County Executive Committee Briefs: Transportation Program Expands, Ordinances Updated

Mobility Management Program Expands to Three Townships: The Executive Committee approved an intergovernmental agreement to expand the Will County Mobility Management Program to include Channahon, Manhattan, and Plainfield townships. The program provides transportation services primarily for seniors and people with disabilities. Committee members questioned the funding structure, with staff confirming that Will County is currently paying the full local match without requiring townships to contribute. The program has grown from serving 13 of the county’s 24 townships, with a long-term goal of extending countywide services. Board member Judy Ogala noted, “The county board has never put forward a policy” for the program’s expansion, adding that “the county executive is running the program as she sees fit.”

County Ordinances Updated Following Ad Hoc Committee Review: The committee unanimously approved amendments to Chapters 31, 32, and 33 of the county’s code of ordinances, implementing changes approved by the ad hoc ordinance committee. A minor typographical error regarding a statutory citation in Chapter 32.011 was corrected before approval. The ordinance updates will now move to the full board for final consideration.

“Spread the Love” Food Drive Announced: Committee members were informed of a peanut butter and jelly drive organized by Friends of Sunny Hill in celebration of their 35th anniversary. Donations of plastic jars of peanut butter and jelly can be dropped off at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County, located at 421 Doris Avenue in Joliet. Financial donations can be mailed to Friends of Sunny Hill or made online at www.friendsofsunnyhill.com. Collection boxes have been placed in the county boardroom for board members wishing to contribute.

Raffle License Waiver Removed from Agenda: An item regarding a raffle license waiver provision request was removed from the agenda after officials determined it did not meet statutory requirements. According to Speaker Van Dyke, state statute requires a vote by the raffling organization to be provided to the county before a fee can be waived, but only a letter had been submitted. The matter may return to the committee after proper documentation is received.

Landfill Tour Scheduled for June: Vice Chair Kelly Hickey announced that an invitation has been extended to board members for a field trip to the county landfill and RNG (renewable natural gas) plant. The tour is scheduled for June 4, before summer heat intensifies.

Appointments Held for Additional Information: The committee postponed action on numerous appointments by the County Executive after concerns were raised about information provided to board members. The appointments are expected to be considered at the full board meeting next week if additional requested information is provided promptly.

Code Ordinance Amendments to Advance: The committee approved a motion to move forward with amendments to Chapters 31, 32, and 33 of the county’s code of ordinances as recommended by the ad hoc ordinance committee. The amendments will now be considered by the full county board.