Illinois Valley Times

Coal City Village Board met May 14

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

At 7:06 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 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 Pam Noffsinger, Tim Bradley, Bill Mincey, and CJ Lauterbur. Also in attendance were attorney Mark Heinle, Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering, and Matt Fritz, village administrator. Absent: Dave Togliatti and Dan Greggain. 

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The public hearing minutes for April 23, 2025, were presented. Lauterbur moved to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Bradley. Roll call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. The regular meeting minutes of April 23, 2025, were presented. Mincey moved to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Bradley. Roll call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

The warrant list was presented. The Board made no comments. Bradley moved to approve the warrant list as written, seconded by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

During public comment, Jonathan Mietzner, Alderman for the City of Wilmington, came to speak on behalf of the appointment of Police Chief Michael Imhof. Alderman Mietzner explained that Deputy Chief Imhof was the best selection Coal City could make and stated that Wilmington's loss was Coal City's gain. Alderman Mietzner congratulated Deputy Chief Imhof on his newly appointed position. 

Trustee Tim Bradley spoke about his time served as Trustee. Trustee Bradley explained that after serving 12 years on the Board, he is leaving his position as Trustee. Trustee Bradley is sad to leave the Board, he explained that he learned many things and created many friendships. Trustee Bradley stated that the newly elected Trustee is his father, Ross Bradley, and he knows he will do a fantastic job. 

Clerk Baxter swore in the following newly elected trustees: 

Trustee: Term Expiration: 

Bill Mincey 2029 

CJ Lauterbur 2029 

Ross Bradley 2029

Resolution 25-08, approving an employment contract with Chief Imhof. Mr. Fritz presented the employment for the newly appointed Police Chief, Michael Imhof. Mr. Fritz explained that the Board has previously viewed the proposed contract, which includes salary and benefits that would be given to Chief Imhof for the various roles he will fill. Mr. Fritz explained that Chief Imhof's contract will go through Mayor Spesia's term, which is a 2-year contract. Mayor Spesia gave his recommendation on the appointment of Deputy Chief Imhof. Mayor Spesia explained that Deputy Chief Imhof has risen through the ranks and went over his many achievements that were awarded during his service. Lauterbur moved to approve Resolution 25-08, approving an employment contract with Chief Imhof, seconded by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

Clerk Baxter swore in Michael Imhof as the newly appointed Chief of Police. Chief Imhof thanked the Board for trusting him with this important position for the community. Chief Imhof explained he went through the ranks, is excited to be in this position, and looks forward to serving the community. Chief Imhof thanked his wife, Jen, for always being his support system in his life. Chief Imhof thanked the department for always having his back and looks forward to leading and always being there for them. 

Tammy Moran, Co-Captain of Coaler Drive, presented to the Board the Back-To-School Bash that will be held on July 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mrs. Moran gave a map showing the location of the map with the different events that will be held. The primary location will be at Broadway Street from Willow to the railroad tracks and Campbell Park. Mrs. Moran went over the confirmed sponsors and pending sponsors. Mrs. Moran explained the various activities that will be available for the kids to participate in, including the new activities such as a foam party. Mrs. Moran said they will be handing out a hot dog lunch. Trustee Noffsinger asked how many people attended last year. Mrs. Moran explained they were able to give out 450 school supply bags. Mayor Spesia thanked Mrs. Moran for her hard work and mentioned how great an event this is to give to the community. 

Dave Di Vincenzo was in attendance to present the event of Santa Claus is coming to Grundy County for Christmas in July Fundraiser for Grundy County Heroes and Helpers. Mr. Di Vincenzo explained the event will be on July 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., held at Lions Park. Mr. Di Vincenzo explained that admission to this event will be $10 per family to enter the Santa Theme Park. Mr. Di Vincenzo explained there would be various activities for families to participate in, including a Touch A Truck event. Mr. Di Vincenzo listed the many different vehicles/equipment from different businesses that will provide a machine for the event. Mr. Fritz explained that this event is aligned with different events that are scheduled for the summer, so they are not all on the same weekend/day. Mayor Spesia requested that the baseball coaches be notified to make sure there are no scheduling issues with travel leagues. Mayor Spesia thanked Mr. Di Vincenzo for all his hard work and believes this is a great event for the community. 

Resolution 25-09, authorizing entry into a development agreement with Midwestern Rentals Inc., LLC, for the acquisition of 573-585 Mazon. Mr. Fritz explained that during a different project, the owners of the property on the northeast corner of Mazon & Maple are willing to sell the property to the Village for less than the appraisal price. Mr. Fritz explained that the Village has wanted to use that property for extra parking for the parks and other hosted events. Mr. Fritz explained that there are grant funds available to demolish the structure, where the current owner would not be liable for anything that would come along with the demolition. Mr. Fritz explained that within the agreement, it states that once the property is acquired, cash 

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Coal City Village Board 

May 14, 2025 

collateral will be provided to the construction loan to assist with the approved duplex that the owners are currently developing. Mr. Fritz explained that the village will keep $325,000 posted at Coal City Bank, and the final $275,000 towards the total payment of $375,000 will be provided from Coal City at the time the closing is scheduled by Coal City to receive the Mazon property. Mark Heinle, Village Attorney, explained there is one tenant at the current property; however, they have given notice they will be moved out by the end of the month. Trustee Bradley disagreed with the notion of demolishing the building with our funds and believes the current owners should be responsible for it. Lauterbur moved to adopt Resolution 25-09, authorizing entry into a development agreement with Midwestern Rentals, LLC for the acquisition of 573-585 Mazon, seconded by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Mincey, Lauterbur, and Mayor Spesia. Nays: Bradley. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering presented the breakdown of the current Lead Line Replacement Project. Mr. Hansen explained the total replacements that have been made and that several lines were up to the house. Mr. Hansen stated that as of today, 410 have been inspected. Mr. Hansen explained that the payment made to Brandt Construction for their work completed in the amount of $407,610 will bring the project near 56% completed. Mayor Spesia thanked Mr. Hansen for providing a breakdown of the project that has been completed and asked for a continuous, in-depth breakdown of this project. Lauterbur moved to authorize the payment to Brandt Construction of $407,610, which will bring the project to 55.7% of the total projected costs, seconded by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

Mr. Fritz explained that the Public Works department has been trying to find vendors to receive equipment and services to complete the pickleball courts and North Park. After trying to search for a corporate firm to complete the surfacing, the public works department wants to complete preliminary coating/ leveling courses in order for a contractor to finish the remainder. The materials for the public works department would cost an estimated total of $8,000. Mr. Fritz gave a breakdown of what would be included in the cost of materials. Mayor Spesia expressed his concerns about errors being made since it is not a corporate company completing it, in which Mr. Fritz ensured there will be training prior to completing the project. Trustee Noffsinger confirmed that this price only included the North Park pickleball courts materials. Trustee Lauterbur mentioned that the Parks Board gave a positive recommendation for this plan. Lauterbur moved to approve the final improvement purchases for the pickleball court at North Park at an estimated $8,000, seconded by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

Mr. Fritz presented the contract for The Fun Ones that will provide the rock wall for Fall Fest on September 13th from the hours of 4 p.m.-8 p.m. The Board had no objections regarding this contract. Mark Heinle stated that this contract does not have the damage waiver included, which we have not done in the past. Mr. Heinle said we can purchase it if we want, which would cost an extra $250, but it is not needed and has not been done before. Bradley moved to authorize Mayor Spesia to sign to Fallfest contract for The Fun Ones, seconded by Lauterbur. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

Mr. Fritz presented the contract for Fun Bounces Rental that will provide the inflatables and train ride for Fall Fest on September 13th from the hours of 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Board had no objections regarding this contract. Mark Heinle stated this contract doesn't include any staff that will remain with the equipment, and the time slot was different than the event. Lauterbur moved to authorize Mayor Spesia to sign the Fallfest contract for Fun Bounces Rental, seconded by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried. 

Mayor Spesia welcomed Trustee Bradley for returning to the Board. Mayor Spesia went over the head chairmen for each board. Mayor Spesia stated that he will be attending the Grundy County Law Enforcement Managers' Association on Police and Fire Memorial that will be held on May 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. 

Trustee Lauterbur welcomed Trustee Bradley to the Board. Trustee Lauterbur wished Tim Bradley good luck on his future and said we will miss him on the Board. 

Trustee Mincey welcomed Trustee Bradley to the Board. Trustee Mincey thanked Tim Bradley for his hard work on the Board. Trustee Mincey congratulated Chief Imhof on his new position. 

Trustee Bradley stated he is looking forward to serving with the board and congratulated Chief Imhof on his new position. 

Trustee Noffsinger welcomed Trustee Bradley to the Board and congratulated Chief Imhof on his new position. 

Clerk Baxter thanked Tim Bradley for his hard work on the Board and wished him the best in future endeavors. 

Mark Heinle, Village Attorney, gave his best wishes to Tim Bradley for future endeavors and will miss him being a part of the board. 

Ryan Hansen, Village Engineer, wished Tim Bradley on his future. Mr. Hansen also congratulated Trustee Bradley and Chief Imhof on their new positions. 

Chief Imhof welcomed Trustee Bradley to the Board and thanked Tim Bradley for his hard work he serving on the board. Chief Imhof reported there an arrest was made following a manhunt for two individuals a few weeks ago. Chief Imhof stated that a red alert was sent out to the citizens during the manhunt, in which the community did a great job reporting suspicious behavior. Chief Imhof highlighted the great job the department did during the manhunt. 

Matt Fritz, Village Administrator, reported that spring clean-up days are approaching. Mr. Fritz gave well wishes to Tim Bradley and went over the highlights of the time served, and thanked him for everything he has done for the board. 

Trustee Lauterbur moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m., seconded by Mincey. Roll Call- Ayes: Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, and Lauterbur. Nays: none. Absent: Togliatti and Greggain. Motion carried

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VB-Meeting-Minutes-05-14-2025-Web.pdf