Village of Ladd Village Board met March 10
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Ladd Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Ladd Village Hall, 121 N. Main Avenue. Village President Frank Cattani called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: Present: Trustees Patrick Flanagan, Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Brad Nicholson, Molly Thrasher, and Bernie Victor (6)
In Attendance: Engineer Adam Ossola; Attorney Pat Barry; and Clerk Rhonda Bezely.
President Cattani announced it was Clerk Bezely’s birthday, and Happy Birthday was sung.
Trustee Nicholson motioned, Trustee Thrasher seconded, to approve the February 24, 2026, regular meeting minutes as presented.
Ayes: Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor, Flanagan – Motion carried.
Trustee Nelson motioned, Trustee Martin seconded, to authorize payment of bills totaling $257,913.87.
Ayes: Nelson, Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor, Flanagan, Martin – Motion carried.
Correspondence: None
Public Comment: None
Committee Reports: None
Village Engineer: Ossola shared the results of the bid letting that took place in Springfield in February for the STU project. Universal Asphalt was the low bidder at $137,247.00, and Gillan Construction was the high bidder at $173,736.00. Ossola stated that his engineer’s estimate was $192,000.00, so the bids were favorable for the Village. Trustee Martin asked if Gillan was still planning to do the parking pad at the Smiths’ on East Cleveland St. Ossola stated that it was between Gillan and Smith. Martin stated the Village authorized a portion also. Clerk Bezely stated that the Village has not been billed by Gillan for any of the “extras” that were approved by the Village of Ladd, so Gillan is likely waiting for nice weather, then will finish these smaller jobs in the Village. Ossola stated that Gillan needs to come back and do some dirt work and seeding. Bezely asked if Bersztaitis was one of the residents needing the grass work. Ossola indicated yes.
Superintendent Report: Not in attendance
Police Chief: Not in attendance
Building Inspector: Not in attendance.
Village Attorney: Old Business: Pass Ordinance 1206 Granting a Request for Variance Filed by James J. Bernardi. Atty. Barry explained the reason for the Ordinance is to record the variance information at the County level, so that there is a record of these zoning changes, so that when Bernardi sells his home. Victor asked Barry what this Ordinance costs the Village and the attorney.
Barry stated approximately $50 plus $100 for the recording fee. After a short discussion, it was felt that the Variance fee needs to be increased to include these additional new costs. Atty. will prepare an ordinance for the next meeting to increase the variance fee to $500.00. Atty. Barry stated that he would strongly recommend granting this ordinance.
Trustee Nelson made a motion, which was seconded by Trustee Nicholson, to pass Ordinance 1206 Granting a Request for Variance filed by James J. Bernardi to reduce the side yard setback lines on the north and south sides of his property from 5 feet to 3 feet and the front setback line on the east side of his property from 25 feet to 6 foot 10 inches.
Ayes: Nicholson, Thrasher, Flanagan, Martin, Nelson, Cattani – Motion carried.
Nays: Victor
New Business
Habitat for Humanity – Executive Director Jessica Brayfield explains the possible subdivision in the Village of Ladd.
Ms. Brayfield provided the council with an informational packet on some examples of success stories through Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Brayfield went over some options that Habitat for Humanity can choose when moving forward in their decision to bring a subdivision to a local town or Village. She asked the Village if they would like to expand their town by working with Habitat to bring a subdivision of 4-6 homes to Ladd. Brayfield stated the USDA is partnering with Habitat to make this happen. There are a couple of options that Habitat can choose from. Finding out what the Village would like to see is important in the decision-making process. There is an option for a 523 family self-help loan, which would help low to moderate-income families, or the other option is a 524 site loan, which would allow anyone to buy a lot from Habitat and build a home. This wouldn’t necessarily mean every family had to be low to moderate income. The labor to build these homes is not all volunteer labor. Discussion ensued about the volunteerism, the requirements of the family that is getting the home. Many questions were asked and answered. Brayfield stated that it will be a year and a half before a shovel is in the ground. The council has all this information, and Brayfield encourages them to think things over and get back to her. They can do anywhere from 4-6 homes or duplexes, triplexes, etc. It is really up to the Village council what they would like to bring to Ladd.
We can reach out once the discussion has been completed. Bezely asked if the council would like to move forward, could she reach out to Brayfield with ideas of farmers to speak with, so Habitat can try to obtain/buy property for this subdivision.
Donation Request – Kennedy Park Baseball Diamond.
Steve Bosi had a detailed handout for the council explaining what has been done thus far and what he would like to improve in the near future. A new batting cage is on its way. He is requesting a donation of $5,000.00 from the Village of Ladd to continue improving the fields in an effort to bring baseball back to Ladd fields.
Trustee Victor made a motion, and Trustee Nicholson seconded the motion to donate $5,000.00 to Ladd Sports and also thank Steve Bosi for his work.
Ayes: Victor, Flanagan, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Thrasher – Motion carried.
Approve Special Event Liquor License for Greg Colmone Scholarship Fund Trivia Night to be held on 8-29-26 at War Memorial Park Tennis Courts or Ladd Community Center if inclement weather.
Trustee Nicholson made a motion, and Trustee Nelson seconded the motion to approve the Special Event Liquor License for the Greg Colmone Scholarship Fund Trivia Night event held on 8-29-2026.
Ayes: Flanagan, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor – Motion carried.
Pass Certificate of Authority by Vote for Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement Trustee Nicholson made a motion, and Trustee Thrasher seconded the motion to pass the Certificate of Authority by Vote to Allow Frank Cattani, Village President & Julie Koch, Village Treasurer, to enter into a contract to include Joint Participation Agreements on Behalf of the Village of Ladd with the State of Illinois CY2026/CY2027 Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreement.
Ayes: Martin, Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor, Flanagan – Motion carried.
Nays: Nelson
Discuss Purchase of Ad in the 2026 Bureau County Tourism Guide
This booklet is a really nice way to let a lot of people know what Ladd is planning this year. It is published on May 11, 2026.
Trustee Victor made a motion, and Trustee Flanagan seconded the motion to purchase a ¼ Page $175.00 Ad in the Bureau County Tourism Guide.
Ayes: Nelson, Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor, Flanagan, Martin – Motion passed.
Pass Resolution for Convoy Against Cancer Big Truck Show in the Village of Ladd on 7-18-26
Trustee Nelson made a motion, and Trustee Nicholson seconded the motion to pass Resolution 1211 for Convoy Against Cancer Big Truck Show in the Village of Ladd on 7-18-2026.
Ayes: Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor, Flanagan, Martin, Nelson – Motion carried.
Announcements: The recent updates from the Village of Ladd cover several key initiatives and community activities. Clerk Bezely reported that requests for legislative grants were submitted through NCICG, with initial proposals for infrastructure improvements and sewer separation projects. The first request aimed to secure $8 million for utility infrastructure extending to properties along Route 80, while the second sought $4 million for sewer separation on the west side of Ladd extending to Adam’s Creek. However, NCICG informed the village on March 10, 2026, that legislators were only considering grants up to $1.25 million. This change was communicated after the initial submission deadline of March 6, 2026, and due to the short turnaround time, the original submissions were maintained without modification. Regarding community greening efforts, a proposal for a tree grant was evaluated. It was determined that purchasing three larger trees annually through Morgan Wilson would be more cost-effective than applying for a grant. Wilson will select appropriate trees for designated locations and handle planting. Residents interested in planting new trees should be aware that they will be responsible for watering the trees until they are fully established. The village will identify suitable areas for planting to enhance the local environment. The village is also preparing for electronics recycling events scheduled for May 2026.
Confirmation of specific dates is pending. Additionally, yard waste collection for 2026 will commence on April 1 and continue through November 30. The fee for residents is set at $105.84, covering eight months at a rate of $13.23 per month. Residents are encouraged to contact John at Republic Services at 815-258-2871 to register before April 1. Late registrations are accepted, but the fee remains the same. Payments can be made via debit card, credit card, or e-check over the phone.
Residents should purchase biodegradable bags from local retailers such as Hy-Vee, Walmart, Debo’s, Costco, Target, Menards, or Home Depot. Waste collection will occur every Thursday.
Questions can be directed to the Clerk’s office at 815-894-2440. In other developments, the village received an update from Sonny Singh, developer of T&A, who indicated that he had no new information at this time but expects to have an update by April 1 and will follow up accordingly. The community’s July celebration may feature an America250th banner on Route 89; however, there is concern about its approval. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reportedly does not approve such banners, and there is a risk that the banner may need to be removed if installed. The village is considering alternative ideas and, if the cost remains at or below $1,000, seeks permission to proceed with a different display. Clerk Bezely will research ideas and bring it to the next meeting for the council to decide. Finally, the recent Red Cross Blood Drive was highly successful, surpassing its goal of 23 donations with a total of 35. This effort is estimated to have positively impacted 105 lives, demonstrating strong community support and engagement. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, promote environmental sustainability, support community health, and enhance local events, all while navigating regulatory and logistical challenges.
Trustee Victor made a motion to leave the regular meeting and go into executive session with a second by Trustee Martin, subject to exemption: ILCS 120/2 (c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the Village of Ladd.
Ayes: Flanagan, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor – Motion carried.
Regular session was exited at 7:35 pm.
Returned from executive session back into regular session at 8:03 pm.
Roll Call: Present: Trustees Patrick Flanagan, Jan Martin, Dan Nelson, Brad Nicholson, Molly Thrasher, and Bernie Victor (6)
In Attendance: Attorney Pat Barry, and Clerk Rhonda Bezely.
Discuss Police Chief’s Wage Increase for 5/1/2026
After discussion in executive session, Trustee Victor motioned and Trustee Nicholson seconded to increase the annual salary for the police chief to $82,667.50 and increase the annual clothing allowance for the police chief to $1,000.00 to begin May 1, 2026.
Ayes: Nicholson, Thrasher, Victor, Nelson, Martin, Flanagan, Cattani – Motion carried.
Attorney Barry will prepare the ordinance for the next meeting.
Trustee Flanagan motioned, Trustee Martin seconded, to adjourn.
Ayes: Thrasher, Victor, Flanagan, Martin, Nelson, Nicholson – Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
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