Kankakee Times

Village of Bourbonnais Board of Trustees met Sept. 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 Mayor Keast

Procedural: B. Roll Call- Village Clerk Chad Meents

Members present: Mayor Jeff Keast, Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer. Also in Attendance: Village Attorney Patrick Dunn and Clerk Chad Meents. Absent: Administrator Michael Van Mill.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Action, Minutes: A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes from August 18, 2025

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Craig Toepfer to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes from August 18, 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.

3. CORRESPONDENCE

>Attorney Dunn stated we did receive correspondence concerning legislation. He asked the Clerk to read the documents for the record.

>Clerk Meents read a letter from Dr. Sykora advocating for the use of natural Kratom for pain relief amongst adults.

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 August 27, 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, Resolution: B. RESOLUTION NO. 25-1614 A Resolution Approving Travel, Meal, and Lodging Expenses for Tara Latz and Holly St. Germaine to Attend the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association Conference September 15-17, 2025

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Angie Serafini to read Resolution 25-1614 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 reading by Clerk Meents, Finance Director Tara Latz explained that the Finance Department attends this annual conference. The IGFOA Conference, composed of financial officers from across the state of Illinois, will be held in Springfield this year.

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to adopt Resolution 25-1614.

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 Jack Littrell, Chair

Action, Ordinance: A. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2508 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 4, Alcoholic Liquors of the Municipal Code of the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois Adding Two Class F Licenses (SECOND READING)

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Rick Fischer to read Ordinance No. 25-2508 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, Attorney Dunn explained this Ordinance adds two additional class F licenses for gaming cafes.

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Randy King to adopt Ordinance No. 25-2508.

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. 25-2509 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 4, Alcoholic Liquors, Sections 4-2 and 4-39(f) of the Municipal Code of the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois Concerning Gaming Cafes (SECOND READING)

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Craig Toepfer to read Ordinance No. 25-2509 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, Attorney Dunn explained this Ordinance is updating language with added restrictions, requiring a video gaming license from the State of IL and must be in good standing.

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Rick Fischer to adopt Ordinance No. 25-2509.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Abstain: Trustee Bruce Greenlee

Action, Ordinance: C. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2511 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20, Section 20-8 of the Municipal Code of the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois Concerning Cannabinoid and Kratom Nuisances (FIRST READING)

>Following the first reading by Clerk Meents, Attorney Dunn explained this Ordinance would make the sale of Kratom and Cannabinoid illegal to sell with a fine associated.

>Coroner Gessner commented on the correspondence received regarding the use of Kratom. There has been an increase in overdoses related to this drug in our area. This is why the FDA and CDC are against these products.

>Jim Schreiner from the Pledge for Life Partnership, explained how the drugs work in the body. These substances affect the brain like opioids and require a larger dose to get the same relief causing addiction and overdoses. Mr. Schreiner clarified that these nuisances are addictive and there is no safe form of Kratom whether it's natural or synthetic. Both forms affect the body negatively.

8. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - Trustee Craig Toepfer, Chair-None

9. POLICE COMMITTEE - Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Chair

Action, Ordinance, Information: A. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2510 An Ordinance Concerning the Office of Police Commander Amending Chapter 27, Article 1, Section 27-1 of the Municipal Code of the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois (SECOND READING)

Motion by Trustee Bruce Greenlee, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to read Ordinance 25-2510 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, Attorney Dunn explained this Ordinance creates the position of Police Commander in the Municipal Code.

Motion by Trustee Bruce Greenlee, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to adopt Ordinance 25-2510.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Information: B. Swear in Patrol Commander Brent Barrie

>Chief of Police David Morefield swore in Patrol Commander Brent Barrie.

Information: C. Police Committee

>Chief Morefield provided an update on the Texas Roadhouse Special Olympics fundraiser, reporting that $1,141 was raised in partnership with the Bradley Police Department.

>Our new Police Officer started the Police Academy as of September 2, 2025. This makes him the 28th officer, putting the Police Department at full capacity.

>Sergeant Banks gave an update on K-9 Officer Knight following his spleen surgery. Knight has made a full recovery after 4 weeks and is back to work.

>Mayor Keast announced Chief Morefield has completed all certification at home to be a Certified Officer.

10. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE - Trustee Randy King, Chair

Information: A. Public Works Committee

>Public Works Superintendent Terry Memenga gave an update on projects going on in the Village. The sidewalk rehabilitation has continued, and invasive trees have been removed and trimmed. Fall maintenance at The Grove has commenced with aeration and seeding of the lawn. The pond fountain is down causing a bloom of algae, which was treated. Dredging of the pond is scheduled for October. Contractors working on the Pickleball courts have asked for a modified layout to include fencing between the courts. The asphalt surfacing will be done by KVCC in the coming weeks, with the surfacing coating and fencing to follow. The goal is to have the project completed by the end of the year.

>Trustee King commented on the asphalt being laid on Hilltop, noting that the roads look better and will have greater longevity.

>Trustee Toepfer thanked Mr. Memenga for reaching out to other companies for comparative quotes on the pond dredging, despite no response.

11. COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE - Trustee Angie Serafini, Chair

Information: A. Communication & Engagement Committee

>Enjoy Lunchtime Bites & Beats on Festival Street now through September. From 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, enjoy lunch featuring Bennett-Curtis House and Tacos El Guadalajara with a performance by Jake Vaughn.

>Movie on the Green will be Friday, September 12, at The Grove. Food Trucks will be available for purchase starting at 6:00 PM and our featured film, Shrek, will begin at 7:00 PM.

>Fridays @ 5 concert series continues Friday, September 5, from 5:00-8:00 PM. Enjoy live music from 'Gotham Ramblers', beverages from TJ Donlin's, and 7 delicious food trucks outdoors at 700 Main St. NW.

>French Heritage Day is Saturday, September 27, starting at 9:00 AM. Engaging performances and interactive demonstrations will be held throughout the day at The Grove.

12. COMMITTEE MEETING SET

Committee Meeting Set: A. Set Committee Meetings - Calendars

>Community Economic Development meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 3:30 PM.

>Finance meeting to be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM.

>Public Works meeting to held Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 3:30 PM.

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

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

15. VILLAGE PRESIDENT'S REPORT - Jeff Keast

Information: A. Mayor Updates

>Nicole Gavin from the Kankakee County Visitors Bureau will have a historical bus tour on October 25, 2025. Details can be found on the website.

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 6:00 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/Public