South Cook News

Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met Aug. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.  

Village Clerk LoGalbo took roll.  

PRESENT: Mayor Nelson, Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa 

ALSO PRESENT: Village Manager Bridget Wachtel; Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue; Fire Chief Bob Kopec; Director of Police Services Carl Estelle; Acting Chief of  Police Keith Taylor; Director of Public Works John Brunke; Assistant Director of Public Works Dan Milovanovic; Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner;  Finance Director Ann Novoa; Community Engagement Manager Stephanie  Wright; Assistant to the Village Manager/Communications Manager Nicole Castagna; Village Attorney Kathi Orr; 70 community members, media, and others.  

Mayor Nelson reminded everyone that the Village Board meeting was being streamed via Zoom for the convenience of those unable to attend the meeting in person. She noted that the public comment portion of the meeting would be held after a brief recognition. Public commenters who signed up to speak would be called from the list they signed in on and they should go to the podium to speak at that time. Mayor Nelson asked that speakers observe the Village’s public comment policy of introducing themselves, acting with decorum, addressing their comments to the public body at large and not directly to a member of staff, and limiting their comments to five minutes per person for a maximum of thirty minutes of public comment time.  

Mayor Nelson thanked the Flossmoor Police and Fire Departments for their help on the first few days of the new school year. She noted that there were a couple of bumps, but working together as a team, they were ironed out, and she received good reports from August 19th.  

Recognitions and Appointments:  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #1 – Recognition of the Flossmoor Baseball & Softball Pony Division 2024 Season. Mayor Nelson introduced Flossmoor Baseball & Softball (FBBSB) President Carlo Gozzi, FBBSB Pony Division Commissioner Jason Rudolph, and Andy Wettstein, Coach of the Pony Division’s Bulls Team. Mayor Nelson explained that the team won the 2024 South Suburban Youth Baseball League Championship on June 29, 2024. The Pony Division players are ages 13-15 and are from Flossmoor and other South Suburban communities. The Bull’s regular season record was 10-4. Mayor  Nelson introduced the players on the Bulls team and shared highlights from their championship game, which they won 4-3. She noted that it was the fourth straight South Suburban Youth Baseball League Championship win for the FBBSB, Coach Wettstein and his son, Alex. Mayor Nelson congratulated the team and thanked the FBBSB, President Gozzi, Commissioner Rudolph, and their parents, sponsors, volunteers, neighbors, and caregivers for all of their support of the team.

Wettstein thanked the Village for the recognition. He noted that he had been involved with the FBBSB for about ten years and now aged out with his children. He thanked his wife for her support and assistance with the team and noted that it was great that Flossmoor continues to have a recreational baseball league for neighborhood kids and create lifelong memories.  

Gozzi, and on behalf of the FBBSB, thanked Wettstein for volunteering and coaching the Pony team, and he congratulated the team on their success.  

Rudolph noted that the FBBSB’s success was due in large part to the leadership of Gozzi, and he also thanked Wettstein for coaching the Pony team.  

No vote was required.  

Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board:  

Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board on an Agenda Item & Non-Agenda Item (It should be noted that in reporting these comments, the Village has not researched the accuracy of any comments.):  

Flossmoor resident Andrea Perry’s comments, in summary, were regarding court documents submitted by the Village. She discussed the details of the documents, including allegations by former Police Chief Jerel Jones and the Village’s response. Perry commented on Village policy and noted how the firing of Jones violated Village policy. Perry discussed an HR article about resolving employee complaints against a manager and asked whether the Mayor had conducted an investigation. Perry discussed a memo from the Village Manager to Jones regarding Flossmoor Fest, and Perry opined that no investigation was done regarding Jones’ complaints. Perry noted that she was a thirty-seven-year resident in pursuit of the truth behind Jones’ firing.  

Flossmoor resident Shana Easterling’s comments, in summary, were regarding her being an eleven-year Flossmoor resident and a letterthat was published on mytaylormedia.com, South Suburban news, on March 7, 2024, that was written by an anonymous Flossmoor resident. Easterling stated that the focus of the letter was on former Police Chief Jerel Jones and that the sentiments expressed in the letter were consistent with several issues seen throughout the Village in the last several years, with the underlying themes of lack of transparency, lack of communication, and lack of accountability. Easterling read out loud the letter entitled, Flossmoor community responds to the termination of Chief Jerel Jones.  

Flossmoor resident Kiana Jones’ comments, in summary, were regarding the same letter that Easterling read, and Jones read the rest of the letter out loud entitled, Flossmoor community responds to the termination of Chief Jerel Jones, which was published on mytaylormedia.com, South Suburban news, on March 7, 2024, that was written by an anonymous Flossmoor resident. Jones noted that she was a four year resident. 

Flossmoor resident Deborah Spain’s comments, in summary, were regarding her being a long-time Heather  Hill resident and her concern for the safety of the children. She noted that kids had attempted to play in the detention basin and that kids do not think about danger. Spain asked what the plan will if something bad happened to one of the children in the detention basin and whether the Village was prepared to be bankrupt. She also noted that she did not receive clarification about how the detention basin would be maintained. 

Mayor Nelson responded that the Village would be maintaining the property of the detention basin.  

Flossmoor resident Barbara Karstrom’s comments, in summary, were regarding the fact that Flossmoor Fest was canceled, her disappointment about it, and that the opportunity to celebrate its twenty-fifth year was missed. She noted that the Flossmoor Library Board discussed why the Library was closed on September 7th, and that the closed dates for the Library were chosen the previous year and did not know that there would not be a Flossmoor Fest. Karstrom discussed how the Fire Department and Public Works Department mentioned their participation in Flossmoor Fest in the 2024-2025 budget. She noted how Flossmoor Fest came before the Hidden Gem Half Marathon and her disappointment that the Village prioritized an event where 94% of the participants were non-resident participants over a Flossmoor focused event. Karstrom opined that a resident should not have to check the calendar and assume that an event has been canceled because it is not listed and that canceling annual events should be communicated. Karstrom stated that it was another example of the Village not being transparent to the Flossmoor community.  

Flossmoor resident Kwamin Wallace’s comments, in summary, were regarding him being a new resident  and his complaint about the detention basin. He explained that some neighbors may be aware that on Saturday, August 10th, his water was shut off for about nine hours without any notice, which was a huge inconvenience to his family and neighbors on his block. He noted that per conversations he had with the contractor on site, they mentioned that they were aware of a potential breaking of the pipes. Wallace stated  that the issue should have been communicated to the impacted residents, and there was no apology or reach out to the impacted residents after the fact. Wallace requested more transparency going forward. He opined that peoples’ voices at Village Board meetings appear to fall on deaf ears as he sees nothing being done as a result of the meetings. Wallace shared that he was only at the meeting because he was asked to attend by another resident and that if residents want a change, they should vote.  

Flossmoor resident Crystal Cleggett’s comments, in summary, were regarding her concerns about the Heather Hill detention basin and living near it and that she wanted the Village to revisit the discussion about underground project alternatives to complete the project. She noted that there was now evidence that children will likely access the detention basin, which poses significant safety risks. She suggested the implementation of a one-way street during school drop-off and pick times, during and after construction of the basin, and the installation of a surveillance/ notification system. She suggested an increase in supervision at the school and noted that teachers are doing the best they can, and she saw Village Trustees, police and others out there trying to help, but it was only the second week of school. Cleggett noted that construction was still ongoing and that she did not want to witness another child in the detention basin. She hoped that the project could be revisited.

Mayor Nelson thanked Stephanie Wright and other staff for being present and providing support at Heather  Hill Elementary School during recess.  

Flossmoor residents Walter and Stephanie Anglin’s comments, in summary, were regarding their frustration with the lack of a response to their repeated requests to terminate the special use permit for a sports court granted to the owners at 2705 Heather Road. Stephanie Anglin alleged that there were  repeated violations of the rules that were attached to the special use permit, the homeowners lied on their  initial permit, installed a sports court right outside their kitchen window, and engaged in activity that has caused significant impairment to the Anglin’s privacy and enjoyment of their property. She noted that they were not allowed to air their concerns prior to the construction of the sports court and that they were not involved with the proposed rules for the sports court even though the owners of the home were instructed  by the Flossmoor Planning Commission to do so. Anglin explained that she informed the Planning Commission that she was not involved with the planning of the rules, but the Planning Commission still approved the proposal. Anglin discussed how the owners of the sports court were granted a special use permit, how they have repeatedly violated its terms and that it is evident that they plan to continue to violate  its terms. Anglin described some of the violations, including consistent noise like loud, vulgar music, yelling, shouting, and bouncing balls; amplified music; lighting on the sports court; and lack of compliance with corrective measures. Anglin explained how she was instructed by Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner to obtain a timestamped photo or video of the violations, and the home owners of the sports court yelled at them with abusive language while they were collecting evidence. Anglin made a report about the  issues but was unable to send the video evidence due to its file size. Anglin requested immediate termination of the special use permit.  

Mayor Nelson responded that Village Attorney Kathi Orr would be following up with the Anglin’s.  

Mayor Nelson referred to the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 2-11): 

2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on July 1, 2024  

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on July 15, 2024  

4. Consideration of the Approval of Executive Session Minutes and to Hold Them Confidential

5. Ratification of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (August 5, 2024)

6. Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (August 19, 2024)  

7. Consideration of an Ordinance of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois, Approving an  Amendment to a Special Use – 1439 Lawrence Crescent (Flossmoor School District 161 – Heather Hill  School)  

8. Consideration of an Ordinance of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois, Granting a Variation From the Requirements of Section 285-22-9 C. of the Flossmoor Zoning Ordinance (3760 Vollmer Road)

9. Consideration of Resolution Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 24-25 for the Village of Flossmoor 

10.Consideration of an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Personal Property (2010 Freightliner M2 Business Class) 

11.Consideration of a Resolution of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois Suspending the Operations and Dissolving the E-Com Emergency Telephone System Board 

Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Mitros so moved,  seconded by Trustee Driscoll.  

Trustee Daggett requested that item #4 be pulled off of the Consent Agenda.  

Trustee Mustafa requested that items #2, #5, #6, and #9 be pulled off of the Consent Agenda.  

Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve items #3, #7, #8, #10, and #11 of the Consent Agenda. Trustee Lofton so moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on Consent Agenda items #3, #7, #8, #10, and #11. Motion passed by a roll  call vote.  

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #2 – Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on July  1, 2024. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on July 1, 2024. Trustee Mustafa moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott.  

Trustee Mustafa noted what appeared to be an oversight in procedure as Trustee Mustafa moved to table  an issue on page twenty-four, and there was no discussion or a request to second the motion. She requested that the Board be more attentive to the procedures.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #4 – Consideration of the Approval of Executive Session Minutes and to Hold Them Confidential. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to table the Approval of the Executive Session Minutes and to Hold Them Confidential until the next Board Meeting on September 3, 2024. Trustee Mitros moved, seconded by Trustee Lofton.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None 

Trustee Mustafa stated that according to Robert’s Rules of Order, she could ask for a point of information without being recognized and asked for clarification of the motion the Board voted on. She asked Trustee Daggett about his motion to table and whether he asked for a certain time.  

Trustee Daggett responded that he asked for the motion out of order and that his intent was to ask for the  motion to table to a time certain for item #4.  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #5 – Ratification of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (August 5, 2024). Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Ratify the Approval of Bills for Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (August 5, 2024). Trustee Mitros moved, seconded by Trustee Lofton.  

Trustee Mustafa stated that she wanted more specificity about the legal fees and that she had requested line  items to be established regarding what the ‘other legal fees’ were for with each legal matter. She requested  information about the fees for unplanned litigation and other legal services in the bills at hand.  

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel responded that neither the Jones nor the Heather Hill detention basin lawsuits were related to the bills questioned by Trustee Mustafa. Wachtel explained that the legal bills were pertaining to a personnel retiree issue and an appeal of an administrative adjudication case.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #6 – Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved  by the Finance Committee (August 19, 2024). Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Approve the Bills for Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (August 19, 2024). Trustee Daggett moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott.  

Trustee Mustafa inquired about August 20th costs for the noted legal fees and unplanned litigation and  whether the Village filed a motion to dismiss the Heather Hill detention basin lawsuit.  

Wachtel responded that the legal fees are regarding the defense of the Village in the Heather Hill detention  basin lawsuit and confirmed that the Village had filed a motion to dismiss the Heather Hill detention basin  lawsuit. 

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None 

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #9 – Consideration of Resolution Amending the Budget for Fiscal  Year 24-25 for the Village of Flossmoor. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Approve the Resolution  Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 24-25 for the Village of Flossmoor. Trustee Daggett moved, seconded  by Trustee Driscoll.  

Trustee Mustafa noted that she has requested total amounts to be presented previously and that she wanted to confirm the totals on page 154, and the source of the funds at issue. She inquired about whether there was an offset from FY25 with the absence of former Chief Jones. Trustee Mustafa requested more detailed information and an accounting format to provide context with lists of numbers.  

Finance Director Ann Novoa noted that some items on the referenced page were approved in the FY24 budget and ordered in early FY24. Novoa noted that the majority of the funds were in the Village’s Capital Fund. Novoa stated that there was not an offset because of former Chief Jones’ severance package. She also noted that she has a detailed spreadsheet with the information Trustee Mustafa was looking for and could share it with the Board.  

Trustee Daggett inquired whether, with the large purchases like generators and vehicles and the delivery delays, it was going to be the standard mode of operation going forward, where the Village will have to set the money aside one fiscal year and get delivery in another fiscal year. He also asked whether the contract price was locked in for the purchases.  

Public Works Director John Brunke answered that it will be the standard, such as two years to receive a purchased dump truck and will likely get worse according to reports of delivery delays in other communities. Brunke answered that some contracts have a locked-in price, and others have proposals where the supplier has a right to return if the market price changes.  

Trustee Daggett inquired whether the pass throughs affect the Village’s operations.  

Novoa noted that because the Village budgets so far out in the Capital Plan, there is no immediate effect to  operations with the pass-throughs.  

Wachtel inquired whether the Board was interested in seeing a running spreadsheet of budget amendments  for every Village fund.  

The Board responded affirmatively that they would like the information.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None 

Reports of Committees, Commissions and Boards:  

None.  

Action Items:  

None.  

Discussion Items:  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #12 – Request for a Resolution of Support for a Class 8 Tax Incentive for 1615 Vollmer Road (BRC Capital - Embassy Cigar Lounge).  

Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner noted that it was not an action item and that two of the owners of Embassy Cigar Lounge were present to request the Class 8 Tax Incentive.  

Mayor Nelson welcomed Corey Singleton and Louis Morgan from the Embassy Cigar Lounge.  

Singleton stated that they appreciate the Village of Flossmoor, their opening was fantastic, and they have had great support. They continue to develop the property, and the Class 8 incentive will help them do that. They are a new business, and any incentive would help them.  

Morgan noted that a Class 8 incentive would put them in a favorable position to remain profitable and  continue to offer the business to the community.  

Mayor Nelson stated that the 1615 Vollmer Road building sat vacant and had unpaid taxes for years. The work they have done to renovate the building and bring it back on the tax role is incredible. Mayor Nelson appreciated them wanting to do business in the Village, and they have a well-run establishment that is  embraced in the Southland. She noted that the increase in property taxes due to property improvements can be a barrier, the Village Board is business-friendly, and she hopes that it will spur additional projects with  them in Flossmoor.  

The Board shared their support for the Class 8 incentive for the Embassy Cigar Lounge and noted their support for the business, how the incentive can spur more economic development, and that it is a professional, classy establishment.

Mayor Nelson noted that there would be a make whole agreement as part of the Class 8 incentive and that Village Attorney Kathi Orr would prepare the resolution.  

Other Business:  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #13 – A Motion to go into Executive Session to Discuss the Employment of Specific Individuals, Property Acquisition and Litigation.  

There was no need to enter into Executive Session.

Trustee Mustafa inquired whether Village Manager Bridget Wachtel needed more time to answer her recently emailed questions.  

Wachtel answered that she had responded to the questions and shared the answers with the entire Board.  

Trustee Bradley-Scott shared that she attended a meeting of concerned residents regarding the Heather Hill detention basin construction and wanted to share information from that meeting with the Board. Resident Crystal Cleggett provided information about the child who entered the construction site. Trustee Bradley-Scott noted the large hole with barricades near resident John Yast’s home and that anyone could have fallen within the hole. She suggested that additional measures needed to be taken with the contractors 

to make sure they are securing the construction site, especially with kids having tried to access the site. Trustee Bradley-Scott noted that there were two water main breaks at the construction site on August 10th and the most concerning thing about it, was the way that residents were notified. Resident John Yast shared at the meeting that on the Friday before the break, the workers stopped construction because they thought  the water main break was imminent and then returned to business as usual on Saturday. Residents shared at the meeting that they would have preferred to have been notified about the possible water main break so they could have been prepared and that the literature the impacted residents received did not speak to what was happening. She spoke with Director of Public Works John Brunke about the literature and learned that it was an EPA requirement to pass it out but suggested that another document be provided so that residents  know what is going on, like a water main break situation. Trustee Bradley-Scott noted that the information that the Board received about the water main break indicated that the repair of the two water main breaks was ordinary and that there was no jeopardy to water pressure to cause homeowners any extraordinary practices. However, the homeowners did experience water loss, and some of them are elderly, disabled, and have young children, the disruption was intrusive to them. Trustee Bradley-Scott explained that one of the residents that she spoke with shared that the construction site manager told residents that the Village had opted out of notification communications. Trustee Bradley-Scott recommended that if someone is speaking on the Village’s behalf and not providing accurate information, or if the Village did opt out, the Village opt in for the notification communications.  

Trustee Mitros asked Director of Public Works John Brunke whether he knew that the water main break  was going to imminently break before it did.  

Brunke answered that he was not informed of that information and that the contractor did not know either, as they had the water main braced so that it would not break. 

Trustee Bradley-Scott noted that the Village provided letter stated that the last test for lead was in 2015 and that it was a requirement that there be a test every three years, which concerned and confused residents about whether the Village was testing the water. She suggested that if there is an incident in the future that impacts residents with basic necessities, the Village should automatically opt-in, require anyone working with the Village to use a punch list when requesting the RFQ, which should include steps offered to secure construction sites, provide best practices of the Village’s standards, and make contractors attest to how they are going to meet the requirements, and consider length of streets to determine the number of traffic signs needed, that barriers include unauthorized entry underground, and posted warnings. She spoke with Brunke about high fencing and that it could be used to detract people from entering and falling into an open area. She offered to assist in determining the best practices to keep everyone safe. Trustee Bradley Scott noted that the GIS system was not ready to let residents know that something was imminent or an emergency occurred but recommended that the Village use whatever technology is available to notify impacted residents with live information. She stated that residents at the August 17th meeting indicated that they would like to receive text messages as a primary source of contact from the Village and email as a secondary contact.  

Mayor Nelson noted that the water main breaks were a regrettable accident and asked Brunke to speak to Trustee Bradley-Scott’s concerns. 

Brunke stated that it was standard procedure when there is a water main break needing repair for staff to go door to door and leave the EPA notice, which is what was done on August 10th. He noted that approximately twenty homes were impacted by the water main breaks and that not all of the residents in the area are on the email notification list. In regard to the last lead testing, the Village is currently testing  for it and has tested for lead since 2015. He would share that information with the Board, update the Village’s website and the flier that they distribute for water main breaks. Brunke was not sure what notification system was being discussed regarding the Village opting in/out and would follow up with the contractor about it. 

Mayor Nelson stated that the school district was working to identify the children who entered the detention  basin construction site and talk with the parents about it not being a play area.  

Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked the Flossmoor Police and Fire Departments for coming out to the recent Polly Lane Block Party and that it was a great time. She also thanked Public Works for dropping off the barricades. She also attended the Balmoral Block Party, which had a great turn out as well. She collected some contact information from residents for them to receive notifications.  

Mayor Nelson noted that the Principal from Heather Hill is providing parents with updates and changes to the construction schedule as it has changed with the weather disrupting construction. She also noted that construction was not being done during school pick ups or drops offs, no construction the first two days of school, and the Village continues to work closely with staff at Heather Hill school and SD 161 to make the project a success. 

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel shared that she was at the construction site and Heather Hill School on the first day of school. She observed that the traffic pattern around the school, like most of the local schools, is chaotic in the morning and there are some improvements and issues she is looking to work on with Brunke, including the stop sign study.  

Trustee Daggett inquired about the EPA door hanger and whether it has to be distributed if there is a lead service line or not. He inquired about the standards that Trustee Bradley-Scott mentioned and whether the Village could publish them, including on the Village’s website in relation to each respective project. Trustee Daggett inquired about the site manager on site at the water detention site, and whether they were a safety manager.  

Brunke answered that it contains all of the EPA-required language that the Village is required to have on it and that it has to be distributed to all, not knowing whether the house has a lead service line or not. Brunke answered that the Village publishes the standards in the project documents. He noted that there would be very lengthy, with hundreds of pages for posted standards on each project, but they could post general standards on the website. Brunke stated that he was unsure what site manager was being referred to and that he was going to speak with the onsite engineer about it to ensure the referenced person was not providing inaccurate information to residents. 

Trustee Daggett asked if resident John Yast could email the Village about what he was told by construction staff on site at the water detention site. He inquired about the referenced hole and whether it was ongoing. 

Brunke answered that it was a manhole outside of the project area, and it has been filled in.  

Trustee Daggett gave a shout-out to Public Works for their clean-up work post the recent EF1 tornado that  came through Flossmoor. He noted that anything that was blocking streets was removed, and he appreciated their efforts, as did residents of Flossmoor Park. Trustee Daggett thanked SD161 and the HF High School principal for the recent back to school party, which was a great event and had tons of kids in  attendance having fun. He also noted that the Parker baseball and softball teams had started their seasons  and that he was fortunate to help coach the softball team that his daughter was on. He invited people to come out to their upcoming cross-town rivalry games.  

Trustee Driscoll noted that he lives near Trustee Daggett and echoed his sentiments about the Public Works Department’s clean-up efforts and faster than the estimated clean-up time. Trustee Driscoll thanked Mayor Nelson and Village Manager Bridget Wachtel for keeping ComEd on task. Trustee Driscoll inquired about  the construction status of the detention basin.  

Brunke answered that they were a couple of weeks away from completion, given the recent weather issues and water in the basin that had to be bumped out.  

Trustee Lofton inquired whether Brunke anticipated having any more water main issues before the completion of the detention basin project, and whether the movement of earth caused the old water mains to break.  

Brunke answered that it is unlikely additional water mains in the basin will break, since they are done excavating by the water main, and detailed the next steps to finish the work. Brunke confirmed that it was  likely that the movement of earth caused the old water mains to break, along with the 90-degree bends with  rotted out bolts that came apart when exposed.  

Mayor Nelson noted that 90-degree bends were replaced with two 45 degrees, which was better for flow. 

Trustee Lofton thanked Chief Kopec and the Fire Department for their participation at the recent Ballantrae picnic and back to school event where there were two incidents related to the heat that they responded to. Trustee Lofton noted that the Public Works Department helped with a neighbor’s tree that  fell.  

Mayor Nelson asked when the last time a boil order was issued in the Village of Flossmoor and how many  water breaks happen per year. She asked how a dramatic loss of pressure and a boil order needed to be issued, how it would be communicated.  

Brunke answered that there had not been a boil order for at least twenty years and that there were about  35-40 water main breaks per year in the Village. Brunke stated that a boil order notification would be shared via social media, phone calls, and signs out.  

Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue explained that the Village had a current list of contact  information for notifications and e-news and were continuing to add residents to the list.  

Mayor Nelson noted that there will be a Hidden Gem Half Marathon community meeting on the upcoming Wednesday, especially for Heather Hill residents to discuss street closures for that neighborhood during  the race. She noted that there are three exits in the neighborhood during the race, and the organizers want to make sure the residents have the information.  

Mayor Nelson thanked everyone who was preparing for the Hidden Gem which runs through six neighborhoods, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the community.  

She wished everyone a safe and restful Labor Day weekend and that the Village Board meeting would be held on Tuesday, September 3rd.  

Trustee Bradley-Scott asked whether there were plans in case of snow if the detention basin project is delayed and not completed before it snows.  

Mayor Nelson noted that the Village will plan ahead for it as needed.  

Wachtel noted that the Village has been communicating with SD 161 and Heather Hill School almost daily to make sure that their concerns are addressed, and they have the information needed to share with parents.  

As there were no other items to discuss, Mayor Nelson called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott and passed by a voice vote.  

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None

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