Kankakee Times

Village of Bourbonnais Community & Economic Development Committee met Sept. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Meeting called to order at 3:30 PM

1. Meeting Opening

Action, Procedural: A. Roll Call - Trustee Craig Toepfer

Members Present: Mayor Jeff Keast (arrived at 3:39 PM), Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Jack Littrell, Trustee Angie Serafini, and Trustee Craig Toepfer. Also in attendance: Administrator Michael Van Mill, Attorney Patrick Dunn, Public Works Superintendent Terry Memenga, Finance Director Tara Latz, Assistant Finance Director Holly St. Germaine, and Executive Administrative Assistant Jessica Spry. Absent: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Randy King and Clerk Chad Meents.

2. Review & Approve Minutes

Action, Minutes: A. Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes from July 30, 2025

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Angie Serafini to approve the Community & Economic Development Committee minutes from July 30, 2025, as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

3. Planning Commission

Discussion: A. PSU25-0006 40 Foot Variance Request to Allow the Erection of an 80 Foot Monopole on the Property. Applicant: Faith Baptist Church-1280 Armour Rd

>Administrator Michael Van Mill explained at the August 28, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, the Board heard the case of Faith Baptist Church. They are requesting a variance of 40 feet to erect an 80 foot monopole on the southwest corner of the property. If the structure were to fall, it would not damage any surrounding structures. The monopole will be used for a religious radio broadcasting. There are other tall structures in the surrounding area, including the 175 foot water tower. If there is any interference with the Fire Department, Faith Baptist Church will have to shut down the station, and pay for any necessary modifications.

>The Community & Economic Development Committee agreed to move forward with approving the Variance request at 1280 Armour Rd and legislation will be created for the upcoming Regular Board Meeting on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Discussion: B. Guided Plant Walk Concepts at The Grove - Contract Proposal

>Mr. Van Mill explained the vision behind the guided plant walking tour. QR code plaques and other displays would be visible for visitors to scan and learn more about the plants in the landscape. The hopes is this added feature would enhance the experience at The Grove.

>Trustees want to see a visual representation before moving forward with the proposal.

Mayor Keast arrived at 3:39 PM.

Discussion: C. Piggush-Heritage Meadows Easement Vacation; Lot 2 & 3 On Heritage Meadows Circle

>Mr. Van Mill explained the property at Heritage Meadows Circle was rezoned for duplex developments. Since the buildings have been built, the property owners of the lots have requested that the Village evaluate the easements of vacation. Village Engineer Michael Gingerich recommends we vacate the easements subject to the survey review. With the lots being residential, they don't serve the purpose the Village initially intended for.

>The Community & Economic Development Committee agrees to grant vacations of the properties.

Discussion: D. Slater Field Update

>Mayor Keast gave an update on Slater Field. The Little League will have a new board as of Wednesday, September 17, 2025 where they will decide if they are staying at Slater Field for the baseball season next year. If the league decides to stay, they will put together a list of short and long term plans, and what suggestions they have to make it a better park for the future. There currently isn't an intergovernmental agreement between the Little League, Village and the School District. However, if the league decides to stay, a lease can be drawn up to give The Little League the rights to the field during the season.

Discussion: E. Greer/Curwick-Courtyards at Cobblestone

>Mr. Van Mill explained the phases of the Courtyards at Cobblestone. The developer realized he had a letter of credit for $26,000 still in place. MG2A wrote a letter stating all the improvements of Phase 1 have been complete and the Village can release the line of credit.

>Attorney Patrick Dunn stated we will need to create a Resolution to release the funds for Phase 1.

>Mr. Van Mill stated Phase 2 still has a number of improvements. The developer is requesting a reduction in a letter of credit. The Village was holding up funding for sewer and water improvements, but that is no longer needed. MG2A recommends maintaining a letter of credit for the estimated cost of improvements for $206,281.

>The Community & Economic Development Committee approves to reduce the letter of credit.

4. New Business - None

5. Old Business - None

6. Public Comments

Discussion: A. Public Comments

>Dr. Heidi Sykora from Wauconda, IL, spoke to the Board about the benefits of natural Kratom. She advocated that Kratom is a safer alternative compared to prescribed opioids. She suggested having each batch be tested before being sold to the public to ensure safety, like many small vendors currently do.

7. Executive Session

Action, Procedural: A. Enter into Executive Session (1) to discuss the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body 5ILCS 120/2 (C)(6); and (2) discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired as allowed by 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(5).

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Rick Fischer motion to enter to the Executive Session of the Community & Economic Development meeting at 4:00 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Action, Procedural: B. Return to Community Economic Development Committee Meeting

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell motion to return to the Regular Session of the Community & Economic Development meeting at 4:09 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

8. Adjournment and Time

Action, Procedural: A. Adjournment Time

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Angie Serafini to adjourn the Community & Economic Development meeting at 4:10 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vobil/Board.nsf/Public