The intersection of Second and North is now a 4 way stop sign.
Some controversy surrounded the stop signs when they mysteriously appeared and was questioned on social. Turns out the contractor for the streetscape had added it but took it down once it was known the traffic code ordinance had to be amended.
They were added to the board meeting agenda and were already installed by the time the meeting was over.
The two page long agenda and 2 hour long meeting also included other routine items such as approval of an ordinance abating the taxes levied to pay the debt service for the general obligation bonds that were taken in 2022 for the truck stop. The abatement just means that taxes levied won’t be used to pay the Village’s debt service for the bonds.
The Village’s 2024 levy was also approved. While a $31,000 increase from last year’s levy, it’s still lower than the PTELL (property tax extension limit law) of 5% meaning the Village did not have to have the public hearing. It also means that although the levy is going up a little, it doesn’t mean homeowners taxes will go up. The levy increase is meant to capture any new property taxes or improvements on existing properties.
An agreement between the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitor’s Bureau was also unanimously approved. The agreement will give the CVB 0.95% of the 5% hotel tax that Peotone already had in place. In turn the CVB will market the hotel and events in the area along with grant opportunities and services to local businesses. The CVB will also gift Peotone with a 3D sign often seen in photo ops. Trustee Todd Sandberg asked if the agreement can be terminated and Village counsel confirmed that the agreement can be terminated at any time. Village Administrator Nick Palmer added though that he would like to see the agreement in place for some time to give the CVB time to benefit the Village.
Payments to Iroquois Paving for the Crawford Street resurfacing in the amount of $68,911.38 and $1,310,784.85for partial payout 3 for the Streetscape were also unanimously approved. The streetscape payment was for work completed through the end of October so another bill will be forthcoming.
An approval for street closures for the Peotone Car Club was also unanimously approved with Trustee Sandberg recusing himself. The street closures include all of downtown and Railroad Street from North to Main. Spectator parking will be included in designated lots around the perimeter of the show.
A restructuring of the Peotone Police Department was also unanimously approved to include both Lieutenant and Sergeant positions. Officers Moore and Popek had already completed examinations for the positions and were then administered the oath. Sergeant Moore was promoted to Lieutenant and Officer Popek was promoted to Sergeant. Both will receive 10% increases in salary that were budgeted for. Chief DeMik also explained that the new structure would be required once Peotone population reached 5,000 and enhanced leadership, accountability, and support’s the department’s mission for community-oriented policing.
After a budget presentation that included revenue for the vehicle stickers that generate revenue of about $74K annually, a discussion around eliminating stickers ensued. Vehicle stickers are a highly debated and contentious topic in town and the first of the year brings about election season in which Mayor Peter March is seeking reelection in April, 2025. March has been mayor since Former Mayor Steve Cross resigned in 2019.
The vehicle stickers had already been purchased for a nominal amount according to Village Administrator Nick Palmer.
“The major costs in the past have been postage (not expended) and the staff time. With the changes in the Village staffing (elimination of community development) our small staff has been challenged to manage the work. They are doing very well, and we will continue to get better in processing permits and code enforcement issues. Removing the vehicle sticker program helps not only residents, but also allows Village staff to focus on more critical work.”
Palmer said after the cost of the stickers and the cost of staff time along with a reduction in staff, the average revenue is around $64,000 and an increase in non-property tax revenues and responsible spending could offset that revenue. Golf cart stickers and dog tags would still be required.
Palmer said at the meeting, “I recommend taking the program off (the agenda) and hopefully we don’t ever have to bring it back. I don’t think many communities have this any longer, and if they do, they’re phasing them out. It’s something we can control and something the Village can return to the residents.”
Trustee Julie Sluis was the first to confirm she was in agreement for abolishing the stickers. Trustee Sandberg admitted he purchases 4 stickers annually but wanted to ensure there was a revenue source to replace the stickers. Strba also agreed with Sandberg.
“I’m the same. I’m in favor of getting rid of it but I also want to be sure there’s something to make up that money. $70,000 is something we can use for other projects,” said Strba.
Palmer didn’t directly identify a specific path to recoup the revenue but ensured that fiscal responsibility and increased revenues could replace the sticker revenue.
Strba said most people want the stickers gone but they also don’t want the 1% food and beverage tax to return.
“They’d rather pay the $30 for the sticker than pay the 1% tax on everything else,” affirmed Strba.
March said the discussion stemmed from the financial consultant with regards to revenues increasing and the Village being in a “pretty good spot”.
“It’s an unpopular program and it’s just a way to free up staff’s time. The hard cost is $5,000 or $10,000 but the soft cost is staff having to deal with people who are unhappy about paying it. To me it’s kind of a no brainer.”
Strba mentioned that in last year’s budget process, cuts had to be made. Palmer mentioned that some cuts were restored even though he hasn’t been present for a full budget process.
Trustee Shelley Marevka suggested putting that extra $30 back in people’s pockets after the water increase would be helpful.
The vote to eliminate the stickers will be on the January meeting agenda.
Trustee Todd Sandberg is the husband of Editor Andrea Arens. Any coverage of his activity is not an endorsement of such.