Grundy Reporter

Coal City Village Board of Trustees met Jan. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Mayor Dave Spesia called to order the regular board meeting of the Coal City Village Board in the boardroom of the Village Hall. Roll call- Trustees Dave Togliatti, Pam Noffsinger, Tim Bradley, Bill Mincey, and CJ Lauterbur. Also in attendance were attorney Mark Heinle, Police Chief Chris Harseim, Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering and Matt Fritz, village administrator. Absent: Trustee Dan Greggain.

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The public hearing meeting minutes of January 8, 2025, were presented. Lauterbur moved to approve the minutes as written, second by Mincey. Roll call- Ayes; Togliatti, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; Greggain. Abstain; none. Motion carried.

The regular meeting minutes of January 8, 2025, were presented. Bradley moved to approve the minutes as written, second by Lauterbur. Roll call- Ayes; Togliatti, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; Greggain. Abstain; none. Motion carried.

The warrant list was presented. Mayor Spesia asked for clarification on propane tank necessity for Prairie Oaks if there is natural gas located at the site. Mr. Fritz assured the Board he would review the necessity and see if there are alternative options. Lauterbur moved to approve the warrant list as written, second by Bradley. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; Greggain. Motion carried.

There was no public comment during the meeting.

Mr. Fritz presented the Professional Services Agreement for Chamlin Engineering for construction oversite of Carbon Hill Road. Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering explained the project for Carbon Hill Road between State Route 113 and the BNSF Railroad Crossing has been completed. As previously agreed, Illinois Department of Transportation will pay 80% and Village of Coal City will be responsible for 20%, however, Village of Coal City must pay Chamlin Engineering and submit the bill for reimbursement to IDOT. Mr. Fritz attached the agreement which states the lump sum payment is $38,750 to Chamlin Engineering and the Village will be reimbursed all except $7,750. There were no follow up questions from the Board. Bradley moved to authorize Mayor Spesia to enter into a professional services agreement with Chamlin Engineering for the construction oversight of the improvements on Carbon Hill Road Between Route 113 & the BNSF Railroad crossing, second by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; Greggain. Motion carried.

Mr. Fritz notified the Board that Well #4 has failed and needs to be replaced. Mr. Fritz explained this smaller well has been functional since 2010 and there was potential of replacement after its previously scheduled inspection. Mr. Fritz explained there were two quotes that were provided for repairment of the well. First quote was provided to view the equipment and labor that is needed, Prairie State Water Systems for $33,024.60. Mr. Fritz explained he did not include the second quote for viewing due to the price being three times over the competing business's quote. There were no follow up questions from the Board. Lauterbur moved to waive the competing bidding process and approve the replacement of equipment within Well #4 via Prairie State Water Systems for a cost not to exceed $33,024.60, second by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; Greggain. Motion carried.

Mr. Fritz presented to the Board the necessity to approve and affirm 2024 Non- Motor Fuel Tax Street work. Mr. Fritz explained the Village already approved its annual street program and the bids were split between MFT and non- MFT maintenance and repair, which was presented and approved at the regular meeting on July 10, 2024. Mr. Fritz explained after reviewing the meeting minutes from July 10, 2024, the minutes reflected the overall approval of the annual program and emphasized the MFT-related portion and did not clarify the non-MFT related portion including the addition of rehabilitating the North Park Tennis Courts. Mr. Fritz explained everything at the meeting on July 10, 2024, was discussed and approved, however, insisted we affirm the non-MFT portion of street work of $151,756.60 for proper documentation. Mr. Fritz explained Chamlin Engineering gave the recommendation of disbursements of the final payment to D Construction for completing the 2024 Street Maintenance. Lauterbur moved to approve the non-MFT portion of street work and related asphalt rehabilitation is affirmed, totaling $151,756.60 and the last remaining payment of $48,339,69 to D Construction is approved, second by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; Greggain. Motion carried.

Trustee Bradley reported that a finance committee meeting will be held January 30th at 4p.m.

Trustee Noffsinger asked for an overview regarding the previously held Planning and Zoning Board Meeting. Trustee Mincey explained Berkots requested for gaming machines be allowed into the business. Mincey gave a brief explanation on Berkots request, and the variance will soon be presented to the Board. The Board asked for clarification on what liquor licenses will be required such as a package liquor license or bar and restaurant license for the business to obtain to fulfill their request.

Mark Heinle, village attorney, reported he has drafted a purchasing policy and will present it to the Board once it has been finalized. Mr. Heinle also reminded the Board that a decision regarding whether the Village will implement a grocery tax will need to be discussed due to the approaching decision due date in the summer. Mr. Heinle suggested for the Board research into surrounding towns acting decision.

Ryan Hansen, village engineer reported Com-Ed will be out tomorrow at the well to verify the project location and equipment is all set to start project. Mr. Hansen stated the lead line replacement service should start up in February. Mr. Hansen gave an update regarding the process of the Water Treatment Plant, stating a roof will be installed soon.

Chief Harseim reported background checks for the next officer hire have been completed. The next step will be to have psychology tests completed, if everything is passed, he will offer her the position. Chief Harseim explained Deputy Chief Imhof and himself have been thinking of creative ways to retain the staff at the department. They have created a hybrid position, where they assigned Officer Larson as part-time investigator and part-time Pro-act officer. Chief Harseim reported he is ensuring his officers stay safe during the cold weather while on patrol. Mayor Spesia commended Chief Harseim and Deputy Chief Imhoff for their creative thinking and creating a new hybrid position, which will overall help our department.

Matt Fritz, village administrator reported that he attended the Advancing Grundy event, which was focused on utilities, Joliet Junior College expansions however may need more structures within the community and Dresden's efficiencies. Mr. Fritz explained Grundy Economic Development Council are looking for participants in their Solutions Committee. Mr. Fritz explained he attended a financial forum and brought back retail trends that could be beneficial to our community which included top store openings and closings, and spending on experiences. Mr. Fritz also announced the Coaler Business Alliance's Galentine's Event is on February 5, 2025, from 3p.m. to 7p.m. which several participating local businesses.

Trustee Bradley moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:36 p.m., second by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; Greggain. Motion carried.

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VB-Meeting-Minutes-01-22-2025-Web.pdf