East Central Reporter

Village of Montgomery Board of Trustees met Jan. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. President Brolley called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Roll Call

Trustee Matt Bauman Yea 

Trustee Steve Jungermann Yea

Trustee Ben Brzoska Yea 

Trustee Doug Marecek Yea

Trustee Dan Gier Yea 

Trustee Theresa Sperling Absent

Village Clerk Debbie Buchanan Absent 

Also present: Village Administrator Jeff Zoephel, Attorney Laura Julien, Engineer Peter Wallers, Engineer Chris Ott, Assistant Village Administrator Meghan Ostreko, Director of Public Works Mark Wolf, Director of Finance Jennifer Milewski, Chief of Police Phil Smith, Manager Kristina Nemetz, Manager Patrick Burke, Community Engagement & Events Coordinator Rosie Boeing, members of the Press and guests. 

III. Public Participation 

A. Merry & Bright Tree Decorating Winners 

Rosie Boeing announced the following groups as winners of the Merry & Bright tree decorating contest at Village Hall: 

Community Favorite: 3rd place – Wood Crafters by Luz & Juan, 2nd place – Oswego Public Library District, 1st place – Lakewood Elementary School Girl Scout Troop 

Chamber Choice Award: Bauman Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services 

B. Introduction of Employees – Clara Martinez, Linda Ebinger, & Cindy Pantoja 

Director Milewski introduced Clara Martinez & Linda Ebinger as members of the Finance Department. Assistant Administrator Ostreko introduced Cindy Pantoja as the newest member of the Administration department. 

C. “We Are Montgomery” Video Preview 

Manager Nemetz introduced the first video in a series aimed at defining Montgomery’s identity and spotlighting people and places across the Village. This first video features Detective Galanis, who grew up in the Village. 

D. River Run Check Presentations to Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors Foundation (ILCOPS) and The Conservation Foundation 

Rosie Boeing introduced Montgomery resident David Johnson as Secretary for the ILCOPS Foundation and presented a check in the amount of $2500 to support their mission of providing resources and assistance to the families of police officers lost in the line of duty. 

Next, Ms. Boeing introduced Jessica Mino, Kane and Kendall County Program Director for The Conservation Foundation and presented a check in the amount of $2500 to support their efforts toward environmental education, preservation, and stewardship in Kane & Kendall county.

E. Public Comment. None.

IV. Consent Agenda

A. Minutes of the December 9, 2024 Village Board Meeting.

B. Accounts Payable and Summary Report through December 30th, 2024 in the Amount of $3,941,230.90.

C. Accounts Payable and Summary Report through January 13th, 2025 in the Amount of $1,996,411.62.

D. Community Development Report for November 2024 & December 2024.

E. Water Production Report for December 2024.

Trustee Marecek moved to approve Items A-E of the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee Brzoska.

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, Trustee Bauman, and Trustee Jungermann voting yea.

V. Items for Separate Action

A. Recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission on PZC 2024-018 Amendment to a Special Use and Related Variations (DCXDock Montgomery, LLC – NE Corner of Aucutt Rd and Orchard Rd) 

Attorney Julien said that the petitioner has requested timeframes waived indefinitely. The Planning and Zoning Commission was split 3-3, with 3 voting “yes” on extending timeframe to 12/31/2029 as suggested by staff and 3 voting against. Staff proposed an additional option to extend the timeframe indefinitely, so long as the site plan remains unchanged. The proposed ordinance is drafted with two options: Option 1. Indefinite extension tied to site plan, or; Option 2. Expiration date of 12/31/2029. Because the PZC vote was split, a super majority vote by Village Board is necessary for approval. 

Mr. Jerry Dawes spoke on behalf of the petitioner, Restaurant Depot, which provides wholesale supplies to restaurants across the country. A third party currently provides warehouse space for Midwest region and they have been forced to extend that agreement, not knowing when they can begin building their own warehouses. The petitioner prefers Option 1. 

Trustee Gier asked the petitioner to clarify that the request for outdoor storage was specifically for trailer and truck parking and not for anything else. Mr. Dawes stated that that is correct; the site plan shows only trailer parking. There is no intent to store anything else. 

The Board agreed that Option 1, extending the timeframe to build indefinitely so long as the site plan does not change, is okay. 

Trustee Marecek moved to accept the Recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission on PZC 2024-018 Amendment to a Special Use and Related Variations (DCXDock Montgomery, LLC – NE Corner of Aucutt Rd and Orchard Rd), seconded by Trustee Bauman. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, Trustee Bauman, and Trustee Jungermann voting yea. 

B. Ordinance 2112 Granting an Amendment to a Special Use for Outdoor Storage and Related Variations (NE Corner of Aucutt Rd and Orchard Rd – DCXDock Montgomery, LLC) (First Reading). 

This item will be moved to a future meeting for approval with Option 1 of no expiration, tied to site plan. 

C. Recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission on PZC 2024-019 Special Use and Variance (PECO Pallet – 1000 Knell Rd.) 

Attorney Julien said that the request is for a special use for the outdoor storage of trailers. A special use was previously approved but operations ceased for more than 6 months so it requires a new special use approval and landscape variations. Variations include allowing the existing screening to remain, although they do not meet the requirements of the UDO. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved 6-0 a recommendation of approval with the condition that when the chain link fence is in need of replacement that it be replaced with a solid fence in compliance with the UDO.

 Trustee Marecek moved to accept the Recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission on PZC 2024-019 Special Use and Variance (PECO Pallet – 1000 Knell Rd), seconded by Trustee Brzoska. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, Trustee Bauman, Trustee Sperling, and Trustee Jungermann voting yea. 

D. Ordinance 2113 Granting a Special Use and Related Variation (1000 Knell Road –PECO Pallets) (First Reading) 

This item will be moved to a future consent agenda. 

E. Adoption of the Village of Montgomery 2025-2029 Strategic Plan 

Manager Nemetz provided an overview of the strategic planning process and a brief recap of the Plan’s guiding principles and key initiatives. The document was presented to the Board on 10/25/24. Looking forward to approval to begin implementation. The Board complimented the process and final document. Trustee Jungermann moved to approve the Village of Montgomery 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, seconded by Trustee Marecek. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, and Trustee Bauman voting yea. 

F. Resolution 25-001 Authorizing the Reduction of the Performance Security for 321- 323 Clinton 

Administrator Zoephel stated that construction and the punch list have been completed. Staff is recommending a reduction in the amount of $21,585.30. There will be approximately $1,500 remaining, to be held for the landscape maintenance period. 

Trustee Brzoska moved to approve 25-001 Authorizing the Reduction of the Performance Security for 321-323 Clinton, seconded by Trustee Jungermann. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, Trustee Bauman, Trustee Jungermann, and Trustee Marecek voting yea. 

G. Resolution 25-002 Authorizing the Acceptance of Public Improvements and Bond Release (Gas N Wash) 

Administrator Zoephel stated that all construction and punch list items have been completed. The maintenance period has also expired. Staff is recommending a full release of the bond and accepting the public improvements. 

Trustee Bauman moved to approve Resolution 25-002 Authorizing the Acceptance of Public Improvements and Bond Release (Gas N Wash), seconded by Trustee Marecek. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Bauman, Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, and Trustee Gier voting yea. 

H. Ordinance 2111 Amending Section 1-10 of the Village Code of Ordinances Regarding Certain Fines (Waiver of First and Passage on Second Reading) 

Administrator Zoephel described the current fine structure of Type 1 and Type 2. Based upon a survey of other communities, staff is recommending an increase of Type 2 fines to $75, going up to $150 if not paid on time, and an increase of Type 1 fines to $100, going up to $200 if not paid on time. Staff also recommends that some parking-related fines to Type 1 fines, including snow parking. 

Trustee Marecek moved to approve Ordinance 2111 Amending Section 1-10 of the Village Code of Ordinances Regarding Certain Fines, seconded by Trustee Jungermann. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, Trustee Bauman, Trustee Sperling, and Trustee Jungermann voting yea. 

I. Resolution 25-003 Accepting the Donation of Real Property (Blackberry Crossing West Homeowners’ Association – Detention Basins) 

Administrator Zoephel said that when the developer completed this project, they turned ownership of the three basins over to the HOA. The Village has been maintaining the basins through the SSA and the HOA would like the Village to take ownership. 

Trustee Jungermann moved to approve Resolution 25-003 Accepting the Donation of Real Property (Blackberry Crossing West Homeowners’ Association – Detention Basins), seconded by Trustee Brzoska.

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, and Trustee Bauman voting yea. J. Award of Contract to Era Valdivia Contractors in the Amount of $486,200.00 for Ground Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation 

Engineer Ott said the ground storage tank in front of Public Works is in need of a full blast and repaint. There were five bidders for the project. The low bidder, Era Valdivia Contractors, has done satisfactory work for Village before. 

Trustee Jungermann moved to approve an Award of Contract to Era Valdivia Contractors in the Amount of $486,200.00 for Ground Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation, seconded by Trustee Brzoska. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, and Trustee Bauman voting yea. 

K. Agreement for Professional Consulting Engineering Services with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. 

Administrator Zoephel said that the current agreement has been in place since 2008. EEI is requesting that the monthly retainer be increased from $2,500 to $3,000. The retainer includes attendance at multiple meetings, including Board meetings, PZC meetings, and Village staff meetings. 

Trustee Marecek moved to approve an Agreement for Professional Consulting Engineering Services with Engineering Enterprises, Inc., seconded by Trustee Jungermann. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, Trustee Bauman, Trustee Sperling, and Trustee Jungermann voting yea. 

VI. Items for Discussion 

B. Montgomery Development Fund (MDF) Policy Review 

Manager Burke said that staff has received feedback from MDF applicants regarding the process that has led staff to propose some changes to the program. He described the three programs that are available and the changes that are proposed. 

1. The Forgivable Loan Program is a façade program intended for commercial or retail businesses. Staff is suggesting renaming the program to Montgomery Commercial Improvement Program, include interior improvements as eligible for reimbursement, and change it to a reimbursement program. The Board directed that requests continue to be brought to the Board for approval. There was discussion regarding streamlining the documentation process but not eliminating it. 

2. The Downtown Mill District incentive grant program is intended to attract restaurants and hospitality users to the downtown. The grant is for up to $200,000 and they must continue operate for at least 3 years with a pro rata claw back. Staff is recommending renaming the program to the Downtown Hospitality Forgivable Loan Program, increasing the operation requirement to 5 years, and raising the application fee to $500. 

3. The Low Interest loan program is a traditional loan program and any commercial or manufacturing user can apply. The amount of the loan based on jobs created and/or retained. They must continue to operate for at least 5 years. Revisions include clarifying the process and loan requirements. Staff recommends raising the application fee to $500. 

Attorney Julien said that all funds are subject to prevailing wage requirements because public funds are being used. 

A. Montgomery Countryside Fire Protection District (MCFPD) Funding Request 

Administrator Zoephel reviewed the timeline for the MCFPD’s request and steps taken thus far in helping the fire department find funding to purchase the equipment they are looking for. The Village’s TIF attorney has said that the request submitted by the Fire District is not eligible for TIF reimbursement, and if we do rebate out of the TIF we must rebate a proportionate amount to all other districts in the TIF. President Brolley reviewed funding options and efforts. He said that the State Fire Marshal has a grant program, and Representative Hansen has been trying to help as well. 

The Board discussed, at length, the impact of TIF districts on fire districts, capital expenditures, and conflicting attorney opinions. They also discussed using the general fund to assist the Fire District in their purchase, if it is not TIF eligible. 

Staff was directed to make the Village’s TIF attorney aware that there is an attorney within the same firm that allegedly has said the Fire District’s request is eligible for TIF funds and obtain a letter definitively stating whether or not the request is eligible for TIF funds.

 VII. New or Unfinished Business 

Trustee Marecek said Police Department is seeking sponsors and participants for Polar Plunge. 

VIII. Future Meeting Schedule 

A. Committee of the Whole Meeting – Tuesday, January 21, 2025 – Cancelled 

B. Intergovernmental Committee Meeting – Monday, January 27, 2025 

C. Village Board Meeting – Monday, January 27, 2025 

IX. Executive Session None. 

X. Adjournment: 9:26 p.m. 

Trustee Jungermann moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Marecek. 

5 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Brzoska, Trustee Gier, and Trustee Bauman voting yea. 

https://www.montgomeryil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272025-724