Meeting Briefs

News Briefs from the Will County Board June 18 Meeting

Monee Church Designated Historic Landmark
The Will County Board unanimously voted to designate St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Monee as a historical landmark. Member Judy Ogalla, a Monee native, praised the decision. “If you ever have the opportunity to go out to Monee, you’ll find that if you walk in the church, it’s very welcoming,” she said, highlighting its beautiful stained-glass windows and community use.

County to Purchase Land in Monee for New Facility
On a close 11-9 vote, the board approved the purchase of property in Monee for a new county animal control facility. The resolution authorizes the acquisition of parcels along Governors Highway and the Hellman Subdivision. Member David Oxley had requested the item be sent back to committee for further review of the county’s existing property, but the motion to approve moved forward.

Two Bars Approved in Frankfort Area
The board approved two special use permits for bars in the Frankfort area. The first was for a property at 7905 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, and the second was for Noble Ctr Lincoln IL, LLC, at 19816 S. Harlem Avenue in Frankfort Township. Both passed with broad support.

New Lenox Truck Terminal Gets Green Light
A special use permit for a truck terminal at 16720 Haven Avenue in New Lenox Township was approved by the board. The applicant, MN Invest Group LLC, received approval on an 11-9 vote.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Amended
The board approved an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), often called “granny flats” or “in-law suites.” The changes affect sections detailing accessory uses and methods of creation.

Solar Project Extensions Granted
First extensions were granted for four previously approved commercial solar energy facilities, giving developers more time to move forward. The projects are located in Crete, Peotone, Homer, and Channahon townships.

Appointments to METRA and Cemetery Boards
The board confirmed the County Executive’s appointment of Brian Shanahan to the METRA Commuter Rail Board. It also approved two appointments to the Lockport Cemetery Association.

Board Leaders Call for Meeting Efficiency
Following several protracted debates, board leadership and members called for improved efficiency. County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant announced she would begin enforcing speaking time limits, and Speaker Joe VanDuyne urged members to come better prepared. “Our agenda does come out 48 hours before the committee,” VanDuyne said. “As board members, we’re expected to be prepared whether you’re on that committee or not.”

Events

No events

Latest News Stories

Meeting Briefs

Will County Legislative Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs

Federal Budget Impact: Will County could face significant funding challenges if federal budget reconciliation measures reduce Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The county health department and social services rely heavily on...
Will County Finance Committee Meeting July 1, 2025

County Moves Forward with $200.8 Million Bond Refinancing Plan

Will County Finance Committee members on July 1 approved moving forward with a comprehensive bond refinancing ordinance that could save taxpayers more than $716,000 over the life of the bonds...
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting July 1, 2025

Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Program Sees Record Growth, Eyes Expansion

Will County's dial-a-ride transportation service for seniors and disabled residents reached record ridership levels while officials plan major expansion to cover all county townships. The Access Will County program served...
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting July 1, 2025

Will County to Launch New Public Meeting Agenda System in August Amidst Data Conversion Concerns

Will County is set to launch its new public meeting agenda and records software, Granicus “OneMeeting,” in August, but the transition will see over a decade of historical records converted...
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting July 1, 2025

Green Garden Township Poised for First Major Subdivision in Years After Rezoning

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a rezoning that could pave the way for the first major residential subdivision in Green Garden Township in nearly two decades....
Will County Finance Committee Meeting July 1, 2025

County RNG Facility Shows Strong Performance Despite Solar Challenges

Will County's Renewable Natural Gas facility is exceeding production targets while officials explore options to reduce substantial electricity costs that currently impact profitability. Project manager Greg Komperda told Finance Committee...
Meeting Briefs

PZC Briefs: Solar Farm in Crete, Post-Fire Permit for Troy Business, and More

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission handled several other cases during its July 1 meeting, including a new solar farm, a temporary permit for a fire-damaged business, and routine...
Meeting Briefs

In Brief: Capital & IT News

Here are other highlights from the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. Successful Fire Drill at County BuildingThe Will County Office Building held its first full...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Finance Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs

Bond Refinancing Advances: Finance Committee approved an ordinance authorizing up to $200.8 million in bond refinancing that could save taxpayers more than $716,000. The measure moves to the full County...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Public Works Committee Juliy 1 Meeting Briefs

ROAD CONTRACTS APPROVED Austin Tyler Construction Contract: The committee approved a $691,544 contract with Austin Tyler Construction for resurfacing River Road from East Frontage Road to Prairie Creek Bridge and...
prairie state college graphic.2

Prairie State College Braces for Potential Federal Cuts to TRIO Student Support Program

Article Summary: Prairie State College leadership is developing contingency plans amid uncertainty over federal funding for its TRIO programs, which provide critical academic and personal support to first-generation, low-income, and...
prairie state college graphic.1

Prairie State College Showcases Booming Allied Health and Emergency Services Programs

Article Summary: Prairie State College's (PSC) Allied Health and Emergency Services division is experiencing a period of significant growth and success, marked by high student pass rates, expanding programs, and...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for May 29, 2025

The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees conducted its annual reorganization on May 29, reappointing Margie Cook as board president. Trustees also approved a significant technology upgrade by signing...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.3

Beecher Fire District Bolsters Staff with Four New Part-Time Hires

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District has added four new part-time emergency responders to its roster, a move that enhances its operational readiness and ability to serve the community....
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.1

Beecher Fire District Reorganizes Board, Approves New Record System and Community Donations

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has established its leadership for the upcoming year, reappointing Margie Cook as president, while also approving a major technology upgrade...