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

Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

Health Department Faces Funding Cuts, Reviews Options for Programs

The Will County Health Department is assessing its options after being notified of the termination of a $1 million federal grant for respiratory disease surveillance and outbreak response, officials told...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

County Health News Briefs

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reports Full Capacity: The county-owned Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with all 156 beds filled and a waiting list, Administrator Maggie McDall...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

Substance Use Initiative Reports Early 2025 Overdose Data, Outreach Efforts

Will County has recorded eight fatal overdoses and seven overdose reversals so far in 2025, according to data presented to the county health committee on Wednesday. Connie Dewal, program manager...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

County Food Access Program Reports Progress on ARPA-Funded Initiatives

Four community organizations are expanding food assistance services across Will County through nearly $80,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by the county's food access collaborative. Caitlyn...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reaches Full Capacity, Completes Bed Upgrades

Will County's Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with a waiting list for admissions, prompting officials to consider reinstating a policy that would prioritize county residents, Administrator...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Will County Land Use and Development Briefs: Minor Subdivision, Extension Approved, Tiny Homes Advocate Returns

Committee Approves Minor Subdivision to Correct Illegal Land Division: The Land Use and Development Committee unanimously approved a minor subdivision plat for the Crown Holm Family Trust in Lockport Township,...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Will County Considers Relaxing Size Restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units

JOLIET — Will County officials are considering revisions to zoning regulations that would allow larger accessory dwelling units (ADUs), potentially expanding housing options in the county while addressing concerns about...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Resident Urges County to Restrict Residential Motocross Tracks After Neighborhood Dispute

JOLIET — A Will County resident appeared before the Land Use and Development Committee Thursday urging officials to modify zoning codes to prohibit motocross tracks in residential neighborhoods, citing an...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Committee Approves Truck Terminal Special Use Permit After Safety Modifications

JOLIET — The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted Thursday to approve a special use permit for a truck terminal in New Lenox Township, after the applicant made...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

County Committee Approves Two Solar Energy Projects Despite Farmland Concerns

JOLIET — The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved two commercial solar energy projects Thursday, advancing the proposals to the full county board for final consideration despite concerns...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

Will County Approves Vision Zero Initiative to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

Will County has officially adopted Vision Zero, a data-driven safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities throughout the county. The Public Works and Transportation Committee unanimously approved the resolution, which...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

County’s First Roundabout Planned for Exchange Street and Beecher Road Intersection

Will County's first roundabout is advancing to the final public meeting phase, with construction tentatively scheduled for 2027. County Engineer Jeff Ronaldson announced that the Department of Transportation will hold...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

County Accepts $377,000 Developer Donation for Romeo Road Improvements

The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has accepted a $377,000 donation from a developer to fund roadway improvements at the southeast corner of Romeo Road and Weber Road...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

Contracts Awarded for LED Signal Upgrades and Guardrail Maintenance

The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has approved contracts for two significant infrastructure maintenance projects: LED traffic signal upgrades and guardrail maintenance across the county. A contract for...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

BRIEFS: Will County Public Works Projects

County Line Road Resurfacing Contract Awarded: The committee approved a $767,249 contract to Iroquois Paving Corporation for resurfacing County Highway 58 (County Line Road) from N5000 East Road east to...