Meeting Summary and Briefs: Washington Township Board of Trustees for July 7, 2025

The Washington Township Board of Trustees voted to reduce its public office hours for the summer, a key decision made during its meeting on Monday, July 7. Citing a decline in visitor traffic, the board approved a trial schedule that closes the office on Wednesdays and Fridays until September 22. For more details on this change, see the full story.

In other significant business, the board addressed failing infrastructure by opting for an economical $1,050 repair of two 25-year-old air conditioning units instead of a full $10,200 replacement. The board also heard from the assessor that property assessments are expected to rise across the township due to a county-applied multiplier.

Yates Avenue Closure Planned
A portion of Yates Avenue just south of Indiana Avenue is scheduled to be closed for up to a week starting July 21. According to a report from the Road Commissioner, the closure is necessary for the repair of an underground pipe. Will County has already posted signs to alert drivers. Additionally, Iroquois Paving has been awarded the bid to pave the last mile of Yates Avenue, with work projected to begin on July 28.

Township Responds to Large Data Request
Clerk Joe Burgess reported that the township received a large Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for all 2025 property record and sales data. The request came from the same individual who made a similar inquiry in March 2024. As before, the township’s attorney advised that the township is not required to create new files to fulfill the request and that the requester would have to pay for the labor and cost of copying existing documents.

Township Center Projects Progressing
Supervisor Mike Stanula provided an update on several ongoing projects. The landscaping and parking lot lighting work at the Township Center are now complete. A deposit has been paid to TK Audio & Video to begin the new security camera installation, and the new topper has been installed on the LED sign. The new flagpole is expected to be installed by the highway department this fall.

Heatwave Suppresses Senior Trip Turnout
Attendance for the township’s Senior White Sox bus trip in June was lower than expected due to a period of extreme heat and humidity. Trustee Paul Goldrick, who attended the trip, reported that only nine residents participated. Despite the low turnout, he said the trip went smoothly and everyone who attended had a good time.

Board Holds Executive Session
The board entered into a brief executive session near the end of the meeting. Trustee Tracy Heldt made a motion to enter the closed session at 7:52 p.m. to discuss the performance of a township employee. The board exited the session at 8:16 p.m. and took no official action.

Township Pays June Bills
The board unanimously approved the payment of bills for the month of June. The approved payments totaled $70,753.89 from the Road & Bridge Account and $33,250.46 from the Town Account. The funds covered payroll, professional services, materials, utilities, and a deposit for the new security system. There were no General Assistance payouts in June.