kankakee. Our businesses would not be at any disadvantage. In exchange for the sales tax, the Village Board has committed to a residential property tax rebate program. The Village's portion of a homeowner's property tax bill could be rebated back to them through an application process. This will be developed in the coming months.

7. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE - Trustee Angie Serafini, Chair

Action, Resolution: A. RESOLUTION NO. 25-1605 - A Resolution Appointing Jessica Spry as a Village Deputy Clerk

Motion by Trustee Angie Serafini, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to read Resolution 25-1605 by title only. Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

Motion by Trustee Angie Serafini, second by Trustee Craig Toepfer to adopt Resolution 25-1605. Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

Action, Ordinance: B. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2490 - An Ordinance Amending Chapter 4, Alcoholic Liquors of the Municipal Code of the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois Removing One Class B License (SECOND READING)

Motion by Trustee Angie Serafini, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to read Ordinance 25-2490 by title only. Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

>After the second reading by Clerk Simeur, Attorney Dunn stated that a previous class's liquor license holder did not want to renew their license. We are removing one class B license to revise the code of ordinances.

Motion by Trustee Angie Serafini, second by Trustee Craig Toepfer to adopt Ordinance 25-2490. Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

Action, Ordinance: C. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2496 - An Ordinance Amending Chapter 4, Alcoholic Liquors of the Municipal Code of the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois Adding One Class F License (FIRST READING)

>After the first reading by Clerk Simeur, Attorney Dunn clarified that this amendment is for a new business coming to the Village. This license permits liquor sales in gaming cafes.

Information: D. Administration Committee

>Trustee Serafini announced that Lunchtime Bites & Beats on Festival Street on Wednesdays have returned. It will be held from June through September, featuring food trucks, and local performers will be present from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. On June 4, enjoy a performance by Shelby Ryan and food from Cousins Main Lobster and Mia Bella's Pizza.

>Summer Yoga is back at Cavalier de LaSalle Park on Saturday mornings starting June 7 from 8:30-9:30 AM.

>Unplug & Play is a new outdoor event at The Grove on Sunday, June 8, from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. Enjoy an electronics-free afternoon with lawn games and activities for all ages. Perfect for friends and families to relax and connect.

>Movie on the Green will be held on Thursday, June 12, at The Grove. Grab dinner from Mia Bella's Pizza and Cakes & Goodies starting at 6:00 PM. Then enjoy Disney/Pixar's Inside Out 2 at 7:00 PM. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.

>Cone with a Cop will be held on Friday, June 13, from 2:30-5:00 PM at the Bourbonnais Dairy Queen. Located at 121 S Main St.. Donations will be accepted for the back-to-school program Shop with a Cop. Attendees will receive a free small treat during the event.

8. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - Trustee Craig Toepfer, Chair Action, Ordinance: A. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2497- An Ordinance Granting Special Use Permit at 390 N Convent Street in a B-1 Central Commercial Business District for the Allowance of Other Gambling Industries (NAIC Code 713290) To Amanda Irps (FIRST READING)

>After the first reading by Clerk Simeur, Attorney Dunn informed that a special use permit is required for the zoning district of 390 N Convent.

9. POLICE COMMITTEE - Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Chair

Information A: Swearing in Patrolman Anthony Bird

>Trustee Greenlee stated that the swearing-in for Patrolman Anthony Bird will be held at a later date. Information: B. Swearing in Patrolman Justin Beaupre - moved up in the meeting

Information: C. Police Committee

>Chief Sztuba gave an update on the parade route change due to the construction at the Bradley Bourbonnais High School. The start of the parade will be at University Avenue and end on South Main. This will ease traffic by requiring fewer road closures.

10. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE - Trustee Randy King, Chair - None

11. UTILITY COMMITTEE - Trustee Jack Littrell, Chair

Information: A. Utility Committee

>Trustee Littrell discussed the recent Utility meeting from Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Nicor, Aqua, ComEd, and Republic Services discussed their future capital projects.

12. COMMITTEE MEETING SET

Committee Meeting Set: A. Set Committee Meetings - Calendars

>Finance meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Board Room.

>Administration - a meeting is needed, but a time or date has not been set yet.

13. VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT - Michael Van Mill - None

14. VILLAGE ATTORNEY'S REPORT - Patrick Dunn - None

15. VILLAGE PRESIDENT'S REPORT - Jeff Keast

Action, Proclamation: A. PROCLAMATION NO. 25-380 - Recognizing the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army in the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois.

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to read Proclamation 25-380 in its entirety.

Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Angie Serafini to adopt Proclamation 25-380. Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

>Following the reading of the Proclamation by Clerk Simeur, Mayor Keast expressed the importance of this Proclamation.

Action, Proclamation: B. PROCLAMATION NO. 25-381 - A Proclamation Honoring David Gifford for 18 Years of Service as an Employee for the Village of Bourbonnais - moved up in the meeting

Information: C. Mayor Updates

>Mayor Keast recognized Laurie Cyr for her 17 years of service as the Community & Economic Development Director for the Village of Bourbonnais. Trustees expressed their gratitude for Ms. Cyr and wished her well in her new endeavor in Tennessee.

16. NEW BUSINESS

Information: A. New Business

>Trustee Toepfer suggested streaming Board meetings for public viewing.

17. OLD BUSINESS - None

18. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None

19. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Not Applicable

20. ADJOURNMENT

Action, Procedural: A. Adjournment Time

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Angie Serafini to adjourn the Regular Board meeting at 6:05 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vobil/Board.nsf/files/DHJHNA493641/$file/2025-06-02%20Regular%20Board%20Minutes%20for%20Approval.pdf