Grundy Reporter

Village of Diamond Village Board met July 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The scheduled meeting of the Diamond Village Board was held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Teresa “Terry” Kernc presiding. Upon a roll call Commissioners present, Denise Brown and Jeff Kasher, Dave Warner, and Dean Johnson.

Approval of July 8, 2025, Minutes

Mayor Kernc presented the minutes. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Brown to approve the 07-08-2025 meeting minutes and place it on file. Ayes: Brown, Kasher, and Kernc. Abstained: Johnson and Warner Motion Carried.

Approval of July 22, 2025, Bill List and Additional Bill List

Mayor Kernc presented the bill list and additional bill list. MOTION was made by Commissioner Brown, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to approve July 22, 2025, bill list and additional bill list and place it on file. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Public Comment

None

New Business

Mack and Associates Audit Presentation

Mayor Kernc welcomed Lauri Pope from Mack and Associates to the meeting. Village of Diamond’s Treasurer Wendy Herbert was also in attendance. Pope reviewed the report and stated the audit was unmodified opinion which means the audit was clean with no issues. Pope thanked Herbert for the collaboration with Mack and Associates working so diligently for the audit. MOTION was made by Commissioner Brown, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to Accept the Audit Report completed by Mack and Associates. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Approve Ordinance #2025-11; Amending Ch. 117 Cannabis Business Establishments of the Village of Diamond Code of Ordinance

Mayor Kernc presented Ordinance #2025-11. Village Attorney John Gallo stated this amendment was presented to the P & Z commission at their meeting prior to the board meeting which they had recommended to the Board. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to Approve Ordinance #2025-11; Amending Ch. 117 Cannabis Business Establishments of the Village of Diamond Code of Ordinance. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

Approve Ordinance #2025-12; Amending Diamond Zoning Code, Adult Use Cannabis Mayor Kernc presented Ordinance #2025-12. Village Attorney John Gallo stated this was presented to the P & Z commission at their meeting prior to the board meeting which they had a split decision and recommended to the Board. P & Z also recommended a modification on page 3, item 3; an Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary shall not be in a dwelling unit, in an area zoned for residential use, or within 500 feet (originally stated 250 feet) of a pre-existing property zoned for residential purposes.

MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher to Approve Ordinance 2025-12; Amending Diamond Zoning Code, Adult Use Cannabis with the modification of 500 feet. 4 Ayes: 1 Nay: Motion Carried.

Approve Ordinance #2025-13; Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax Mayor Kernc presented Ordinance #2025-13. Village Attorney John Gallo stated a certified copy must be sent to the IDOR on or before October 1, 2025, to make it effective on January 1, 2026. MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Brown to Approve Ordinance 2025-13; Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax of 3% on top of the existing 1%. All Ayes: Motion Carried

1825 E. Clark Street: Apron Restoration

Mayor Kernc presented 1825 E. Clark Street: Apron Restoration. Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning explained last year this home had a flooding issue in their front yard, the village installed a catch basin, having to go through the apron. The homeowner is now completing the restoration of his driveway, the village will reimburse the homeowner for the cost of asphalt apron portion once the work has been completed, and Village Engineer Mike Perry approves and determines cost of apron only.

MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to Approve 1825 E. Clark Street: Apron Restoration of asphalt apron once work has been completed and per Perry’s approval. All Ayes: Motion Carried

Approve Resolution No 2025-05, A Resolution of the Village of Diamond in Support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration

Mayor Kernc presented Resolution No. 2025-05, A Resolution of the Village of Diamond in Support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration. MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Johnson to Approve Resolution No. 2025-05, A Resolution of the Village of Diamond in Support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration. All Ayes: Motion Carried

Approve Chamlin & Associates Proposal for engineering and IDOT permitting to install sidewalk on the south side of IL 113 from Berta Road east to McGinty. Item was tabled.

Approve Chamlin & Associates Proposal Grant Services; IDOT Safe Routes to Schools Grant Program

Item was tabled.

Proposal to engineer and get IEPA permit for additional discharge sewer line on McGinty lift station.

Mayor Kernc presented the proposal. MOTION was made by Commissioner Kasher, SECOND by Commissioner Warner to approve the proposal to engineer and get IEPAS permit for additional sewer line on McGinty lift station. All Ayes: Motion Carried

Water Service – Spring Road

Mayor Kernc welcomed Ryan Bonarek who will be building his residence on Spring Road southside in unincorporated Grundy County and is requesting to tap onto the village’s water main. Bonarek has no intension of building a secondary residence on the adjacent lot, which his parents own. However, someday a pole barn may be built, but not a residence. Bonarek will be responsible for all costs as well as any upkeep and maintaining the water service line.

MOTION was made by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher for Water Service – Spring Road to be provided to the residence at Bonarek’s cost, this will include the underground boring to the hydrant on Farmstone and Spring Road, the village will install a shut off near the hydrant. The village will charge a tap on fee and Village Attorney John Gallo will draw up an agreement Bonarek agreed to pay for. All Ayes: Motion Carried

Discuss and approve Marquee use.

This item was tabled.

Old Business

Grundy and Will County Sheriff’s Monthly Update

Mayor Kernc stated there was nothing significant or out of the ordinary to report.

Legal Counsel

No Report

Engineer Updates

No Report

Public Works Department Updates

Public Works Supervisor Jim Dunning stated the catwalk is completed at the sewer plant. The parking lot at Village Hall is scheduled to be completed within the next couple of weeks.

Clerk Updates

No Report

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Brown

No Report

Commissioner Johnson

Commissioner Johnson mentioned he began researching splash pads for potentially one at Diamond Park.

Commissioner Kasher

No Report

Commissioner Warner

No Report

Mayor Kernc

Mayor Kernc stated she will be attending the IML Summer Board Conference on Thursday - Saturday in Champaign.

The MOTION was made to adjourn at 7:38 p.m. by Commissioner Warner, SECOND by Commissioner Kasher. All Ayes: Motion Carried.

https://www.villageofdiamond.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07-22-25-1.pdf