Chris Balkema, County Board Chair | Grundy County
Chris Balkema, County Board Chair | Grundy County
Grundy County Board met June 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
I. Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Muffler called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Ann Gill | Board Member | Absent | |
| Eric Rasmusson | Board Member | Present | |
| Deb Warning | Board Member | Present | |
| Harold Vota | Board Member | Present | |
| Doug Boresi | Board Member | Present | |
| Greg Ridenour | Dist 2 Vice Chair | Present | |
| Drew Muffler | Chairman | Present | |
| Joshua Harris | Board Member | Present | |
| Jerald White | Board Member | Present | |
| Joe Schiavone | Board Member | Present | |
| Christina Jenkins | Dist 1 VIce Chair | Present | |
| Douglas Ferro | Board Member | Present | |
| Georgette Vota | Board Member | Absent | |
| James Riley | Dist 3 VIce Chair | Present | |
| Nathanael Greene | Board Member | Present | |
| Matthew Cosenza | Board Member | Present | |
| Jeff Wynn | Board Member | Present | |
| Joe Plese | Board Member | Present |
Mike Hoffman, Colin Walker, Vincent Moschella, Savannah Barlow and Andy Gullune addressed the Board regarding the Gore Road Solar project which was on the meeting's agenda, and requiring Board action.
Dr. Bipin Sharma spoke regarding the Board's decision, at their previous meeting, to deny the Special Use Permit for a men's rehabilitation facility on Lorenzo Rd. He was hopeful the Board may possibly make a Motion to Reconsider on that decision.
Babe Paukstys, Ken Zitko, Michelle Peterson, Mary Jane Silvistri, Tom Kozik, and Jodie Zitko all spoke on behalf of the United Sovereign Americans regarding election validity, a resolution was also presented to the Board by the group.
A. Swearing in of Correctional Officers
Sheriff Ken Briley addressed the Board. He introduced and recognized four new Correctional Officers who were being sworn in. Each of the new officers took their Oaths of Office, and family members who were present assisted with the pinning. All four will be begin attending the police academy in the following week. The four new officers are: Officer Natalie Appleton, Officer Logan Huston, Officer Logan Matzen, and Officer Ryan Millette.
IV. Approval of Minutes
1. County Board - Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025 6:00 PM
It was MOVED by Board Member Plese and SECONDED by Board Member Jenkins that the Board accept the Minutes from the May 13, 2025 regular County Board Meeting. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe Plese, Board Member SECONDER: Christina Jenkins, Dist 1 VIce Chair AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
A. Land Use
Development Director, Alec Macdonald addressed the Board regarding the Special Use Permit for Gore Road Solar Farm, which required Board action. He explained the background of the project and the application process that CEC Consultants has gone thru.
1. Petition 25-ZBA-001 Gore Road Community Energy Initiative -Solar Farm
It was MOVED by Board Member Riley and SECONDED by Board Member White that the Board approve Petition 25-ZBA-001, Special Use Permit for Gore Road Community Energy Initiative, LLC -Solar Farm Saratoga Township. Upon roll call, said MOTION PASSED by the following vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [14 TO 0]
MOVER: James Riley, Dist 3 VIce Chair SECONDER: Jerald White, Board Member AYES: Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSTAIN: Rasmusson ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
County Engineer, Eric Gibson, addressed the Board regarding the two Highway agenda items.
1. Resolution Appropriating Funds for County Engineer's Salary 2025
It was MOVED by Board Member H. Vota and SECONDED by Board Member Riley that the Board approve Resolution Appropriating Funds for County Engineer's Salary 2025.
Upon roll call, said MOTION PASSED by the following vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Harold Vota, Board Member SECONDER: James Riley, Dist 3 VIce Chair AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
1. Motion to Table Variance Relief
Upon the County Engineer's recommendation, it was MOVED by Board Member Cosenza and SECONDED by Board Member H. Vota that the Board Table the Variance Granting Relief from Grundy County Access Ordinance Spacing and Number of Entrances. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Matthew Cosenza, Board Member SECONDER: Harold Vota, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
1. Resolution Authorizing Application for and Execution of a Section 5310 Grant Agreement Under the RTA
It was MOVED by Board Member Riley and SECONDED by Board Member Schiavone that the Board Approve Resolution Authorizing Application for and Execution of a Section 5310 Grant Agreement Under the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James Riley, Dist 3 VIce Chair SECONDER: Joe Schiavone, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
A. Treasurer
1. Fund Status Report May 2025
It was MOVED by Board Member Ridenour and SECONDED by Board Member Plese that the Board approve the Treasurer's Fund Status Report of May 2025. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Greg Ridenour, Dist 2 Vice Chair SECONDER: Joe Plese, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
1. County Clerk Quarterly Report
It was MOVED by Board Member Cosenza and SECONDED by Board Member Schiavone that the Board approve the County Clerk's Quarterly Report. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Matthew Cosenza, Board Member SECONDER: Joe Schiavone, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
Regional Superintendent of Schools, Meghan Martin, presented the ROE Quarterly Report.
1. Grundy/Kendall ROE Quarterly Report
It was MOVED by Board Member Plese and SECONDED by Board Member White that the Board approve the Grundy/Kendall Regional Office of Education Quarterly Report. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe Plese, Board Member SECONDER: Jerald White, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
Sheriff, Ken Briley, addressed the Board regarding the three Sheriff Department items requiring Board action.
1. Sheriff Squad Purchase
It was MOVED by Board Member Schiavone and SECONDED by Board Member H. Vota that the Board approve the purchase of a new Sheriff squad car, for $55,232.70. This is needed due to a creation of a new position. It was MOVED by Board Member H. Vota and SECONDED by Board Member Plese that the Board accept the results of the previous roll call. MOTION CARRIED.
Ridenour exited the meeting at 7:15 p.m. and re-entered at 7:18 p.m.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe Schiavone, Board Member SECONDER: Harold Vota, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
It was MOVED by Board Member White and SECONDED by Board Member Schiavone that the Board approve the Emergency Purchase of a new Boiler for the County Courthouse. This is due to the main boiler failing in March '25. Time is of the essence due to the extensive process involved in removing the old boiler and lead time for ordering, receiving and installing a new system. Proposed bid for the new boiler is $181,500. Upon roll call, said MOTION PASSED by the following vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jerald White, Board Member SECONDER: Joe Schiavone, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
1. Six Month Sheriff Report
It was MOVED by Board Member Plese and SECONDED by Board Member Ridenour that the Board approve the Six Month Sheriff Report. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe Plese, Board Member SECONDER: Greg Ridenour, Dist 2 Vice Chair AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
A. Finance
1. Claims
a. Treasurer's Claims 5/27/2025
It was MOVED by Board Member Ridenour and SECONDED by Board Member Warning that the Board approve the Treasurer's Claims from 5/27/2025. It was MOVED by Board Member Greene and SECONDED by Board Member Schiavone that the Board accept the results of the previous roll call. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Greg Ridenour, Dist 2 Vice Chair SECONDER: Deb Warning, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
a. Treasurer's Claims 6/09/2025
It was MOVED by Board Member Ridenour and SECONDED by Board Member Plese that the Board approve the Treasurer's Claims from 6/09/2025. It was MOVED by Board Member Cosenza and SECONDED by Board Member H. Vota that the Board accept the results of the previous roll call. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Greg Ridenour, Dist 2 Vice Chair SECONDER: Joe Plese, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
A. Resolution to Reappoint Barry Aldrich to the GC Merit Commission
It was MOVED by Board Member Riley and SECONDED by Board Member Schiavone that the Board approve Resolution to Reappoint Barry Aldrich-Grundy County Sheriff's Merit Commission. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James Riley, Dist 3 VIce Chair SECONDER: Joe Schiavone, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
It was MOVED by Board Member Ridenour and SECONDED by Board Member Rasmusson that the Board approve Resolution to Reappoint Mark Sandeno to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Greg Ridenour, Dist 2 Vice Chair SECONDER: Eric Rasmusson, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
It was MOVED by Board Member Ridenour and SECONDED by Board Member Schiavone that the Board approve Resolution to Reappoint Lisa Lynch to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Greg Ridenour, Dist 2 Vice Chair SECONDER: Joe Schiavone, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
Chairman Muffler, Board Member White and the State's Attorney, spoke regarding the process of a Motion to Reconsider, in regards to the Special Use Permit for a rehabilitation center, which was denied by the Board at the May 13th County Board meeting. A motion to reconsider by a county board allows the board to revisit and potentially reverse a previous decision it made. A member who voted on the prevailing side of the original vote can make the motion to reconsider, and any other member can second that motion. No member made the motion to reconsider.
A. Unscheduled Bus Arrival Declaration Extension
1. Unscheduled Bus Arrival Declaration Extension
It was MOVED by Board Member Riley and SECONDED by Board Member Harris that the Board approve Resolution-Unscheduled Bus Arrival Declaration Extension. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James Riley, Dist 3 VIce Chair SECONDER: Joshua Harris, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
A. Renewal of Revised County Health Insurance Policies
County Administrator, Mary Kucharz and the County's Gallagher representative gave an overview of the insurance renewals and the recommended providers. The following were the recommended renewals: 1 yr renewal Health Insurance-Blue Cross Blue Shield; 2 yr renewal Dental Insurance-Delta Dental; 4 yr renewal Vision Insurance-VSP; and 2 yr renewal Life Insurance-Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.
It was MOVED by Board Member H. Vota and SECONDED by Board Member Cosenza that the Board approve Renewal of Revised County Health Insurance Policies. Upon roll call, said MOTION PASSED by the following vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Harold Vota, Board Member SECONDER: Matthew Cosenza, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
It was MOVED by Board Member H. Vota and SECONDED by Board Member Cosenza that the Board approve the Surplus of an EMA Vehicle, a 2015 Ford Explorer. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Harold Vota, Board Member SECONDER: Matthew Cosenza, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
Upon the Chairman's recommendation, it was MOVED by Board Member H. Vota and SECONDED by Board Member Cosenza that the Board Table the FortiMail Pitch Deck Presentation. Chairman Muffler declared MOTION PASSED by unanimous voice vote. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/8/2025 6:00 PM
MOVER: Harold Vota, Board Member SECONDER: Matthew Cosenza, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
A. Personnel 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1)
B. Motion to Enter into Closed Session
It was MOVED by Board Member Greene and SECONDED by Board Member Riley that the Board enter into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel matters. 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). It was MOVED by Board Member Schiavone and SECONDED by Board Member Plese that the Board accept the results of the previous roll call. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Nathanael Greene, Board Member SECONDER: James Riley, Dist 3 VIce Chair AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
It was MOVED by Board Member Greene and SECONDED by Board Member Cosenza that the Board enter back into Open Session. It was MOVED by Board Member Schiavone and SECONDED by Board Member Plese that the Board accept the results of the previous roll call. MOTION CARRIED.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Nathanael Greene, Board Member SECONDER: Matthew Cosenza, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
No motion was made in Closed Session.
XIII. Announcements - Next regularly scheduled COBD Meeting is July 8, 2025 at 6:00 pm
XIV. "Anything Good for the Order"
Chairman Muffler stated that they are 6 months into this County Board session, he gave a brief update on last 6 months. Three projects leftover from the previous Board are almost all completed, the reviewing of the engineer services, the comprehensive plan is underway, and work is being done on bringing on a commercial and industrial assessor for the County. Board Member Boresi stated in his 20 years of being township supervisor and involved in elections there has been no trouble with elections in our County. Board Member Ridenour also agreed it has been a very productive 6 months with the new Board.
XV. Adjournment
1. County Board Adjournment
It was MOVED by Board Member H. Vota and SECONDED by Board Member Greene that the Board vote their usual per diem and adjourn at 8:12 PM to Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM for the next regularly scheduled County Board Meeting.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Harold Vota, Board Member SECONDER: Nathanael Greene, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Warning, Vota, Boresi, Ridenour, Harris, White, Schiavone, Jenkins, Ferro, Riley, Greene, Cosenza, Wynn, Plese ABSENT: Gill, Vota |
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