Grundy Reporter

Village of Diamond Village Board met Feb. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The scheduled meeting of the Diamond Village Board was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Teresa “Terry” Kernc presiding. Upon a roll call Commissioners present, Dean Johnson and Jeff Kasher. Absent: Dave Warner. Mark Adair arrived at 6:17 p.m.

Approval of 01-28-2025 Minutes

MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to approve the 01-28-2025 meeting minutes and place on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Approval of February 11, 2025, Bill List

MOTION was made by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to approve February 11, 2025, bill list and place it on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Approval of the January 2025 Treasurer’s Report

MOTION was made by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to approve the January 2025 Treasurer’s Report and place it on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Public Comment

None

New Business

Approve Resolution #2025-01, Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutal Aid Network (IPWMAN)

Village Attorney John Gallo stated they updated their by-laws. Some people thought they could only use this for emergency situations, but they wanted to make it clear in the new agreement it can be used for everyday situations as well, if something arises and you need assistance. Commissioner Johnson asked how this works, and Mayor Kernc explained when someone needs assistance, they put out a call/email, with a list of items needed. If you have something on the list, you can respond, however, it is at your discretion. MOTION was by Commissioner Johnson, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher, to Approve Resolution #2025-01, Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network. (IPWMAN) All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Approve Ordinance #2025-01, An Ordinance Accepting Certain Public Improvements (Jewel/Osco Shopping Center)

Village Attorney John Gallo stated this to accept public improvements and then issue the maintenance bond. We cannot return the main letter of credit. This also reflects $15,000.00 which will not be released until the completion of landscaping and grading and some additional work. Village Engineer Mike Perry stated there are some other maintenance items which need to be completed, which are covered under warranty work in the spring. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to Approve Ordinance #2025-01, An Ordinance Accepting Certain Public Improvements (Jewel/Osco Shopping Center). All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Final Loan Closing for Water Meter Replacement

Mayor Kernc stated this reflects a decrease in expenditure from the original cost. Village Engineer Mike Perry stated we spent less than $50,000.00 than originally anticipated. This reflects a 50% loan forgiveness with approximately $50,000.00 reduction in expenses. The final loan amount is $117,972.96, which reflects the amended total. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to Approve the Final Loan Closing for the Water Meter Replacement in the amount of $117,972.96. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Approve Dacott Electric Contract Renewal

The rate renewals were presented with updated rates distributed as of today. Commissioner Johnson inquired if we are looking for a specific term. Village Clerk Lori Holmes stated last year the village decided to go with the 12-month term. The board must decide whether to go with a 12-month term, 24-month term or 36-month term. Mayor Kernc stated once the solar farms come online in Diamond, we will be able to place our accounts through them and receive 15%-20% off. Kernc is not completely sure how that will work at this present time, and nothing will be in effect until at least 2026. Commissioner Kasher stated based on the rates presented, the 24-month Constellation plan is the best option and Commissioner Johnson was in agreement. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to Approve Dacott Electric Contract Renewal with the 24-month Constellation .06998 rate presented. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Will-Grundy Counties Building & Construction Trades Council & Kankakee/Iroquois Counties Building Trades-Dad’s Day (Dollars Against Diabetes) June 14, 2025 Mayor Kernc presented the information. The MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to Approve the Will-Grundy Counties Building & Construction Trades Council & Kankakee/Iroquois Counties Building Trades-Dad’s Day (Dollars Against Diabetes) June 14, 2025. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

IDOT Final Plans for the Improvement of I-55 W. Frontage Road

Mayor Kernc stated this is for informational purposes only. IDOT will be grinding and paving the Frontage Road.

Buckeye

Mayor Kernc stated Buckeye has a 12-inch abandoned pipe behind Jewel. There is also a Nicor line, however that line is deep enough which is not in conflict when the 4x8 box culvert is installed. For the pipe to be removed, Buckeye must oversee the operation. The village cannot hire someone, like Wren Construction, to complete the work. Some of the pipes under the road could still have material/product in them, and it would be too risky for any other company to complete the work. The daily rate for mobilization is between $10,000-$15,000. It will take up to 5 days, 1 to mobilize, 1- 3 to do the work and 1 day to demobilize. The cost for the complete removal etc. is between $40,000.00-$80,000.00. Kernc reached out to TBS for partnership, and they are willing to do so however, the village must pay the first $40,000.00 and TBS will pay ½ of the cost which exceeds the $40,000.00 capping it at $85,000.00. Kernc stated there is a lag time of 2 months before they can do the work and would like to move forward with this. The project, which is anticipated to build, the pipe would be out of the ground before they build, and they can make improvements all the way to the road. It would be behooving the village to do so, since it needs to be completed for the future Will Road improvements. Commissioner Kasher asked if this would be done before the project was started. And Kernc stated yes. Kasher’s concern that the village could pay $60,000.00 or more whether the project ends up coming or not. Kernc stated it does need to be completed whether they come or not since it must be completed for the Will Road project. Commissioners Kasher and Johnson would like to see a cap of $40,000.00 for the village’s portion of the pipe removal. After further discussion, the decision to table this item until Kernc has more information about if the project is moving forward. This item was tabled.

Old Business

Grundy and Will County Sheriff’s Monthly Update

Mayor Kernc presented the Will County Sheriff's update. Nothing out of the ordinary to report

Waive Competitive Bid for WWTP Clarifier Catwalk Proposal

This item was tabled

Approval of Bid for WWTP

This item was tabled

Legal Counsel

No Report

Engineer Updates

Nor Report

Public Works Department Updates

Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning stated the building pad was started today. High service pump is in. The red truck needed repairs at Rush for the DEF pump in the amount of $1,500.00. Dunning stated John Guistat has submitted for his Class D license.

Clerk Updates

No Report

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Adair

No Report

Commissioner Johnson

Commissioner Johnson inquired if any of the grants will be jeopardized by the stoppages which the federal government is doing. Kernc stated hopefully it won’t but is concerned with the Will Road project since the state is not in good standings. Kernc added, she thinks we are ok right now but will have to wait and see.

Commissioner Kasher

No Report

Commissioner Warner

Absent

Mayor Kernc

Mayor Kernc explained she is trying to bring Aldi to Diamond. If they were to choose to develop in Diamond Point, the developer would be required to improve Will Road adjacent to the shopping center, which would include enclosing the Claypool Ditch with an 8X4' concrete box culvert 700' north, connecting to the maintenance facility culvert. The total cost is estimated at $750,000. Kernc just learned of the Will County Stormwater improvement 50/50 reimbursement program, if approved by Will County, would reimburse 50% upon completion. Her intention is that the 50% local match would be paid mostly or solely by the developer. Consensus was given for the mayor to pursue this opportunity.

MOTION was made to adjourn at 6:42 p.m. by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

https://www.villageofdiamond.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02-11-25-1.pdf