GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING (VIA CONFERENCE CALL)
APRIL 13, 2020
The regular meeting was called to order via conference call by Supervisor Nolan at 7:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was omitted.
Roll Call
In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Newton, Standish, Hellriegel, Supervisor Nolan, Assessor Bushong, and Clerk Coffey. Commissioner Massat was unable to attend.
There was a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held March 9, 2020 as submitted by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Hellriegel. Voice vote: Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
PLANNING COMMISSION -Murday: No matter up for April and nothing on schedule for May. Nothing to report and no meeting planned at this time.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT - Nolan: Bob not on phone, so we’ll pass.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT - Assessor’s Report and bills submitted (via email). Bushong: More quiet than normal.
Still answering appraiser calls.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT - None
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT - Nolan: Closed out the books, get everything to accountant and auditor. Submitted all bills to Trustees with voucher statement, so they can be mailed out. Any questions? Wagner: We racked up almost $1,200 in legal fees. What’s the compatibility of offices? Nolan: How much? Wagner: $337. Standish: I think it’s in that being a Trustee and working in another unit of government inside the government of Green Garden. Nolan: Yes, it was. Me & Cherie had a conversation and I told her, best thing to do was get clear explanation from attorney on this one. “Whether we can be on payroll and paid Trustee, someone was looking into something. I told her, contact attorney. Wagner: February 19th & 20th, 3 charges of $56.25 each plus the $337, close to $500, and to be honest, you could have called TOI and got answer for free. They are subject matter experts on Township law, they have their own attorney’s, they help participate in getting our state legislators to write some of these laws. They’ll have the answers at the top of their heads, they don’t have to research it and pay for someone else to research it. If Mahoney was smart, he’d call TOI, get the answer from them, and we could do that ourselves for free. I guess suggesting procedural, we should go to TOI first, something contractual, like the bus thing, go through Mahoney. Procedural TOI more economical. Bushong:
I’ve reached out to TOI on more than 1 occasion (not in relation to this), and I do not get responses. Now, is it because I’m an Assessor, and not a Trustee or Board member? They act like they’re going to, and I never get an answer. Confusing to me. Nolan: I wonder if we pay dues for you for TOI, Assessor’s part. I’ll have to look into this. Bushong: Maybe that’s why I don’t get a response. Nolan: That may be why. All the Trustees and Sue’s with the clerks, is Clerk’s thing run by TOI? Coffey: I will have to look, I still have here, when we attest checks, I’ll submit my dues as well. Nolan: Bill, that’s a good suggestion. Contractually going through attorney, everything else, we should go through TOI. Jane, maybe cause we haven’t paid on you and maybe cause it’s only for Trustees and wasn’t, or we haven’t looked into it far enough for you guys. Standish: I’ve always gotten response. Mr. Crabtree will call back same day or next. Polite and put up with my lack of knowledge. Coffey: I have reached out also, they got back to me in 48 hours. Nolan: Jane, we will look into. Nolan: Back to attorney bill, anything procedural before we go to attorney, anything contractual - immediately to attorney, is that fair Bill? Standish: Who decides when to go to the attorney? Do we need more than 1 person? If I need, do I just consult attorney, or do I contact you and tell you I’m gonna call the attorney? Nolan: No procedures before, maybe a good thing to do at actual live board meeting, procedures on that. Would that be fair? Newton: I just want to say, I contacted them because Jim told me to. Nolan: Yes, Cherie, don’t take offense to that. Standish: I just don’t want to go off by myself and say “I thought important,” and they spend hours on, and we get $500
bill on it, and actually I should have known better. Nolan: Will put on agenda for New Business, Attorney
procedures, we’ll have to go back and see if we need procedures on that. Wagner: One more comment, if
we’re gonna get sued or anything, you can call TOIRMA, who will represent us in a lawsuit, and we’re paying, they’re our Insurance agent. That’s part of their service. Bushong: Does that cover Assessor’s Office as well? Wagner: Yes. Nolan: yes. Nolan: Did that answer everything? OK for you Bill? Wagner: Yes. Nolan: If no one has any other questions, we’re going to move forward with paying the bills, I’ll get with Sue and move forward.
NEW BUSINESS - Nolan: None, next meeting agenda under New Business: Attorney Procedures & TOIRMA.
OLD BUSINESS - Nolan: Vote for approval of Assessor’s Budget, I believe everyone saw, I re-sent to
everyone, several discussions at last couple of board meetings about Assessor’s Budget. Before vote, any
questions? Standish: Do we write checks for Jane’s budget, or does she have her own budget that she writes checks on? Nolan: It all comes out of Township, so we write the checks. Standish: Like she submits a check, like for the 255.52, that’s actually her budget that’s coming out of? Nolan: Correct. Standish: If we go over that budget, we can front her money until we increase her budget, the next time we bring that up? Nolan: If she’s going through a budget issue, she’ll bring up to board, we can do a budget amendment if we have to, assuming we have the money to do so. If she’s over, under, got big expenses, it’s going to be discussed and the board can approve to amend budget. Standish: She’s got a lot of stuff, I don’t know if I’ve thought about, or approved, or if I put enough into their expense accounts. I was just curious how we do that. I can’t remember what the budget was, but sometimes it comes up, some pretty big checks, so ok. Just wondering how that worked. Nolan: Anyone else? Wagner: I got a question, it was last year’s fiscal end of year, I think for Town Fund we had a Miscellaneous of like $53,000, what I think I’ll do is, it usually raises questions when you have a miscellaneous that high. $44,000 was to go from Town Fund back to Park District, I think I’ll just create another account, sub-account that says that’s where it’s coming from, and going into Park Rental/Park Donations, so it
doesn’t show up as miscellaneous. Nolan: Ok, I see what you’re talking about, ok. (Change in topic from
Assessor’s Budget). Nolan: I’m gonna ask for motions to approve Assessor’s Budget.
There was a motion to approve the Assessor’s Budget by Trustee Standish with a second by Trustee Wagner.
Roll Call Vote: Standish, yes; Wagner, yes; Hellriegel, yes; Newton, yes; Nolan, yes. Voice vote: Motion
carried. 5-0.
Nolan: Bill should I bring up now, or wait for next meeting? (Miscellaneous to Park). Wagner: I’ll probably just bring it up now, we’ll probably just go ahead and do it, I would think. It’s just the report, we’re not changing
anything financially. Nolan: That’s right, we just moved it over and I don’t think we had a thing set up for it, so we just called it Miscellaneous, so we paid into it. We just didn’t have a place for it. Wagner: I’ll just do it and I’ll run it by you , see if you approve it. Nolan: Ok. I don’t know if anyone has anything else from the public? Coffey: For record, is it Miscellaneous Expense? Or Miscellaneous line item? Wagner: It’s a Miscellaneous Expense category that has $53,000 in it, because we had been putting all our Park Rental money into that Town Fund and it should have been going into Park Fund. Coffey: Ok. Wagner: $44,000 of that Miscellaneous is coming out of Town Fund and going into Park Fund. Coffey: Ok. Nolan: When we created Park Fund/Donation Fund we should have had something in the general ledger marked as Park Fund not Miscellaneous. Bill, I thought it was originally marked Park Fund at least on Budget item, I thought it was, I could have done it wrong. Wagner: I think originally we knew that all Park Donations had to go to Park Fund to be spent only on park property. Nolan: Right. Wagner: We felt that Park Rental was something different. Coffey: $44,000 moved from the $53,700 to Park Fund? Wagner: Which we already did. Instead of being Miscellaneous, it’s gonna be Park Reimbursement or something. Coffey: You’re going to line item it out? Wagner: Yes.
Nolan: I’m assuming no one from public on phone still, any residents? Ralph Dietz in attendance. Murday: Question, I am assuming the Town Meeting is not going forward tomorrow. Nolan: That’s correct, Governor put a…. Not sure if it’s actually cancelled or postponed. At this time, no Town Annual Meeting. Bushong: Are we making mention of that on website? Nolan: Cherie put on website, also posted on Town Hall, this meeting and tomorrow's meeting. Standish: Is County having any meetings? Nolan: I think some places are, all differently, some doing remotely, some live actually there, not sure what anyone else is doing. For our safety, I thought best to do this way. Standish: Just wondering about disposition of horse farm over there. Nolan: I do not know that. Murday: I can find out tomorrow and send email to everybody, they are still working, well might be remotely. Sue, what’s going on at County? Coffey: I received remote access Thursday, our managers are going to work everyday. Most offices are closed to public. Murday: Folks in Land Use respond right away to me, I thought they were in office, they might be working remotely. I will ask and send something to Trustees. Coffey: Most offices have skeletal staff working, I can look on Land Use website. Bushong: According to Assessor’s Office, they have 3 people only going in physically, everyone else working remotely, or not at all, not sure. My understanding of Land Use is there are people working remotely, but not going out on site, to do any inspections. Just like we’re encouraged not to go out onsite for good reason at this point. Dietz: I talked to Megan at Land Use today, and she called me from home. If I wanted to talk to Janine, I could get her mobile number too, she was working from home.
There was a motion to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Hellriegel with a second by Trustee Standish. Voice
vote: Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Coffey, Clerk
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9, 2020
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 6:59 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call
In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Standish, Newton, Hellriegel, Commissioner Massat, Supervisor Nolan, Assessor Bushong, and Clerk Coffey.
There was a motion to approve the minutes as submitted for the regular meeting held February 10, 2020 by Trustee Standish with a second by Trustee Hellriegel. Voice vote: Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 min. limit) - Mr. Bowden in attendance, submitted summary regarding referendum
(attached). Bowden: On 1 page you can look up what tax increase will be, broken down by 5 townships. Other page is what people aren’t being told. Taxpayers receive permanent tax reduction after High School debt paid. School District workshops manipulate to pass $4.3 million tax increase, replacing permanent tax reduction with permanent tax increase. Senior citizens will get raises, freeze only freezes assessment, not the idea of going up. Saying it’s for students, enrollment down 36%. Since 2008, 820 vacant seats in the 5 buildings. Stewardship of assets, they gave away the 1 school, lost 90% of value of 27 acres (includes principal & interest). $2,183,000.00 they spent on 27 acres, now worth 10% of that total. Administrative salaries $593,476.74 for 4 people each year. Stein says this, and the board backs him up “District entitled to tax rate increase because Peotone’s tax rate is lower than other school districts.” That’s his way of thinking. That’s why they lost all the money on the land & been doing for years. My opposition always about blowing money on land, we are not developers, supposed to be running schools. Academics over last 3 years tests, we’re better than the 4 districts surrounding us, all in same boat as us. Ironic, Beecher has even said they would like to get their academics up to level of Peotone. We’re doing well educating the kids. The business manager stated “Those other districts all pay more & Peotone should be paying more.” Nolan: Time up. Bowden: You paid for this (referendum postcard) 7,000 people. Law allows them to use taxpayer money. Wagner: The 27 acres, is that paid for? Bowden: Yes, we own, they don’t like to talk about it, 90% loss, sitting there. Saying we’re earning money from farmer, some say, waiting for it to come back, they’re never gonna get 2 million back from
crops, it’s never going to be paid for. It all started with the 80 acres they bought. Nolan: Thanked Bowden. Wagner: Reading what you wrote made me understand before going to the meeting, what’s really going on. Nolan: Exactly. Bowden: I’m not lying or exaggerating. Wagner: It’s how you word things, like the signs out there, the 31% increase in tax rate is correct. What does the other sign say? Hellriegel: Like $3 a student. Bowden: Says, vote for students. If it said, vote for referendum, they couldn’t use taxpayer money. That’s what their lawyer said, but I dealt with him in a FOIA and he’ll lie. I won, from attorney general because of it, he blacked out everything , and after a year of invoices, there were 5 words blacked out.
Bobbi Schultz submitted documents regarding property on Dralle Rd. (attached). Schultz: Still struggling with Land Use to do their job. I FOIA’d because meeting Dec. 3rd, none of neighbors notified about special use or variance. Homeowner thought by not telling neighbors, no one would show up. They told her “Can’t do that, come back Jan. 7th. Came back, they were denied. Land use is simply not going to do their jobs. Last week a truck delivered more horses. 9 in one turn out, she is limited to 6, not zoned for business. I counted 14 horses with 3 being delivered. More horse prints in my yard, never stops, fences are inadequate. Went to Land Use, asked when they would enforce zoning? I called Land Use at 5:00 the last day they could have appealed, Dawn stated “Last day & she is not here.” I went in with more pictures of damage to my property, trailers dropping more horses. Janine came out, spoke to Dawn. Dawn came back, said “Sorry, she filed appeal.” She’s allowed to file appeal late? I have begged Brian (useless) Parker to come inspect & enforce. Brian Parker stated,”Those horses are her friends.” I told him, “Her friends go home, these friends are still there when I get up at 4:30 a.m.” He told me to have a good weekend & hung up. Property owner Anthony Rosa has webpage “thesecondfez” dedicated to drive-by shootings (photo submitted). Nolan: Time...Bobbi Schultz: He is a convicted class X felon & I called Sheriff’s, no one is helping me. Hellriegel: Thank you. Nolan: Don (Murday), is this what was sent to me about Land Use appeal? Murday: I sent you what was sent to me by Janine Farrell, indicating standards & review, Land Use said No, Land Use Committee said No. Now filed appeal to Planning & Zoning Commission. Bobbi Schultz: April 14, 10:30 at 302 N Chicago, but they still didn’t file on time. Nolan: Who does it go in front of? Murday: Will be heard in front of the Land Use Development Committee meeting, not yet in front of full board. Nolan: So, if committee approves or denies, it can appeal to
full board? Murday: Correct, full board would need ¾ vote. Bobbie: Why are they allowed to keep breaking the law in the meantime? Nolan: That’s a good question for your 2 County Board Commissioners. Buddy Schultz: Mr. Massat, can you twist an arm in Frankfort, so you can drive on those 2 roads? Massat: I call all the time, other day they were out with their patching machine. Schultz: 2 shovels & gone. Massat: And they're gone, I call and say “What are you guys gonna do with these roads?” Schultz: Both terrible. Massat: They’re falling apart, they don’t do nothing. Coffey: Which roads? Massat: 88th Ave & Stuenkel Rd. ¾ mile one way & ½ mile the other way. You see what they did to Steger Rd., patch here & there and falling apart again. I will call. Schultz: Have you spoken to the Mayor? Massat: I don’t know if I could or not, his main thought is people in middle of town, few people out there don’t even vote for him. Striggow: Is there any way we’re getting notification of these appeals? Murday: Notice doesn’t get sent to me, the only reason I looked up was because Sue had mentioned to me. I sent email about appeal and that’s the info I got. Nolan: That’s the problem, they don’t send to us. Bobbi: I’ll draft this off to you tomorrow. I also did FOIA for all complaint appeals, I asked if we were going to be notified of appeal. They said “No.” Striggow: Is there any way we could ask them to: Cherie: Could you ask Janine to cc me on email, and then I can distribute it? Murday: I’ll raise the notice issue & non-enforcement issue, and see what answers I can get. Bobbi: I have pics of 14 horses I can see, not including more in barn. Nolan: That’s problem with County at times, we don’t get notified. If we ask they will keep us informed. Murday: Point Bill raised before, is to see if we can make some kind of change, that we are notified of variances. I do get pre-hearing agenda, kinda keep track of variances that way. It’s a meeting with applicants before they start the process, to help guide people where to go. Weekly, informal, and I am on that list. Schultz: Can anyone speak at this meeting? Murday: I suppose, if
you get there and sign in.
Nolan: AGENDA CHANGE - (Due to vote, and Trustee Hellriegel needs to leave)
NEW BUSINESS - Approval of the 2020 Annual Township Meeting Agenda (read & attached). There was a
motion to approve the Annual Meeting Agenda by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Newton. Voice vote: Motion carried. Nolan: Annual Town Meeting Tuesday, April 14. Regular meeting Monday before.
PLANNING COMMISSION - Murday: Nothing for March or April.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT - Massat: Nothing.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT - Bushong: Finally got all property record cards, Thanks Bob, organizing folders, file cabinets, and PAMS. Did develop (like a lot of other townships) a “Soft Appeal” form, hopefully avoid some formal appeals in the fall. Follow instructions, I ask for comparables, put together, and send back to me (not county). I am happy to look at it, if valid and justified, I’ll make the changes. If not, you still have right to appeal through County, residential only. I did approach County about cannabis business and assessments. County is still making final determinations on how to assess. We have had interest in growing.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT - Nolan: Cherie “Will Ride?” Newton: You had me under Old Business. Nolan: You can
bring up now. Newton: Gave our Township attorney agreement “Will Ride” asked us to sign off on. Liability was not clear to me, insurance as to who was liable if damage to mailbox, or an injury, anything. Attorney responded with her proposed changes, which were substantial. I sent it to Wendie at Will Ride, and she responded “Nope, that’s not going to change.” Something about federal regulations, no changes. So, I relayed to our attorney. I got info, it was drafted in 2012. Our attorney has her revisions and was going to contact Mary Tatroe at Will County. I think our attorney feels strongly, as written we shouldn’t move forward without clarification. I will let you know what I find out before next meeting. Have had calls asking when it is starting. If anyone wants to see proposed changes, changes did not show up on print or forwarding emails (due to coloring & format) but may be viewed on my computer (in tow).
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT - Nolan: Fiscal year ending, will be getting everything to accountant for review and audit. Newton: When is audit? Nolan: Audit not due till September,the state. We close out the books April 1st and get everything to accountant and start doing audits from there. Newton: Is that Steve or Rex? Nolan: Steve and Rex both, I give to Steve, he gives to Rex. We’re about $85,000 under budget, did a good job this year, coming into fiscal year, just an FYI.
OLD BUSINESS - Nolan: Discuss Assessors Budget, you want to table till next meeting, didn’t pull info.
Newton: When does this need to be finalized? Nolan: I think we’re 3 months ahead, wanna say June.
Bushong: I thought fiscal year, nothing goes forward till June? Wagner: Has to be finalized with County in
June, we’re allowed to spend in advance of that. Fiscal year ends March 31st. Bushong: What do I need to do to get approval to spend, I have to have answers to County pretty soon. Wagner: From County, for what? Bushong: I either have to hire, or hire the County, and they want to know now. I’m a little confused on this process. Nolan: What’s the County want to know? Bushong: Do we need to hire them to do field work or am I hiring field techs? Spent Sunday (with husband) in 5 Oaks, 6-7 alone (new construction) they are popping up. That’s not counting pole barns & everything else. Nolan: I don’t think anyone on Board had problem with (Assessor’s) Budget, did we? Wagner: Do we hire somebody or County? We need to figure what County charges and...Bushong: County is expensive, I have those figures, I can look, charged per parcel. Nolan: I think $18,000 last year, I think $100 or so a parcel. Bushong: I spent 4 hours (2 of us), and only got 6 done. It’s a lot of work. Nolan: Can we approve Assessor’s Budget before ours? Bushong: I can tell them on a temp basis until June? Wagner: What does it mean to them? Bushong: They use a 3rd party. Wagner: Is it an option to go straight to 3rd party? Bushong: Cannot do it. County contracts them & we pay County, it’s part of their agreement. They helped with Green Garden Country Club’s appeal where they helped tremendously and we prevailed. Very good, and probably faster. Wagner: Hoped to cut out the middleman. Nolan: Actually I paid the 3rd party, not County. Bushong: County wants it done right, they have stated “If I’m not able to do effectively, through hiring, or whatever, then it’s in everyone’s best interest to have County. Newton: Has anything changed in your budget since last month? You would submit same thing today? Bushong: Other than possibly this thing, that is to consider letting them pick up some parcels until maybe June or until you're ready. I’m also kinda edging for help entering PAMS data too, I’m falling behind. Newton: Can we put on agenda to vote on in April? Nolan: We can put on next month's agenda, it’s really a line item for us anyway. We’ve been hammering on our budgets, and her side of budget, we were all kind of fine on discussion. We can put on agenda for next month, take care of that & move on. Just let me know fixed cost on that side. Bushong: Thank you. Nolan: I’ll put approval of Assessor’s Budget for 20-21. Striggow: Jane, do you do commercial assessing? Bushong: Yes. Striggow: Mostly residential? Bushong: It doesn’t mean I don’t have sources out there. I do work with County very closely. I consult with County a lot on commercial stuff. Nolan: Jane, I apologize, my oversight, for some reason I thought you were ok til June. My oversight, I should have had it done when you had it up front of you then. Wasn’t paying attention, sorry.
There was a motion to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Standish. Voice vote:
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Coffey, Clerk
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2020
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 6:59 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call
In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Newton, Standish, Hellriegel, Commissioner Massat, Assessor
Bushong, Supervisor Nolan, and Clerk Coffey.
There was a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held January 13, 2020 as submitted by Trustee Hellriegel with a second by Trustee Standish. Voice vote: Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - James Bowden (Peotone resident) presents Referendum materials, in his opinion
there is confusion regarding how the Referendum is being presented by Mr. Moore (Peotone Schools Business Manager). He can document everything on the information sheets submitted as read (attached). Stating no exaggerations or untruths. He has outlined individually each of these issues and what it means to taxpayers. He has also submitted the information to the Vedette and Facebook. He is in attendance so people could hear & spread the word for the March 17th vote. Bushong: Are these numbers strictly Green Garden or…? Bowden: Just Green Garden, however, he has breakdown for every township.
James & Diane Francis in attendance for record, requesting bond money be returned. Money given to Road Commissioner on 10-17-17 for building new home in Green Garden. I want bond back. Massat: You done? Francis: I’m not done, but want bond back. Massat: Until you get done, let me ask you a question, thought I saw a skid steer there the other day. Francis: There was. Massat: Did you move that in? It’s not there now. Francis: I moved it in for 1 day, to try and knock down the hill. Massat: Well, we’re in the frost law now. Francis: Let me tell you what I did. Massat: You disobeyed the frost law. Francis: Let me tell you what I did. Massat: I don’t care. Francis: I’m 722ft (my property) from outside Green Garden Township, so I had them drop at corner of Rt 80 & Offner Rd. I drove on field and I crossed the Road, crossed the road of 20ft. You kept telling me you want these hills knocked down. I went to County on this, they said they’re ok with me doing it in the spring & planting grass on it. You’re telling me I gotta do it now. Massat: How you gonna knock those piles down? Francis: Gonna get a skid steer, the same way I made the pile, I’m going to take it down. Massat: You’re going to have to bring in equipment. Francis: I’m going to bring in the skid steer, it’s under 10,000lbs, under 5 tons, gonna bring in same way. I’m 722ft from the road. Massat: When you get done you’ll get your money back. Francis: That’s not fair Bob. Massat: That’s the way it is. Francis: This is 2 ½ years. Massat: Everybody goes the same way. Nolan: You just got your final thing done from County this fall, you’re still hauling dirt in there this fall. Francis: Last time I brought dirt was August. Nolan: Still hauling dirt this fall. Francis: August last time.
August to May 1st, that’s almost a year. Nolan: You were just bringing dirt in this fall, October. Francis: August, last time I brought dirt in. Next time I’ll be able to satisfy what Bob wants is May, or sooner if dirt is not frozen. Nolan: You still have to bring equipment. Francis: No, just skid steer. Skid steer made pile, the skid steer gonna knock it down. I knocked down ⅓ of it in 1 day. Massat: What about huge pile to the north? Francis: That’s gotta get knocked down with a skid steer, under 5 tons. Can I use this road if it’s under 5 tons? Massat: Which road? Francis: 80th ave., where I live, can I use if machine is under 5 tons? Massat: If you don’t disobey load limit, yeah. Francis: 5 tons is limit, machine is 9100lbs. Massat: You have to make sure you don’t push it into the wetlands. Francis: I’m not going to push it into wetlands, you’re not in charge of that. Will County is. Massat: Well, if you block my waterway… Francis: Will County told me your jurisdiction ends at the road. This is the County officials, the person I paid my permit to build the house, both of the managers, not the low level guys that do the inspections. They told me your jurisdiction ends at the road. As long as I don’t violate the road, return the bond. Massat: I won’t know until job is done, simple as that. Francis: Job between me & you is done already, I am bringing skid steer anytime I want, yes? Under 5 tons? Massat: Yes, under 5 tons, take care of it
now. Francis: It's frozen, can’t do now. Massat: It ain’t frozen. Francis: I spent 10 hours two Sundays ago, it’s rock solid frozen. Massat: Tell you right now, not getting it back until all piles are sown and leveled off. End of story. Francis: Bob, that’s not your jurisdiction, this is a problem with you. You take your job farther than it’s supposed to be. Nolan: I’ll defend Bob on some things, I’ll tell you this, when you were hauling dirt down road, you called me. Francis: Right. Nolan: You said you got fined & you didn't know why they were bringing dirt to your house, they dug from over by the church. Francis: Right. Nolan: I called and you said you got dirt hauled to your house. You said, I don’t know who they were, and I don't know why they hauled dirt to my house. Francis: I didn’t. Nolan: That’s what you told me. Francis: That’s the truth. He called me a liar (Bob). That was the truth, I didn’t authorize that. Nolan: They drove around in dump trucks finding places… Francis: I called all the excavators… Nolan: You see where I’m at, people don’t drive around dump trucks dumping on people's property, you had to tell them to come to your house. Francis: I didn’t, you got a bible, I’ll swear on it. I put word out to excavators to help bring material in, but to call me first, and then call Bob. I had PT Ferro… Nolan: It’s just kinda odd, people driving around township looking to dump dirt. You had to tell them to come to your house. Francis: I didn’t, what I thought was, builder told DT Excavating, out of Manteno, to help me out. No one
will say if they did that. I’m not stupid, when I had PT Ferro & Austin Tyler, the big trucking compamy
contracting to bring dirt. The first person to call was Bob. I told them to call Bob. They knew Bob. I called Police because I did not authorize it. I had to chase down that fine. Took me 8 months, on the 1st fine to get $1,000 out of contractor. Nolan: That’s why we do cash bonds. Francis: But we’re done with this, this dirt is 400ft back, not bothering roads, not in floodplain, not going to be in floodplain. It’s going to be up against my house. Nolan: You have a lot of dirt to move, not my jurisdiction, but you have a lot to move. Francis: I’m the one that put it there. Instead of small slope from house, I’m gonna have bigger slope, and I’m gonna make a berm. Nolan: Which is where the waterway is. Francis: No it’s not, house not in waterway. I invited you & Bob to come out, invitation still open. Nolan: I told you set up appointment with him, I’ll come out there. Francis: No point in talking to Bob, cause he’s the way he is. How many years 30-35? Massat: Yeah. Francis: Ok. Massat: Everyone same way, don’t get bond back until driveway paved, concrete, lawn is in, and grass, everybody’s same way. Francis:I have grass. Massat: Everything has to be leveled off, driveway paved or concrete, all that has to be done before those people get their bonds back. You’re not the only guy. Francis: I have gravel driveway. Massat: Everybody same way, leveled off, up to par, & then they get their money back. If not, they don’t get their money back. You’re no different than the guys in subdivisions. Francis: I’m a lot different, I’m A-1 zoning, I’m on farm property. Massat: Don’t mean nothing to me. Francis: Not affecting any of my neighbors, not a floodplain. Massat: You on 10 acres? Francis: I’m 14 acres. Massat: Doesn’t matter if you’re 20-50, end
of story, bye. Nolan: Jim, call me up, we’ll set appointment, I’ll come out. Francis: I keep calling & we’re not making a connection. Massat: I call you all the time, you don’t return my call. Francis: You know what Bob? You & I can’t see eye to eye. It’s your way or the highway. Massat: That’s right. Francis: I’m a taxpayer, lived here 41 years, you smile, 41 years in this township. Massat: No, you lived in Peotone. Francis: Right across the road. Nolan: This conversation’s stopping now. Massat: Bye. Nolan: Jim, I’ll talk to you. Francis: I appreciate it.
Schultz: Thanks Bob for roads after few inclement days we had, with ice & everything. You spread salt nice, you or your workers. Massat: Thank you. Schultz: Do you have salt here? Massat: Get salt from Frankfort Township, he bids through state, I pay what he bids it. Schultz: When you need, you can get? Massat: Yes, Sir. Schultz: This weekend you’ll be at it again? Massat: Yes, Sir. I’ll tell my guys, thank you.
PLANNING COMMISSION - Murday: Planning Commission thanks Board for February 1st dinner. All
members (new & old), & majority of spouses met before dinner, great idea for their volunteer work to be
recognized. Thank you. Nothing pending before P.C. in March. Sent something last week & again today, folks interested in growing cannabis in Green Garden Township. Forward ordinance passed by County Board effective December 11, 2019. Permitted with Special Use, certain zoning (A-1), cannabis craft grower and cannabis cultivation centers both permitted as a right. Permitted C-1 thru C-4, I-1 thru I-3 zoned property. Tracy property on LaGrange rezoned A-1 to I-1 to help leasing, individual who came to County interested in that parcel for growing cannabis, dismayed council was here and made no mention of this. However, County said A-1 or I-1 cannabis growing is a matter of right. Another matter this Thursday, 10656 Stuenkel, applicant interested in growing cannabis. Currently zoned A-2, reason at County, he needs to go from A-2 to A-1. County to get back to Murday after pre-application meeting. Applicant’s phone number had a Miami area code, which was conveyed to County. Nolan: I don’t think owner actually lives there. Murday: We do have a say there because a Map Amendment would be required. Nolan: Frankfort would have a say so, as well as Tracy’s farm if I’m not mistaken? Murday: Zoned A-1 or I-1 there is no say. If Map Amendment or Variance then 1 ½ buffer applies. Permitted right for those zoned A-1 or I-1, only parcels we have input is Map Amendment. Nolan: There’s got to be some laws on growing & security. Murday: In order to grow, get a license through state, your plans, security, extremely expensive and the bar is set high. Third inquiry, what is the feel in Green Garden Township
about growing? Murday: Growing & selling are 2 different things. Ordinance separates those out, craft
cultivation just grows flowers, and the cultivation centers are permitted to grow & manufacture. Three inquiries in a month, township going to be faced with this. Standish: Do they grow outside or inside? Do they have double wire fences? How do they keep people from picking? Murday: All cultivated inside. Extremely secure. State has guidelines regarding growing, security, & backup security before giving license. 2500ft buffer from schools, residences, churches, a number of things, lots of conceptions & misconceptions. Coffey: Is there a difference in tax? How is it assessed? Bushong: It’s gonna be Commercial, for that portion. Is whole thing farm use? Is partial? Is someone living on property? Understanding is we could benefit from tax dollars. Coffey: Some on productivity? Right Don? Hellriegel: Yes. Murday: It is brand new to County as well, just keeping in touch with each other, there’s not one particular person to talk to, very disputed ordinance with Larry Walsh casting the deciding vote passing the ordinance. Nolan: Everyone learning, we have to follow the law.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT - Nolan: Just salt & snow? Massat: That’s right.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT - Will County Supervisor of Assessments website will change this year, integrating
with PAMS, showing more detail. More important for me to get my PAMS information loaded ASAP. Change in website to same company as the PAMS software. We have option to integrate with their website, follow suit, and use them for hosting website. Cherie, maybe could have a conversation regarding? Newton: We can talk about it. When is implementation? Bushong: Sometime in 2020.
Bushong: General Homestead Exemption changes, in past, you did not have to complete a form and sign.
Proof used to be utility bills & drivers license. State of Illinois changed the form. Now you swear under oath that you only have 1 residence and that is the 1 in the state of Illinois. Quite a few people out there claim this exemption on 2 homes. Nolan: What are they cleaning up? Bushong: Trying to eliminate having exemptions on more than 1 home, if you sign this form, your swearing under oath that you only have 1 residence claiming GHE. I’ve already come across some here, they have in Green Garden and in Frankfort. Nolan: Who follows up on that and checks if they’re doing it or not? Affidavits, I know what they are, no one ever follows up. Bushong: I don’t know who polices it, if I come across it, I have to report it. Nolan: But, you're only going to if they have in Green Garden, not Frankfort, Monee, or if they have down in Florida? Bushong: Maybe, just saying people that move or build here have to fill out this form. It’s on the County website. Bushong: Met with Trevor Moore (Peotone School Business Manager) introduced myself, discussed any township tax concerns. Out of the 5 townships that pay taxes into Peotone 207U, Green Garden is the largest chunk, I found that interesting. Nolan: Seems odd. Bushong: Explained to me as high end, large homes. Nolan: They have so much Industrial… Wagner: Commercial. Bushong: Not that much. Massat: Peotone don’t have nothing for Commercial. Bushong: There may be more houses, but assessed at a lower value. Bushong: Submitted a copy of Rhonda Novak’s letter to Board for record. Respectfully submitted my Budget for 2020-2021 to the Board, all details broken down, additional pages include line item explanations (both attached).
TRUSTEE’S REPORT - Newton: “Will Ride” Intergovernmental Agreement, questions needing to be
addressed. Preface: This is for seniors, residents that are disabled, or temporarily disabled for use for therapy & medical only. Wagner: Does it actually say that in this document? I didn’t read it in here. Newton: It mentions gross cost of trips. Bushong: My understanding was limited budget, we decide to administrate it & to whom. Newton: That is under our scope, second question, I want to confirm we do have that on our side, that it states that more clearly. Also, the legal aspect, indemnification, I don’t know if we have to have a layer of insurance? In this agreement we are the “sponsor”. If any loss, damage, destruction, injury, or death occurs to any person or property during course of sponsors performance of its obligations under this agreement, we will not hold County liable. (Indemnification 6.0-6.1) Wagner: It says County, its officers, officials, employees, and agents Newton: I took it to mean PACE, and before we sign, I think we should have attorney read before we agree. I could ask Wendie (PACE administrator). Wagner: Other question, section 3.5, County shall determine cost that sponsor shall be liable for as follows...but section 2.5 says “but in no event shall sponsors cost exceed $3000.
Newton: That’s our budget. Wagner: So, no matter what they come up with in 3.5 it’s not going to exceed $3000? Newton: It won’t, it can’t. Nolan: I thought there was a 60 day clause to get out of this too. Newton: There is, 17.1, either party terminate 60 day written notice. Can I forward to Mr. Mahoney (attorney)? Nolan: Make sure we have written out what questions & concerns are. Newton: Insurance, liability specifically. Nolan: And difference in 2.5, 3.5, & 6.1. Newton: We’ll touch again next month, after speaking with attorney. Board: Thanks Cherie.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT - Pass
NEW BUSINESS - None on agenda
OLD BUSINESS - Nolan: Two things, Assessor’s Budget & discuss 20-21 Budget. Bushong: Summarizes,
documents are attached as read. Two documents submitted, Budget & detailed explanation pages for each line item. Anticipate after this year's budget to go down after initial year of added costs for “start up”. Issue for concern: Not having more computer hardware & 2nd PAMS license, an assistant may dial in, scares me because they would have complete access to my records & I have no control (another question for attorney). These are just some things to consider. Actual Budget ending $43,000, listed what is expected to go down, a lot built into this year that would not be carried forward. Nolan: This is like 20% of our overall budget anyways, we cut the rest of the Budget so much already, we need to fill this into our regular budget. Bushong: Sent Bill detailed hardware breakdown awhile back. Wagner: PAMS scanner, I’m guessing no such thing as PAMS scanner? Bushong: I can buy on Amazon $600. Wagner: Scans both sides at same time? Bushong: Yes, it has something, I don’t understand the technology, but when you hook it up to PAMS it takes data & populates into PAMS, which is incredible to me. Nolan: If I’m not mistaken, the Assessor’s Budget used to be $18,000, the Road District is paying us back $20,000 for loan anyways. The Township’s never really put money into this department at all, and it’s one of the most important. We don’t need to go over this tonite, I sent everybody last time (will send to Newton, she did not receive). I’ll start putting Jane’s into our regular budget & go from there for next meeting. Board: Thanks Bushong.
Striggow: I talked to County on this variance on Dralle Rd., just to see what was going on. Are we no longer notified of variances? Wagner: I don’t think we were ever notified of variances, which is a problem. Striggow: I thought at one time...Massat: We were notified quite a bit of anything going, but I don’t know if they don’t put pressure on them, the County bypasses them, and the board don’t say...Striggow: Do we have new contacts? Wagner: I don’t think County ordinances say that they have to notify us of a variance, Special Use & zoning changes, yes. As long as I’ve been here I don’t think they have to notify of variances, which I think is huge problem. Nolan: So what happened over there? Striggow: (Summarizes) Had 9 horses, entitled to 1 horse per acre (she is on 6.6 acres), 2.1 acres in pasture & paddock (other acreage buildings, home & trees). So, now on 2 acres & she wants another 9 horses (totalling 18). I was surprised it didn’t come before Green Garden. Someone at County knew, and it would be nice if they came back to us. Wagner: It would. Nolan: Got a call from a gentleman on Stuenkel (going for variance), asking what we could do for him? I said, didn't even know about it. He stated it was going before County board tomorrow. Striggow: I think it’s a matter of what is being
informed. Nolan: Only reason I knew was because of sign in front. Guy on Stuenkel, I never saw a sign in front of his place. Striggow: My concern, it would be nice to know if something is going on. Nolan: Don Murday, you requested that once before & they said they don’t have to. Murday: What they shared was since County reached a certain level, certain things aren’t triggered. Township not notified of variance, only map amendments & special use. My understanding is the Road District DOES get notice of things when variances are sought for whatever input the Road District might have. Planning Commission & Supervisor does not need to be. I shared our frustration. They said they would try to work with us, give notice, but not required to. Concerned about voluntarily assuming, but not required, and having that become a requirement. Striggow: Can’t County Committee vote on this for all townships? Wagner: I would think so, you can’t become less restrictive, but you can become more restrictive. Who better to know the desired characteristics of the area, than the township. Striggow: Right, when I had a chance to say something, everybody there said, what do you mean Green Garden needs to know about this? Murday: There are a number of townships that don’t have active Planning Commissions, or active say in County level. I’ve been told, Green Garden is one of few townships having an active PC that is involved with County, as well as Board, making a stand. Striggow: I’d like to see you guys get that. Schultz: Did County vote that down? Striggow: Yes.
There was a motion to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Newton. Voice vote:
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Coffey, Clerk
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2020
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 7:01 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call
In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Standish, Hellriegel, Commissioner Massat, Assessor Bushong,
Supervisor Nolan, and Clerk Coffey. Trustee Newton was unable to attend.
There was a motion to approve minutes from the regular meeting held December 9, 2019 as submitted by Trustee Hellriegel with a second by Trustee Standish. Voice vote: Trustee Wagner: Opposed, states he can’t say this is exactly what was said, so much verbiage on here. I don’t know if this is what was said or not. Coffey: I can send you the recordings if you like? Wagner: I don’t want the recordings either. Coffey: I transcribe right off the recordings. Wagner: I understand, I don’t know if that’s pertinent enough to be minutes of the meeting, there’s so much extra extrainience conversation, if it’s absolutely necessary, that’s fine. I don’t know if it’s necessary to transcribe the tape as meeting minutes. Coffey: The reason I started doing that was because after the thing with the discussion of the loan and the minutes, not finding it in the minutes. That’s why I did it. Wagner: I understand. Hellriegel: What would you like to see different Bill, the chit chat? Wagner: Yeah, that wasn’t pertinent to making a decision. Coffey: Would you like me to leave that out? I don’t have a problem with that. Wagner: Yes. Nolan: So your a no? And 3 yes. Motion carried 3-1.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Jim Nolan: comments on School Board meetings (speaking as a resident). Nolan:
Urges other residents to go to, participate & visit website regarding the referendum. His understanding, high school being paid for, gets rid of doing bonds every year. If referendum passes they get their 15 million and we get a tax deduction of almost $300 for every $200,000 your house is assessed. So if your house is assessed at $400,000 it’s a deduction of $600 in taxes because of not doing bonds anymore, not an expert on this. Chris Russell: They’re moving 5.3 million dollar levy from high school and want to add a 4.3 million to operating, so a net decrease which will still give the school an extra 2 million a year to operate. Hellriegel: Will tax rate go up or down? Russell: Down, tax rate will go down whether it passes or fails. If it fails it will go down almost twice as much. $152 per $100,000. Nolan: Win, win for everybody. However, referendum will say “tax increase”. Russell: Ballot will say tax increase because increase in operating rate, they can’t put decrease in bonds on there. Video on our facebook page and presentation at Tony’s Pizza Saturday. Nolan: Beneficial to get info out there because ballot will say increase. Encourage everyone to look into.
PLANNING COMMISSION - Murday: No meeting for January, nothing on agenda for February. Asked the
Board for approval of 2 individuals to the Planning Commission. Currently sits at 5 members with Additions will be 7. Karen Murdock & Lauren Piecuch met with Don, discussed Comprehensive Plan and revised Comprehensive Plan, hoping to finalize in the spring. Both vested in the future of Township.
There was a motion to approve the appointment of Lauren Piecuch & Karen Murdock to the Planning
Commission by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Hellriegel. Voice vote: Motion carried 4-0.
Murday: Next item, Planning Commission “Thank you” dinner. Asking permission to take the 4 members and himself to dinner, (Don offered to pay for spouses). Jane interested in attending (offering to cover herself). Wagner: Ok with me to include new members. Nolan: No problem with me. Board agrees to include new members. Nolan: Can we have Comprehensive Plan by May? Murday: We will endeavor to get it done as soon as we can. Bill, Russ, & I met and then things got side tracked here on town level. We will try to get together again with new members. Nolan: Did you hear anything on the Tracy property? Murday: They had a hearing, don’t know end result. Frankfort did have on agenda for last meeting, initially sharing they were not in favor, due to entrance. Frankfort would rather see industrial centers. Nor do I know what happened at County hearing regarding variance on Dralle.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT - Nothing. Bushong: Thank you for Bridge on Harlem.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT - Submitted copy of report to the Board. Bushong: Board of Review hearings
completed. Working on neighborhood equalizations. Jim, Cherie & I met with Rhonda Novak and Kathy Tezak nov. 19, 2019. Rhonda has expressed her expectations from County perspective of what she wants to see from Township level. I’m told what I need to do, accomplish, and it’s not what it used to be, more of a job now. PAMS system integrated with County constantly uploading data, downloading from County (constantly checking work). Bushong: Just making clear, as Rhonda said, it’s more of a full time or full time plus job at this point. Whatever I don’t get done, will eventually fall on County to pick up, and they will charge. More expensive for County to do than me (Assessor’s Office). Lots of high end homes, a lot of money in taxes not necessarily being received. It may take until next quad year. Their opinion - If I could get everything done and equalized we could be reaping the benefits, and more fair across the board. Other side, taxes may go down, we don’t know. Bushong: Working with Jim on next year's budget, build in a few things, so maybe I can accomplish a few things quicker. Like field work. I can use a contractor that County uses, but comes with a greater cost than if I were to hire field staff. Report points out advantages & disadvantages. Happy to answer any questions. Wagner: Other than field measurement, what other work are you required to complete any unfinished assessor work? Bushong: A lot of data entry. I was back logged coming in, I have stacks to put in. Permits, was everything appropriately measured, assessed properly, new homes - make sure they get picked up, and put in.
Just keeping up with daily phone calls, appraisers, and attorneys. Then come fall, it’s appeal season. Now, I’m keeping up with priorities. Nolan: How it was done before, I don’t know. Bushong: We had massive growth here in the mid 2000’s, up until then it was probably somewhat manageable. Nolan: I think 2006 the levy was 15%. Bushong: Those neighborhoods are not equalized, so I’m back tracking. Wagner: Do we need to hire employees and put on weekly salary? Bushong: Pros & cons to everything, employees would require another PAMS license, another computer, and then I would need a server. Other considerations, I can’t hire somebody if I can’t work at same time. Nolan: A lot of this comes down to cost, and how much money we got to put into this. I will forward this letter from Rhonda, talks about offices and everything. I understand what County wants, financially there’s restrictions, can’t spend what we don’t have. We’re not going to raise taxes. Bushong: We’re going to have to do in stepping stones, I just want you to know it is a process. Standish: Are outside dimensions half of it? Bushong: I can get building plans, over time more technology may eliminate field work. New programs would flag something new on property. We have a lot of stuff not being assessed. Technology will aid the process. Some townships assess everyone with a finished basement, it’s up to the homeowner to notify, followed by an inspection. We have to make decisions as we go. Nolan: We all know if people did everything the way they’re supposed to, everything would be assessed right, we all know no one always pulls permits for all this stuff, part of the problem. Bushong: I don’t even have property record cards on some properties. Wagner: I think, treat as a staffing issue now, make good business decisions. Example: Part time
help entering data, if you get a call, you’ll have to call them back tomorrow. Doing at hock won’t get it done. Bushong: Jim knows some of the obstacles, it’s not as simple as that. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a great idea, I’d love to do that. There are other complications we need to discuss, right now I’m running out of space. Started in my office, now, in another room, tons of paperwork, file cabinets, and challenges. Wagner: So if you get a lot of the paperwork entered, can it go into archive? Bushong: Not completely, I suppose if I had someone full time scanning everything. I have to keep copies of everything. Wagner: Are we scanning information and… Bushong: By law I have to keep property record cards, I can’t get rid of them. Once, I suppose everything is 100% in system, I would refer to those less, so could I have file cabinets here, or somewhere? Conceivably yes, but I think that’s going to be a few years from now. Every month I go to County and get a stack, input, go through, research, and review. Nolan: It would be nice if you could find someone in Township retired, part time to hire to do some of this stuff. Bushong: I had someone that was working part time for Crete, college student that knew PAMS. She came over for about 8 hours, pumped in data, it was great and gave me a chance to work on something else. I have talked to other assessors about borrowing their good part time help if I can. Crete is good because they run PAMS too. If you want to sit down one day and decide, I’m happy to go through. Nolan: I think trustees should sit down with Jane and go through this, there’s a lot of moving parts in this. We had one person for 40 years, now it’s changed, there’s a lot on here. Bushong: County
wants everything automated and wants us to keep up with it. They are making it advantageous if you have PAMS system. Nolan: Does County actually enforce laws? We have a lot of code violations they don’t. Bushong: They don’t for townships to get PAMS, other townships have to email their reports in formats and do other things that we don’t have to. Nolan: If you guys have time to see how this is done, more eyes on this to help out to get it right. Have to get base right to begin with, assessment has to be correct. Bushong: Here’s the real advantage for the Township, once it’s in there, in theory anyone should be able to, with PAMS training, walk in & do my job. A whole lot easier than what I’ve had to do.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT - Nothing
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT - Nolan: W-2’s are out and Levies filed. Bank accounts after paying bills off this
month, we are roughly at $107,000 as we go through the budgets on this. Also, Capital Fund Account started up, voted on at last meeting, signed off on check today. Park Donation Fund after we put farming in, we got about $52,000 in that account. General Assistance we got about $30,000 in there, which we don’t use at all. After today about $107,000 on that. Looks like coming in about $80,000 under budget for the year. We’ll go through that in a bit. We’re doing good on that. Off a little bit on certain line items, we’ll get into that in a bit. We get a lot of complaints about Code Violations, a lot of different things. I know we talked about Weed Ordinance last summer. Now is a good time for Trustees to start getting around & getting addresses so we can send out letters for weed ordinance, you’ll see a lot more now than ever with winter time here. There’s one on Manhattan-Monee Rd., they’re all over the place, start getting addresses & PIN #’s, so we can start letters pre-warning people that come summer we are going to start sending out notices & enforcing. I know one of the original meetings we had discussed code violations, we as a Board, send back & enforce as a Board. Start getting addresses and what we need to do for that, couple of little assignments if you don’t mind.
NEW BUSINESS - Nolan: Discussion on Assessor’s Budget. Bill I know you asked about bringing in help, if
you look at salaries, we placed a good sum there for that, probably more than Jane asked for. Double edged sword, we're going for our 2021 budget discussions now. I would like to have those discussions on a monthly basis so we aren’t blindsided by anything, and get numbers together, better than we have in the past. Now that all the money is separated the way they should be, not just line itemed, I think managing budget will be a lot better and easier for all of us to do in general. Any questions? Basically, levying for same amount of money as last year, which was $229,000, $20,000 coming in, so about $249,000 figuring about an $80,000 carry over, because we’re under budget for this year. I think that’s being a little conservative. Looks like we have $232,000 to spend and bringing in about $249,000 for next year, mostly because we increased the Assessor’s Budget. I don’t know if that’s comfortable for everybody or if we’re running to thin on that or not. If there’s any questions or more info you might need, or something for us to have more discussions on this. Hellriegel: Two things, travel expenses and training, we’re still training at the Assessor? Nolan: The Assessor’s Office is actually an on going training, I believe they have to be recertified every so often. Bushong: They do require us to regularly keep up with our continuing education as far as assessor like classes. There’s also, and this is not my budget,
please understand it’s Jim’s budget. I haven’t had a chance to put mine together, mine won’t be any higher than this. I guarantee you actually, mine is going to come in lower. There has to be additional PAMS training. Hellriegel: Is that the thing? Always something better? Bushong: Probably PAMS training to fully utilize the system. Now that we start having a lot of data in there, and that did not come with the system. I take advantage of everything I can as far as any freebees, like County offering more training, I go all day and there's no charge for that. Hellriegel: Bill said something about temp help here, then you almost need to train them some for them to do anything with you. Bushong: If they have no background, absolutely. I wouldn’t hire anyone not computer savvy. Very few have 1 person, let’s say they have 3 people, they have specific people do specific things. Right now I’m doing everything. Let’s say 1 handles exemptions, 1 does permits, things like that, so they only need to be trained in that one area. Hellriegel: Here again, they would all need their own computer. Bushong: Correct, if they’re working at the same time. If you have 2 user PAMS licenses, 2 people can be working concurrently no matter what they’re working on. Right now we have 1, so 1 person can do PAMS. Standish: If you hire, is it salary or hourly, can you put them as independent contractor? Bushong: Sure, a lot of Assessor Offices the field work people. The Assessor unless usually something big, most offices the Assessor is not the one going out there and measuring. They have field people that just do that, and those are temp part time people. Like Crete, their field people actually trained me. They have a teacher come in the summer & college
students that go with her, you kinda have to have 2 people. Standish: No insurance or anything like that?
Bushong: Correct. Standish: So you could figure out how many people you would have & that would be on the budget? Bushong: Yes. Standish: Then we would authorize it? Nolan: That’s why I’m trying to have these discussions, so we could get these things in line. Nolan: Question to Board is we talked about amending the Budget currently, but since we’re going to be under budget this year, do we actually need to make efforts to go back through the current budget? I guess I’m asking the Board, since we took line items out & put in separate funds do we need to amend it? Wagner: What are we under budget on? Nolan: We’re under budget, everything we’re pretty much under budget. Except for Assessor stuff, which is contracting. Asked: We spend less? Nolan: Yes, we spent less. Wagner: Not that we didn’t budget enough? Nolan: No, not that we over budgeted, we’re under budget, but we talked about amending the budget, because we took out the line items & put in separate funds, Park District, Park Donations, Capital Fund, we took those out of actual budget. Well we haven’t done nothing yet with it, but just make up funds for it & put it in to them. So, do we really need to put effort into amending that budget since
we’re going to be under budget? Focus on our new budget coming up and our Assessor Budget? Where do we put the energy into? Since we’re under budget, I guess that’s the Board’s decision, if we need to go back in and amend it? The only item we added was “Will Ride” . We haven't gotten nothing on it yet. We’re sitting here in January, we’re gonna sit in February, and approve in March, and amend, then start new budget April 1st. Are we better spending next 3 months going through this to get ready for April 1st & go that route? Work on this for next 3 months and this is only the Township budget we’re going through. We haven’t touched Road District Budget yet. Massat: No, you don’t touch it. Nolan: If you guys need more info on this, just email me, what documents you need, or expenses were last year or so far. I can pro-rate it where we will end. Nolan: New Township (Revised 2019) books came in, I’m going to order them, there’s 8 at $27.50, $220.
OLD BUSINESS - None
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Schultz: I attended Planning & Zoning hearing in Joliet last week for Parcel on Dralle east of 88th Ave. Person that owns property spoke, 3 adjacent landowners spoke against it. In literature we all got, they sent out questionnaires, I guess to certain people as to comments on this property. They sent one to Green Garden. Reason it stood out, cause it was top of the list, Green Garden - No reply. How can that be? If they sent out, someone’s name had to be on it. Board: I would think so. Murday: The only notice I get from County are Map Amendments & Special Use permits. Variances, I get nothing. When I called about it, they said, the only thing Green Garden can do is have people show up. I wasn’t notified, I don’t know if anyone else was, only way I knew was I saw placards. Schultz: If something was sent, I would think you on Zoning ought to be getting it. Murday: I can follow up & see. Schultz: It was voted down unanimously. They were asking for 18 horses on 6 acres. Tomorrow at 10:30 final vote. Nolan: So, the Planning Commission said no, and now goes to Board. Schultz: After tomorrow County has to enforce. Nolan: County Code Enforcement? Schultz: Well, we know he won’t do nothing. Nolan: Code hasn’t done anything about last guy on Center with trailers still on property. That’s why I’m telling Board there’s code violations, County has to get involved to do things. Wagner: Always helps for us to call our County reps, voice our opinion. Massat: You can call Jim Moustis and give him your feelings. Nolan: Like Don said, they don’t have to contact us for variances. Hellriegel: Don’t they have to
notify adjacent landowners? Nolan: Signs in front is only way we get notified. Massat: Look at stable they built next to you, they didn’t notify, even adjoining landowners didn’t get nothing. Schultz: He had to have paid someone off. Massat: Could be. Schultz: Hope Assessor gets him over there.
There was a motion to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Standish. Voice vote:
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Coffey, Clerk
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING / LEVY HEARING
DECEMBER 9, 2019
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 7:01 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call
In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Newton, Standish, Hellriegel, Commissioner Massat, Assessor
Bushong, Supervisor Nolan, and Clerk Coffey.
There was a motion to approve the minutes as submitted by Trustee Hellriegel with a second by Trustee
Newton. Voice vote: Motion carried.
RHONDA NOVAK, SUPERVISOR OF ASSESSMENTS - Nolan: We’re going to skip Mrs. Novak from
Supervisor of Assessments Office, her daughter went into labor today, so she will not be with us tonight.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Nolan: Is there anything anyone wants to bring up before we start the meeting?
Schultz: At the end I want to say something. Nolan: That’s fine, always have time my friend.
PLANNING COMMISSION - Murday: Nothing up for the month of December, and nothing, it looks like in the pipeline for January. There’s 2 things I wanted to mention. I think everybody on board knows that every week I get notification from Will County Land Use about matters that come up before them. They call it Pre-application meetings, where they bring applicants in to discuss what it is they want to do and occasionally, there are things on there that don’t necessarily relate to the Planning Commission, but I feel as though I should bring to the boards attention. There was a matter that’s up this week for discussion at the County level, pertaining to property located at 23430 La Grange Rd. it’s just south of CD & Me. Contact name is Frank Heckenast. Bob might get this notice as well, apparently there is a violation for filling in wetland on his property, so he’s been called to County to rectify situation. Massat: Right. Murday: Just so everybody is apprised to that. The only other thing that I have, should have raised with Jim, I apologize to Jim in advance. What I’d like the board to consider is letting Planning Commission have dinner or something we can do to show Planning Commission that we appreciate the time and effort they give the Township. I’m not saying it needs to be decided tonight, thinking that at the beginning of the year it’s probably not a bad thing to get folks on Planning Commission together, break bread, and thank them for their service to Township. Anyone have any thoughts about that?
Wagner: I make a motion, we do it. Nolan: I’m actually fine with that, volunteer staff, some appreciation to them. Wagner: Yeah. Nolan: I have no problem with that, to be honest with ya. Murday: And I have no problem putting it on my card and submitting the expense to the board. Frankly, if,I don’t know if open meetings act precludes, although I don’t suspect we’re going to talk any business, just going to be for fun. If anyone on the board would like to join us, that would be nice as well, so that the people on the Planning Commission get to know the Trustees just for fun. So, I will let folks know. Thank you. Newton: Sounds good. Nolan: Did anything come back for that place on Dralle Rd. that went for an exemption: She went for, I wanna say last week, cause I was out of town, she went for like 18 horses on 5 acres. I thought that was being heard by the board last week. Murday: I don’t know what the end result of that was, other than passing along the comment to those on email chain that the County wanted anybody that had an objection, to show up at the County hearing so they could be heard. Nolan: Ok, I’ll look into that.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT - Massat: Nothing. Nolan: Ok.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT - Nolan: Besides that you’re busier than heck right now. Bushong: Mostly just
maintenance stuff this past month, wrapping up 2nd round of appeals that came through so wrapped those up, and last of my hearings are tomorrow. I’m thrilled because things will ease up a little then. I just get a fair amount of requests everyday or every week, whether it’s FOIA requests, appraiser requests, attorney requests, things like that on parcels that people are looking at. Otherwise, really standard stuff right now. Wagner: Is a lot of this info online yet? Or not yet? Bushong: Like what stuff? Wagner: Like when I look at stuff in Kankakee, I can look online and see stuff. Bushong: Well, we do plan on eventually populating our website more, Cherie was able to get or contact for the 1st time, I have all the Assessor contact info out there, and people are definitely finding the new phone number (I can assure you of that). The phone does ring fairly often. We would like to provide more and more information out there. Nolan: I guess question is, once everything is in the system (PAMS system) they can go to County’s website and get all the info they’re looking for, correct? Bushong: We can integrate with it. Nolan: So, we can eventually...Bushong: Right now, you actually bring up a good point, they actually can go to County Assessor website, and they can pull up all the Green Garden parcels right now. So if they wanted to do comparables, I mean they’re going to have to do a little research, but it’s out there. Wagner: That’s what I was wondering, do do that on their own, instead of bothering you all the
time. Newton: Once she gets past maybe, tomorrow, we’re going to set something up on our website, that says “Try there” see what you can find out there. Bushong: What eventually is going to happen is, this is what Jim was pointing out. Once we have PAMS completely loaded, and that’s not an easy task, lets say, everything’s in there, in other words, I can tell you there’s 3 bedrooms, 1 story, brick, the whole 10 yards. Then there’s a way to link that with our website if we wanted to, and it will all come up. In other words, right now, if you go to the Assessor’s website, the information is out there, don’t get me wrong, it will tell you basically what your’re assessed at vs. your neighbor, you can look up addresses, but it won’t give you all the fine details, like how many bathrooms. Eventually, you can get it all. Nolan: Once the system’s set up, then the real estate FOIA and real estate agents will stop, or should be able to. Bushong: I would hope so, that would be great. They’re still people out there that don’t use the web and don’t really understand it. They’re still going to call. Wagner: But real estate people do, I can see if the market starts picking up. Bushong: It would be very helpful then. Nolan: She might get 2-3 calls everyday or every other from real estate agents. Bushong: Mondays are busy, I don’t know why, everyone works on Mondays. I probably got 6 calls today for information where I have to stop, and
provide information. Friday might be lucky to get 1, hit or miss. Wagner: Sales people probably hitting up people on weekends and then saving it for Monday morning. Like my emergencies, they don’t want to pay the emergency fee over weekend, so they wait till Monday morning. Striggow: Is there any way you can charge people for that info? Bushon: It’s really public info, I’m really supposed to be a servant. Nolan: I look at it differently, the people calling her are not from the Township. Bushong: True. Nolan: You can only charge so many, so much a copy. You can come up with a FOIA request, can I mail it here? Gotta do this, specifics, and all that. The goal is to have it all on the website, on the County’s website with all that info, so they can just go there, you can just refer them to that information, on that website, there you go. We just had questions from Zillow. Striggow: Some of that info, somewhat private or? It’s all public? Bushong: It’s all public, it really is, I mean, there’s not much I can deny, especially with a FOIA, or not. Striggow: So they can request that in paper, and have a paper trail? Bushong: I do actually even with phone calls “Can you please send me an email” and I do keep a copy of every request, even if it’s not a FOIA, just so, if there’s any question about what they’re asking me for, I have a trail too, and I respond in paper. Nolan: Thank you for everything you’re doing, be honest with ya. Newton: Jane, did you want to mention that the 3 of us went to County & met with Rhonda? Bushong: Yes, Jim, Cherie, & I met with Rhonda Novak at the County Assessor’s Office, as well as, Kathy Tezak. By the way, Kathy is more my go to person, just so everybody knows. If I have a questions, still living and learning, so the 5 of us met and we spent quite a bit of time going over everything of the past, as far as, how things were done, what they suggest us doing going forward, and so forth. So, that was kinda laid out for us, I found it helpful, for clarification. It’s going to take me awhile there are some challenges here in Green Garden that have to be addressed, and it’s just going to take some time. We have a game plan, honestly, I
found the County staff to be really helpful, as far as telling me where limitations are, what makes sense going
forward. We’re going to try to get it really equal, and really stable. It’s going to take a little time though, and that’s the goal. Newton: Thank you. Nolan: Thank you.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT - Nolan: Do we have anything? No.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT - Nolan: I’m going to pass, so we can get to New Business.
NEW BUSINESS - Nolan: On the agenda, we have, vote for the Township Levy, Bill’s gonna read. Trustee
Wagner read Township Tax Levy Ordinance TF-2019-02 (attached). Wagner: 2019 collectible in 2020 (Wagner read Levy) Any questions? Striggow: That Levy up Bill? From last year? Wagner: No, tax be the same as last year. Striggow: Is there a reason we’re doing it the same? Wagner: Did not need more money. Striggow: So, if it’s available we’re not going to get no more? Wagner: If it’s available? Striggow: If it’s levied out there isn’t it, If you don’t levy enough for it, you don’t get any of it? Right? Wagner: We’re not going to get any increases, yes, that’s true. So, any new homes that were completed and put on tax rolls. Striggow: In 2019? Wagner: Right, normally up to March 31, 2020, it would increase your tax revenue. In this case, it won’t. I mean you would have the ability to increase it, so, we’re not. Road District is. Nolan: Should we put a vote to this one first? Wagner: Sure. Nolan: On agenda, can I have a motion to approve Township Levy? Wagner: So moved. Nolan: Second? Hellriegel: Second. Nolan: Roll call vote. Coffey: Wagner, yes; Hellriegel, yes; Newton, yes; Standish, no; Nolan, yes. Motion carried 4-1. Trustee Wagner then read Road District Tax Levy Ordinance RB-2019-02 (attached) 2019 collectible in 2020. Newton: I have a question, the $20,000 line item budgeted for the repayment of the loan, where is that in here? Is that in here? Or the total amount due, the $200,000, is that in here? One of those two? Wagner: Well, it’d have to be in there somewhere. Newton: I was looking at dollar amounts, I don’t see anything that says just 20. Wagner: Right. Newton: Didn’t know if it was lumped in? Wagner: It will end up coming out of something, I don’t know where Bob’s going to take it from. Newton: But, it’s in here? Wagner: Well, it’s a budget item, not a Levy item. Newton: Doesn’t it have to be reflected? That debt? The repayment of the debt? Wagner: No. Newton: Either one? Wagner: No, not in the Levy. Newton: Ok, that’s what I was asking next, ok. Nolan: Ok, can I get a motion to approval of Road District Levy? Hellriegel: I’ll make that motion. Nolan: Second? Standish: I’ll second it. Nolan: Roll call vote. Coffey: Hellriegel, yes; Standish, yes; Newton, yes; Wagner, yes; Nolan, yes. Motion carried 5-0. Nolan: Thanks Bill for reading, also, new on agenda item.
Nolan: Vote for 2020 meetings schedule. Can I have a motion to approve the 2020 meetings schedule
(emailed to board). Can I have a motion to approve the 2020 meetings schedule? Wagner: So moved. Schultz: It would be nice if you didn’t have it on a National Holiday. Nolan: Yes. Schultz: And I’ll tell you more about that later. Nolan: Ok. Newton: This is November 9th, which is a Monday, Veteran’s Day is on the 11th, which is a Wednesday, in 2020. Hellriegel: A leap year coming up? Newton: Must be. Nolan: Motion for approval? Wagner: So moved. Nolan: Second? Standish: Yep. Nolan: All in favor say aye. Board: Aye. Nolan: Opposed: None. Voice vote: Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS - Nolan: Ok, last meeting we talked about Creation of a Capital Fund, I say we all vote on it. We didn't put it to vote last time, we just discussed it. So, creation of Capital Fund, $250,000 moved from Town Fund into Capital Fund for purpose of maintain, lease, or build a Town Hall or Multi-Use Facility, these monies were line itemed in budget, and should be placed in separate accounts. Wagner: I disagree with that, I disagree with maintenance and lease part of it. Nolan: Ok. Wagner: Because I think maintenance ought to come out of the Regular Town Fund. Nolan: Ok. Wagner: And maybe lease ought to, too, not out of Capital Building Fund. Nolan: Ok, it’s open for discussion. Newton: So take that out? Purpose just to build? Wagner: Yes. Newton: This wording was taken directly from Mr. Mahoney (attorney)? He drafted this? Nolan: Pretty much took it right from his thing, I understand where Bill’s coming from on this, to be honest with ya. I agree that maintenance shouldn’t be coming out of Capital Fund. Wagner: I don’t think a lease should either. Nolan: Ok. Standish: So you just want building fund in Capital Fund, stand by itself? Nolan: Ok, I’m asking the board. Hellriegel: I’ll concur with that. Nolan: Ok. Newton: Why would he advise that then? Nolan: Probably because we had a discussion about lease, if we had to lease, about everything else that was going on. Hellriegel: What lease would that be? Coffey: If we needed to lease space, as opposed to building. Hellriegel: Ok, Ok. Nolan: That’s why it was kind of open on that whole thing. Standish: I talked to Mr. Crabtree at TOI, he said we needed Capital fund that should stand, hey, I didn’t have the info about the lease part, but seemed like he just,
that was the thing that was in there, was the Building Fund. And, that we can add to it. Nolan: How do you guys want this? Rephrased? Hellriegel: I would say what Bill said, it should only be for building. Nolan: So, basically just take out maintain & lease? Wagner: Yep. Newton: So, you’re going to put maintain, or lease back into...Does it have to be placed in a different, or back into another one? That it was in before? Standish: On this one it says intended purpose for the funds amount of Capital Expenditure you think you’re going to have, and duration of any accumulated fund, like in years. So, that’s what I got out of this book, on Capital Funds. Coffey: She’s just asking of maintenance & lease, if it goes into something else? If you’re taking it out of this. Newton: Taking the words out of this, if you’re taking the words out, Capital Fund will only have Building. The maintenance & lease would have to go somewhere, can’t leave that hanging. Wagner: Maintenance has always been a general Town Fund. Newton: So we have to make sure we leave it in the general Town Fund, and not out. Right? You know what I’m saying? Wagner: Sounds like they ought to be a budget item in the Town Fund. Nolan: There’s already electricity and all that is already line itemed in the budget. Hellriegel: Which is maintenance. Nolan: Which is maintenance. Coffey: What about lease Nolan: We never had to lease anything. When we do the budget we can line item lease, if they wanted to. Wagner: I can’t foresee anything coming up that quickly, that it couldn’t be done at another years budget. Nolan: I understand. Wagner: I suppose if the building blew away you’d have to ...Nolan: I think the way it was reading, he gave us more flexibility if we had to, where it was sitting at. Wagner: I don’t know if we want more flexibility though. Nolan:
That’s what I’m saying, you may be correct on that too. Newton: So, just to build? Nolan: So, you like to read it then make a motion? Hellriegel: Russ, you done? Standish: Well, only thing is, do we need Capital
Expenditure? Where we put 200 in and are looking for 500? I looked at buildings like you asked me to, and 250 gets you something the size of something hardly anything inside of it. So, I’m just saying according to this now, if you’re trying to do things by the book. Hellriegel: What is the book? Standish: Trustee’s book. Newton: What if, say Jane needed to rent an office space for $500 a month, or something like that? Hellriegel: That’s the Assessor’s Fund. Newton: Strictly Assessor’s? Hellriegel: Yes. Newton: That would be the only lease I could think of. Right? That would be Assessor’s Budget? Wagner: Right. Nolan: Some townships lease out their property, some build buildings, some stay in buildings the have, that’s why it was just kinda put in there. Wagner: Yeah. Nolan: That’s all it was, but as Bill talks about it, it’s probably what’s best not to give leeway on it, and this is what it’s for, and be done with it. Hellriegel: I agree. Nolan: That way down in future that’s what that’s set for. Wagner: Yep. Nolan: I understand that. Ok, so just take out the...ok, I’ll reread that. Wagner: Ok. Nolan: Creation of Capital fund $250,000 to be moved from Town Fund to Capital Fund for the purpose to build a Town Hall / Multiple-Use Facility, these monies were line itemed in the budget, which should be placed in a separate account. Do I have a motion? Wagner: So moved. Nolan: Second? Standish: Can I ask one more question? Nolan: Go ahead. Standish: Can you add to that fund or is that locked in? Nolan: You can always add to a fund, the only thing you can’t do , is take money, you can vote on it by adding money into funds, the only thing you can’t do, really, is take money of General Assistance Fund, and use it for anything else. Standish: All right. Nolan: But it would have to be a vote. Standish: All right, I’m just looking at this book we got,
last week, last month. Nolan: So, motion is on the floor. Standish: Second. Nolan: All in favor? Board: Aye. Nolan: You know what? Can we do Roll call vote? Coffey: Wagner, yes; Standish, yes; Newton, yes; Hellriegel, yes; Nolan, yes. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Nolan: Mr. Buddy Schultz. Schultz: I know you had the last meeting, as you all know, I don’t know if any of you know why I was not there. It was a National Holiday, do any of you know what the National Holiday was? Hellriegel: Yes, Veteran’s Day. Another: Armistice Day. Standish: 11th hour, 11th day of the...Schultz: Ok, now I don’t know if any of you are veterans or not, I don’t know that. And you should have known better (pointing at Standish) than to have a meeting on that night. Standish: Well, probably, I didn’t think about it beforehand, but I’m just as military as you are. Schultz: But you don’t show it, having that meeting here that night. Standish: Like I say, I didn’t know it was coming up, and I should have known, yes, you’re right. I knew the meeting was coming, and I looked at the calendar on the day, and I said yeah, it is Veteran’s Day. But yeah, it’s not church. Schultz: That’s like a slap in the face to the veteran’s now, you know. Standish: No, it’s not. Schultz: I suggest, on Veteran’s Day, you all get up off your chair, out of your TV at night, and do something for a veteran during the day or at night. I don’t know if any of you know, or had a close relative killed, I had a cousin killed over there. Both of us went together, a month apart. I made it, he didn’t, you know. So, I don’t know, that was the wrong thing to do, at all. You know. Standish: Well, if it was December 7th, I
wouldn’t come here maybe. I understand that you’re trying to say, make a point that we all love our veterans, and that’s true, but to say that I don’t care. I could...December 7th, I could, I probably should stay home that day too, because there’s a…..Schultz: Right. Standish: That’s recondentation there too. Schultz: Next year, do something for a veteran on that day. Newton: I was instrumental in planning the Veteran’s Appreciation dinner at the Legion, I scheduled that. Schultz: In Peotone: Newton: Yes. Schultz: Do you know Mrs. Wackerlin? Newton: Yes, I do. Schultz: Do ya? Ok, but most people, they don’t give 2 cents about a veteran, and you know that, and that just pisses me off bad, but what can I say? I’m glad you didn’t say anything (to the board). I would have been on your throat. Anyone want to ask a question about a veteran? Veteran’s have fun when you’re in there, laying out, sleeping on the ground, under the snow, and getting wet, getting cold, that’s all fun. Hellriegel: They come home with frostbite. Schultz: And you ought to think about it. Hellriegel: They come home with frostbite and it bothers them their entire life. Schultz: Is there any other veterans here? (some hands raised). This guy is (Striggow) he’s a bad actor, I know. Wagner: I’m a vet. Schultz: Anyway think about that everybody, and you can put that in the minutes, if you like, I don’t care (motions to Coffey). Murday: Thanks Buddy, well said. Coffey: Thank you for your service, all of you. Board: Thanks the veterans also. Nolan: Anything else? Hellriegel: You a Vietnam vet Buddy? Schultz: I could talk an hour here. Hellriegel: Are you a Vietnam vet? Schultz: Well then, yeah. Hellriegel: My dad’s a Korean War vet, and I’m still taking care of him all the time. Schultz: I have a cousin who was Korean War, he was the toughest bastard you’ve ever seen over
there, in the fox holes, he has all the medals. Hellriegel: My dad was a tank mechanic. Striggow: One last question, how did you arrive at $250,000? To put into the Capital Fund? How’d you arrive at that number? Or what percent of the total funds is that total? Nolan: There was money itemized in that original budget when I took over, to be honest with you. Striggow: Is that from the old Park District stuff or some of that? Wagner: No. Nolan: No. Hellriegel: That was spent. Waner: Pretty much, money that hasn’t been spent. Nolan: It was line itemed in the budget when I originally took over from budget previously, and I wanna say it was like $225,000, and I think at one of the meetings, they added another $25,000 in that line item, but there was $225,000 originally. Wagner: Originally the 2020 plan had this as a 4 lane highway, that was part of preparing for that. Striggow: So, that $250,000, is that only if you build a building or if you purchase a building? Nolan: What we got is...Striggow: I know it says building a building, is that the same as purchasing? Wagner: Good point, it says build. Nolan: It does say build, that’s something that can be voted on, though. Wagner: Yeah. Nolan: Why? You guys looking to sell? Striggow: Nah. Nolan: Ok. Bushong: I’m sorry to bring it up again, but are we any closer on the PACE transportation offering for residents? Nolan: Yes. Bushong: Yes? Nolan: Cherie volunteered to take it over, because Don refused to. Newton: I’ll work on that. Bushong: Thank you. Nolan: Actually I should have brought that up, thank you cherie too, by the way. Newton: You’re welcome. Scott Bettenhausen: I have the land rent checks for Park District (handed to Coffey to record). Submitted 3
checks each check $3,192 totaling $9,576. Nolan: Ok, can I get a motion to adjourn? Standish: Can I ask a question? Nolan: Sure. Standish: Sometimes you don’t get around to things in a hurry here, and so, I’m saying, do we authorize Don (Murday) to make a Christmas party or anything like that? Cause by the time the next month comes around, you’ll be having a summer party (laughter). Murday: Nothing will happen till I come back to the board with this. Standish: Ok. Murday: Nothing will happen until after the 1st of the year. Standish: So we don’t have to make a motion? Ok. Murday: But the pool party invitation (inaudible). Nolan: Oh, you know what? You got me thinking now, I got a bad headache today, guys, it's horrible. Schultz: You look like it. Murday: You added to it Buddy. Nolan: No, I had it before, he always makes me laugh, Buddy cheers me up. I have a question, the School Board is going to be going for a referendum in March, I didn’t know, for the board, if you give them an opportunity to come here and talk, and give residents opportunity to come up here. Newton: There’s a meeting tomorrow night, at PIC, right across the street. An informational meeting, 7 o’clock. Nolan: Ok. Newton: Then they have 1 or 2 more prior to referendum. Chris Russell: Next official one’s in March. Newton: Oh, not until then? Ok. Russell: There will probably be one. Nolan: Ok. Murday: Before you adjourn Jim, just a comment from a member of the public, not from Planning Chair. On behalf of the Township, thank you to all who serve the Township. You may be elected paid officials, but I know that you care about the community, and that we act with that in mind. As a resident of Green Garden Township, I thank you, and I thank Jane for all that you do for the Township. I know a lot of times you only hear the complaints and bitches,
but a lot of things that happen in the Township are good things, that I appreciate. Board: Thank you. Massat: The only thing I have to say Don, is to your nice gesture there, is you’re not getting anymore snow or salt on your road. The time of removing the snow will be much longer now (laughter). Bushong: Bob won’t do mine, anyway (laughter). Massat: Thanks Don. Murday: Merry Christmas. Board: Merry Christmas. Schultz: One last thing, where do you get cold mix or hot mix from? Massat: Well, the last couple of those I got from Iroquois Pavers. Schultz: Thank you, otherwise, I was gonna ask you what the trucks are driving out here. Massat: Normally I get it from PT Ferro, because their mix seems to be a little bit better, but, it’s such a long distance to go there now, because Brandon Rd. is closed, oh, is it open now? But Gallagher got it now too. Schultz: I’m done.
There was a motion to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Wagner, with a second by Trustee Hellriegel. Voice
vote: Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Coffey, Clerk
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 11, 2019
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 7 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll call (Trustee Newton)
In attendance were Trustees Newton, Standish, Hellriegel, Commissioner Massat, and Supervisor Nolan.
Trustee Wagner, and Clerk Coffey were not in attendance.
Clerk Coffey submitted the minutes of the regular meeting held October 14, 2019. (via email as well as hard
copy to Trustee Newton). There was a motion to approve the minutes submitted, by Trustee Hellriegel with a
second by Trustee Standish. Voice vote: Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-Nolan: No one here.
PLANNING COMMISSION-Murday:Two matters up. With the passing of Mr. Norkus there is a vacancy as a
result. Mark Walczak ( remember for a few years) has asked to resign. So there are a few openings. Ralph
Dietz (present) is interested, we have met a couple of times and he attended the meeting last Monday. Sat with
Commission in no official capacity, thought better to come before board to approve & appoint to Planning
Commission. Ralph is a longtime resident of Green Garden and a neighbor of Jane. I would ask the board to
approve him as a member of the Planning Commission. Nolan: Anyone have a question for Ralph? Hellriegel:
Any neighbor of Jane’s has to be a good guy (laughter). Nolan: can I have a motion to approve Ralph to the
Planning Commission? Standish:I make a motion to approve Ralph to Planning Commission. Nolan: Second?
Newton: I'll second it. Nolan: All in favor: Aye. Opposed? (None). All: Welcome aboard Ralph.
Murday: Second matter, passed out paperwork from last Monday's meeting, property zoned A-1 to I-1. I-1
designation, if County approves, from that point forward I-1. To talk about what plans are currently for the
property, the attorney representing the Tracy family is present. The property is located on LaGrange Rd.
landscaping company that's been there for years (refer to map & use chart). Attorney Wennlund provided
evidence to Planning Commission stop posting send notifications to contiguous landowners. For the record, no
one appeared other than Tom Pleckham ( property owner to the north) also approved in the past from A-1 to
I-1. he also appeared recently for Special Use to sell existing building. Already I-1. Cass Wennlund (attorney)
& Mark Koenig (realtor): The Tracy's want to lease for rental income, currently 45 Acres zoned Ag, 10 to 11
acres segmented off to rezone I-1. Anticipated parcel in red on diagram. Murday spoke to the Village of
Frankfort (who contacted Don due to being within their mile-and-a-half footprint) expressing some reservations.
concerned about number of driveways leading to LaGrange. They have put together their comprehensive plan
for 2040 envisioning more of an industrial park type (multiple buildings like off Center where the streets head
east). Murday:I expressed my view of Green Garden’s Comprehensive Plan, commercial and Industrial
envisioned on Lagrange Rd. helping the tax base move from Ag to Industrial I have business present at
location. County has not taken a position. won't hear anything until January, working to get partial configuration
established,because to keep Ag, needs to have 300 ft frontage on LaGrange, with the remaining portion to be
Ag. Request of Tracy family, longtime residents running their business out of Green Garden we're going to get
out of landscaping but still need income. Wennlund to talk about application, Koenig about efforts they made in
past to try to lease as Ag designation vs. industrial. Wennlund: Explains split in parcel with 300-foot frontage
currently Ag, entrance on existing parcel in red, there is existing entrance on Route 45 similar to approved
parcel I-1 to the north. They're not going to approve any more entrances on 45, not adding any entrances.
Hellriegel: That's why he had to put one entrance for two buildings. Wennlund: Correct, we don't intend
applying for more accesses. Tracy family began, before retirement to try to lease A-1 Special Use for
landscaping Garden business, as they try to lease, it's a lot of property for landscaping company it wasn’t any
interest essentially. When Mark (Koenig) brought the Tracy's to me, I said what I don't want to bring into Green
Garden is a 45 acre Industrial Park, opposite to what Frankfort is saying. I don't intend to bring 45 acres
industrial Green Garden. What we want to be able to do is utilize property without having a white elephant.
property has been well-used, well-maintained, and well landscaped. Ran Harvest Fest there so looking to
utilize and get income out of it, and not run Landscape Company anymore. over to Mark about trying to lease.
Koenig: Mark Koenig of the Koenig Group Commercial Real Estate broker consultant. started working with the
Tracy six months ago, initial broker residential broker, hard get anyone to look at zone Ag. the number one
issue zoning, needed to get zoned I-1 in unincorporated Will County. sofas Will County that could be a
possibility because of property to north, also mentioned property on Monee Rd. started getting together for
process in the meantime. There was interest by different companies, once rezoned, how to get sprinkler install
(per Fire Dept. code). Two big companies very interested, one australian-based kind of Ag use with a lot more
to it. Wetlands Restoration, restoration of primarily wetlands, plant trees, forests, restore floodplains, very good
company. Another company has multiple locations, a few in the US, Upfitter- it's a customization different types
of service vehicles, like Com-Ed trucks with buckets (work with municipalities). Two very good to start. waiting
on zoning, awesome starting point for the Tracy's. Wennlund: Trying to bring in under lightest Industrial as we
can, same category as to north. Koenig: Property to north has great company going in, still needs Special Use
through Will County. Murday: So record reflects, I-1 designation most restrictive of the Industrial zoned parcels.
I-1 defined as primarily intended to accommodate low impact industrial uses. Industrial Park development that
have very limited adverse visual & operational impacts. Mark will continue farming property in back, probably
still have some toys sorry moving around dirt and some of that. Nolan: Any questions from board? Standish:
Just on,how much traffic you think that will increase? Answer: Compared to in its heyday, I would think less
than what it was when they were running crews out of there. Access to north (Ag entrance) not saying Tracy's
won't use. Nolan: Was that done by state ? Wennlund: That's original farm access (100 years?) culverts
replaced over the years (referring to map) that's overwhelmingly what you see in that sliver, 300 ft is all in
floodplain, grade level access over floodplain. Nolan: Do you foresee a problem with County with this?
Wennlund: Not so far, is Frankfort's worry is access,no worry, no intent. (Discussion about how it fits into the
Comprehensive Plan) Hellriegel: Taxes go up. (discussion: upscale building, nice looking) Nolan: Can I get a
motion to approve Map Amendment A-1 to I-1 for said parcel? Bushong: For clarification, it started as 55
acres? Wennlund: Yes, just over 11 acres being parceled off, essentially where existing business was (refer to
ariel). Hellriegel: We’re approving 11 acres? Wennlund: Correct. Hellriegel: I make that motion. Nolan: Can I
have a second? Standish: I'll second it. Nolan: All in favor say aye. Response: Aye. Nolan: Opposed? (no
response). Thanks guys. Bushong: All buildings going into industrial area? Murday: Time being, all one Pin
number, until County splits off and it gets a separate pin.
Murday: There's a gentleman Sue referred to me expressing interest on Planning Commission. If anyone has
interest, put the word out, keep on website. Even with Ralph's acceptance, would like one more person.
Newton: I reached out to one person I know, gave her your info. Nolan: For record, who resigned? Murday:
Mark Wolczak.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT-Massat: Nothing. Nolan: Doing stuff, salt? Massat: Snow & ice, salt,
that’s it.
Nolan: I'm not even going to ask Jane for Assessor's report. she's been busy last 2 months like crazy. you want
me to read off what you got? Bushong: A lot of appeals, really got hit was quite a few, still coming in. We were
able to handle a lot of them without having to go to hearing, which is good. Few still going to hearing, won't be
finished until close to mid December. Nolan: October 27th was the cutoff? Bushong: that was when I had to
submit last of my evidence but there is a second round of appeals coming in. getting slightly hit again, not as
bad as the first time. Hearings from first-round, still not all of them done.I think the last hearing is December
10th now. A couple commercial, most residential, a lot of subdivisions. This next year I really have to look at
subdivisions, make sure we're equal across the board. Nolan: Out of appeals we did, majority went down?
Assessed value? Bushong: Not necessarily, quite a few did, few very obvious, fair is fair. Comparisons were
obvious, in which case we took care of them right away. Vacant lots in some subdivisions very close and some
were very off. Worked with County and just went across the board to equalize them, took care of that right
away. A couple went up, most brought down. Some interesting challenges if you might. Nolan: Does PAMS
system help? Bushong: Tremendously, although I have really got to put more data into it. Really have to put
more data into it to make my life more simple, a ton of data still needs to be put in. I can barely keep up. every
month I get permits, new sales, basic stuff, inquiries, FOIA,and appraisal requests. That's not counting the
appeals keeping me busy right now, so I'm having trouble. I have to get past all of that, then I can get a day
and start inputting regular data, backtracking, and putting in property data. Once I have all that property data
put in for everybody's parcel, then I can just run reports, make it much more simple. Nolan: Once in the
system, we are probably a year out, starting from scratch, the real estate offices will be able to eventually get
online and look at, themselves? Bushong: It would be my personal goal, once all the data is in there, I'll
probably come to you and say, how do you want to do this? Ideally, another challenge, if we have our own
website, where we could link it, and it's capable of doing that with the PAMS system,they can pull up any piece
of data. Nolan: Can't they do that through County’s system? Bushong: Not completely, it does give a lot of
data, doesn't give you square footage, basement square footage. Nolan: Will it though? Bushong: Can it? Yes,
once I get all data in PAMS, we have capability if we choose to, set up a website to do that. Nolan: We have to
do it? Not County? Bushong: We have to do, and I don't believe, don't quote me, I don't believe that's going to
be like TOI. Not like our current website, more custom for that to happen. That's a direction a lot of the
townships are going. Taking PAMS system and linking to custom websites, so residents and everyone can
look up their own. Nolan: I thought that's what County was supposed to have, so everything was linked into
County. when we sat down with Rhonda Novak, that's what she said. Everything linked to County, everything
gonna come out of County. Bushong: It is, how do I say, it is linked right now, you can pull up your own parcel
or your neighbor's parcel. Nolan: Through County website? Bushong: Correct. County Supervisor of
Assessments website, you can pull up a lot of data, but not linked to my PAMS data. It's not going to give you
everything you want. There is a limit as to how much you're going to get out of it. It's still our data though, not
County’s, does that make sense? Hellriegel: That's why there's a separate Assessor. Nolan: It's not that Don,
it's when you start getting into running your own servers and all that, running a business, you probably have
your own server don't you? (unidentified): We just buy off other houses. Nolan: Posts and all that, you start
running websites, and all that, it's not as easy as people think at times. That's why I get concerned about
people getting into servers and that. Bushong: That's why I said I'm not dictating how we should go, just
saying, at some point, I might say “OK, everything's in there, what do you want to do next?” And you’d have to
make a decision at that time. Nolan: Gotcha. Bushong: Just wanted to make sure everyone is aware,on the
website this month, assessor's office has supper phone number, and a PO Box. So if anyone asks or inquires
they can call me, or email me. On website under contacts, that's about it. Nolan: How many real estate people
call a week? Bushong: On a busy day, probably about 5. Today was slow probably with the Holiday, I only got
1. Nolan: Ok, but average of 5 a day? Bushong: Can be, a few a week, that's for sure. With each one, it's not
just a phone call, or email, I have to do the leg work, pull up, and reply. Nolan: By law you have to answer back
to them, so I know it's a lot. Bushong: The way County explained to me when I was training, it is in our best
interest to get back to them ASAP or they will just FOIA it. If they FOIA it, I have a few extra steps, as for
legalities. So, I could just answer their questions and just get info to them as fast as possible. Nolan: I got ya.
Thank you.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT-Newton: I’d like to bring up website since Jane just mentioned it. Our website with TOI,
remember when I first started, I had a lot of problems and they dealt with me pretty good, struggled, but I finally
got it. Well, this last batch with agenda, and the minutes, it wouldn't let me copy. I thought it was done last
week, a few days later went to the website (I glance at it once in awhile) and nothing was there just empty. I
tried it again and it wouldn't work. So the other day, I retyped all the minutes and the agenda on our website,
clicked save, and guess what? Nothing, I entered a new tab for Assessor,I was simply going to put her name,
number, email, and PO Box, that was it. Did it, hit save. I could see it, look at it later, not there. So, I started
emailing them on Saturday, I know holiday weekend. I would think, at some point, when you're in charge of a
website a responsible person would look at it. I have not heard back from them. I don't know if we should
consider going with someone else, I don't need to spend 4 hours just to transfer agenda and minutes. Nolan: I
wouldn't have done it anyways, you got to understand, under law, we don't have to have a website. we do it for
economic reasons, plus not having a server and everything else. Newton: I like having, in a timely fashion.
Nolan: That’s part of hassle with that, that's why TOI was simplest one to go with, but they only charge us like
$350 a year. Newton: But it's not simple,it should be, but it's not. Nolan: Ok. Newton: Can I ask around, see
who other people use? Nolan: I thought Peotone, don't a bunch of them use that? Newton: No, Brian Cann
dropped them, I think that's what he told me. Wilton left and went to GoDaddy. I'm not a technical person I'll
have to investigate. Bushong: I used to use WordPress and I found it pretty easy for creating websites.
Newton: I'll have to dedicate time to look into. Bushong: it wasn't fancy but it was easy. Newton: When is our
lease up? What do you think? You want me to look for something else? Or you want me to just..Nolan: you're
actually the one doing the thing so whatever, you're volunteering to do, so. Newton: You want me to look into
something else? What do you guys think? Hellriegel: Ok with me, what works for you and easy for you.
Standish: Yep. Newton: Ok, I'll talk to you about it and look into GoDaddy, Ok? Answer: Yes. Newton: That’s it.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT-Nolan:I'm going to pass, because we got some stuff coming up in Old Business
section to go through.
NEW BUSINESS-Nolan: Nothing on agenda.
OLD BUSINESS-Nolan:Park Donations Fund, you guys signed off on that today, we started that up so those
monies will be moved, we wrote check out, for Park Donation Fund was for $44,000 I think. As we talked last
time, that's where the monies belong so I pulled out of regular budget and put it in separately. It's not stuff that
we touch anyways, so when we get money from the farming we put into that Park Donations Fund. Ok?
Capital Fund we got 2 things to talk about, if we could just skip over to Levy first. For one part, because that's
more important than anything else right now. I sent this out you guys, just so we're all on the same page. Last
year we got 224,000 roughly ok for taxes, 20,000 from loan & 1,600 from farming property. so we had 245,000
that came in last year. last year we spent 180,000 of that. Right now, I kinda roughly did a little budget for you
guys to show you where we're at. We're at about 200,000 budgeted out for next year,I believe we're still going
to come in at about 185,000 to be honest with ya, when I look at these things back and forth. my question to
the board is, levies are coming up, instead of Levying for more money, my question was, do we stay at the
224, Jane, taxes are going up across the board right? Assessments 2%? Bushong: 2% on residential. Nolan:
2% across the board which is basically more or less what we're saying we don't... well, it's up to the board.
Newton: So you're saying, perhaps 2% increase on the 224? Nolan: I was going to say nothing, I was going
steady. Newton: But the projected… Bushong: Just be careful when you say 2% across the board, it's not on
industrial, commercial, or land, but is on home .I don't know what break down is right off the top of my head,
but is a huge portion. Newton:1.5% maybe? Bushong: Maybe, or 2. I don't know. 2% on all homes residential.
Hellriegel: You can't say it's 2% of the 224,000. Bushong: Right, that is my point. Hellriegel: it's not 2% of that
number.Bushong & Newton: Right. Newton: It's a 2% increase. Bushong: I don't know without going back and
checking right now, what percentage is our income based on residential buildings. Newton: I got it, yes, thank
you. Hellriegel: and this tax levy is strictly the Town Fund? Nolan: Strictly Town Fund has nothing to do with
Road Fund. Hellriegel: Not Road Fund ? Nolan: Correct, nothing to do with Road Fund, and I'll be honest with
ya,this 2019. 2020 you're probably gonna have for Road District for the longer, you're probably gonna have to
ask for more, because of all the new buildings which will start paying their taxes this year, cause there's been a
lot of new building, but they won't be on taxes for this coming up year. It will be 2021 I apologize. If that makes
sense, so a year from now, we'll be talking about actually doing a hearing, and going forward, from what I can
see from Road side of the business, because there is so many new buildings going in right now. We're not
voting on this tonight, it's more of a discussion, cuz we're coming in here next month for the Levies. I’m just
trying to get everyone's feed on where you guys want to be at, my personal opinion is that, stick with 224.
Normally, what people do is they'll ask for 2%, 3%, 5%, or you can ask for up to 15%, and go to hearings. I
wasn't planning on raising anything. Standish: Are we moving anything more to the Building Fund? Nolan:
That's a separate... that goes with Capital. That's why I wanted to start this before we go into Capital Fund.
Right now we're sitting if you take Town Hall Fund or Capital Fund that we actually have in budget. If you look
in budget it's says Park District monies - Park District Fund. Also says Capital Fund - Town Hall Fund in the
budget, we got 250,000 sitting there for Town Hall Fund,we really should put in separate account, and also in
the... which we’re gonna discuss, already moved the Park District Funds into a separate account all together.
So right now, when you look at this we're sitting at 180,000 for the Town Fund. If you look at books we closed
today. Standish: I'm all for lowering taxes or keeping the same. Is this going to help us to do this, or we going
to get hurt, and they drop the 224 down to say 220? Nolan: So basically, the taxes are going to go up 2%
nobody's gonna see that from the Township side, no one will see the 2% cause we're not going to ask for it.
does that kinda makes sense? Standish: So the people of the Township won't get hit with 2%? Hellriegel:
They're still getting hit with 2%. Nolan: the school gonna hit for 2%, the Fire District’s going to hit for 2%.
Hellriegel: Everyone’s taking a piece. Nolan: Everyone taking their piece of it. :Standish: Well if they get a meal
at Applebee's then I guess that's alright. Hellriegel: So you're going to ask for 224 like last year? Nolan: We all
have to vote on it next month anyway, either way you guys want it, I'll draft it up, I don't see value in…
Hellriegel: Ask for what you got last time. Nolan: That's all I'm saying. Hellriegel: If your budget will cover what
you got last year. Nolan:You’d be fine with that? Ok. Russ, your opinion? Standish: I think it's a great idea to
keep the taxes the same, I hope it makes a difference. Hellriegel: It's not us making the tax decisions though,
all we're doing is asking for the money that comes from the Taxes, the county makes the tax decisions.
Standish: I understand that, but the thing is, in his pocket, in his pocket, and his pocket, and I want to see
some money back. I mean if we're going to do it. Hellriegel: That's what she's doing with your appeal, we don't
make decision of taxes going up. Standish: No, I understand that part but you say we're going to stop the 2%
on the Township, is it gonna cut out anything on Road District? Hellriegel: No, this is not Road District.
Standish:That’s what I'm saying. Hellriegel: StrictlyTownship. Standish: Well, as long as we get the stuff we're
supposed to, and the people get a break, I don't see a problem. Hellriegel: The people aren't getting a break.
Masat: You're not gonna get a break. Bushong: Most people's taxes will go up slightly because of the 2%.
Standish: So what happens if we don't? They go up more? Nolan: Yes. Standish: Well isn't that a break?
Nolan: We’re not going to ask for the 2%. Standish: I understand. Nolan : So your taxes for the Township will
not go up. Correct, I think I said that right? Did I Cherie? Newton: I’m following. Nolan: Did I say it right or no?
What’s your thoughts? Newton: I asked for this for last meeting. Nolan: Yes, you did, that’s why I broke it out
like this. Newton: Maybe I’m confused with prior year, we asked for X% because we knew we would only get a
small, small, small, right? Remember what I’m talking about, what was that %? Nolan: Last year we asked for
almost 5%. Newton: Asked for almost 5? Hellriegel: Yes. Nolan: The year before that we asked for almost
14%. Newton: That's what I wanted to know, ok. Nolan: we want the budget, um.. levy we went for hearing.
Newton: So,14% in 2017 ? Nolan: Actually 4.9 or something like that from last year. Newton: In 2018? Nolan:
Yes. Newton: 14% in 2017 & 4.9 in 2018 correct? Nolan: Yes. Last year I know it was 4.9. Newton: Ok. Nolan:
Year before that, I wanna say it was 14, could have been 15. That's what I'm saying. Newton: I just had that
higher %, that's what I was thinking of,ok. Nolan: And this is where everyone always runs into problems, is that
government agencies seems like, if you don't ask for it, you don't get it, and if you don't ask for it, then you lose
it. Throws you off a little bit, I think we're in a position that we don't need to ask for it.We should ask for what
we got and that's problem with a lot of government agencies. Will County’s gonna tax the heck out of us this
year. They're going to levies too. I believe they're gonna tax the heck out of us this year. Fair? Ok. Hellriegel:
your taxes are going up next year. Nolan: I think we've done a very good job at spending money. I'll be honest
with ya. Hellriegel: Surviving within our means. Nolan: That's what it is, now keep going up, we don't need it all
so.. Hellriegel: Ok. Nolan: Second thing on there, was creation of Capital Fund, it’s more of a discussion right
now. If you remember from the attorney’s letter, was to start putting that...Hellriegel: Getting it out of the
General Fund. Nolan: Taking it out of General Fund, I haven't started the process with that one yet, I did one at
a time. I was going to start the process with this, but I wanted to make sure the wording, if you guys read that,
and there's any different wording we want. We can always adjust it as we go. I just wanted wording on it as we
go. Hellriegel: Well, we just can't leave it in that General Fund. Nolan: Correct, that can’t stay even attorney
and accountant say. Newton: So is your goal to do that one next? Nolan: Yes, you know me Cherie,I can only
do one thing at a time. Newton: I understand this. Nolan: Do you? That’s the way I was going to phrase it,just
didn't know if we wanted anything else on there, dates? long-term dates? short term dates? maximum?
Newton: Wait, read what you told you again. Nolan: I was just looking for his note. Newton: He was more
specific. Nolan: He was. Capital Fund basically what it says is the Township should have a plan for the
possible use of those funds, which may include for example, the construction of a Town Hall or development
of a combined Town Hall multi-use and Park facility. So I think this is phrased properly, cause basically it’s
saying for purpose to maintain, lease, or build aTown Hall/ Multi-use facility building. The reason why I put the
rest of these monies we’re a line item in the budget, and it should be placed in a separate account. They were
always line-itemed in. Town Hall Fund or whatever we called it back at that time. Newton: Ok. Nolan: I don't
know if you guys need any more discussion about it or not. Hellriegel: I don't. Nolan: You good? Hellriegel: I
think so. Nolan: Good Russ? Standish: I mean, I don't have a question, we've done this before, I understand
where it's going. Nolan: Just getting it in the books a little straighter. Newton: Do you have another set of these
2 for Sue? Nolan: Yeah, I have them right here. Newton: Can I have to put with my stack of stuff for her?
Nolan: Yes, you can. Newton: Thank you.
Nolan: Can I have a motion to adjourn the meaning? Hellriegel: Any public comments? Nolan: Sorry, I
apologize. Bushong: I have a question, we approved the PACE transportation deal, correct? Nolan: Yes, we
put money in the budget for it. Bushong: Is it effective? Can we announce it? Can people use it? Hellriegel: I
don't believe it is effective yet. Newton: No. Bushong: It is not effective yet? Hellriegel: No. Nolan: I’ll let you
know at next meeting. I apologize. Bushong: Ok.
Hellriegel: I have a question for the Assessor, do you like it? Bushong: Oh, I do. I love what I'm doing.
Hellriegel: Ok, because you volunteered for this. Bushong: I'm a little overwhelmed, I'll be honest with you, and
I didn't, and Jim knows this, I didn't quite expect to be appointed and then get hit within a week, bombarded
with appeals. So, it’s been interesting, and learning, I’ve learned hard & fast. Nolan: We made a mistake,
actually, I made a mistake. We appointed, we probably should have held back until after all the reviews were
all done and all that, before we did what we did. Bushong: Because the County would have, not solely me. But
you know what, In fairness, they have been great. I’ve had a ton of questions, and I've had to go to them a lot.
they provided me a lot of guidance. I actually really do like doing all the work and I'm still learning. the farther I
go in this, the more respect I have for what Joann did and knew. Hellriegel: You can resign. Newton: Thank
you for all your doing. Nolan: I'll be honest with you, from a board standpoint it's one of the best things we've
ever done, is appoint her to this position. Cause actually, one of the best things for the taxpayers of the
Township is getting this thing in line, because it comes down to assessed value. Regardless what anyone says
it comes down to assessed value, nothing else matters. You can't even start working the budgets without
assessed values. Bushong: It’s true. Nolan: It’s truly where it all begins and it doesn't matter if that's not right in
government. Newton: Have you gotten a bill from them yet? Nolan: Who? Newton: County. Nolan: No, she
keeps calling me. They cancelled their meeting, I didn't cancel the meeting. Am I wrong? Bushong: We’re
waiting now I guess. Nolan: I walked in the County building, at the time of the meeting and they said “Oh, we
can't meet with you guys today.”Newton: Ok. Nolan: Then they called and said can you meet next week? No,
I'm busy. Newton: I can meet. I don't mind going with to be an extra set of ears. Nolan: That's ok. Newton: Or
have questions.
Chris Russell: I have a question, is the Town Fund the same thing as Capital Fund? Are those the same?
Nolan: It’s in the same, here's the thing is, Park Donations, general Assistance Fund, it’s all in the Town Fund,
but it’s broken into separate checking accounts. That's what you're doing breaking down into separate
checking accounts. Russell: I’m sorry I meant Town Hall Fund. Nolan: No, it’s a...Russell: Is Town Hall Fund
same as Capital Fund? Nolan: Yes. Russell: Ok. Nolan: That’s what it’s being revised. Newton: It will be.
Nolan: It will be. Russell: That’s the next one being pulled out of Town...Nolan: Correct, sorry, yes. In the
budget line item it says Town Hall Fund. Russell: And that will be changed, the name will change to Capital.
Nolan: The name will change to Capital, Town/Multi-Use Fund or something like that. Did I adjourn? No, I didn’t
yet. Can I get a motion to adjourn the meeting? Standish: I make a motion to adjourn the meeting. Nolan:
Second? Hellriegel: Second. Nolan: All in favor? Board: Aye. Voice vote: Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, (Hand notes by Trustee Newton & audio recording)
Susan Coffey, Clerk
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2019
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 7:01 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll call - In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Newton, Standish, Hellriegel, Commissioner Massat,
Supervisor Nolan, and Clerk Coffey.
Clerk Coffey submitted the minutes of the regular meeting held September 9, 2019. There was a motion to
approve the minutes submitted by Trustee Standish, with a second by Trustee Hellriegel. Voice vote: Motion
carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Schultz: At the end. Nolan: Ok, never stopped you.
PLANNING COMMISSION - Chairman Murday stated matter set for planning commission next month, it is
property on LaGrange owned by Tracy family. Map amendment from A-1 to I-1 thought being, would like to
lease under I-1 to become income producing. For sale sign posted, also interested in selling. Murday to have
conversation with attorney representing Tracy family. Will ask if they want I-1 before sale. Some confusion over
if someone wants to buy & put something up there, don’t know why they wouldn’t purchase and then come
before us and County to rezone, as opposed to Tracy’s rezoning A-1 to I-1. Chairman Murday will provide
Trustee Newton with information for the website. Newton: I have put it on website. Murday: I think they are
going to carve out 5-10 acre parcel fronting LaGrange to zone I-1. Will county ordinance has to be 10 acres.
Nolan: how many acres in all? Murday: I think 60-70.
Murday: A gentleman called me, he resides at 8045 W Pauling Rd., Bob knows him, has discussed flooding
issues, wants to know if township can help alleviate flooding issue in front of his property. Gave info to Nolan,
and advised he come to the board. Just wanted to let everyone know. Newton: I spoke with him as well, and
told him to come to a meeting. Wagner: I replied to an email, stating same thing. Massat: He wants to run
water, it all goes to the south and he wants to run it to the north, and head east. It does not go that way. He
can come here and talk to these people all he wants. Unless they can get a grant from County and put tiles to
go to south east, is the way it’s supposed to go. But when people build homes and put in pastures, all that,
fencing pole barns, they screw all that up and look for someone else to help drain their property. I talked to the
guy, I’m not diggin a 9ft ditch down the road to help him out. I’m not doing it. Hellriegel: The flow of water
across property from 1 side to other. Massat: I’m going from one watershed to another watershed and you
can’t do that, by law. Nolan: About 2 ½ years ago, I went with you over there. Massat: About a year and a half
ago I told him. Nolan: Wants to drain off his property into ditches back to creek, should probably talk to County.
Hellriegel: When creek right behind him. Nolan: I don’t think that’s his property. Hellriegel: It’s not, but go talk to
your neighbor once you send him the water, then they have to do something with it. Nolan: When you drive
down 88th Ave. before Offner, floods on each side, building house right in middle, how County is allowing, I
don’t comprehend at all. Land Use allowing them. Hellriegel: He’s kind of on a high spot. Wagner: Looks as if
he’s only inches above grade with his foundation. Massat: He is gonna put in a pond.
Murday: Ralph Dietz of 24824 S Harlem indicates his interest in serving on the Planning Commission, we have
been communicating, may meet this week. Currently he is an engineer at the University of Chicago, retiring
and has time, would like to do something for the Township. Murday: Still want a few more members. Last
inquiry from me, regarding large acreage for sale. Massat & Hellriegel: Watson ground. Murday: Just
wondering in case there is a development purpose. That’s all. Nolan: Thanks Don.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT - Commissioner Massat: Done paving, done tar & chipping, just
working on drainage tiles, a lot of culverts to replace, we haven’t even got to. That’s about it. Nolan: How many
culverts you got to replace? Massat: 4 or 5 on Offner, 3 on Kuse, 2 on 80th. Nolan: Is that personal or cross
roads, and you have to rip up roads? Massat: Yep.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT - Nolan: Jane was unable to attend. She sent me a report, I forgot to bring it. My fault.
Newton: You want me to bring it up on my phone? What do you want, the report? Nolan: Yes, she sent a
report. I’ll give you a little, last day for appeals is October 27th, everything has to be done. She is just swamped
right now, I know that. I will forward her report to everybody. Newton: (looking in phone) Was it the September
2019 Assessor Report and expenses? Nolan: No it was last week, sent report to me.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT - Newton: Had one minor thing, I’ve been trying to get us the handbooks from TOI, I got
a text from them, she said, she just sent them.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT - Nolan: I’m gonna pass because New Business is all pertaining to it anyways.
NEW BUSINESS - Nolan: Park Donation Fund, I forwarded you guys everything from Weber (accountant) and
also the attorney. We talked before about separating everything out from the Town Fund. Couple questions I
asked: General Assistance Fund being used for Will Ride, that, in their opinion is “not acceptable,” so that
cannot be done that way. Park Donation Fund, what can they be used for & what they can’t, and if they should
be separated from regular Town Fund. They said, “They should be separated.” Another question, about real
estate taxes. That property is farmed, we pay taxes on it. Can the money generated from that be used to pay
taxes? So, suggestion was also to move that Park Donations into a separate Fund. I believe Bill, back in your
days, you did have that separated. Wagner: Yes, I don’t know when it got unseparated. Nolan: When I took
over it was all in one place and just line itemed out. Any suggestions? It’s the proper way to do it, but the taxes
could be paid. Wagner: So the rent will go into the Park Fund, does it actually have to go into the Park Fund?
Nolan: Yes, because it is park land, no different than having as a bank account. Park donations sitting in the
bank collects interest, interest cannot be used for anything in Town Fund, has to remain in Park Donations.
Wagner: I just know the law is specific, the Park Donations can only be spent on property, I don’t recall it being
specific on anything else. Newton: Did you see this from George Mahoney (attorney)? Wagner: I don’t think I
did. Newton: This was his response. Nolan: “Restricted to general use and purpose which may be permitted
under County ordinance required. These include using the fund for the park, public open space, or recreation
opportunities within the Township. Payments cannot be used for non-park related purposes.” So, property
taxes would be park related. We’ve been paying out of Town Fund for I don’t know how long. So I’ll be
changing that out. Other thing, Capital Fund, we talked about putting money, it just really needs pre-approval of
Town Board. Starting a Township all Capital Fund. So, I think we need to outline what Capital Funds are for.
We have them sitting in a Town Fund, we called it for a building, so we have money sitting there, it needs to be
moved out of Town Fund. Hellriegel: It can’t sit in there? Nolan: It should not sit in there, it’s got to be brought
out separately, but we got to design it and how the board wants to approve it for. Newton: The creation of the
Capital Fund. Nolan: Thank you. Can you read that for me, mine was cut off. Newton: His response? Nolan:
Please, thank you. Newton: (reading attorney’s response) I view the creation of a Capital Fund account to be
part of the Township budgeting an approval process and within the purview of the Township Board, in our
opinion it does not need to be approved by the voters. The Township should have a plan for the possible uses
of those funds, which may include, for example, construction of a Town Hall or the development of a combined
Town Hall / Multi Use and Park Facility. Nolan: And I think we created a line item, before everything was
bulked into one place. I don’t think we actually designed how we wanted it. So I think going forward we need to
figure out how to word this up. Hellriegel: These are Capital Funds coming in for this? Nolan: It’s Capital Funds
when we do the budget, how we allocate money out. It’s just always been put in one place. That’s not a good
way. You had everything separated at one time. Wagner: We never had a Capital. Nolan: Right, correct.
Wagner: I fully agree it should be in a separate fund. Hellriegel: Yes, if we’re asking for it that way, it should be.
Nolan: I’ll ask him to draft up, how to word it. I’m assuming, as a board we’re still looking at it for a Town Hall.
Down the line. Wagner: Right. Hellriegel: Airport’s coming, so they say. Wagner: They’ve been saying since
“78.” Hellriegel: If they approve that exit off Eagle Lake Rd. that airport is coming. Massat: They appropriated
165 million for that. Nlan: So for Capital Fund, I will throw something up, or write it out, ask the lawyer to
approve it, wording wise, and send out to board. Get your guy’s opinion on it at next meeting. Newton: And
vote on it at next meeting? Nolan: Yeah, if that's fair, we can always change wording at next meeting.
Nolan: Last thing, we have levies coming up, December we have to do levies, from Road District is one aspect,
from Township is different, from what we spent and everything else, I think we had a 2% increase if I’m not
mistaken. My suggestion, would be, and you guys all saw the budget and what we spent, and previous year.
That 224 we took in last year about 4000-4500 was General Assistance Fund, which we haven’t used since
i’ve been sitting here. We have like 30 grand in there, which hasn’t been touched, so levying for it, I’m not.
Wagner: Right. Nolan: So as we build this levy back up, or how we’re going to do this, going into 2020. It’s one
thing I don’t think we should levy for, General Assistance, right now. Hellriegel: You’re saying, leave it the
same? Nolan: Leave same for Township, minus the General Assistance. So, basically you’re saying about 224.
Hellriegel: Again, they say if you lower it you can’t get it back, so you don’t want to lower it. If you don’t want to
raise it then, levy for same thing as last year. Nolan: That’s what I’m saying, I think that’s where we had this
discussion last year bill, that’s why I don’t want to wait till last minute. Wagner: If you lower it to the point that it
lowers the tax rate, you can’t raise a tax rate without a referendum. Hellriegel: Yeah, you’d like to lower if not
using, but if you lower it, it gets you later. Nolan: That’s the discussions the board has to make on some of this
stuff. I know we look at long term too, just not for right now. Long term you don’t want to hurt the Township, in
15-20 years by doing something like this. Newton: Could we have like, what we did last year, and a column
proposal for coming year? So, we can see the difference or change? Nolan: One more time? Newton:
Compare the real numbers, not just around 2%. Actual percentage and the numbers? What we did last year,
and what we’re thinking this year? For 2020? Nolan: Ok, see that where the levies, I think skew us, you’re
projecting what you think is going to come in, you don’t have actual numbers until they come in. Am I wrong,
Bill? Wagner: Correct. Until April 1st. Nlan: That’s our dilemma, at times. You can take a good guess.
Hellriegel: That’s the reason you don’t want to lower it, they can even lower it more, they aren’t giving you what
you ask for sometimes. Wagner: You always estimate extremely high, then they lower to what we are legally
allowed to have. Newton: What did we ask , what was the figure last year? Nolan: The figure we asked for was
224 something. Don’t quote me on that exactly, that’s what I’m trying to say. 224 range and I want to say that
was only about 1% increase or 1.75% increase over or just say 2% over previous year. Hellriegel: And got it?
Nolan: When we went to levy we asked for 4.99 and got 2. Hellriegel: Ok. Nolan: Years previously, everyone
looked at 15% and still got 2, cause your asking for all that money coming in. Looking to see what direction to
kinda go on this. Hellriegel: So, you’d like to see some numbers in front of you? Newton: For our next meeting,
so we could see before we vote on it in December. Nolan: I got you, Ok. Wagner: It’s coming up fast. Nolan:
That’s why, if you don’t have conversations it sneaks up on you, that’s when mistakes happen. I want to be
proactive on this one. Put that back on Agenda for next month, conversation. We don’t have to make a
decision until December on this whole thing. Wagner: Kinda related to some of this, the info that Gearge
provided us about some of those funds, did George bill us for that? Nolan: If he hasn’t he will. Wagner:
Because, we also sent, looks like we sent Steve Weber $115 for his consulting with George? Nolan: Yes.
Wagner: Why do we do that? Nolan: Because, when you’re starting funds, I don’t think there’s anyone better in
the County than Weber, to be honest with you. Wagner: I understand, but if he needs legal help to do his job,
then why is he charging us for that? I mean we’re going to him as subject matter expert. Nolan: I went to the
attorney first. Wagner: Ok. Nolan: Let me rephrase some of this. Some of this was also Park District, which had
nothing to do with funding. So, there’s legal questions and then there’s accounting questions. Wagner: I still,
Nolan: Maybe I didn’t explain it right. Wagner: I’m still concerned about paying Weber for going to our attorney
to get an answer. I mean, we go to our attorney to get an answer. Nolan: Weber never went to our attorney.
Our attorney asked me if he could get in contact with our accountant. I said yes. Wagner: And he charged us
$115 (Weber) to do that. Nolan: Yes, which I, personally, have no problem with. Wagner: I don’t know. Coffey:
Would he have charged us, if it wasn’t the attorney that called him? If you would have called him, would he
have charged you? Nolan: I would assume when anyone calls, he would charge them. Murday: You’re talking
about 2 guys with separate disciplines. You’re talking one, an accountant, one an attorney, and you put their
heads together, and come up with the answer. To me, it makes perfect sense. The accountant’s not going to
give you legal advice, and the attorney’s not going to give you accounting advice. So, they put their heads
together and say, this is what we have to do. So, that one meets with accounting standards, and one meets
with legal standards. Wagner: I guess when I go to an accountant for accounting advice, he knows all the
legalities of the advice he’s giving and I shouldn’t have to go to an attorney, if my accountant knows what we
can legally do with the accounts. Murday: The accountant is not going to practice law. Wagner: Understand,
but he’s going to understand the law, so he knows how to do his accounting. He’s not a bookkeeper, he’s an
accountant. So, he should know what things we could legally do with accounts. Murday: But he’s never going
to give you an opinion, unless he knows, he has some kind of foundation on which he can protect himself. He’s
going to give you accounting information. If your accountant is giving you legal advice, then he’s overstepping
his bounds. An accountant gives you accounting advice. He may know how the law interacts or interplays with
the accounting function, but he’s not going to give you legal advice. Wagner: I understand. Murday: His
malpractice isn’t going to cover that. So, for malpractice purposes, I believe both of them confer, so that they
can come up with something together. So, the attorney has the accountant and his say, so he’s covered in that
aspect, and the accountant has talked to the lawyer, so he’s covered from his aspect. I see it all the time.
Interdisciplinary conferences to make sure you’re appropriately covered. If what they’re doing is making sure
our books, and our records are where they need to be then that’s worth $115. Nolan: Bill, I’ll be honest with
you, you’re talking about me moving $300,000 around, I want to get advice from a legal standpoint, and an
accounting standpoint. Wagner: I understand it’s not a whole lot of money, but I don’t feel like we should be
paying two people to come up with the same answer. Or, he should say, I think this is what you should do, and
we should be going to the attorney and say, “Is this legal?” Now that I know you had him call, so it’s kinda the
same thing. Nolan: Sorry, I wanted to double check everything. Wagner: Skip you as middleman, which is ok, I
understand better now. Nolan: Like going to doctor, and getting a second opinion. Wagner: yeah, but my
doctor is not going to charge me for the second opinion. Massat: That’s right. Wagner: Second opinion doctor
will charge you, and the second opinion doctor should not call my doctor to find out what he should say.
(laughter)
OLD BUSINESS - Nolan: I had Will Ride, cleared up with attorney. We can’t do that way with General
Assistance, just FYI, and Don was going to take over, and run this thing. Hellriegel: Nope. Wagner: How many
seats you have on that tractor? (laugh) Nolan: What if we vote on it? Wagner: Don’t miss a meeting. Nolan: As
soon as you don’t show up. Wagner: I make a motion (laughter)
COMMENTS - Schultz: Is 88th Ave a construction route? Massat: Huh? What? Is 88th Ave a construction
road? Schultz: Yeah. Massat: Sometimes, sometimes not, why? Schultz: All those trucks the other day.
Massat: They were going to a job for Green Garden Township. Schultz: They hurt that road. Massat: Yeah, ok.
Schultz: But you got a construction road they could have came up on, off of Center. Massat: Dralle That’s the
construction road, is Dralle. Schultz: But they didn’t use it. Massat: No, because it’s shorter straight 88th Ave to
Stuenkel, than to all the way down and around and back up Stuenkel. Schultz: So they hurt 88th Ave now?
Massat: It ain’t that bad. Schultza; Yeah it is. Massat: No different than what it was before. Schultz So the
people seen that, and a couple houses away, 2 days later, here comes all the semis haulin’ dirt in there.
Massat: Where did the dirt go? Schultz: I didn’t care. Massat: Well I know but, did you know where the dirt
went? Schultz: Sure. Massat: Cause I have bond on those people. Schultz: I know where it went, and the
house has been there for probably 50 years. Massat: Well then they don’t have a bond if house has been
there for 50 years. Schultz I walked out there when all the trucks were like a parade there, and you can see the
road moving under them. Massat: They all move Buddy. Schultz: And you know the guy from the County about
the water thing? Newton: Brian? Schultz: A private engineering firm drew it up, walked it up to County, Ok
looks good, and they never even looked at it. Then, Greg comes out and Bob knows Greg, he’s a worthless
piece of ...Nolan: Don’t write that down. Coffey: I, Massat: S**t. I’ll say it for ya. Nolan: Don’t say it! Schultz: He
didn’t even get out of the car, yeah, this looks good. Massat: They’re useless there at County, they won’t do
nothing for you. Schultz: He said once County stamps it, right or wrong, it’s done. Newton: Bob, what is the
appeal process? Massat: Ask Bill, we went out there and had a meeting with them on your little episode, there
the plans show a 7ft berm. He has an 18ft berm, so we ask County what you gonna do? They ain’t gonna do
anything, we don’t care. If he ever decides for us to come and look at it maybe he can draw up a new plan and
show us that it’s 15ft high and we’ll accept it. Schultz: How does he get in office or how does he get his job?
Massat: Probably appointed, been there a long time. Schultz: Who would appoint him? Walsh? Massat: Oh,
Larry, I don’t know how those guys get their jobs to be honest with you. Schultz: He don’t deserve nothing, he’s
terrible. Massat: I run into that issue a lot, like with Bill. Wagner: Problem I have is there’s no ordinance against
it. No ordinance against, they allow it. Massat: But his plans show 7ft berm, he’s at 15ft berm, they say “So
what.” Wagner: No ordinance against 15ft berm so he’ll just submit another plan for later on and say it’s 15ft
and they’ll accept it. Schultz: So we can’t vote him out ever? Has he been there for life? Massat: Been there
long time. Wagner: Are there actually County engineers? It’s same thing, they just go by whatever engineer
they hire, that’s the plan they use. Schultz: But Greg is not an engineer, is he? Massat: I don’t think.Schultz:
Just a yes man? Massat: I believe so. Wagner: You would hope they have an engineer on staff, that would
look at these things and say yeah. Massat: I don’t even think they do them themselves anymore. Schultz: They
don’t. It’s on 30 an engineering firm, and when they do it , they walk it up there and Ok, they don’t even look at
it. Nolan: I’ll be honest, you remodel your house or addition, and this is going back 20 years. If you have
architect or engineer stamp, you walk into building department and they see a stamp, it’s done. Schultz: Oh, I
know. Nolan: I remodeled my house 20 some years ago and had architect stamp and they said “done.” I don’t
know if they don’t have resources or people, I don’t know. Strigow: That was the Building Department your
talking about. Schultz: What does he do? The Brian guy? Nolan: Land Use or is he Code Enforcement?
Newton: He
S Land Use. Massat: He’s on drainage. Newton: He’s been helpful to us as a board in the past, when we had
questions, like with gun club, and I have asked him, if this isn’t your thing, can you tell us who we should be
talking to? He’s usually pretty good about saying, “That’s not me, speak to so and so.” Schultz: There’s
nothing they gonna do about it. Newton: The supervisor came out? Greg? And said? Schultz: He said, “Yeah,
that’s fine.” Massat: I can tell you, I think your road gets 3 inches next year. Schultz: Huh? Massat: 3 inches of
pavement next year. I think it’s on the list. Schultz: To tell you the truth, Massat: They’re gonna move faster!
Schultz: I don’t care about that. With the way the water problem is, it still ain’t gonna stay longer and there’s
nothing you can do. If you put across the road now right there on Brockman’s field is just like a swamp, you
know what it smells like? Massat: Sewer. Schultz: And somebody gotta be running sewer there and y9ou know
what County says, “No, that’s ok.” Striggow: Used to have dye tablets if they thought they were running sewer
there. Schultz: They told everyone they were going to do it. Massat: Was cold patch good on Stuenkel Rd?
Schultz: I don’t know. Massat: You don’t go that way no more? Schultz: I never did go that way. Massata: I
thought you went 45 to Stuenkel. Schultz: Oh, yeah, needs couple more holes filled. Massat: Yeah, well, we
ran out that day. Nolan: We filled some. Schultz: One of your generous workers filled a little whole right in front
of my driveway. I’m so happy about that.
Striggow: Park Fund, how many dollars are we talking there? Nolan: Roughly, $35,000-$40,000. Striggow:
That’s what’s left out of Park District Donation Fund? Nolan: They never separated it though, all those dollars
over the years, it was all funded into Town Fund. When I took over, I went back through records I could find
and calculated what was owed to that fund, to be in there. They kept in the Town Fund. Striggow: Park District
money I’m talking about is from house building. Nolan: That’s all gon, I think when, Wagner: When we bought
the 30 acres. Nolan: They never took the money and separated it out from Park Fund line item. When I took
over, I tried to calculate as far back as I could go to put it in. Striggow: How many thousands are you planning
to put into Capital Fund? Nolan: I think $250,000, what are you thinking? Schultz: Are we ever going to have a
park? I don’t need one. Nolan: Here’s where you get caught up on this stuff. We live out in the country,
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2019
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 7:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call
In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Newton, Standish, Hellriegel, Commissioner Massat, Supervisor Nolan,
and Clerk Coffey.
Clerk Coffey submitted the minutes from the regular meeting held August 12, 2019. There was a motion to
approve the minutes as submitted by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Newton. Voice vote: Motion
carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Buddy Schultz will respond at end of meeting in case of controversy.
PLANNING COMMISSION
● Nothing for August, nothing on schedule for September.
● Need to populate Planning Commission. Chairman Murday asks for info to be posted on website, and
through word of mouth. Three openings for a board of 7, with hopes of representing all quadrants of
township, Massat: Used to be 5. Please direct responses to Don Murday. Asks to be excused early for
prior commitment.
● Schultz: How many acres for 2 horses? Murday: When questions arise, I look to the code. Massat: 2 ½.
Murday: Is that County ordinance? Nolan: I think, a horse per acre plus 1 per half. Massat: Used to be 2
½. Schultz: Realtor advertising 2 horses on 2 acres, property location 24750 88th Ave., what is the
zoning? Massat: Thought A-1, their A-2 residential, not AG. Schultz: You can have a horse per acre?
Massat: I don’t think so. Murday: Send me address, I will look at zoning and tell you what is permitted. It
is R-2 on map. Murday & Nolan to follow up. Wayman: Saddle Ridge 2 ½ acres, no horses allowed.
Nolan: Might be HOA regulations. Wagner: Might have covenants.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
● Done Tar & Chipping, going back to mowing, changing culverts, and cleaning ditches.
● Tar & Chipped 4 miles A-1, 1 mile A-3. 5 mile total. Schultz: Still sweep chips on road? Massat:
Sometimes we do. We get chewed out for doing, people on motorcycles say they slip & slide, also on
cut grass.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT
● Trustee Newton states she contacted TOI for Trustee Handbook, sent letter to their contact 7-24-19.
Asked for next publication, response was, no impending publication. TOI agreed to send 4 of the latest
publications at no charge.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
● AFR complete & filed with the state. Will give Sue copy to file with County.
● Contacted Attorney for: “Will Ride” if able to use General Assistance? Park Donation Property Fund
(not allowed to use), how to set up in different Fund? Can income on that property be used to pay the
taxes?
● Sent email to Rhonda Novak (Supervisor of Assessments - County) to see what needs to be done to
close out that bill. Should have one final bill from County. Newton: What about getting our files back?
Nolan: Will figure that out after hearing back from County, files are to come back here (building).
Newton: Don’t they need to be locked? Nolan: Building is locked. Newton: I thought we discussed
building a wall, closet, or something? Nolan: There’s no difference between an office & the building. We
can still discuss, it’s going to take time to get everything back too. Newton: Doesn’t it say, needs to be
in an enclosed secure location? Not just a locked door? Wagner: Like a locked cabinet? Newton: Jane
(Bushong)? Bushong: I will check with County, but not supposed to be open access to everybody, any
information that could be requested in a FOIA would need to be protected. Newton: File cabinets with
keys? Bushong: Yes, that would at least be a good idea. To recreate data & information would be
costly.
NEW BUSINESS
● Nolan: Can I have a motion to Appoint Jane Bushong as Green Garden Township Assessor? Wagner:
So moved. Nolan: Can I have a second? Trustee Hellreigel made a second to the motion. Roll Call:
Wagner, yes; Hellriegel, yes; Newton, yes; Standish, yes; Nolan, yes. Motion carried, 5-0.
● Oath administered by Clerk Coffey and sworn to by Jane Bushong for appointment of Assessor. Phone
number discussed and to be posted on website.
OLD BUSINESS
● Discussion for “Will Ride”, will put on Agenda for next meeting. Waiting to hear back from Attorney.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Schultz: What’s going in on corner of Manhattan-Monee & 45? Massat: Used to be Davis Paving, still think it’s
going, no word from anybody, Davis & Sylvestri Paving. Sylvestri Paving just cores out roads, don’t have
paving plant. Davis Concrete bought in years ago, all equipment stored across street. Don’t think anything
different from other plans, but County jumps over Township. Nolan: Zoned industrial, abatement granted a year
and half or two years ago. Schultz: Do they get free taxes for 5 years? Nolan: 2 years, that’s it. Newton: I think
the 2 years is coming up. Nolan: Being taxed farm now. Schultz: Will new Assessor be qualified to assess
something like that? Bushong: Will work with County on something like this (industrial). I also have objective to
reach out to other townships, just for advice (guidance). Massat: When you apply for permit and they accept
what you’re gonna do, which they did 10 years ago. They should have never been AG. Should have been
taxed what they were zoned. They change zoning to Commercial, Tax Assessor should have already nailed
them Commercial, not AG. Bushong: Not professed to be an expert, my understanding is there might be an
exception on that. I am not to solely rely on zoning, like County. Example: I have a piece I’m working on now. It
was Farm, has home (Residential), farm buildings (Farm), and turned major Pole Building into a venue (renting
on weekends, for large price). So, now there is Commercial, too. County is handling zoning, I’m breaking into
portions (Farm, Residential, & Commercial). My concern, tax assessment. Massat: When approved for
subdivisions & market went down, they all (developers) went to County and cancelled everything. No longer
AG, zoning was already changed (Residential). Can’t change AG gotta change Residential. Wagner:
Historically, assessed for “use” not zoned. Nolan: Like property along 57, zoned Industrial/Commercial.
Changed back to AG, tax related.
Jim Hilliard: Last meeting I attended didn’t have a budget, did you fix budget problem? Nolan: Voted on budget,
still needs to be amended. Assessor coming on, we need Assessor Budget within that budget, still being
worked on and in touch with lawyers. Hilliard: How much was legal fees for that? Nolan: $1200.00 Newton: 1
bill for them. Nolan: $1162.50 paid in August to attorney. Hilliard: Did we receive any MFT funds for roads?
Nolan: Yes. Hilliard: How much is that, about a year? Massat: What does it total out to? Hilliard: Yes, what is
the estimate? Massat: $80,000.00 a year. Nolan: You don’t have to use all in a year, you can save that.
Massat: We don’t get that money, stays at County, doesn’t come to me. Hilliard: We get $80,000.00, how do
you use it? Massat: I apply, I go in, sit down with them, tell them I want to do a project. They send out for bid,
they do all engineering, they send everyone out to watch how it gets done, they pay it. Nolan: You can bank
that money for 3 years say, you can pave 2 miles of road (blacktop). You can’t use for equipment, has to do
with roads. Can’t use on Bridges, right Bob? Massat: No. Hilliard: You did 5 miles of road (tar & chip), do you
have a plan to do all gravel roads around here? As far as, so many miles a year? Reason I ask, I grew up in
Homer on gravel. There is not a gravel road there, I understand Homer is completely different than us with
residential growth, and the amount they have. Look at Kankakee County, I can go down a mile road with no
houses on it, and it’s tar & chipped. Not saying you’re doing a bad job, do you have a plan on how many miles
or what year you think they’d all be done? Massat: I came here, there were no paved roads, nothing except
Harvest Hills. We have 70 miles of road, I have 9 miles left. So there you go. Homer has a budget of 6.5
million, I have 670,000. Hilliard: I’m just asking what your plan is? Sounds like you should have this wrapped
up in 2 years. If you did 5 miles this year, you have 9 left. Massat: No, no, those A-1’s were miles I had done
last year, I did A-2 on them, so I did A-1 on them to make them A-3’s. I only did 1 mile this year and I did it A-3.
So next year, I’ll do overlay 5-6 miles, A-1 and maybe 1-2 miles A-2’s or A-3. Hilliard: So, 1 mile of road?
Massat: Maybe 2 in a year, you have to get base first, have to widen to 22ft. at least. You have to put $70,000
of base on every road. Nolan: I think last year we did 3 1/2 , but we got free base grindings, if I’m not mistaken.
Massat: Yeah. Nolan: Do you live on gravel? Massat: Yeah. Hilliard: I do, just asking out of curiosity. Everyone
has the same question about Kankakee County, and for some reason it’s tar & chip is holding up well. Massat:
Whether it’s true or not, I don’t know, but they told me years ago Kankakee County went with the Township
and helped them tar & chip all those roads, and then gave them back to the townships to maintain after that. A
lot of those townships got less money than I got, I don’t know how they got all that tar & chipping. Wagner:
They are not all tar & chipped. Massat: There’s still gravel. Hilliard: There is some, out in Limestone area, I
know they are not “all”, but I go down & farm, I can go down 4 miles and maybe 2 houses. It’s not wide but it’s
tar & chipped, less population than we have, by a lot, so I’m sure the budget’s a lot less also. That’s it, that’s all
I have.
Schultz: Stuenkel & 45, have someone fill the holes! Nolan: That’s State. Schultz: Couple ugly ones. Massat:
You want me to spend money on State property? Holes on edge of Stuenkel, if you want me to go ahead &
spend money on State road. Schultz: Take a couple of shovels of grindings. Massat: We do that. You’d be
surprised how many times. Trucks & trailers going to landscaper just tears it out of there. Nolan: Lot of traffic,
not his apron. Massat: We’ll take care of it for you.
There was a motion to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Hellriegel, with a second by Trustee Standish. Voice
vote: Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Coffey, Clerk
GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 12, 2019
The regular meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nolan at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll Call In attendance were Trustees Wagner, Newton, Hellriegel, Standish, Commissioner Massat, Supervisor Nolan, and Clerk Coffey. Clerk Coffey submitted the minutes from the regular meeting held July 8, 2019. There was a motion to approve the minutes as submitted by Trustee Hellriegel with a second by Trustee Newton. Voice vote: Motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF GEORGE MAHONEY (Mahoney, Silverman, & Cross) ● Attorney appointed at last meeting. ● 19 lawyers in the firm. ● Attorney Marron Mahoney introduced, short presentation regarding issues elected officials are interested in, Open Meetings Act, Governmental Ethics, and Freedom of Information Act. An informational page was distributed to the board (attached). Packets were also distributed to most of the board. ● OMA Training Required. ● Any questions that come up, feel free to contact their office. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None ● Schultz states, “About what? You haven’t done anything yet.” PLANNING COMMISSION ● No August meeting. ● Robert Norkus passed away last Thursday. Mr. Norkus was the longest serving member of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is grateful for his many years of service to the Township. Mrs. Norkus appreciated the acknowledgement from the Township. Bob will be missed. ● Applicant Peter & Tony Wiatr in attendance requesting approval for Map Amendment A-2 to A-1 for property located at 24018 Center Rd. Purpose for pole barn & lifting restrictions. Chairman Murday briefed board of history regarding this applicant. Stated notification was given to neighbors, neighbor to south voiced objection at Planning Commission meeting. Murday suggested less evasive way of variance, also 2 parcels do not equal 10 acres and there are set back issues. A-1 has no limitation on livestock. Discussed E-2, A-2, and some A-1 surround parcel. Planning Commission not in favor. Application tabled at last Planning Commission meeting. County notified Murday applicant was going through with application for Map Amendment. Planning Commission polled, 4-0 against. Applicant to appear before Township board. ● Peter Wiatr apologized for not being fully prepared at PC meeting, pointing out 70% of township is A-1. Parcels purchased 11 years ago at 10.13 acres. Highway Department took 75 feet for easement, leaving 9.82. 9 neighbors notified, only 1 objection. Supervisor Nolan asked if Wiatr was paid for easement? Wiatr: No. Nolan: You can’t just come & take my land. Commissioner Massat: Yes, they can. Wade Light wanted driveway, so they seize easement. ● Wiatr presents Will County chart of zoning districts & allowed uses. Discusses Commercial A-1 & A-2, Special Use Permits, stating A-2 allows orphanage, convent & half-way houses. Printed last 6 months Will County Planning Commission. 2 ½ acres in Monee on Harlem (Green Garden Twp) approved by Board and County to increase animal units from 2 to 13 on Residential. A-1 to I-2 located on Route 45 approved in May 2019 by this board and granted. Even though heavily opposed by the Highway Commissioner to the point that he walked down his letter of opposition to the hearing. Nolan: Harlem was Special Use for chickens. Why not just get variance? Wiatr: A-1 takes square footage restriction away, as well as other restrictions, ultimately restoring peace & quiet with neighbor. Trustee Hellriegel discusses difference between Production Agriculture & Commercial Agriculture. Nolan: Cut-off needs to be somewhere, 10 acres is the limit. Variance or Special Use and we’ll talk. Trustee Wagner questioned usage. Wiatr: Could be hay, and personal storage. There’s a 3 acre lot down Center and 5 acre lots on Stuenkel A-1. Wagner: When they go for building permits County will rezone. Massat: They will change when sold. Wiatr: Applied to consolidate 2 parcels in June. Hellriegel: So, it’s up to County what they do when they consolidate. Wiatr: Yes, but would much rather have neighbor approval. ● Murday states if the purpose is a pole barn, go for Variance. Concern for A-1, no restrictions. Wiatr: Not able to have Echo program, D-Plate restrictions, RV restrictions. The neighbor is that bad, I’ve erected fencing as well as another neighbor. Neighbor to north wrote letter on my behalf. Nolan: The neighbor with the 14 cars? Massat: Illegal here (something inaudible) Yeah, we saw it. Trustee Standish questions acreage before & after easement. ● Trustee Wagner made a motion to approve request for Map Amendment A-2 to A-1. There was a second by Trustee Standish. Roll Call: Wagner, no; Standish, no; Newton, no; Hellriegel, no; Nolan, no. Motion denied 5-0. Applicant appreciates being heard, just doesn’t understand. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT ● Tar & Chip within next 2 weeks. TRUSTEE’S REPORT ● Standish: Cherie, are we gonna talk about lawyer or is that next meeting? Nolan: We can talk next meeting. ● Hellriegel: Cherie, did you get back to the guy about chips in the road? Trustees Newton & Wagner responded to him. SUPERVISOR’S REPORT ● Jane will be certified by September. Put on Agenda for next month to appoint. ● County should bill for ½ year. Will ask County for bill so we can fix within Budget, re-adjust Assessor Budget due to County only being listed. NEW BUSINESS “Will Ride” discussion on monetary specifications & vote. ● Jane Bushong questioned who receives applications? Response: We approve applicant lives in Township, and email PACE. Trustee Newton: Who’s going to approve? Bushong: Field in PAMS program asking if they qualify for PACE. If not too much, I can do it. Nolan: I nominate Hellriegel (laughter). Hellriegel: I ain’t volunteering. I think we should make a motion to approve. Trustee Wagner made a motion to approve “Will Ride” service for medical reasons, doctor visits, with an annual budget of $3000.00. There was a second by Trustee Newton. Voice vote: Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS ● Trustee Newton asked Buddy Schultz if his water issue was resolved with County? Schultz: No, I have to call Brian. ● Jane Bushong reported TOI website has scholarships available, Seven $1500.00 scholarships, she would like to get the word out. Newton: Students, I think, apply with Guidance Counselors help. Maybe we can put a tab on website for the link. Bushong & Newton to follow up. ● Chairman Murday stated Clerk Coffey ordered flowers from the Planning Commission & Township for Bob Norkus. Is that something the township can help with? Supervisor Nolan: Told her to give me receipt. ● Murday asks if we can get something on website for additional volunteers for the Planning Commission? Down to 4 members and himself. Nolan: How many do you want? Murday: I would like 7, let’s ask and see who volunteers. Ideally 2 to cover the 4 quadrants of the township. Bushong: Facebook? Nolan: Funny thing about social media in general, have a lot of idiots on there. I can’t manage through idiots, put that in the minutes. Trustee Hellriegel suggests going back to Public Comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None There was a motion to adjourn the meeting by Trustee Wagner with a second by Trustee Hellriegel. Voice vote: Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Coffey, Clerk