Grundy Reporter

Coal City Village Board of Trustees met Feb. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

At 7:01 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 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, Dan Greggain, Pam Noffsinger, Tim Bradley, and CJ Lauterbur. Also in attendance were attorney Mark Heinle, Police Chief Chris Harseim, Matt Halloran from Chamlin Engineering and Matt Fritz, village administrator. Absent: Trustee Bil! Mincey.

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The regular meeting minutes of February 12, 2025, were presented. Lauterbur moved to approve the minutes as written, second by Greggain. Roll call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; Mincey. Abstain; none. Motion carried.

The warrant list was presented. Mayor Spesia asked for clarification Emergency Service Vehicle Services Inc. line item, Mr. Fritz explained it is the same emergency vehicle that has been previously services however required a refresh cost of new equipment that was necessary. Bradley moved to approve the warrant list as written, second by Lauterbur. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; Mincey. Motion carried.

During Public Comment, the following people were present at the meeting to address the Board:

• Drew Muffler, Grundy County Board Chairman and James Riley, Grundy County Board Member was in attendance to introduce themselves and extend any future assistance that may be needed in the future.

• Maria Lewis, Chairwoman of The Zoning Board of Appeals spoke her concerns regarding agenda item #7, to permit Berkots Super Foods to install gambling machines. Mrs. Lewis explained that during the previous Mapping meetings, it was shown most of Coal City's businesses were consisted of gaming, alcohol and pizza. Mrs. Lewis expressed with the possibility of more gambling machines being added to Berkots, it will negatively impact the future business path of Coal City. Mrs. Lewis expressed she believes there are alternative ways Berkots can proceed with that would give a more positive outcome for the community instead of adding gambling machines. Mrs. Lewis recommended maximizing the layout of the building, adding more electronic features such as grocery delivery and pickup.

• Gary Onsen, Manager at Berkots Superfoods and Coal City Resident, expressed his positive opinions to the Board regarding agenda item #7, to permit Berkots Super Foods to install gambling machines. Mr. Onsen explained that since Jewel Osco has opened in Diamond, there was been negative impact on business. In his opinion installing gambling machines will assist with maintaining lower costs. Mr. Onsen explained the dynamic of gambling machines and explained this would not be a bar you can sit at, you can utilize gambling machines and order a beverage during utilization.

• Matt Dattielo, Berkots Super Foods Attorney, explained the business negative impact that certain competing grocery stores have caused. Mr. Dattielo explained without the installation of gambling machines, there is a possibility of raised prices and potential of reducing staff to accommodate the loss of income.

• Jason Lemmons, Coal City resident, expressed as a resident he disagrees the installation of gambling machines is a negative impact. Mr. Lemmons explained that when you attend Walmart or other grocery stores, you find claw machines and other activities in the storefront and believes the installation of gambling machines would have the same positive effect as the other stores.

• Evan Mumm, Employee of Berkots, explained business has slowed down significantly. Mr. Mumm expressed as an employee he has seen the employees scheduled hours have decreased due to the loss of business. As an employee in Coal City, he believes that in order to keep employment in place for several employees to have the Board allow the installation of gambling machines.

Alex Kuhel, Chairman of Fellowship Committee, explained the event request for Assumption Church Bike Blessing at the location, Assumption Church, 195 S Kankakee St. The event will host motorcycles and kids with bicycles in the church parking lot. There will be a children's bike parade, where children can get refreshments. Following will be motorcycle parade, in which a map was provided for the designated path. Mr. Kuhel explained he has filled out the appropriate forms and has worked with the police department for proper safety precautions. Mr. Kuhel also noted to Chief Harseim, that the Pastor at the church volunteered to bless all the emergency vehicles as well during that time. Chief Harseim explained to the Board, Deputy Chief Imhoff is in charge of this event and has been ensuring all safety measures are in place for the event. Mayor Spesia expressed his excitement for the event and thank Mr. Kuhel for investing his time in Coal City.

Ordinance 25-03, granting a conditional use permit, permitting Berkots Super Foods to operate a bar without live entertainment but allow gaming. Mr. Fritz explained Luke Kotara, the Manager of Berkots Super Foods, held as Coal City Kotara, LLC has applied to operate a bar that will host gaming within the grocery store. This would mean granting two liquor licenses, to install gambling machines alongside the sale of packaged alcohol and obtaining a bar license to allow them to pour alcohol aside from selling it in packaged containers. Mr. Kotara attended the Zoning Board of Appeals, where he informed the Board of other locations that hold this feature in store as well, such as Dwight, Braidwood, Aroma Park, New Lenox and Watseka. Mr. Kotara explained the area layout in opening of the building, where the cart storage is held. Mr. Fritz explained during the Zoning Board meeting, there was a positive recommendation with a vote of 4-3. Mr. Kotara is requesting 6 machines, which is the maximum under Illinois State Law. The Board made the following comments:

• Mayor Spesia acknowledged that Berkots Super Foods has made many donations in service of the community. Mayor Spesia asked Mr. Kotara if the Food Pantry donation that is asked during checkout is from customer or business, Mr. Kotara said it is from customer. Mayor Spesia also acknowledged that Berkots is rated #1 in the town for Hot Food Sales. Mayor Spesia wanted clarification that this is a private area that only permits 21 and older, Mr. Kotara confirmed. Mayor Spesia wanted to highlight a key factor in the given presentation paperwork from Berkots, in his opinion in the statistics the show the growth of income that would come to the municipality by the gambling installations, may not be accurate to due the fact it would just be shifting from one business to the other. Mayor Spesia asked if Mr. Kotara has tried establishing any other kinds of income, Mr. Kotara explained they have tried to do the electronic quick services as other stores but it is not popular. Mr. Kotara explained their stores have shown for quick convenience grocery store in a small community, where people don't mind walking in and out. Mr. Kotara explained the grocery store business has taken a hit, they have closed one of their locations 2 weeks prior. Mayor Spesia expressed that he wants the store to remain open, with lower prices and job opportunities for the community. 

• Trustee Bradley asked Mr. Kotara what the drink limit was during each use, Mr. Kotara explained it is only a two drink limit per person. Trustee Bradley asked if they were going to advertise it in anyway, Mr. Kotara said there will be no advertisement or signage on the building regarding the machines or bar. Trustee Bradley thanked Mr. Kotara for having a business that our community needs.

• Trustee Noffsinger expressed although she does not personally like the gambling machines and would prefer other methods be utilized first, she supports Berkots installing these machines in order to keeping the grocery store in business. Trustee Noffsinger explained she wants to be a voice of the residents, and did notice there were many multiple negative comments from the community on social media regarding the installation of machines, however, there were no negative comments made at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting that she attended that addressed the topic. Trustee Noffsinger explained to Mr. Kotara, the Board is truly considering the importance of the request and are trying to make a decision that is best for the business and the residents of Coal City.

Lauterbur moved to adopt Ordinance 24-03, granting a conditional use to operate a bar without live entertainment or dancing to obtain a Class A Liquor License at Berkot's Super Foods located at 100 S. Broadway, second by Greggain. Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; Mincey. Motion carried.

Ordinance 25-04, increasing the total of Class A Liquor Licenses from 6 upwards to 7 available liquor licenses. Mr. Fritz explained due to the previous ordinance being approve, the permit Berkot's Super Foods to obtain a Class A Liquor License, the village needs to increase the total number from 6 to 7 Class A Liquor Licenses that are held in the Village of Coal City. There were no additional comments from the Board. Lauterbur moved to adopt Ordinance 25-04, increasing the total Class A Liquor Licenses from 6 upwards to 7 available liquor licenses, second by Togliatti. Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; Mincey. Motion carried.

Resolution 25-02, approving the content of closed Executive Session Meeting minutes to be released to the public. Mr. Fritz explained annually the Village Attorney reviews executive session meeting minutes to see to the public. Mark Heinle, Village Attorney explained that he found 13 sets of minutes may be released at this time, and the tapes of the meetings can be destroyed. The There were no additional comments by the Board. Greggain moved to adopt Resolution 25-02, approving the content of closed Executive Session meetings minutes to be released to the public, second by Bradley. Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; Mincey. Motion carried.

Mr. Fritz explained to the Board, that Payment #11 for the Water Treatment Expansion Project is ready to be processed. Mr. Fritz explained payment needs to be sent to Chamlin Engineering in the amount of $178,992.24 for overall oversight of construction and a payment sent to D Construction in the amount of $1,879,940.71 for construction to get the building in use during inclement weather. An update was given regarding the project, the roof installation is currently in process, ComEd completed the permanent power source at Well #7, 71% percent of the total project has been completed. Lauterbur moved to authorize the next payment of $178,992.24 to Chamlin Engineering and $1,879,940.71 to D Construction with IEPA construction proceeds for completion of 71% of the total water treatment expansion project, second by Bradley. Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; Mincey. Motion carried.

Mayor Spesia congratulated Chris Brown and Lori Werden for being elected Mayor of Morris and City Clerk. Mayor Spesia thanked the members of the Grundy County Board for attending tonight's meeting. Mayor Spesia congratulated Tyler Valiente for receiving the 2025 Water System Operations Specialist of the Year from Illinois Rural Water Association.

Trustee Bradley thanked the Grundy County Board members attending the meeting tonight. Trustee Bradley attended the Will County Center for Economic Development CED event hosted by Low Voltage Solutions, he explained it was a great and valuable event. Trustee Bradley reminded everyone that a finance meeting will be held in the near future. Trustee Bradley congratulated all the Coal City wrestlers and wished them good luck on their advancement.

Clerk Baxter explained it is time for annual filing of the Statements of Economic Interests within Grundy County. Usually this is mailed every year and every board member has to turn in their slip to the Circuit Clerk's Office by May 1st. This year everything is electronic, emails have been sent but our IT department previously blocked the senders email address. Clerk Baxter explained Deputy Clerk Sula and her are working through the glitches and will let all the board members how to proceed.

Mark Heinle offered his assistance to Clerk Baxter if needed regarding the Statements of Economic Interest filings.

Matt Halloran, Village Engineer gave an update stating the Lead Line Replacement Project is going well. Mr. Halloran explained the Water Treatment Plant's roof is being installed.

Police Chief Chris Harseim congratulated Tyler Valiente for receiving the 2025 Water System Operations Specialist of the Year from Illinois Rural Water Association. Chief has gotten information regarding there being a pothole on the BNSF Railway crossing located on the south side of First Ave, he is working with the facility to get it repaired as quickly as possible. Polar Plunge is at Braidwood Rec Club Saturday, March 8. 2025, the police department's team is the Cool Cuffers have raised $2,200 for Special Olympics. Chief extended an invitation to Mayor Spesia for the department's awards on March 5th and dinner will be provided by the Clubhouse.

Matt Fritz, Village Administrator reported the audit has been completed. Mr. Fritz also explained that Coaler Drive Council has met, they have made their first deposit of $2000 and is available for future projects. Coaler Drive has also made into 4 action committees instead of 6 to make it more manageable. Mr. Fritz explained he attended the Illinois Institute of Rural Areas in Springfield, where they held a great sessions that were great resources.

Trustee Bradley moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:01 p.m., second by Lauterbur. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; Mincey. Motion carried.

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/VB-Meeting-Minutes-02-26-2025-Web.pdf