Kankakee Times

Village of Bourbonnais Board of Trustees met July 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Regular Board Meeting Minutes

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

1. CALL TO ORDER

Procedural: A. Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: B. Moment of Silence for Treasurer Ron Riebe

>Mayor Keast asked for a moment of silence for Treasurer Ron Riebe who passed away on July 8, 2025. He served the Village for 35 years.

Procedural: C. Roll Call - Village Clerk Chad Meents

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.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Action, Minutes: A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes from July 7, 2025

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Bruce Greenlee to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes from July 2, 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 asked permission from the Board to move Agenda Item 15A up in the meeting.

15. VILLAGE PRESIDENT'S REPORT - Jeff Keast

Action, Resolution, Information: A. RESOLUTION NO. 25-1609- A Resolution Appointing David Morefield as Chief of Police for the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Craig Toepfer to read Resolution 25-1609 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.

>Trustee Fischer made a statement before casting his vote. Trustee Fischer expressed his appreciation to the Bourbonnais Police Department. In March of 2025, 30 applications were received and reviewed in April for the Police Chief position. A committee narrowed down the candidates to 3. However, the Trustees never got to interview them due to a rejection letter that was sent out by the Mayor. The only candidate the Board got to interview was David Morefield. This is a violation of the Trustees advice and consent according to our Ordinance. The Mayor has apologized for the mistake, but it did divide the Board in the decision making process. Trustee Fischer questioned the transparency between the Board and the Mayor. However, the Police Department needs a Police Chief and Trustee Fischer trusts the Mayor with this decision. 

>Trustee Greenlee agrees with Trustee Fischer. The Police Committee was not used in the process. However, he agrees to move forward with adding Mr. Morefield as the Police Chief. 

>Trustee King made a statement regarding being involved on the Police Committee. He shared his concerns for the process of selecting a Police Chief. The Chief, Mayor, and the Administration need to conduct a full internal review of the Police Department, regarding staffing and operations before moving forward with any Deputy Chief appointment or organizational changes. Additionally Trustee King encourages the Village to establish a clear, consistent policy for future Department Head appointments, future Trustees, Mayors and Administrators. This ensures transparency, process integrity, and public trust remain at the center of these important decisions.

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Craig Toepfer to adopt Resolution 25-1609 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 asked permission from the Board to move Agenda Item 15B up in the meeting.

Information: B. Swearing in Police Chief David Morefield

>Mayor Keast swore in Police Chief David Morefield.

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 July 21, 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.

Action, Ordinance: B. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2498 - An Ordinance Making Appropriations for Corporate and Other Purposes of the Village of Bourbonnais, Kankakee County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2026 (SECOND READING)

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Randy King to read Ordinance 25-2498 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.

>Following the second reading by Clerk Meents, Finance Director Tara Latz gave an overview of said Ordinance. This establishes the legal spending limit for the fiscal year 2026 and includes all funds of the Village, which are the General, Community Campus, Motor Fuel Tax, Sewer, Special Tax Allocation (TIF), Business District, Impact Fees and Debt Service Funds. The General Fund's total appropriation is $22,951,943, and the Special Fund's combined total appropriation is $9,631,034, which makes the total Village-wide appropriation $32,582,976 for FY 2026. By comparison, the total Village-wide appropriation for FY 2025 was $32,849,680, a decrease of $266,704. This Ordinance establishes a legal ceiling of spending that the Village is authorized to do during the fiscal year and does not reflect the internally used budget document the Board passed in May 2025 at the start of the fiscal year.

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Craig Toepfer to adopt Ordinance 25-2498. 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. 25-2500 - An Ordinance Approving and Ratifying a Request for Change Order 14 to the Bourbonnais- The Grove Project (SECOND READING)

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to read Ordinance 25-2500 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.

>Following the second reading by Clerk Meents, Mrs. Latz gave an overview of the change order. The changes include: the additional 2" of concrete that was needed to add the water fixtures to the splash pad, a credit due to a cheaper product being used to dye the concrete, and 2 additional shade structures that were installed at the splash pad. There is an additional cost of $40,461.

>Trustee King was surprised that after The Grove project, the Village made only 14 changes throughout the process.

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Angie Serafini to adopt Ordinance 25-2500. 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: D. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2501 - An Ordinance Designating Depositories for the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois (FIRST READING)

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to read Ordinance 25-2501 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.

>Mrs. Latz explained with the passing of Treasurer Ron Riebe, we need an additional signer on accounts.

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to suspend the rules and have a second reading on Ordinance 25-2501 tonight.

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 Craig Toepfer to adopt Ordinance 25-2501. Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

7. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE - Trustee Angie Serafini, Chair

Information: A. Administration Committee

>Trustee Serafini announced Food Truck Fest is less than a month away for our 5th annual Bourbonnais Food Trust Fest on Saturday, August 16th from 12:00 -10:00 PM at the Grove. Enjoy 20+ Food Trucks and the 150th Concert to celebrate our Sesquicentennial (150th) year of Bourbonnais.

>Lunchtime Bites and Beats on Festival Street continues this Wednesday, July 23, from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM through September. This week, enjoy a performance by Ryan Craig and food from Tacos El Guadalajara and Serna's Grill.

>Chillin' at The Grove is a new event brought to you by the Community Arts Council of Kankakee County. On Thursday, July 24, from 5:00 -8:00 PM, enjoy food and ice cream, kids activities, and magic by Mr. Magic. 

>Yoga on the Green featuring Limber Mind & Body Wellness, is returning the first Wednesday in August from 6:00-7:00 PM on the Green at The Grove.

>Movie on the Green will be held on Thursday August 14, at The Grove. Grab dinner from Chick-fil-a, Drew's Dogs, and Cakes & Goodies starting at 6:00 PM. Our featured film Dog Man, will begin at 7:00 PM. 

>Fridays @ 5 concert series will be Friday, August 8 from 5:00-8:00 PM. Enjoy music from Mr. Blotto, beverages, and 7 food trucks at 700 Main St. NW.

>Unplug & Play continues Sunday, August 3 from 1:00-4:00 PM. Enjoy an electronics-free afternoon with lawn games and activities for all ages.

>Trustee Serafini welcomed Chief Morefield and thanked former Interim Police Chief Sztuba for his efforts over the last few months.

8. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - Trustee Craig Toepfer, Chair Action, Ordinance: A. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2502 - An Ordinance Amending A Special Use Permit for Self-Storage Warehouses (NAIC Code 493110) PIN 17-09-09-301-019 in the M-1 Zoning District to Bill Warburton. (FIRST READING)

Motion by Trustee Craig Toepfer, second by Trustee Randy King to suspend the rule and have a second reading on Ordinance 25-2502 tonight.

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 Craig Toepfer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to read Ordinance 25-2502 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.

>Administrator Michael Van Mill explained this Ordinance was passed in April of 2024 for storage warehouses. It included five private storage units and a commercial building in the original plans. Mr. Warburton would like to reevaluate the commercial building from commercial office space to a climate controlled storage building.

Motion by Trustee Craig Toepfer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to adopt Ordinance 25-2502. Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

9. POLICE COMMITTEE - Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Chair-None

>Former Interim Chief of Police Jason Sztuba announced National Night Out is Tuesday, August 5 starting at 4:00 PM at Perry Farm. Local Police Departments will be hosting events and giving away hot dogs with fireworks to follow.

10. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE - Trustee Randy King, Chair

Information: A. Public Works Committee

>Trustee Randy King asked Public Works Superintendent Terry Memenga if he had any updates. Mr. Memenga gave an update on the sidewalk rehabilitation on hazardous areas. Mr. Memenga also gave an update on the Pickleball Courts. The Village did lose the original contractor, but other contractors have been contacted to help with the completion of the courts.

>Trustee King commented on the weed control in The Grove's landscaping with help from the Weed Warriors and Public Works.

>Acting Out Theater's performance had close to 500 participants per show at The Grove over the weekend.

11. UTILITY COMMITTEE - Trustee Jack Littrell, Chair-None

>Trustee Littrell congratulated and welcomed Chief Morefield.

12. COMMITTEE MEETING SET

Committee Meeting Set: A. Set Committee Meetings - Calendars

>Finance meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Board Room. 

>Administration meeting to be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM in the Board Room. 

>Community Economic Development meeting to be held on Wednesday July 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM in the Board Room.

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, Resolution, Information: A. RESOLUTION NO. 25-1609- A Resolution Appointing David Morefield as Chief of Police for the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois- Moved up in the Meeting

Information: B. Swearing in Police Chief David Morefield-Moved up in the Meeting

Information: C. Mayor Updates

>Mayor Keast thanked former Interim Chief of Police Sztuba for all of his hard work over the past few months, until we could find a new Chief of Police.

16. NEW BUSINESS-None

17. OLD BUSINESS-None

18. PUBLIC COMMENTS-None

19. EXECUTIVE SESSION-None

20. ADJOURNMENT

Action, Procedural: A. Adjournment Time

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Angie Serafini to adjourn the Regular Board meeting at 6:02 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/DK4J7C4BC58A/$file/2025-07-21%20Reg%20Board%20Meeting%20Min%20Pending%20Approval.pdf