Illinois Valley Times

Coal City Village Board met Aug. 13

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call meeting to Order 

At 7:00pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Mayor Dave Spesia called to order the regular board meeting of the Coal City Village Board in the boardroom of Village Hall. Roll call was taken with Trustee Dave Togliatti, Trustee Dan Greggain, Trustee Pam Noffsinger, Trustee Ross Bradley, Trustee Bill Mincey and Trustee CJ Lauterbur present. Also in attendance were Attorney Mark Heinle, Ryan Hansen from Chamlin Engineering, Chief Mike Imhof and Matt Fritz, Village Administrator. 

Pledge of Allegiance 

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Approval of Minutes 

Mayor Spesia asked if there were any questions regarding the meeting minutes from July 23, 2025. There were no questions or comments. 

Motion to approve the minutes of July 23, 2025 was made by Trustee Noffsinger, seconded by Trustee Bradley. Motion carried with Trustees Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Mayor Spesia voting yes. Trustee Lauterbur abstained. 

Approval of Warrant List 

Administrator Fritz clarified a change where IDOT showed duplicate charges and only one charge for $50 should be present. 

Motion to approve the warrant list was made by Trustee Lauterbur, seconded by Trustee Greggain. Motion carried with Trustees Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur voting yes. 

Public Comment 

Tammy Moran was present to recap the Back to School Bash. Overall, Tammy stated the Bash was a huge success. She proceeded to thank the Village of Coal City, Coal City Police, Maintenance as well as all of the organizers, volunteers, smaller businesses and organizations who were present at the Bash and all who donated school supplies to the event. The Vendor Corner allowed the community to see things that they may not have been aware of going on and Tammy expressed this aspect was a big centerfold. There were 35 boxes full of supplies and by the end of the event there were only supplies left to fill one box. Additional donations of supplies were given to schools and around the community. This event will continue and continue to grow to bigger and better. Tammy also thanked the teachers who came out to the event to attend and volunteer. Additional thank you to Cardinal, Hoffman and Grundy County Hero's and Helpers. 

Approval of Knights of Columbus Annual Fund Raising Tootsie Roll Drive on September 19, 20 and 21st. 

The Knights of Columbus will hold the annual tootsie roll drive on September 19th, 20th and 21st, 2025. Volunteers will stand at business locations in Coal City with permission on Friday from 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm. Tootsie roll funds are used to help people with Intellectual Disabilities. No one from the Knight of Columbus was present to speak at the Village meeting. This does not require a permit. Fund raising efforts are subject to solicitation regulations (must not impede traffic or pedestrians, must act in orderly manner). No motion or vote is required. No questions from the board. 

Permission for Right of Way Utilization - Touchdown Club 

The Coal City Touchdown Club displayed Charlie Coaler flags in 2024 and intends to display again this year. It was noted the display would follow the same practice as the previous year, ensuring flags would be removed before Veterans Day and not interfere with display of the American flag. Homecoming is scheduled for September 26, with related activities on September 27. 

Motion to allow permission for Right of Way Utilization - Touchdown Club was made by Trustee Lauterbur, seconded by Trustee Greggain. Motion carried with Trustees Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur voting yes. 

Additional discussion took place regarding the Veterans Flag Program included in recent water bills. Requirements for photo sizes (5x7 or 8x10) were noted, and trustees discussed options for enlarging photos for banner use. 

Ordinance 25-17 — Text Amendments to IBC, Signage and Massage Parlor Definitions 

Fritz presented proposed updates to the International Building Code (IBC), moving from the 2015 edition to the 2021 edition, consistent with state requirements. Updates also included amendments to signage regulations and definitions related to massage parlors. 

Key changes include 

- Updating code references to the 2021 IBC. 

- Adding missing definitions for signage and certain uses to assist with conditional use determinations. 

- Revising signage regulations: 

• Maximum sign area reduced from 250-350 sq. ft. to 120 sq. ft. 

• Prohibition of business signage in residential zones (with narrow exceptions). 

• Clarification regarding real estate and campaign sign treatment, with legal counsel noting the approach is legally sound. 

- Window signage standards: retained 50% coverage standard; additional restrictions apply for establishments with liquor licenses and gaming. Language will be revised slightly for clarity. 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 25-17 amending the Village Code to update the IBC edition and amend signage and definitions, subject to final legal review and approval. 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 25-17 — Text Amendments to IBC, Signage and Massage Parlor Definitions was made by Trustee Greggain, seconded by Trustee Mincey. Motion carried with Trustees Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur voting yes. 

Ordinance 25-18 Text Amendment Requirements on Public Intoxication 

Chief Imhof explained that Illinois law does not recognize public intoxication as an offense. Adults over 21 may be intoxicated in public if otherwise behaving appropriately. Enforcement remains in place for secondary behaviors such as open container violations, underage possession, disorderly conduct, or driving under the influence. The ordinance amendment brings Village Code into compliance with state law by removing the prohibition on public intoxication. 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 25-18 Text Amendment Requirements on Public Intoxication was made by Trustee Bradley, second by Trustee Greggain. Motion carried with Trustees Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur voting yes. 

Ordinance 25-19 - Text Amendment on Tobacco and Vaping 

Chief Imhof reported that the Village Code previously prohibited possession of tobacco and vaping products for persons under 18, while Illinois state law sets the minimum legal age at 21. The amendment updates the ordinance to prohibit possession of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices by individuals under the age of 21, aligning the Village Code with state law. 

Motion to adopt Ordinance 25-19 Text Amendment on Tobacco and Vaping was made by Trustee Bradley, seconded by Trustee Lauterbur. Motion carried with Trustees Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey and Lauterbur voting yes. 

Report of the Mayor 

Mayor Spesia reported a schedule conflict for the Wednesday August 27th Village Board meeting. The next Village Board meeting was rescheduled for Monday August 25, 2025 at 7pm. 

Report of Trustees 

Trustee Mincey Back-to-School Bash was successful; appreciation expressed for volunteers. Methodist Church hosted a successful blood drive. Appreciation expressed to staff and volunteers for ongoing contributions. Railroad crossings at 1st Ave, 5th St, and Carbon Hill Road have been repaired and improved. Fritz also noted that the Broadway crossing work is anticipated soon. 

Trustee Bradley had a question regarding the Bridge on Broadway on the way out to the Coal City Area Club. Fritz and Ryan Hansen noted the replacement bridge remains on order with an estimated 4-5 weeks delivery time. Installation expected to take ~20 days. Coordination with fire, police, schools, buses, and county sheriff will be required to minimize disruptions. 

Trustee Greggain stated the next Water and Sewer meeting will be Wednesday August 20th at 6pm. Trustee Greggain also noted the North Water Tower completion. Expected lifespan approx. 10+ years. Discussion brought forth by Trustee Togliatti compared use of elevated water towers versus ground tanks and pumping systems in larger municipalities. 

Report of Village Clerk 

Nothing to report. 

Report of Village Attorney 

Attorney Heinle noted that Ordinance No. 25-17, which adopted the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), must be reported to the Illinois Capital Development Board before becoming effective. An online form is required to update the state's master list of municipal code adoptions. Once submitted, there is a 30-day waiting period before the ordinance takes effect. Until then, the 2015 IBC remains in force. Attorney Heinle will complete the filing. 

Report of Village Engineer 

Village Engineer Ryan Hansen discussed the following 

- North Water Tower: Water samples have been collected and will be delivered tomorrow. 

- Preparation is underway for lining the tank through an outside service. 

- Street Maintenance: Contracts have been signed; pre-construction meeting will be scheduled once approvals are returned. 

- Hunter's Run Subdivision (Senior Living Development): Developer will begin work this week with silt fence installation. Engineer emphasized keeping streets open during utility work to accommodate buses and traffic. 

- Water Plant: Pipe fitters are making progress. Tile installation scheduled for August 25th, subject to supplier availability. Minor punch list items remain. 

- Broadway Bridge Project: Replacement bridge remains on order with an estimated 4-5 weeks delivery time. Installation expected to take ~20 days. Coordination with fire, police, schools, buses, and county sheriff will be required to minimize disruptions. 

Report of Chief of Police 

Chief Imhof distributed department statistics and thanked the Board for its support of law enforcement. Chief highlighted a recent case: stolen merchandise valued at ~$4,000 was recovered within hours through successful investigative work by Investigator Larson and Officer Roth. 

 - School Resource Officers (SRO): 

• Officer Kirsten McKim began service as SRO for the grade school (ECC through 8th grade), replacing Deputy Chief Moran. 

• Officer Nugent continues as SRO at the high school. 

• Officers participated in back-to-school presentations for teachers.

- New Officer Graduations and Staffing: 

• Officer Monica Daugherty graduating from PTI on Thursday, August 21st, at 2:00 p.m. She will begin Field Training Officer (FTO) program. 

• Officer Cody Hakey completing FTO and moving to full shift. 

• Recruitment underway for an additional officer to begin academy September 2. 

Report of Village Administrator 

Village Administrator Fritz reported that two water tests are required; first test returned favorable, awaiting results of the second. A Board walk-through of the water treatment plant is planned following the tie-in work, likely next week. Upcoming committee discussions will include well timing and scheduling the walk through. Fritz also thanked the Trustee's for attending GEDC summer meeting. 

Lead Service Line Notices: Fritz noted the Village is in the "Goldilocks zone" for IEPA enforcement, facing requirements similar to larger communities therefore explained the Village is required to send lead service notices to all households, per state regulations. In addition, 436 specific addresses identified in the lead service inventory study must also receive notices. Notices are standardized form letters, but the Administrator plans to include a cover letter for clarity. Concerns were noted that multiple notices may provide confusion. The notices are primarily informational; Village has already made progress with Phase 1 lead service remediation. Notices expected to be mailed this month. Lead replacement project expected to restart shortly. 

Site Readiness: Village received a DCO site readiness grant for the industrial park site. Bids will be received soon; RFQs may require Trustee participation for review. 

Dresden Clean Energy Center - State of the Plant Address: Scheduled for September 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Dresden training facility. 

Adjourn 

Motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Greggain, seconded by Trustee Lauterbur. Motion carried with Trustees Togliatti, Greggain, Noffsinger, Bradley, Mincey, Lauterbur and Mayor Spesia voting yes. 

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/VB-Meeting-Minutes-08-13-2025-Web.pdf