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

WATCH: Newsom optimistic about redistricting despite poll

WATCH: Newsom optimistic about redistricting despite poll

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday said he’s proud of how quickly the California Legislature passed a congressional redistricting proposal that he signed, but he was...
Newsom meets with Danes, talks about Trump but not 2028

Newsom meets with Danes, talks about Trump but not 2028

By Dave MasonThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom came to his hometown of San Francisco Friday to talk about the state’s new green energy partnership with Denmark. But another...
CA bill to give interest on insurance payments to homeowners

CA bill to give interest on insurance payments to homeowners

By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square The California Legislature this week passed a bill to give at least 2% of interest on insurance payments to owners of homes that need rebuilding...

WATCH: Trump says ‘dangerous’ Chicago next after addressing crime in D.C.

By Greg BishopThe Center Square President Donald Trump says Chicago is next on his list of cities to focus on cleaning up crime. In December, after Trump was elected to...
DOJ releases Maxwell interview transcripts, audio; described Trump as 'gentleman'

DOJ releases Maxwell interview transcripts, audio; described Trump as ‘gentleman’

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday released the audio and transcript interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell, “in the interest of transparency,” in which she claims...
Erik Menendez denied parole; brother appears before board

Erik Menendez denied parole; brother appears before board

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Lyle Menendez faced a California Board of Parole hearing Friday, after two commissioners Thursday evening denied parole to his younger brother Erik Menendez after a...
After cutting union contracts, VA redirects $45M to veterans

After cutting union contracts, VA redirects $45M to veterans

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced Friday that the agency is redirecting nearly $45 million from public union costs to care for veterans. "VA...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker signs abortion bills Two bills Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Friday impact access to abortion procedures. House Bill 3637 shields health care providers from...
WATCH: IL Department of Human Services’ adverse audit draws legislators’ ire

WATCH: IL Department of Human Services’ adverse audit draws legislators’ ire

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A recent adverse audit of the Illinois Department of Human Services is the worst audit seen by...
Illinois prisons to publish annual data on contraband, safety and overdoses

Illinois prisons to publish annual data on contraband, safety and overdoses

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new law requires the Illinois Department of Corrections to publish annual data on contraband, substance...
Gallego, others question Meta on policies for kids using AI

Gallego, others question Meta on policies for kids using AI

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, along with nine other senators, wrote a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg this week inquiring about the company’s policies...
Commission enacted to aid young IL farmers facing challenges

Commission enacted to aid young IL farmers facing challenges

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted a law launching the Farmland Transition Commission, a lifeline for young farmers...
Appeals court: Serious Chicago police disciplinary hearings must be public

Appeals court: Serious Chicago police disciplinary hearings must be public

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A panel of appellate court judges has ruled Chicago police officers facing serious misconduct allegations must...
WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released

WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks live with...
Georgia ICE arrests up 367 percent from 2021, making for 'safer streets, open jobs

Georgia ICE arrests up 367 percent from 2021, making for ‘safer streets, open jobs

By Tate MillerThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests surged by 367% in Georgia this year, with 4,500 illegal aliens arrested in the state between January 20 and...