Just a few routine things were on the agenda before the second-to-last board meeting in which the new board takes office.
Village President Peter March was not present. Trustee Gary Hudson served as mayor pro tem. Newly elected Village President Chris Vieaux was in attendance in the audience.
The fifth payout, a partial, for $135,605.35 to D Construction for work completed on 88th Avenue, Wilmington Road, and the I-57 ramp project as part of the improvements needed for the Travel Center, were unanimously approved.
Another approval of a resolution for MFT (motor fuel tax) resurfacing for East Crawford also unanimously was approved. The resolution is part of the required hoopla for the Illinois Department of Transportation. The project is expected to cost $190,000, with engineering fees of about $37,400.
Annual liquor, tobacco, and gaming licenses also unanimously were approved for: Casey’s, Corner Cafe, Vegas Cafe, Dollar General, Game On Bar & Grill, Family BP, Peotone American Legion, Peotone Travel Center, Speedway, and Peotone Tobacco and Liquor.
The annual Arbor Day Proclamation was also unanimously approved.
Village Administrator Nick Palmer provided an update. Six public works applications were received, and the village will be interviewing three of the candidates.
Palmer also said he has been involved in helping facilitate issues with Aqua between a few landlords and tenants within the village and attempting to assist in obtaining resolutions in those matters.
Palmer also has been working with Iroquois Valley Farms, to the west of the Travel Center, and their consultants in regard to concerns of how water moves through the site and onto the farm field. Testing has been completed to be sure there was no contamination.
Trustee Todd Sandberg inquired as to the status of the apartment building on Schroeder Avenue. The village has acquired legal fees in attempting to secure the property.
Palmer said there isn’t. “It’s working its way through the court system. We had hoped there would be some sort of draft agreement earlier this year, but the owner asked for some time, and the judge granted it, so we’re still waiting,” said Palmer. He also said he would follow up again.
Both Palmer and Sandberg agreed the property looks as though it is getting worse, and Palmer noted there’s been interest in bidding on the property should it become available.
Trustee Jackie Richards also added another landowner on Schroeder has a bunch of debris from construction that’s been there since December that is affecting nearby tenants from accessing their driveways. Palmer said he would also look into that.
Next meeting is April 28, at 6 p.m.