Illinois Valley Times

Coal City Village Board met April 9

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mayor Dave Spesia called to order the regular board meeting of the Coal City Village Board in the boardroom of the Village Hall. Roll call- Trustees Dave Togliatti, Dan Greggain, Pam Noffsinger, Tim Bradley, Bill Mincey and CJ Lauterbur. Also in attendance were attorney Mark Heinle, Police Chief Chris Harseim, Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering and Matt Fritz, village administrator. Absent: none. 

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The regular meeting minutes of March 26, 2025, were presented. Mincey moved to approve the minutes as written, second by Lauterbur. Roll call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays; none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

The warrant list was presented. Mr. Fritz gave clarification regarding line item three, rental repairs at 55 W Maple St. Togliatti moved to approve the warrant list as written, second by Mincey. Roll call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

During public comment, Dave McCullough at 175 Des Plaines St. brought attention to the Board an on-going problem at his residence. McCullough explained the water pressure has been poor for some time now and after research by the Public Works department, there is an error in the connection of water lines, which is not to code. Mr. McCullough says it still has not been repaired and would like it fixed as soon as possible. The Board acknowledged Mr. McCullough's issue and will work on its resolution. 

Ordinance 25-08, increase the utility rates for the upcoming fiscal year with the billing to be provided to residents in June as the following: 

Water Usage Water & Sewer Rate Water Only 

0-5,999  $15.53 $10.10 

6,000-20,999 $17.30 $11.25 

21,000+ $16.58 $10.78 

Mr. Fritz also explained the garbage fee shall remain the same at $27.00 per month, which is $54.00 per billing. The monthly sanitary surcharge of $5.00 per month for the sanitary modernization project shall remain. Mr. Fritz explained the utility rates have been discussed in detail at a previous Water & Sewer Committee meeting. Mr. Fritz gave the budgeted amounts for expenditures in the upcoming fiscal year budget and also a chart that reflects this fiscal year rates compared to previous years. Mr. Fritz explained last year's rates increase by 2.5% was lower than the IEPA funding model. This year the model gave a recommendation of a 5% increase to fund the IEPA project debt, however the proposed budget is only a 3.5% increase. Mr. Fritz explained that if the Village were to follow the recommendation within the submitted IEPA model, this would make it an increase of 10% but the 3.5% increase included in the fiscal year budget should meet the required revenue targets. Mr. Fritz explained this was discussed to keep rates at the lowest for the residents. Mr. Fritz explained the Village will be entering into an additional year of garbage service with a 3.9% increase raising the cost per household charged to the Village $26.00 instead of the current rate of $25.01. Trustee Greggain thanked Mr. Fritz for gathering all the necessary information to determine the utility rates to provide the lowest rate possible for our residents. Greggain moved to adopt Ordinance 25-08, authorizing revisions to the schedule of water and sewer rates and related charges effective May 1, 2025, second by Togliatti. Roll Call-Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Resolution 25-04, amending the Fiscal Year 25 Budget to allow for necessary expenditures. Mr. Fritz explained the Board considers a budget amendment resolution to reflect expenditures that occurred before the fiscal year has been finished. Mr. Fritz handed out a list of detailed expenditures that included the following: 

• Program 01-71, the costs of EMA services. 

• Fund #18, school site fees upon the receipt of building permits. 

• Fund #37, sanitary modernization project debt obligation. 

• Program 51-00, equipment failure and replacement equipment delays. 

• Fund #52, garbage utility. 

Mayor Spesia asked for clarification regarding Program 51-00, if fuel is included within the $65,000 and generator rental. Mr. Fritz explained it was just the cost of fuel, the total program needed an additional $65,000 authorization. Lauterbur moved to adopt Resolution 25-04, amending the FY25 Budget to allow for necessary expenditures, second by Mincey. Roll call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Resolution 25-05, entering into an Economic Development Agreement with Sweet Treats & Tasty Eats guaranteeing their promise to pay for collateral. Mr. Fritz explained that Coal City Liquors would like to accommodate Sweet Treats & Tasty Eats within their business. Coal City Liquors has attempted to host several businesses within their establishment, however, they were unsuccessful. Coal City Liquors must have a business within their establishment serving food in order to obtain the current liquor license. The business has found a local vendor to obtain residency inside their establishment, Sweet Treats & Tasty Eats. Catherine Burson, the owner of Sweat Treats was present at the meeting to go over her business plan that required a request of start-up funding provided by the Village. The agreement is for Coal City Bank to provide a $25,000 line of credit that would allow Ms. Burson to start up the business, however, the bank has requested the Village to provide matching security against the amount to be lent. The agreement also explains if the Village provides the bank's collateral, Ms. Burson would repay the Village. Trustee Mincey asked what the funds would mostly be used for, Ms. Burson explained it would be used to hire employees. Ms. Burson explained she has a deal with Joliet Junior College to hire culinary students. Mayor Spesia wanted clarification that this is a 36-month non-forgivable loan to an LLC business. Bradley moved to adopt Resolution 25-05, entering into an Economic Development Agreement with Sweet Treats & Tasty Eats guaranteeing their promise to pay for collateral, second by Lauterbur. Roll call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Mr. Fritz explained after the approval of Resolution 25-05, entering into an agreement with Sweet Treats & Tasty Eats, in order to properly establish the collateral to allow the Bank of Coal City to provide a line of credit, the village must open an account to set aside assets. Mr. Fritz explained that a deposit will be made into this account to provide a 3-year collateral for the line of credit and will earn interest. Bradley moved to authorize Mayor Spesia to open the Entrepreneurial Security Account at Coal City Bank for an initial 36-month term, second by Togliatti. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Mr. Fritz explained to the Board the village has completed the proposed audit for the end of the fiscal year that ended on April 30, 2024. The company, Sikich, has completed the audit and has provided an overview at the previous finance committee meeting. Mr. Fritz explained the village attained the highest standard which is an unmodified clean opinion of the village's finances. Kellen O'Malley, a representative of Sikich, presented the final audit. Mr. O'Malley wanted to elaborate the police pension fund gets audited by a different entity. Mr. O'Malley presented the mandatory audits pertaining to IEPA loans, grants given, where there were without any concerns. Mr. O'Malley also presented the reports surrounding the current revenue and expenditures of major and non-major accounts, which were reported as a clean unmodified standard. Mr. O'Malley summarized the reporting numbers surrounded around the Water & Sewer funds as well as the financial numbers surrounding the police pension funds and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and explained the village is funding the required amount. Mr. O'Malley thanked the Board and village management for working alongside of him. Chief Harseim asked what the police pension is funded at and Mr. O'Malley explained it is 56% funded as of April 30, 2024.Mayor Spesia thanked Mr. O'Malley and the Board for all their hard work of the completed audit. Bradley moved to adopt the FY24 Audit for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025, second by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering explained that the village went into agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation to resurface of Carbon Hill Road. Mr. Hansen explained this project has been completed and needs the final payment to the engineering company, Chamlin Engineering needs to be paid. The final payment amount is $38,750, where IDOT will be billed to refund all but 20% of the cost of engineering for this project. Lauterbur moved to approve the final Carbon Hill Road Resurfacing Project payment for the lump sum of $38,750 to Chamlin Engineering, second by Greggain. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Mr. Fritz explained within this year's budget was obtaining a John Deere tractor that would mostly be used for snow plowing. Mr. Fritz explained the currently owned equipment is old and not working properly. Mr. Fritz explained the public works department has researched alternative options for equipment and other financial choices, but it was determined to get a replacement tractor at $31,592.78 and to obtain the attachments to equipment that would result in a total cost of $46,154,42. Mr. Fritz explained the current equipment will be listed to sell: There were no comments made by the Board. Bradley moved to approve the purchase of a John Deere tractor replacement with attachments for an estimated $46,154.42, second by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering gave an update to the Board regarding the Lead Service Line Project. Mr. Hansen explained that Phase 1 of the project is roughly 40% completed. Mr. Hansen provided a breakdown of expenditures, services completed and reported replacement numbers. Mr. Hansen explained that Brandt Construction is requesting payment for their completed work in the amount of $336,670. Trustee Bradley asked if there was a pattern found of the replacements that are needed, Mr. Hansen explained there has been no pattern found but is continuously looking. Mayor Spesia thanked Mr. Hansen for expanding on the statistics regarding this meeting and asked for continuous detailed statistics in the future. Lauterbur moved to authorize the payment to Chamlin Engineering for $70,958 and Brandt Construction in the amount of $336,670, which will bring the project to 40.5% of the total projected costs, second by Bradley. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Mr. Fritz explained after determination at the MAPPING process, Coaler DRIVE Parks & Rec Action Committee reported there is a need to hire an outside company named Upland Design that specializes in future park projects and allocated funds. There was an attempt to obtain a grant through Illinois Farmers Bureau, however, the Village cannot obtain one at this time. Michelle Kelley from Upland Design was able to trim $3,000 of costs off the total cost of their proposed project that is broken down into three phases. The phases included data inventory and analysis, outreach and community input and, plan recommendation development for a total cost of $16,800. Mr. Fritz explained other local communities has used this company and had very successful outcomes. Trustee Lauterbur explained the Parks Board all agreed that it would be a beneficial to hire this company. Lauterbur moved to authorize Upland Design to conduct a Coal City Park Comprehensive Planning Analysis for an estimated $16,800, second by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

Trustee Mincey asked for an updated regarding the farmers market the library was hosting. Trustee Noffsinger explained the library said it requested Coaler DRIVE for their assistance and they will spilt the proceeds of the event evenly with the Lions Club and Art Organization. The event is called Mid-town Farmers Market and will be held in the months of July, August and September. 

Mayor Spesia reported he attended Minooka State of Village event where Mayor Offerman gave very informative information. Mayor Spesia explained he completed his filing for the Grundy Economic of Interest. Mayor Spesia also reported he participated in the Dresden Emergency Response Exercise where he learned a lot of new scenarios and information. Mayor Spesia reported Opening Day for Coal City Youth Baseball League is on April 12th and he will be throwing out the first pitch at 12 p.m. 

Trustee Lauterbur reported there has been complaints concerning the baseball fields of dogs being on the field. Trustee Lauterbur explained this is not allowed and there has been discussions with Chief Harseim of suggestions to enforcing this. There has been discussion of putting up signage in the fields. 

Trustee Mincey thanked everyone for their attendance the previous Street & Alley meeting and a plan has been created for the next year. 

Trustee Bradley thanked everyone for their participation during the finance committee meeting. Trustee Bradley asked if there was a payment that needed to be disbursed for the Second Ave Project, Mr. Fritz explained that would be finalized for the next meeting as they are hoping to get another grant finalization. 

Trustee Noffsinger reported she attended the Coaler DRIVE meeting where they went over the Mid-town Farmer's Market she explained earlier. Trustee Noffsinger explained the Back To School Bash aligns with the farmers market on July 26th, there was discussion that the events would complement each other and be beneficial for the community. Trustee Noffsinger reported that Fall Fest will be held on September 12-13, and there is not a decision made yet is fireworks will be displayed. There has been discussion on selling fall fest buttons similar to Morris during the event. Trustee Noffsinger reported the Kriskindle Market will be held in November and there is a plan to sell memorial ornaments for Campbell Park. Trustee Noffsinger also reported the library is going to host Movie in the Park. Trustee Noffsinger attended the Planning and Zoning Board meeting where there is a development of an additional duplexes on Covey. Trustee Noffsinger congratulated all the newly elected and re-elected board members. 

Clerk Baxter reminded everyone to turn in their Grundy Economic Interest Filing by May 1st. 

Mark Heinle, Village Attorney explained preparing and reviewing the agreement with Sweet Treats & Tasty Eats and wanted to ask the village for future interest in being direct lender in the future. The Board said it was something to think about in the future. 

Ryan Hansen, Village Engineer gave an update regarding the Water Treatment Plant, stating they are continuing on finalizing the roof then can do inside piping from there. 

Chief Harseim reported interviews for the admin interviews have been scheduled and there have been 15-18 narrowed down applicants. Chief Harseim went over the following reports: 

• Total CAD Events 

• Calls Requiring a Report 

• Criminal Charges 

• Traffic Crashes 

• D.U.I Reports 

• Verbal Warnings 

• P-Tickets 

• Grundy County Proactive Unit 

Mr. Fritz asked Chief Harseim regarding the statistics of Officer Larson. Officer Larson is taking different cases than other officers that will reflect on his statistics. Trustee Bradley noticed the methamphetamine statistics have increased and Chief Harseim explained there has been an increase and it is being monitored. 

Matt Fritz, Village Administrator reported that Mid-town Farmer's Market found a great location and the library has taken on the project that is going smoothly. Garfield St. will be shut down during the event, which will take support on our Public Works employees. Mr. Fritz wanted to notify the Board, public work employees will be working for preparation of shut down of street but the volunteers of the event will be doing the setup, the Board had no objections to this. Mr. Fritz explained this event will be included in the newsletter that gets sent out to the residents. 

Bradley moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20p.m., second by Lauterbur. Roll Call- Ayes; Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent; none. Motion carried. 

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VB-Meeting-Minutes-04-09-2025-Web.pdf