The Village of Monee has some bragging rights thanks to a new high-tech water tower camera that monitors approaching severe weather systems.

Trustee Scott Youdris said during the March 26 village board meeting that the camera was funded by an $88,000 matching-funds grant from ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

“The (camera) system can live-view any damage within Monee and acquire video and still photography,” Youdris said.

“The system will drastically make storm-spotting operations safer for our Emergency Management Agency responders, especially during nighttime operations.

“The system is linked into our village computer system so we’ll be able to operate it within any village building.” 

Youdris noted the camera is in operation and in use at the Monee EMA building.

“The system was designed by our EMA and technology staff, with the Monee Department of Public Works playing a key role in its installation,” Youdris said.

“This was a total team effort and would not be possible without the support of our administration. And when the security upgrade is finished, our EMA building will be able to provide a live webcam for the village. 

“So, thank you for that, (EMA Director) Randy Ulaskas.”

Youdris also reported that EMA has received a heavy-duty trailer with a 20-foot hydraulic mast.

The trailer was given to the village by Will County, he said, at no cost. It will be used for multiple applications to include cameras, antennas, and traffic control equipment.

In other business during that meeting, the board:

  • Heard Trustee Chuck Rakis report that, for the month of March, village revenues totalled $1.2 million, with expenditures of 71,800. The three-month expense average for the General Fund decreased from $1.8 million in February to $1.7 million as of March 26. Village investments are averaging 4.10 percent, he added, and the village portfolio consists of 71 percent U.S. Treasury notes and 29 percent corporate bonds.
  • Heard Trustee John Henson remind residents that building permits are required for many home improvement projects and contractors hired must register with the village prior to the start of the project. For more information, he said, residents should contact Monee Building Services at  708-534-8303.
  • Heard Trustee Doug Horne note branch pick-up has begun and will take place on the first and third Mondays of each month from April through October. 
  • Heard Trustee Heidi Gonzalez announce the Monee Women’s Club is accepting applications for scholarships for young women in the 60449 Zip Code. Applications can be found on the MWC website or community Facebook page. Deadline for applications is May 1.
  • Heard Trustee Michael Wilson report tree removal and other ground preparation is underway for projects on Monee-Manhattan Road. Projects include construction of the Tractor Supply Company, the village’s Town Center, and the Marie Bailey Park. “For more information,” he said, “I highly suggest and encourage you to check out the village web page, and also you’ll find a copy of the Comprehensive Plan there, as well.”
  • Witnessed the swearing-in of new Building Code Compliance Officer Roxanne Williams.