Dear Editor and All Village Residents:

As we move into 2023, I feel it is important for all to see what their village government has accomplished for them in the past year. There was a great deal done with our limited budget and small staff. Here is an accounting of some of our accomplishments in no particular order:

Capital projects

• Ahlborn storm sewer extension
• Wilmington Road sidewalk – connecting Gull Landing to rest of village
• RR street parking – a project discussed for more than 30 years
• Resurfacing Penny Lane, Garfield Street, Mill Street
• Getting rid of the Blaine Street Bump.

Economic Development

• Ground breaking for I-57 travel center, bonds sold to fund Wilmington Road and 88th Avenue road improvements
• Second Street Saloon demolished, 217 Second Street scheduled for demo
• $2.5 million grant received from state to help with our downtown streetscape. Engineering and plans being done now and hopefully some construction later in 2023.

Finance Department

• New consultant
• New audit firm with clean audit
• Many new procedures and policies to enhance and streamline finance department
• Budget under control and finances on track.  
• Police Pension fund up to 42 percent funded from a recent low of 21 percent, due to dedication from board to fully fund and transfer to state pool of investments. Our portion to fund will be lower next year due to these factors and will allow us to free up some of that money for other uses.

Administrative

• New Village Clerk – Stacey Hartwell
• Two new part-time clerical employees

Police Department

• Said farewell to Chief Mort
• Contracted for police chief search
• Hired Chief Dave DeMik
• Bought one new and one used squad car
• Continue to provide seamless public safety to village residents

Aqua

• Still waiting for OK from IEPA to switch over water source  
• Both water towers painted  
• Completion of water and sewer extension west of I-57

Public Works Department

• Planted more than 120 parkway trees. Partnership with Morton Arboretum for 50 free trees last spring. Received grant to help with cost of trees planted in fall.
• Designated Tree City again by Arbor Day Foundation
• Successful year with branch pickup, snow plowing, street sweeping, and maintaining village infrastructure
• Bicycle art project in downtown
• New planters at First and Main
• Flower baskets and banners on downtown poles
• Pocket Park on Second Street – Public Works employees coordinated rehab of empty lot to create pleasant green space in downtown.

Community events

• Will County Fair, three car shows hosted by the Peotone Car Club, Christmas in the Village, Tree lighting, Mill Open House, and others

There are many people to thank for this great year. Thanks to the Administration, Police and Public Works Departments, all composed of dedicated and passionate people who carry out the day-to-day business of our village. Also thanks to the Village Board of Trustees, who give guidance, direction, and policy for our village. I personally want to thank Trustees Pat Bowden, Julie Sluis, Gary Hudson, Nick Strba, Shelly Marevka, and Mike Jones for their dedication and service to our village. Last but not least, I would like to thank the wonderful residents of Peotone. We appreciate your feedback and support!

We look forward to another productive and progressive year in 2023. We look for the continued help and support from our staff, residents, and officials to make that happen!

Happy New Year!

Mayor Peter March