1 00:00:00,719 --> 00:00:08,320 So, it is now 5:00 pm here on Tuesday, January 13th. So, we will call to order 2 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:14,240 the Golden Township regular board meeting uh for today, Tuesday, January 3 00:00:10,880 --> 00:00:20,400 13th. Clerk, if you could Oh, sorry. Yes. Uh if you could call to order. Um 4 00:00:17,279 --> 00:00:23,359 sorry, getting out of myself. Call to order the meeting. Uh we'll 5 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:27,800 begin with the pledge of allegiance after which we'll do 6 00:00:28,880 --> 00:00:37,920 pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 7 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:40,920 republic for which it says one nation indivisible. 8 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:50,640 » Trusty Adamski >> here. 9 00:00:49,600 --> 00:00:52,320 » Trusty Bivian >> here. Trustee Gavin 10 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:53,920 » here. >> Trustee Washington 11 00:00:53,520 --> 00:00:55,440 » here. >> Supervisor Guerrero 12 00:00:55,039 --> 00:01:00,640 » here. >> We have a quorum. 13 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:04,320 » So, first on our agenda is approval of minutes. We've got three items under 14 00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:10,320 this section. So, we will be calling these uh to vote separately. Um that 15 00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:14,400 they're different nature. So, uh the first is approval for minutes of our 16 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:20,320 regular town board meeting from last month, December 9th, 2025. Hopefully, 17 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:24,720 everyone's had a chance to review them. questions regarding those minutes. If 18 00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:28,479 there are no questions, then I would ask for a motion and a second to approve the 19 00:01:27,119 --> 00:01:34,479 minutes of the regular town board meeting of December 9th, 2025. Second 20 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:35,840 motion and second, Madam Cler. >> Trusty Gavin. 21 00:01:35,439 --> 00:01:38,640 » Hi, >> Trusty Adamski. Hi, 22 00:01:37,360 --> 00:01:41,360 » Trusty Bibian. Hi, >> Trusty Washington. Hi, 23 00:01:39,920 --> 00:01:45,040 » Supervisor Guerrero. I >> motion carried. 24 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:49,600 » Good. This next item is a little bit different. The this will be for approval 25 00:01:47,360 --> 00:01:54,560 of the close session minutes of the regular town board meeting on December 26 00:01:51,280 --> 00:01:57,680 9th, 2025. Likewise, if there are no questions, I'll ask for a motion and a 27 00:01:56,560 --> 00:02:02,399 second to approve. >> So moved. Second, 28 00:02:00,640 --> 00:02:04,240 » Trusty Washington. >> Hi, 29 00:02:02,960 --> 00:02:06,880 » Trusty Gavin. Hi, >> Trusty Adamsky. Hi, 30 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:11,920 » Trusty Bivian. Hi, >> Supervisor Guerrero. Hi. 31 00:02:08,319 --> 00:02:17,360 » Motion carried. And finally, uh, last item to approve under minutes is the for 32 00:02:15,200 --> 00:02:22,720 the salt bid of the road district's bid opening on December 29th, 2025. 33 00:02:21,120 --> 00:02:28,480 Ask now if there is a motion and a second to approve the salt bid minutes. 34 00:02:25,280 --> 00:02:29,760 » So move second. >> Trusty Vivian. 35 00:02:29,440 --> 00:02:32,480 » Hi. >> Trustee Gavin. Hi. 36 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:35,440 » Trustee Adamski. Hi. >> Trusty Washington. Hi. 37 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:39,760 » Supervisor Guerrero. Hi. >> Motion carried. 38 00:02:37,200 --> 00:02:44,800 » Thank you. Um so that concludes the approval of minutes. We'll now enter the 39 00:02:42,080 --> 00:02:48,640 public comment portion of the meeting. This would be the time for any audience 40 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:54,560 members any members of the public to come forth uh and address the any the 41 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:59,680 township board. If we have any that's going once, going 42 00:02:57,840 --> 00:03:04,480 twice. Seeing none, we will conclude public 43 00:03:01,360 --> 00:03:09,680 comment portion of our uh agenda today and we will move forward now with the 44 00:03:07,280 --> 00:03:15,680 public hearing. So this public hearing is for the in regards to the amended 45 00:03:12,640 --> 00:03:19,720 budget and appropriation ordinance um number 4162025. 46 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:30,080 Uh just to clarify this item here is not for us to vote. This is to open the 47 00:03:28,159 --> 00:03:37,280 public hearing which we are required to do so before approving uh the budget or 48 00:03:33,200 --> 00:03:42,000 any amendments to. Um so during this time I'll I'll ask uh the board for a 49 00:03:40,000 --> 00:03:47,120 motion and a second to enter the public hearing. We'll then entertain any uh 50 00:03:45,519 --> 00:03:53,680 feedback or participation from the public. Once that is concluded, then 51 00:03:49,680 --> 00:03:59,040 we'll ask again to um bring the public hearing to a close and carry on with the 52 00:03:55,840 --> 00:04:05,599 remainder of the agenda. So, is there a motion to recess the regular meeting to 53 00:04:01,439 --> 00:04:10,640 enter the public hearing uh for the amended budget and appropriations 54 00:04:07,599 --> 00:04:16,880 township ordinance number 416-2025? So, second a motion made by trustee 55 00:04:13,920 --> 00:04:19,600 Adamski and a second by trustee Gavin. and clerk to call the role. 56 00:04:18,479 --> 00:04:21,280 » Trustee Adamski, >> hi. 57 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:22,560 » Trustee Gavin, hi. >> Trusty Vivian, 58 00:04:22,160 --> 00:04:24,000 » hi. >> Trusty Washington, 59 00:04:23,680 --> 00:04:25,440 » hi. >> Supervisor Guerrero, 60 00:04:25,040 --> 00:04:30,400 » hi. >> Motion carried. 61 00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:35,360 » Then at the show at 50:04 is the time. Um, and so at 504, we will commence the 62 00:04:33,600 --> 00:04:39,360 public hearing. >> There is anybody in the audience now 63 00:04:37,120 --> 00:04:46,120 that would like to speak on this agenda item uh regarding our budget amendments, 64 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:46,120 now would be the time to do so. 65 00:04:47,280 --> 00:04:55,680 twice. Okay. Seeing none, then um so I accept 66 00:04:54,479 --> 00:04:59,759 the roll call from the regular town board meeting for this public hearing. 67 00:04:57,919 --> 00:05:04,080 Um just like to verify that in accordance with legal notice that uh the 68 00:05:02,479 --> 00:05:07,840 legal notice was published in the Joliet Herald News on Friday, December 12th, 69 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:12,000 2025. Um 70 00:05:10,080 --> 00:05:18,080 a separate public hearing will be held for the town budget. Um, 71 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:24,400 but I think this will be considered at the regular town meeting. Just make sure 72 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:28,960 that we've got all our uh uh everything checked off here. 73 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:34,400 You've all had time to review the ordinance. 74 00:05:31,440 --> 00:05:38,199 » There any questions that you'd like to bring forth on the site? 75 00:05:39,840 --> 00:05:47,680 All right. So if there are no further comments uh and if there is 76 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:50,000 no public guess >> what is the budget year 77 00:05:49,520 --> 00:05:53,360 » uh >> what is the run 78 00:05:51,360 --> 00:05:56,160 » uh what is the more asking for just the the total amount or what is the cycle 79 00:05:55,360 --> 00:06:03,039 the calendar >> calendar cycle uh April 1st so April 1st 80 00:05:59,440 --> 00:06:07,840 is when our fiscal year begins um the item on on this agenda is for an 81 00:06:05,520 --> 00:06:14,960 amendment to this year's uh budget which we approved back in we we started late. 82 00:06:12,639 --> 00:06:16,800 So, we approved this one in is that our June meeting? 83 00:06:15,840 --> 00:06:20,880 » June, sorry. >> Yeah. So, we're still still within the 84 00:06:18,479 --> 00:06:26,160 the legal limits of when it's allowed to be uh voted and approved on. Um but as 85 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:32,960 as time goes on, it's pretty standard for township boards to make uh 86 00:06:29,120 --> 00:06:37,520 adjustments um for unanticipated costs, things that go over, things that come 87 00:06:34,720 --> 00:06:40,960 under. So, um, believe everybody's had a chance to to review what those changes 88 00:06:39,680 --> 00:06:45,039 are. >> I know we had a couple more people walk 89 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:48,639 in, so we'll just ask one more time if there's anybody that would like to speak 90 00:06:46,800 --> 00:06:54,880 for the public hearing portion of the amended budget. Uh, now would be the 91 00:06:51,039 --> 00:06:59,280 time to do so. Seeing none, then there are no further comments, but request a 92 00:06:56,960 --> 00:07:03,919 motion to close the public hearing and reconvene the previously scheduled 93 00:07:01,039 --> 00:07:07,840 January 13, 2026 regular town board meeting. 94 00:07:04,400 --> 00:07:09,199 » So, Second. >> Trustee Gavin. 95 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:12,800 » Hi. >> Trustee Washington. Hi. 96 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:15,440 » Trustee Adamski. Hi. >> Trusty Bibby and Supervisor Guerrero. 97 00:07:15,039 --> 00:07:19,280 » Hi. >> Motion carried. 98 00:07:17,599 --> 00:07:25,000 » Then at 5:07 the public hearing was 99 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:25,000 concluded. 100 00:07:29,039 --> 00:07:38,720 Uh with the public hearing portion now having come to a close, we will now 101 00:07:34,479 --> 00:07:45,759 return to our regular agenda and now would be the time that we would make a 102 00:07:41,680 --> 00:07:51,280 vote to adopt the amended general town uh budget for fiscal year 202526 103 00:07:49,039 --> 00:07:57,440 uh under the budget and appropriations ordinance number 416-2025. 104 00:07:54,240 --> 00:08:00,879 So, is there a motion and a second to adopt the amended budget? 105 00:07:59,360 --> 00:08:05,039 » So, move second. >> That's a motion made by Trustee Gavin 106 00:08:02,960 --> 00:08:07,840 and a second by Trustee Adamski. >> Madam Cler, could you call the role? 107 00:08:06,560 --> 00:08:10,479 » Trustee Gavin. Hi. >> Trustee Adamski. Hi. 108 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:11,840 » Trusty Bivian. Hi. >> Trustee Washington. 109 00:08:11,520 --> 00:08:15,840 » Hi. >> Supervisor Guerrero. Hi. 110 00:08:13,199 --> 00:08:19,520 » Motion carried. [snorts] 111 00:08:16,400 --> 00:08:22,000 » Carrying on with our next agenda item. We've got two proclamations. 112 00:08:21,735 --> 00:08:27,919 » [clears throat] >> uh the first of which is a proclamation 113 00:08:24,879 --> 00:08:33,599 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I'll read that for the record now. 114 00:08:31,840 --> 00:08:37,279 Whereas Martin Luther King Jr. Day observed on the third Monday of January 115 00:08:35,440 --> 00:08:40,399 honors the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose 116 00:08:38,959 --> 00:08:44,560 leadership transformed the fight for racial, economic, and social justice in 117 00:08:42,159 --> 00:08:48,560 the United States. Whereas Dr. King, a minister, scholar, and global advocate 118 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:53,760 for human rights, was born January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He dedicated 119 00:08:51,920 --> 00:08:57,519 his life to a philosophy of nonviolence and building a future embodied by the 120 00:08:55,279 --> 00:09:00,880 beloved community. His vision of our society achievable through a fundamental 121 00:08:59,440 --> 00:09:04,560 transformation of hearts and systems alike. And whereas Dr. King's words 122 00:09:03,120 --> 00:09:09,279 inspired countless individuals to participate in change, most notably with 123 00:09:06,560 --> 00:09:12,080 his I have a dream address, establishing him as a national symbol of hope, 124 00:09:10,959 --> 00:09:15,839 reminding the country of its responsibility to fulfill its 125 00:09:13,519 --> 00:09:18,880 foundational promises. Whereas Dr. King's leadership and advocacy helped to 126 00:09:17,519 --> 00:09:21,760 move the government into action, securing landmark civil rights 127 00:09:20,320 --> 00:09:25,279 legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited 128 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:30,240 segregation and employment discrimination, the Voting Rights Act of 129 00:09:27,440 --> 00:09:34,399 1965, which protected voting rights, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which 130 00:09:32,160 --> 00:09:38,399 prohibited housing discrimination. Whereas at the age of 35, Dr. King 131 00:09:36,560 --> 00:09:41,440 received the ASEM Nobel Peace Prize and gained an international platform that he 132 00:09:40,320 --> 00:09:46,080 used to connect the issues of militarism, racism, and materialism. 133 00:09:44,160 --> 00:09:49,519 While controversial and unpopular at the time, Dr. King pushed for an end to the 134 00:09:47,920 --> 00:09:53,040 Vietnam War through speeches and anti-war demonstrations while also 135 00:09:51,600 --> 00:09:57,200 addressing class exploitation by creating the poor people's campaign. And 136 00:09:55,519 --> 00:10:01,680 whereas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brought his mission of advancing justice 137 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:06,000 to Joliet during his visit on June 4th, 1965 when he spoke at a rally at 138 00:10:04,160 --> 00:10:09,519 Memorial Stadium, calling on the community to embrace racial integration 139 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:13,760 and a true brotherhood grounded in moral and ethical action. Whereas this holiday 140 00:10:11,920 --> 00:10:18,320 is the nation's only federal day of service. Dr. King's dream of a just and 141 00:10:16,399 --> 00:10:21,760 inclusive society remains guiding light for generations, yet the work of turning 142 00:10:20,240 --> 00:10:27,040 that dream into a reality remains unfinished. Whereas racism and 143 00:10:24,480 --> 00:10:31,200 inequities persist in housing, wages, education, health, and access to 144 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:34,560 opportunity, his legacy urges us to confront these injustices and work 145 00:10:32,880 --> 00:10:39,040 together toward a society rooted in dignity, equity, and shared humanity. 146 00:10:37,279 --> 00:10:43,839 And now, therefore, be it resolved that the board of Juliet Township Government 147 00:10:40,560 --> 00:10:47,680 proclaims January 19th, 2026, Spartan Luther King Jr. Day, Juliet Township, 148 00:10:45,920 --> 00:10:52,000 and encourages all residents to honor Dr. King for reflection, service, and 149 00:10:49,680 --> 00:10:56,720 continued commitment to justice for all to be adopted this 13th day of January, 150 00:10:54,560 --> 00:10:59,200 2026. We have a motion and a second to 151 00:10:58,560 --> 00:11:02,640 approve. >> So move second. 152 00:11:01,839 --> 00:11:03,920 » Call the role. >> Trustee Gavin. 153 00:11:03,519 --> 00:11:05,279 » Hi. >> Trustee Washington. 154 00:11:04,959 --> 00:11:07,600 » Hi. >> Trustee Adamski. Hi. 155 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:09,440 » Trusty Bibian. >> Hi. 156 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:13,600 » Supervisor Guro. >> Motion carried. 157 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:17,760 » Now at this time, uh we'll pause before continuing on to our next agenda item. I 158 00:11:16,160 --> 00:11:23,760 believe we are joined here by Deb Upshaw. Uh if you'd like to podium share 159 00:11:21,360 --> 00:11:26,760 a few words with us. Thank you for being here. 160 00:11:28,240 --> 00:11:35,519 » Good evening everyone and thank you for the invitation uh to 161 00:11:33,519 --> 00:11:40,079 speak about the proclamation and how it speaks to us today. 162 00:11:37,680 --> 00:11:45,200 When we reflect on this proclamation, we are reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King 163 00:11:42,160 --> 00:11:52,160 Jr.'s His dream was never meant to live only in history books or commemorative 164 00:11:48,320 --> 00:11:57,760 ceremonies. His dream was and still is a blueprint for communities like ours. A 165 00:11:55,279 --> 00:12:01,279 community that has endured decades of disinvestment. 166 00:11:59,279 --> 00:12:04,959 A community where grocery stores are absent, 167 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:10,720 jobs are scarce, transportation is limited, and inequities are woven into 168 00:12:07,680 --> 00:12:15,360 daily life. A community that has been underserved. Not because lack of 169 00:12:13,120 --> 00:12:20,800 potential, but because of lack of access. For 35 years, the National 170 00:12:18,399 --> 00:12:26,959 Hookup of Black Women Incorporated Juliet chapter, a 501c3 organization, 171 00:12:24,160 --> 00:12:32,079 has stood in that gap, meeting needs that should never have existed in the 172 00:12:28,959 --> 00:12:37,040 first place. We've fed families, supported seniors, uplifted women and 173 00:12:34,800 --> 00:12:43,600 children, and work to restore dignity where systems have failed. In many ways, 174 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:50,480 our work is a continuation of Dr. King's unfinished business. Dr. King's dream 175 00:12:47,120 --> 00:12:55,760 and today's reality. Dr. King fought for fair housing, living wages, quality 176 00:12:53,200 --> 00:13:02,240 education, accessible health care, and equal opportunity. He spoke boldly about 177 00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:05,920 poverty, economic justice, and the moral obligation to care for the most 178 00:13:04,399 --> 00:13:12,000 vulnerable. If he were to look at communities today, 179 00:13:08,880 --> 00:13:17,360 communities still battling food deserts, unemployment, undermployment, and 180 00:13:14,399 --> 00:13:22,560 structural inequities, he would recognize the struggle. He will 181 00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:28,320 see that while progress have been made, the promise of justice remains unevenly 182 00:13:25,680 --> 00:13:33,519 distributed. But he would also see the power of community-led organizations 183 00:13:30,560 --> 00:13:39,279 like ours. He will see neighbors feeding neighbors, volunteers stepping up, and 184 00:13:36,480 --> 00:13:45,200 leaders refusing to accept despair as destiny. He will see this dream still 185 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:52,160 alive, carried forward not by speeches alone, but by service, advocacy, and 186 00:13:49,120 --> 00:13:57,839 collective action. We are working together toward dignity, equity, and 187 00:13:55,040 --> 00:14:04,560 shared humanity. The path forward requires all of us. Dr. King taught that 188 00:14:02,160 --> 00:14:11,279 justice is not the responsibility of a few but the calling of a community. We 189 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:17,360 move forward a more equitable society when we invest in dignity, ensuring 190 00:14:14,560 --> 00:14:22,240 families have choice, respect, and access to healthy foods. We build 191 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:28,320 pathways to opportunity through workforce development, education, and 192 00:14:25,360 --> 00:14:34,480 partnerships that open doors. We stand united. nonprofits, businesses, faith 193 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:42,480 communities, and residents working side by side. We refuse to normalize inequity 194 00:14:39,040 --> 00:14:48,560 and instead commit to transforming it. Dr. King reminds us that the ark of the 195 00:14:45,519 --> 00:14:54,560 moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. But it does not bend on 196 00:14:51,600 --> 00:15:01,680 its own. It begins because people like you, you, you and us, we pull ourselves, 197 00:14:59,199 --> 00:15:06,880 we together, we pull out, pull it with our hands, our hearts, and our 198 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:11,115 unwavering belief in a better tomorrow. And that is our belief. And thank you 199 00:15:08,639 --> 00:15:13,135 for the opportunity. [applause] 200 00:15:25,680 --> 00:15:29,480 what you have written down 201 00:15:33,839 --> 00:15:41,839 just for the fragrance. We are joined also now by Judy Easley likewise like to 202 00:15:39,839 --> 00:15:44,800 take the podium and share a few words with us. 203 00:15:42,959 --> 00:15:49,600 Thank you for this proclamation and for the honor of accepting you today. On 204 00:15:47,040 --> 00:15:54,480 behalf of the NAACP and the community you serve, we are deeply grateful for 205 00:15:52,079 --> 00:15:59,600 this recognition of the life, legacy, and enduring work of Dr. Martin Luther 206 00:15:56,560 --> 00:16:04,800 King Jr. Dr. King was more than a leader of his time. He was a moral compass for 207 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:09,519 our nation. His commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent social change 208 00:16:07,360 --> 00:16:14,560 continues to guide us as we confront the challenges of today. He reminded us that 209 00:16:12,320 --> 00:16:19,600 prog progress does not come through silence or complacency but through 210 00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:25,199 courage, [snorts] collaboration and and an unwavering belief in the dignity of 211 00:16:22,240 --> 00:16:29,680 all people. This proclamation is not only a tribute to Dr. King's words and 212 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:34,240 actions but also a call to action for each of us. Dr. King challenged 213 00:16:32,079 --> 00:16:38,959 communities to move beyond symbolic gestures and toward meaningful change. 214 00:16:36,720 --> 00:16:43,839 change that uplifts the marginalized, protects civil rights, and ensures equal 215 00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:50,320 opportunity in education, economic access, voting rights, and justice under 216 00:16:46,480 --> 00:16:54,720 the law. As an organization, the NAACP remains committed to carrying forward 217 00:16:52,560 --> 00:17:00,160 Dr. King's vision through civic engagement, advocacy, education, and 218 00:16:57,440 --> 00:17:04,720 community service. We continue the work of dismantling inequity and building 219 00:17:02,560 --> 00:17:08,959 bridges across differences. We understand that the work is not finished 220 00:17:06,959 --> 00:17:13,919 and that the responsibility to advance justice belongs to all of us. We thank 221 00:17:11,839 --> 00:17:18,000 the Joliet Township government for recognizing the importance of Dr. King's 222 00:17:15,839 --> 00:17:22,480 legacy and for standing with us and affirming that his dream still matters. 223 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:28,720 May this proclamation serve as a reminder that justice requires action, 224 00:17:25,199 --> 00:17:33,679 equity requires intention, and uni unity requires effort. Let us honor Dr. King, 225 00:17:31,600 --> 00:17:38,880 not only with our words today, but with our continued commitment to service, 226 00:17:35,919 --> 00:17:43,787 fairness, and love for humanity tomorrow and beyond. Thank you. 227 00:17:41,767 --> 00:17:43,787 [applause] 228 00:17:47,840 --> 00:17:51,080 » Thank you. 229 00:17:58,320 --> 00:18:07,840 I had one night in my home because I was little when he came to 230 00:18:04,480 --> 00:18:11,720 my oldest brother had the honor. He is just out of the military 231 00:18:11,760 --> 00:18:19,919 and he came home to bury our brother. But because he was a military cop, 232 00:18:18,160 --> 00:18:26,559 he was one of the ones that was standing on the podium as a bodyguard. So he got 233 00:18:22,640 --> 00:18:36,320 a chance to be Dr. King. Also, Ferdan Range because he had CDL license 234 00:18:32,080 --> 00:18:42,320 was a chauffeur for the Limy that day. Um, Vernon Boss, 235 00:18:40,400 --> 00:18:47,440 Sydney Edwards, two black police officers were also on the podium. Two 236 00:18:45,440 --> 00:18:53,679 people that I grew up with, grew up with, Vern being one of my brother's 237 00:18:50,000 --> 00:19:01,360 oldest and closest friends and Sydney Edwards being mentor and like a stepdad 238 00:18:56,240 --> 00:19:07,120 to me. So, as a 10year-old, 239 00:19:03,280 --> 00:19:11,280 I remember that when he came to Jo, >> but it's hard to find anything in the 240 00:19:09,280 --> 00:19:16,240 archives. I do have one picture 241 00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:21,840 and it's a picture we don't know who took it, but Dr. King was standing with 242 00:19:19,600 --> 00:19:25,840 a bunch of ministers. I recognized two of them. 243 00:19:26,559 --> 00:19:33,440 Reverend Walton was one and Reverend Bondor was the other. There was three 244 00:19:31,760 --> 00:19:37,200 others in the picture that I did not know, but I have that picture in my 245 00:19:35,679 --> 00:19:42,120 manual. So, I remember that moment when he was a 246 00:19:39,120 --> 00:19:42,120 child. 247 00:19:42,160 --> 00:19:52,000 The only thing I would like to add is that in today's environment, it is so 248 00:19:47,760 --> 00:19:58,400 important that we come together, that we stick together and [snorts] not let 249 00:19:54,160 --> 00:20:06,799 what's going on in the world um make us feel we have nothing to say 250 00:20:02,720 --> 00:20:15,360 or nothing to do. It comes from all of us working together, standing up for 251 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:22,160 each other, and uh not only remembering Dr. King's legacy, I can say personally 252 00:20:18,960 --> 00:20:28,720 coming from Mount Zion Baptist Church, Pastor Dr. Isaac Singleton was one of 253 00:20:25,440 --> 00:20:35,760 those pastors. And that's where I get my commitment to serving in the community 254 00:20:32,159 --> 00:20:42,799 is coming up in that environment. And we must re remember it's not about a black 255 00:20:39,600 --> 00:20:49,240 person. It's not about a brown person, a white person. It's about humanity. all 256 00:20:46,080 --> 00:20:49,240 of us 257 00:20:53,440 --> 00:21:01,200 lot of history here in Julia that might not have known about. So definitely I 258 00:20:58,320 --> 00:21:06,840 think the context study would like to to see any of those photos or documents if 259 00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:06,840 you got them. 260 00:21:10,960 --> 00:21:16,720 » I don't think I can follow up on that. >> [laughter] 261 00:21:14,640 --> 00:21:21,360 » Amen. >> We'll uh we'll we'll follow up with with 262 00:21:18,799 --> 00:21:26,480 our next proclamation um which is proclamation recognition of 263 00:21:24,799 --> 00:21:33,520 National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Um so I'll read that into the 264 00:21:30,080 --> 00:21:39,200 record now and follow me like a a motion and a second to approve. Uh so this 265 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:42,720 proclamation reads, "Whereas January is recognized as human trafficking 266 00:21:40,799 --> 00:21:45,600 prevention month, a time to learn the signs of human trafficking and 267 00:21:44,080 --> 00:21:49,120 strengthen our shared commitments and this crime. Whereas this month honors 268 00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:53,120 the efforts of individuals and organizations committed to preventing 269 00:21:50,799 --> 00:21:57,200 human trafficking, uplifts the voices of survivors and remembers those whose 270 00:21:54,799 --> 00:22:00,640 lives were lost in justice. Whereas the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 271 00:21:58,880 --> 00:22:04,240 2000 affirmed the national priority of preventing trafficking, protecting 272 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:07,600 victims, and prosecuting traffickers. These principles are now used by 273 00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:10,880 countries around the world. Whereas while human trafficking can affect 274 00:22:09,039 --> 00:22:15,360 people of all backgrounds, individuals experiencing abuse, violence, economic 275 00:22:13,039 --> 00:22:19,520 hardship, housing instability, or social isolation face a heightened risk of 276 00:22:17,280 --> 00:22:23,120 exploitation. Whereas human trafficking is closely linked to other forms of 277 00:22:20,960 --> 00:22:26,799 violence and exploitation and is often driven by shared conditions, including 278 00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:30,240 limited access to resources and environments that fail to provide safety 279 00:22:28,480 --> 00:22:33,200 and support. And whereas human trafficking, including forced labor and 280 00:22:31,760 --> 00:22:36,640 sex trafficking, threatens public safety, violates human rights and harms 281 00:22:35,440 --> 00:22:41,120 millions of adults and children worldwide. And whereas the United States 282 00:22:38,720 --> 00:22:44,559 Department of Labor has identified 158 goods from 77 countries that are 283 00:22:42,960 --> 00:22:49,200 believed to be produced using child labor or forced labor in violation of 284 00:22:47,039 --> 00:22:52,080 international standards. Whereas national data indicate that 285 00:22:50,720 --> 00:22:56,640 black women and girls account for approximately 40% of women trafficked in 286 00:22:54,159 --> 00:23:01,679 the United States while about 24% are Latina LGBTQIA plus individuals 287 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:03,760 particularly transgender women of color are also disproportionately 288 00:23:02,720 --> 00:23:08,720 [clears throat] impacted by sex trafficking and whereas an estimated 289 00:23:05,919 --> 00:23:13,840 27.6 million people remain vulnerable to traffickers who often exploit poverty 290 00:23:11,039 --> 00:23:17,120 instability and crisis. Now therefore be resolved that the board of Julia 291 00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:21,520 Township government proclaims January 2026 as National Human Trafficking 292 00:23:19,600 --> 00:23:24,559 Prevention Month in Julia Township encourages all residents to learn the 293 00:23:23,120 --> 00:23:28,400 science of trafficking and join in efforts to protect the freedom and 294 00:23:25,919 --> 00:23:34,159 well-being of every person to be adopted this 13th day of January 2026. 295 00:23:31,679 --> 00:23:37,200 I have a motion and a second to approve uh this proclamation. 296 00:23:35,360 --> 00:23:40,000 » So move second. >> Madam clerk, you call the role. 297 00:23:38,799 --> 00:23:42,880 » Trustee Gavin. Hi. >> Trustee Adamski. Hi. Trusty Bibian. 298 00:23:42,480 --> 00:23:45,760 » Hi, >> Trusty Washington. Hi, 299 00:23:44,320 --> 00:23:51,360 » Supervisor Guerrero. Hi. >> Motion carried. 300 00:23:47,760 --> 00:23:56,559 » Uh, up next uh is an amended 2026 holiday calendar for Trolia Township of 301 00:23:53,120 --> 00:24:01,840 Government. Um, and we added in New Year's Eve also. Um, and kind of brought 302 00:24:00,159 --> 00:24:07,600 this into line with what our neighboring townships uh their schedule are. So, uh, 303 00:24:05,520 --> 00:24:13,520 there is a motion and a second to approve the amended 2026 holiday 304 00:24:10,080 --> 00:24:15,840 calendar. Some move. Second. Call the role. 305 00:24:14,400 --> 00:24:17,440 » Trustee Washington. >> Hi. 306 00:24:16,240 --> 00:24:19,039 » Trusty Adamski. >> Hi. 307 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:20,559 » Trusty Vivian. >> Hi. 308 00:24:19,440 --> 00:24:22,080 » Trusty Gavin. >> Hi. 309 00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:24,480 » Supervisor Guerrero. >> Hi. 310 00:24:22,400 --> 00:24:31,679 » Motion carried. >> U. Up next. So we will have now a 311 00:24:28,400 --> 00:24:36,240 resolution number 20261 reporting the the determination of the 312 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:41,200 Joliet Township Board's review of close session minutes pursuant to section 2.06 313 00:24:38,720 --> 00:24:47,840 six of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. That's quite the title. Uh so in uh in 314 00:24:45,039 --> 00:24:54,559 short, this is um in approval of past close session 315 00:24:50,880 --> 00:24:59,440 minutes. Uh we have reviewed those those close session minutes and every so often 316 00:24:57,279 --> 00:25:04,960 we need to make a determination as to whether or not those close uh session 317 00:25:02,480 --> 00:25:11,039 minutes can be released to the public. um and then what to do with the uh 318 00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:17,919 verbatim recording of said minutes. So if you look in the schedules A and B 319 00:25:14,559 --> 00:25:24,640 that accompanied this agenda item, uh we had close session meeting minutes 320 00:25:20,320 --> 00:25:30,880 spanning back from January 10th, 2023 uh to most recently July of 2025. 321 00:25:27,679 --> 00:25:37,279 made the determination that uh two, three, four, five, six meetings 322 00:25:33,840 --> 00:25:42,960 um would remain confidential uh not to be released. And under schedule B, we've 323 00:25:40,559 --> 00:25:48,000 got recordings of minutes spanning all the way back to 2013. These were 324 00:25:45,840 --> 00:25:52,320 previously approved for release, but the recording still exists. And so this will 325 00:25:49,919 --> 00:25:58,480 authorize us now to dispose of recording as it's no longer necessary. Um, 326 00:25:56,159 --> 00:26:04,799 back to schedule a the close session minutes that we will not be releasing uh 327 00:26:03,279 --> 00:26:09,120 the suggestion was made to us by the legal council that these call sessions 328 00:26:07,200 --> 00:26:16,240 were still recent enough uh and were pertinent to uh matters that were still 329 00:26:13,520 --> 00:26:20,480 still recent still kind of affecting ongoing operations uh and so the 330 00:26:18,799 --> 00:26:25,919 recommendation was made not to release those. Any questions regarding um close 331 00:26:23,919 --> 00:26:29,679 session minutes or content of this agenda? 332 00:26:27,520 --> 00:26:36,240 There's no further questions, then I would ask for a motion and a second to 333 00:26:31,679 --> 00:26:41,679 approve resolution number 2026-01. >> So, 334 00:26:38,720 --> 00:26:43,200 it's been motion and seconded. Call the RO. 335 00:26:42,080 --> 00:26:44,799 » Trusty Gavin. >> Hi. 336 00:26:43,600 --> 00:26:47,600 » Trusty Bibian. Hi, >> Trusty Adamski. Hi, 337 00:26:46,240 --> 00:26:51,679 » Trusty Washington. Hi, >> Supervisor Berero. Hi. 338 00:26:49,120 --> 00:26:56,960 » Motion carries. Uh this next item uh ordinance number 339 00:26:54,720 --> 00:27:02,240 417-2026 establishing a records retention and 340 00:26:59,039 --> 00:27:07,440 disposal policy. Uh this is basically just to bring in all of our different 341 00:27:04,240 --> 00:27:12,880 programs and departments uh to have of a standardized policy um that's in 342 00:27:10,320 --> 00:27:17,679 compliance with uh state law and any other statutory requirements. 343 00:27:15,360 --> 00:27:24,320 um it's been shared with the different program um you know different department 344 00:27:20,720 --> 00:27:28,960 heads of of each program they been made made aware of this um so everybody will 345 00:27:27,039 --> 00:27:35,080 kind of be following a standardized uniform policy any questions regarding 346 00:27:31,840 --> 00:27:35,080 this ordinance 347 00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:44,039 there's no questions and I will ask if there is a motion and a second to adopt 348 00:27:40,080 --> 00:27:44,039 ordinance number 417-2026 349 00:27:45,039 --> 00:27:48,960 Second call. 350 00:27:47,760 --> 00:27:50,400 » Trustee Adamski. >> Hi. 351 00:27:49,279 --> 00:27:52,880 » Trusty Gavin. Hi. >> Trusty Vivian. Hi. 352 00:27:51,600 --> 00:27:58,360 » Trusty Washington. Hi. >> Supervisor Guer. 353 00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:58,360 » Motion carries. 354 00:28:00,749 --> 00:28:02,769 [snorts] 355 00:28:10,799 --> 00:28:19,200 Order here. U. Next on the agenda then we'll have 356 00:28:15,360 --> 00:28:25,679 ordinance number 418-2026 establishing a township asset inventory 357 00:28:21,360 --> 00:28:30,480 and control system. Um, in summary, as we've been picking our way through uh 358 00:28:28,480 --> 00:28:39,600 some improvements to the building, some renovations, we have uh put bluntly just 359 00:28:34,960 --> 00:28:45,279 stuck. Uh so you know we some of which has already been disposed of things that 360 00:28:42,080 --> 00:28:49,520 are either broken or um it's not not in good condition but we do have uh a lot 361 00:28:47,760 --> 00:28:54,399 of things that are still in good shape that were expensive when we purchased 362 00:28:52,240 --> 00:28:59,840 them. And so we want to make sure that even if they are no longer in use or um 363 00:28:57,679 --> 00:29:05,360 you know no longer of need to us that we're disposing of those properly. Um, 364 00:29:02,559 --> 00:29:10,559 so this will allow us to create an inventory system. Deputy clerk has uh 365 00:29:08,720 --> 00:29:17,520 started to to prepare some of the work for that. Um, 366 00:29:13,279 --> 00:29:24,480 identifying items in township possession uh that are valued at above $200. Um, so 367 00:29:22,080 --> 00:29:31,440 those will be catalog inventory. We have a a uh code uh basically a barcode or QR 368 00:29:28,399 --> 00:29:35,600 code system uh that will allow us to ate that into a digital spreadsheet for 369 00:29:33,039 --> 00:29:40,960 easier management. Um, and then if we make determination that anything that we 370 00:29:38,799 --> 00:29:46,399 have that we no longer have use of, uh, that's valued at over $200, um, we'll 371 00:29:44,240 --> 00:29:50,960 follow through with a a standard policy of how to get rid how to properly uh, 372 00:29:48,960 --> 00:29:55,919 rid ourselves of that inventory. Whether that be putting it up for for bid, u 373 00:29:54,080 --> 00:30:00,720 transferring ownership over to a different entity, or making the 374 00:29:58,399 --> 00:30:05,440 determination that while this item might have been valued at 200, $500,000 at the 375 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:08,960 time of purchase, because of depreciation, it's no longer valued at 376 00:30:07,520 --> 00:30:15,039 that amount and we can just simply dispose of it. Um, so that'll that'll 377 00:30:12,240 --> 00:30:19,679 just help us overall um get a better sense of what is in our possession, what 378 00:30:17,600 --> 00:30:24,480 we do have ownership of, identify where there might be some needs to replace 379 00:30:21,279 --> 00:30:29,279 things or modernize things um as we as we go through our renovations throughout 380 00:30:26,559 --> 00:30:35,039 our multiple buildings. Any questions regarding this ordinance? 381 00:30:32,799 --> 00:30:40,799 And if there are no questions, I'd ask for a motion and a second to adopt 382 00:30:37,120 --> 00:30:43,840 ordinance number 418-2026. >> Some moved. 383 00:30:41,520 --> 00:30:47,360 » Second. It's been a motion and seconded. Trust clerk, please call the role. 384 00:30:46,320 --> 00:30:48,880 » Trusty Washington. >> Hi. 385 00:30:47,679 --> 00:30:50,480 » Trusty Gavin. Hi. >> Trustee Adamski. 386 00:30:50,080 --> 00:30:51,840 » Hi. >> Trusty Vivian. 387 00:30:51,360 --> 00:30:53,279 » Hi. >> Supervisor Guerrero. 388 00:30:52,960 --> 00:30:58,399 » Hi. >> Motion carried. 389 00:30:55,279 --> 00:31:02,080 Uh, next item is ordinance number 419-2026 390 00:31:00,159 --> 00:31:08,080 establishing rules and procedures for township meetings. Uh, we did previously 391 00:31:04,799 --> 00:31:14,000 have an ordinance on already on on file for um rules procedure for township 392 00:31:11,120 --> 00:31:18,559 meetings for updating those rules and so by adopting this ordinance will 393 00:31:16,240 --> 00:31:25,360 effectively replace the uh the previous ordinance. Um 394 00:31:22,320 --> 00:31:29,919 uh highlights would include uh we actually upped the time limit previously 395 00:31:27,760 --> 00:31:35,360 was three minutes. We've increase that to to four minutes. That's in line with 396 00:31:32,240 --> 00:31:39,039 what the uh COLette has. Uh we also just kind of clarified some of the the 397 00:31:36,799 --> 00:31:46,799 language on what the rules of procedure are. um just to ensure that we're having 398 00:31:43,120 --> 00:31:53,039 a a smooth uh meeting that any public participation is directed to the board 399 00:31:49,760 --> 00:31:58,399 as a whole. Uh trying to avoid anything that would be inflammatory or 400 00:31:55,120 --> 00:32:04,559 derogatory, anything of that nature. Um so not too many not a not a major change 401 00:32:02,720 --> 00:32:09,279 to what we had previously. Uh it's really more of a revision to to what the 402 00:32:06,399 --> 00:32:14,120 rules of procedure were. Any questions uh on campus here with this or 403 00:32:14,559 --> 00:32:22,200 there are no questions and I'll ask for a motion and a second to adopt ordinance 404 00:32:18,880 --> 00:32:22,200 number 419-2026 405 00:32:26,720 --> 00:32:35,320 » who was >> okay so motion made by trusty Gibian and 406 00:32:31,679 --> 00:32:35,320 second by trustee 407 00:32:36,399 --> 00:32:41,760 » motion made by trusty Gavin Second by trusty Vivian. 408 00:32:40,480 --> 00:32:44,399 » Trustee Gavin. Hi >> Trusty Bivian. Hi 409 00:32:43,039 --> 00:32:47,039 » Trusty Adamski. Hi >> Trusty Washington. Hi 410 00:32:45,679 --> 00:32:49,600 » Supervisor Guerrero. Hi. >> Motion carries. 411 00:32:48,399 --> 00:32:55,200 » Thank you. >> Uh this next item I ask for this to be 412 00:32:52,559 --> 00:32:59,039 added to the agenda just as a review uh to be able to bring this forth for open 413 00:32:57,039 --> 00:33:06,880 discussion uh with the entirety of the board. Um, so I I'm at this time not 414 00:33:03,360 --> 00:33:10,399 asking for a motion for approval or to bring this board to a to a vote. Uh, but 415 00:33:09,200 --> 00:33:16,240 did want to have the opportunity to discuss this openly. Um, this ordinance 416 00:33:13,760 --> 00:33:20,960 number 420-2026 regulating weeds, grass, bushes, trees, 417 00:33:18,640 --> 00:33:24,880 ponds, establishing fees for leans and releases, designating authorized 418 00:33:22,880 --> 00:33:30,080 officials, and repealing ordinance 381-2022 419 00:33:26,880 --> 00:33:34,799 resolution 2002-7. Um so a little bit similar to our 420 00:33:32,240 --> 00:33:42,559 previous item by bringing this forth we are updating um what we had previously 421 00:33:40,080 --> 00:33:51,519 um streamlining the process and bringing it into a a singular item. This would uh 422 00:33:46,480 --> 00:33:56,320 is in regards to uh bond enforcement. So uh while it's going to do a whole lot of 423 00:33:54,080 --> 00:34:03,600 it throughout the year, it is uh one of the responsibilities of township to 424 00:33:58,080 --> 00:34:09,119 enforce um regulations on nuisance properties. Um so when the determination 425 00:34:07,200 --> 00:34:14,079 has been made, we typically get a report, right? A neighbor will call in. 426 00:34:11,599 --> 00:34:19,679 I will go visit the the location. We'll make a determination if the property is 427 00:34:16,240 --> 00:34:23,200 in fact a nuisance property. Um with the shortenance kind of streamlines 428 00:34:21,200 --> 00:34:28,560 that that process a little bit uh and allows us to establish a lean which 429 00:34:26,800 --> 00:34:36,320 would allow us to recover some of the cost incurred during that process. It is 430 00:34:33,520 --> 00:34:44,639 in some sense uh grant a little bit of an extension or u 431 00:34:42,079 --> 00:34:50,480 interpretation of executive power and it is involving a fee, right? Uh and so 432 00:34:49,119 --> 00:34:54,000 They anticipated that there might be some resistance to this or some push 433 00:34:52,079 --> 00:34:58,079 back. Uh which is why I'm bringing this forth just as a discussion item today. 434 00:34:56,560 --> 00:35:01,880 Get some feedback from the board on on what your thoughts might be. 435 00:35:02,640 --> 00:35:08,800 » I mean I'm all for property maintenance and 436 00:35:07,440 --> 00:35:13,599 these are probably the best way to enforce property maintenance 437 00:35:11,119 --> 00:35:17,680 » especially because within here you give time for warning and people have time to 438 00:35:15,520 --> 00:35:23,040 correct something on their own. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I didn't want this to feel 439 00:35:20,320 --> 00:35:27,680 like it was just an outright punitive measure that we're going to be punishing 440 00:35:24,960 --> 00:35:32,880 people for letting their grass grow a little longer than usual, right? That's 441 00:35:29,040 --> 00:35:40,480 that's not the intention of this. Um but uh just to draw your attention to if you 442 00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:46,640 guys have it guess additional copy uh page four for me it' be article six fees 443 00:35:44,480 --> 00:35:52,400 uh section 6.1 allows for an administrative fee of $150 444 00:35:50,320 --> 00:35:58,800 per property for each notice of lean filed. Section 6.2 two, um, upon 445 00:35:57,040 --> 00:36:02,560 satisfaction of all amounts due under noticeable leave, including principal 446 00:36:00,880 --> 00:36:07,280 amount, administrative fee, recording fees, and other applicable costs, 447 00:36:04,800 --> 00:36:12,079 property owners shall then pay a release fee of $75. 448 00:36:09,920 --> 00:36:17,599 Um, >> is this for vacant properties as well as 449 00:36:15,040 --> 00:36:22,240 properties that are inhabited? >> Um, it it should cover 450 00:36:20,480 --> 00:36:26,800 as it's written. >> Although it's not 451 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:32,800 someone living in the township whose neighbor rents this property, but they 452 00:36:29,680 --> 00:36:38,680 got chicken roosters far and she wanted to know if they're 453 00:36:38,800 --> 00:36:44,320 anything that addresses that. >> I don't think that that would be 454 00:36:42,720 --> 00:36:48,760 something that we would enforce. I think that would be county land use 455 00:36:57,040 --> 00:37:06,320 » I guess. So I know that's bringing forth any sort of 456 00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:10,320 fees or or fines can sometimes be uh little controversial, right? Nobody 457 00:37:07,920 --> 00:37:15,040 wants to be met with extra. Nobody has wants to have to pay money that they 458 00:37:12,160 --> 00:37:19,599 didn't have to pay before. So, I wanted to bring this forth to get some feedback 459 00:37:16,880 --> 00:37:26,880 we could uh bring this back at at our next uh next 460 00:37:22,560 --> 00:37:32,119 month's meeting kind of finaliz the dollar amounts seem okay to everyone 461 00:37:29,119 --> 00:37:32,119 here. 462 00:37:32,720 --> 00:37:44,359 » And again, you're giving people a warning to correct the issue. 463 00:37:40,000 --> 00:37:44,359 You have to have some skin. 464 00:37:50,400 --> 00:38:00,640 So this is my warning. There there are also provisions 465 00:37:56,320 --> 00:38:08,079 included in here um where we we have the the the authorized um uh guess officials 466 00:38:06,000 --> 00:38:14,079 with within the ordinance would have the discretion to be able to wave those 467 00:38:09,599 --> 00:38:20,000 fees. Um it's uh kind of request of of the applicant. it's determined that they 468 00:38:16,720 --> 00:38:24,160 have their financial hardship. Um, elderly property owners, we kind of take 469 00:38:22,240 --> 00:38:30,160 that all into account and approach it with a holistic consideration. Um, so 470 00:38:27,680 --> 00:38:34,960 this isn't necessarily just a blanket. Everybody's going to have to pay an 471 00:38:31,599 --> 00:38:39,040 extra $250 a year now because we just really love to find people. That's not 472 00:38:37,040 --> 00:38:45,839 the the approach that we're bringing. Um, but again, nobody nobody likes 473 00:38:43,040 --> 00:38:53,520 fines. It's not So, how many warnings before um go 474 00:38:50,240 --> 00:38:56,520 through the process of putting a property 475 00:39:03,359 --> 00:39:06,359 number 476 00:39:11,520 --> 00:39:19,920 under notice requirements article Uh, 477 00:39:16,880 --> 00:39:24,560 township shall notify the owner of the existence of the nuisance and 478 00:39:21,920 --> 00:39:28,160 inform the owner or association of the township's intention to abate the 479 00:39:26,079 --> 00:39:34,839 nuisance on a date certain if the owner fails to take appropriate action within 480 00:39:30,640 --> 00:39:34,839 seven days of set notice. 481 00:39:39,520 --> 00:39:47,839 So we would yeah upon this being brought to our attention I would go out make the 482 00:39:45,839 --> 00:39:52,160 determination if it if it is in fact nuisance property we'll give them 483 00:39:49,920 --> 00:40:00,880 written notice they would have then seven days u to abate the the issue um 484 00:39:57,760 --> 00:40:05,359 if the there's failure to to bring it into compliance within seven days then 485 00:40:03,119 --> 00:40:10,160 that would allow us to to initiate the lean 486 00:40:07,520 --> 00:40:15,480 with again the consideration that we can wave that it circumstances dictates it. 487 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:26,000 » Any any questions then regarding this? That was smoother than I thought it 488 00:40:21,920 --> 00:40:31,680 would be. Um, a question for legal. Then we we place this on the agenda as just 489 00:40:28,079 --> 00:40:36,000 as a discussion item, but if the seems that we're in agreement, can we still 490 00:40:34,079 --> 00:40:40,480 move this to a vote tonight or should we just wait until our our next board 491 00:40:38,560 --> 00:40:45,440 meeting? >> It probably would have been better to 492 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:51,839 say rem review and possible adoption. >> Sure. Since it was on the agenda, 493 00:40:49,359 --> 00:40:55,040 » it's probably safer then to >> separately state it on the agenda next 494 00:40:53,760 --> 00:40:57,920 time for adoption >> to to pass this since 495 00:40:56,560 --> 00:41:01,440 » you probably could, but you know me, I've always advised to be cautious. 496 00:41:00,160 --> 00:41:04,400 » Sure. >> Somebody challenges it. 497 00:41:02,880 --> 00:41:08,480 » Practicality, none of this really goes into effect until summertime. 498 00:41:06,400 --> 00:41:12,000 » Um so we've got some time still. >> Absolutely. 499 00:41:09,040 --> 00:41:18,319 » Yeah. Um okay, good. We'll we'll leave this as a discussion item. um with the 500 00:41:15,359 --> 00:41:23,599 intent to return this uh to next month's agenda. 501 00:41:20,880 --> 00:41:29,839 So that would be all for new business items 502 00:41:26,319 --> 00:41:38,560 and that brings us to now the reports section of our meeting. Um 503 00:41:34,240 --> 00:41:45,280 so in order of appearances listed uh we'll begin with our lead transportation 504 00:41:40,880 --> 00:41:45,280 coordinator Leo Har. 505 00:41:50,800 --> 00:41:58,800 My printer didn't wait before coming here. Um, good evening everyone. So for 506 00:41:56,960 --> 00:42:04,480 transportation program I mean every every month is 507 00:42:01,359 --> 00:42:12,640 a lot of trips. uh for December of uh last year we completed a total of uh 839 508 00:42:08,319 --> 00:42:20,480 trips just 39 less than November and out of those 839 trips 254 were senior 509 00:42:16,240 --> 00:42:25,280 trips. In addition um we helped the Salvation Army Community Center to 510 00:42:23,119 --> 00:42:31,680 transport children uh you know children to the YMCA for the Christmas break. 511 00:42:28,800 --> 00:42:38,319 Um and that was very much December kind of slow 512 00:42:34,640 --> 00:42:44,000 month for us. Uh our final numbers for 2025 513 00:42:41,040 --> 00:42:49,839 uh the transportation program completed a total of 10,137 514 00:42:46,880 --> 00:42:57,119 trips with all partnerships seniors and special requestes. 515 00:42:52,000 --> 00:43:04,960 And out of this 10,37 trips 36 were senior trips which now will be going to 516 00:43:01,599 --> 00:43:09,760 the W County dial program starting next month. So, what we've been doing is 517 00:43:06,800 --> 00:43:13,680 we've been telling our seniors to uh if they have not used that program 518 00:43:11,520 --> 00:43:18,240 before is to call them. We provide them with the phone number if they struggle 519 00:43:16,640 --> 00:43:22,800 with uh technology too because the have a 520 00:43:21,280 --> 00:43:27,520 option for seniors to fill out information on their website. All we ask 521 00:43:25,200 --> 00:43:33,520 is for their permission for us to fill out the forms and then we [snorts] can 522 00:43:29,200 --> 00:43:40,079 scan it to the world county program. So um I'm sure that those 523 00:43:37,119 --> 00:43:45,200 not helping you know not transporting seniors to medical appointments is going 524 00:43:41,440 --> 00:43:53,839 to have a some kind of like an impact in our program. But um we are looking to 525 00:43:50,640 --> 00:44:00,440 uh bring more organizations into our transportation so we can continue with 526 00:43:56,640 --> 00:44:00,440 services for our community. 527 00:44:02,319 --> 00:44:09,400 » Oh, I want to add started this Friday we have a mar training. 528 00:44:09,440 --> 00:44:15,720 » One more time the total number of rides for the year 529 00:44:12,720 --> 00:44:15,720 » 10,137. 530 00:44:15,839 --> 00:44:21,359 That's right. >> So, 531 00:44:18,640 --> 00:44:27,280 » that's a lot. And you said it's only with what, nine, seven. Nine drivers. 532 00:44:26,079 --> 00:44:32,430 » So, good job. >> Kuds. 533 00:44:28,800 --> 00:44:34,450 They're doing the hard work. [applause] 534 00:44:36,400 --> 00:44:42,240 » I emailed it to you. My parents didn't work. 535 00:44:39,760 --> 00:44:46,119 » Up next, then ask for our general assistance director, Patricia. 536 00:44:53,839 --> 00:45:01,280 So, we did not have any outreach events last month. Um, but last month, Sue 537 00:44:58,480 --> 00:45:06,400 Boston did retire after 22 years with the township. While we will miss Sue, I 538 00:45:04,160 --> 00:45:10,319 am pleased to announce that uh after conducting interviews with several 539 00:45:07,920 --> 00:45:15,839 applicants, Jesse Stiff agreed to step into the position and will now serve as 540 00:45:12,960 --> 00:45:22,319 a general assistance caseworker/workfare investigator. I think Jesse is going to 541 00:45:18,319 --> 00:45:26,800 be the perfect fit for for the position. I'm thrilled to say that we filled four 542 00:45:24,319 --> 00:45:30,000 boxes for the Toys for Tots campaign. And again, I appreciate all the 543 00:45:28,240 --> 00:45:35,760 donations that were made to help us accomplish that goal. 544 00:45:32,560 --> 00:45:40,319 Alejandra and I uh both completed our certifications for VITA. We have 545 00:45:38,079 --> 00:45:44,960 prepared our packets and Isabelle submitted an article to the Herald News 546 00:45:42,480 --> 00:45:49,920 which was published last week. So, we've already got residents that are coming in 547 00:45:46,800 --> 00:45:54,240 picking up their tax packets. Our first outreach last month for the 548 00:45:51,680 --> 00:45:58,640 lie season was a great success. You never know what you're going to get when 549 00:45:56,000 --> 00:46:03,760 it's a week away from Christmas and you hold something like that. But we 550 00:46:00,560 --> 00:46:08,000 actually had 26 township residents. Um, special thanks to Isabelle for spamming 551 00:46:05,920 --> 00:46:12,480 that message on Facebook and on our website to ensure that the residents 552 00:46:10,000 --> 00:46:18,720 knew where to come for help. Our next live event will be on January 21st from 553 00:46:15,599 --> 00:46:23,040 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Um, later on when Ivan speaks, he is 554 00:46:21,520 --> 00:46:28,079 going to be talking about the budget amendment uh being requested for GA. And 555 00:46:26,160 --> 00:46:32,560 I just wanted to point out that that is a consequence of our having provided 556 00:46:30,400 --> 00:46:38,880 nearly twice the amount of assistance in 20 25 than what we did in 2024. 557 00:46:36,640 --> 00:46:43,599 Uh many things factored into that, most notably that most of the surrounding 558 00:46:41,119 --> 00:46:47,760 social service agencies simply did not have funds or they had very limited 559 00:46:45,200 --> 00:46:52,319 funds in 2025. Um the biggest driving factor, however, 560 00:46:50,480 --> 00:46:57,920 was that the previous administration against my advice uh raised our 561 00:46:54,960 --> 00:47:03,599 qualifying income from from 110% of poverty level to 150%. 562 00:47:01,280 --> 00:47:08,880 That was just way overboard. Um the raise in 563 00:47:06,400 --> 00:47:14,319 income saw us serving clients that not only normally would not qualify at the 564 00:47:10,960 --> 00:47:20,240 township, but they were also over income for other social service agencies as a 565 00:47:17,440 --> 00:47:25,599 scenario that never should have existed. Um township is always your option of 566 00:47:23,200 --> 00:47:29,920 last resort. When you can't get help anywhere else, you go to the township. 567 00:47:28,240 --> 00:47:34,079 It should never be that you're over income for everybody else's program and 568 00:47:32,480 --> 00:47:38,400 that you come to the township. And that's the position that we found 569 00:47:35,440 --> 00:47:42,480 ourselves in. Um I make an annual adjustment to our qualifying income 570 00:47:40,319 --> 00:47:47,040 guidelines every January when the new poverty guidelines are published and 571 00:47:45,280 --> 00:47:52,640 Caesar and I will be making that adjustment sometime this month and we 572 00:47:49,040 --> 00:47:57,200 will return back to 100 110% once those numbers are available. 573 00:47:55,599 --> 00:48:00,200 Other than that, it's just business as usual. 574 00:48:04,480 --> 00:48:10,040 » Moving right along, our animal control director, Whitney. 575 00:48:19,359 --> 00:48:25,599 December was a particularly busy and successful month highlighted by a strong 576 00:48:23,440 --> 00:48:30,160 increase in cat and kitten adoptions. A total of 43 cats and kittens found homes 577 00:48:27,920 --> 00:48:34,160 during this month reflecting continued community engagement and demand for 578 00:48:31,760 --> 00:48:38,713 adoptions. For reference, last December we only adopted out 20 cats. So it was 579 00:48:36,640 --> 00:48:41,440 more than double. [clears throat] On December 12th, we 580 00:48:40,160 --> 00:48:45,359 were grateful to receive a large donation from the Rust United's car 581 00:48:43,119 --> 00:48:49,760 club, which included cat litter, dog and cat food, and other essential supplies. 582 00:48:47,920 --> 00:48:53,440 In addition to these inind donations, they also collected and contributed 583 00:48:51,680 --> 00:48:57,040 monetary donations to support our program. We greatly appreciate their 584 00:48:55,359 --> 00:49:01,200 generosity and continued community support. Throughout December, Lyanna and 585 00:48:59,599 --> 00:49:04,960 I worked closely with our database provider, PPoint, to trade staff on a 586 00:49:03,599 --> 00:49:09,520 new mobile checkout feature for adoptions and to prepare our system for 587 00:49:07,359 --> 00:49:12,400 full implementation. While this has been an ongoing [snorts] process, we're 588 00:49:10,800 --> 00:49:16,319 nearly ready to fully roll out this feature. Mobile checkout will provide 589 00:49:14,319 --> 00:49:21,359 notable cost savings, particularly with microchipping as the cost for microchip 590 00:49:18,960 --> 00:49:25,119 is reduced to $5 using the mobile checkout compared to $14 without it. 591 00:49:23,839 --> 00:49:29,920 This feature will be available for adopters who have a valid email address. 592 00:49:27,760 --> 00:49:36,160 As this busy year came to a close, we are proud to share that 628 animals were 593 00:49:32,240 --> 00:49:40,480 adopted in 2025, an increase from 597 in 2024. This growth the hard work and 594 00:49:38,880 --> 00:49:43,599 dedication of our staff as well as the continued support from our community. We 595 00:49:42,400 --> 00:49:50,599 look forward to building up this momentum as we move into 596 00:49:47,359 --> 00:49:50,599 any questions. 597 00:49:54,160 --> 00:49:58,680 » We'll call our finance director. 598 00:50:03,440 --> 00:50:12,240 Um, I'll start with the amended budget since Pat made a shout out. Um, we did 599 00:50:08,960 --> 00:50:16,160 have to transfer over some funds for uh shelter utilities 600 00:50:14,400 --> 00:50:20,079 to increase appropriations in the GA budget 601 00:50:17,839 --> 00:50:26,240 46,000 dollars. So that's just coming from the 602 00:50:23,119 --> 00:50:33,200 general town fund. General Town went out 125,000 um in appropriation. So, it's 603 00:50:30,240 --> 00:50:38,400 just uh like in ending balance, not you know in between line items like most of 604 00:50:35,359 --> 00:50:44,559 the other changes were. Um a couple other factors that played into that. We 605 00:50:40,480 --> 00:50:50,880 did have a new rates come in from for 2026. Um one of those rates is suda suda 606 00:50:48,480 --> 00:50:58,079 state unemployment tax. Um we were previously at 1.75. We are now at 5.55 607 00:50:54,240 --> 00:51:03,280 which is dramatic increase. Um they have a formula that calculate um the rate on 608 00:51:01,359 --> 00:51:09,440 we just had a lot of benefit charges last year resulted from 609 00:51:06,640 --> 00:51:15,760 one of our programs that ended. Um yeah, another rate change was IMRF. We've been 610 00:51:12,640 --> 00:51:21,040 steady at the low what percentage point for since I've been here. Uh and it it 611 00:51:19,280 --> 00:51:25,839 went up. It's not a lot. It's 2.2. It's not as drastic as the unemployment rate, 612 00:51:23,920 --> 00:51:29,280 but it still, you know, needed some changes. Those changes were taken care 613 00:51:27,119 --> 00:51:33,520 of in the amendment. You know, kind of got lucky it was doing at the same time 614 00:51:31,040 --> 00:51:38,240 just, you know, took care of that. Um, but that's it for the amendment changes. 615 00:51:35,680 --> 00:51:42,800 Other than that, it's January. You know, people already asking for the W2. So, 616 00:51:40,400 --> 00:51:49,920 I'll be busy with those 1099s to any of the vendors that we paid out over $600 617 00:51:46,559 --> 00:51:57,160 will get 1099 from us. Other than that, that's 618 00:51:52,480 --> 00:51:57,160 all I'm in for for J. Any questions? 619 00:52:05,040 --> 00:52:13,960 here tonight. So, we'll skip ahead to program 620 00:52:09,760 --> 00:52:13,960 and policy coordinator Tyler. 621 00:52:20,480 --> 00:52:26,559 » Good evening everybody. I just have a couple quick updates for us on how we're 622 00:52:24,800 --> 00:52:30,720 doing. One of the big changes this month has been uh the transition into the 623 00:52:29,200 --> 00:52:33,920 access world county program with our transportation department. I know Leo 624 00:52:32,559 --> 00:52:37,760 touched on how all the great work we've been doing this year. Leo, myself and 625 00:52:36,000 --> 00:52:41,359 the county met last week just to keep talking about the specifics of this 626 00:52:39,359 --> 00:52:44,800 transition, how we can make sure writers are able to kind of move from one 627 00:52:43,040 --> 00:52:49,680 service to the other smoothly with the least amount of trouble. Um so that's 628 00:52:47,280 --> 00:52:53,440 going really well. We're excited to We also needed to kind of warn the county 629 00:52:51,200 --> 00:52:58,000 about the quantity to expect from us. Um, as Leo highlighted, we did nearly 630 00:52:55,440 --> 00:53:02,640 10,000 rides last year. Uh, the entirety of W County did about 16,000 last year. 631 00:53:00,800 --> 00:53:06,480 So, our addition is a sizable change for them. So, we're trying to make sure the 632 00:53:04,480 --> 00:53:10,800 whole process doesn't get flooded in the as we transition. Um, other thing we've 633 00:53:09,200 --> 00:53:15,839 been working on is the as part of the purchase of the Luis Race Center, um, we 634 00:53:14,240 --> 00:53:20,480 ended up owning a number of properties in the area. Um, and myself have been 635 00:53:18,319 --> 00:53:24,559 lead meeting with the city engineers, various stakeholders to explore 636 00:53:22,559 --> 00:53:28,640 different ideas for how to develop that area and how to make sure the community 637 00:53:26,400 --> 00:53:31,680 continues to grow. Um, we haven't really come to any major decisions. We're just 638 00:53:30,160 --> 00:53:34,800 really exploring options right now. So, I don't have anything specific to 639 00:53:32,960 --> 00:53:39,280 report, but we're looking at ways to kind of change up the area and keep 640 00:53:36,640 --> 00:53:45,040 helping uh the neighborhood thrive. Lastly, uh this is uh we are working 641 00:53:42,559 --> 00:53:48,720 later this month hopefully to uh have a food pantry popup out of the Louis Ray 642 00:53:46,880 --> 00:53:52,319 Center. Um we're currently looking sometime in the last week of January. Um 643 00:53:50,960 --> 00:53:58,520 so make sure to keep an eye out for that as we get everything finalized. 644 00:53:54,400 --> 00:53:58,520 » That's all I've got. Any questions? 645 00:54:01,632 --> 00:54:09,559 [snorts] >> Jumping over to the next column, our 646 00:54:04,319 --> 00:54:09,559 violence prevention convenor Garcia. 647 00:54:13,280 --> 00:54:19,839 Hello. Hello. Good evening everyone. >> Um so really quickly just some stats 648 00:54:18,400 --> 00:54:24,400 around the violence prevention work that we've been doing. Uh in the month of 649 00:54:21,760 --> 00:54:29,359 December we closed tracking about 51 incidences of violence uh across Will 650 00:54:26,640 --> 00:54:34,480 County. Um two of which were gunshot wound surviving victims um and one fatal 651 00:54:32,480 --> 00:54:39,280 stabbing unfortunately. Uh this month so far we're tracking 10 652 00:54:36,319 --> 00:54:43,599 incidences uh of violence uh within Will County 653 00:54:41,520 --> 00:54:49,040 uh programmatically across the region that we partner with which again is as 654 00:54:45,920 --> 00:54:54,960 far east as like the Ind uh Illinois Indiana state border and as far north as 655 00:54:51,440 --> 00:54:58,720 uh Wisconsin Illinois uh borders. We're seeing a lot more traction and 656 00:54:56,400 --> 00:55:05,119 communication from our regional partners that are also doing this uh RPSA 657 00:55:02,000 --> 00:55:09,920 violence prevention work. Um so as a result of that in December we seen about 658 00:55:07,680 --> 00:55:14,160 six applications come in for flex funds uh and we were able to disperse about 659 00:55:11,839 --> 00:55:18,079 $30,000 worth of financial assistance to the families that have been impacted by 660 00:55:15,520 --> 00:55:22,000 gun violence in their in the respective areas. Uh and this month alone already 661 00:55:20,400 --> 00:55:27,119 in the first two weeks of January we've got the same number six applications so 662 00:55:23,920 --> 00:55:31,520 far we're able to disperse up to $30,000 just within these six applications. And 663 00:55:30,079 --> 00:55:35,040 with the communication that we've had this week from the partners, it looks 664 00:55:33,599 --> 00:55:41,599 like January is probably going to be our biggest month um for how much we're able 665 00:55:38,240 --> 00:55:44,960 to provide assistance. Um so that's I think that's a tribute to all of the 666 00:55:43,200 --> 00:55:48,480 collaborative partnerships that we've been uh working on internally and 667 00:55:47,200 --> 00:55:51,920 externally because we're getting the word out. I think that speaks to the 668 00:55:50,319 --> 00:55:56,640 community awareness campaigns that we've been leading um over the past three 669 00:55:54,480 --> 00:56:01,920 months. partnership with PAT creating a flyer 670 00:55:58,480 --> 00:56:07,280 for us to distribute. Um, Juan giving us great ideas on how to make access easier 671 00:56:05,599 --> 00:56:11,839 uh to the to the resources that we have in this program. 672 00:56:09,520 --> 00:56:18,079 Um, something else that I kind of realized uh with specifically our area 673 00:56:15,599 --> 00:56:22,960 here in greater Joliet and Will County is that under this grant, we don't have 674 00:56:20,720 --> 00:56:28,720 a youth development organization. So to your point um 675 00:56:26,240 --> 00:56:34,000 Trusty Washington, the preventative approach uh 676 00:56:31,359 --> 00:56:39,599 is not complete for our area without having a youth development grantee under 677 00:56:36,799 --> 00:56:43,520 this grant. So since we are coming up to the end of this grant year in uh March 678 00:56:42,079 --> 00:56:48,240 of this year, so just in two short months, um what we're going to propose 679 00:56:45,760 --> 00:56:53,119 to the state is that we need a youth development grantee within our area. Uh 680 00:56:51,119 --> 00:56:56,720 right now we have our convenor grantee which is us the township. We have our 681 00:56:54,799 --> 00:57:01,200 behavioral health grantee which is uh Haiti. I think she's up after me. Um and 682 00:56:59,680 --> 00:57:05,119 we have a violence prevention service provider grantee in our area which is 683 00:57:02,880 --> 00:57:10,319 Illinois youth and family services. But we don't have a youth youth uh program 684 00:57:07,599 --> 00:57:14,559 devel development program grantee. So we're going to propose to the state that 685 00:57:13,040 --> 00:57:20,400 we need one right. We need some additional uh funds allocated for our 686 00:57:16,720 --> 00:57:25,040 region so that we can um expand the work to be more preventative as opposed to 687 00:57:22,079 --> 00:57:29,280 this reactive >> question. No, I actually talk to you 688 00:57:28,000 --> 00:57:33,520 later. >> Yes, ma'am. Well, yeah, we're going to 689 00:57:31,040 --> 00:57:36,400 ask for it when we get it and we'll see who can apply for it. 690 00:57:35,920 --> 00:57:41,119 » Oh, >> yeah. 691 00:57:38,000 --> 00:57:46,640 Um so yeah, as I mentioned, uh we just closed quarter three of this grant year. 692 00:57:44,079 --> 00:57:51,599 Um so the report everything is ready and with Ivan support and a Caesar um we're 693 00:57:49,440 --> 00:57:57,599 all working Haiti and myself all working to submit the um continuation 694 00:57:54,960 --> 00:58:03,760 application so that we want to extend this program um that the township has 695 00:58:00,000 --> 00:58:08,079 been leading through uh March of 2027. Uh so it's looking good. they make it 696 00:58:05,359 --> 00:58:13,920 sound like it's it's almost uh a certainty that we will be able to extend 697 00:58:10,319 --> 00:58:19,920 the services in the program. Um so I think that's the main updates that 698 00:58:16,640 --> 00:58:23,720 I had for violent prevention efforts for December January. 699 00:58:23,920 --> 00:58:28,880 » Thank you. >> Thank you. Can I can I I was inspired 700 00:58:26,960 --> 00:58:34,799 earlier. I think the our speakers left but um I don't know if you all knew of 701 00:58:31,599 --> 00:58:40,640 Dr. King's many legacies. He left a set of principles for us to uh try to live 702 00:58:37,920 --> 00:58:44,720 by and as the violence prevention uh convenor I think I I would offer them to 703 00:58:42,960 --> 00:58:49,440 you. A lot of folks surprisingly have not heard of these val these principles. 704 00:58:47,680 --> 00:58:53,040 Uh so principle number one is nonviolence is a way of life for 705 00:58:51,200 --> 00:58:56,799 courageous people. I think that principle is important because nowadays 706 00:58:54,720 --> 00:59:00,559 the people who are perpetrating violence think that they're more courageous, more 707 00:58:58,799 --> 00:59:06,000 brave or more strong because they're perpetrating violence. whereas not 708 00:59:03,599 --> 00:59:11,119 acting in violence is a lot harder I think. So if we're able to do that uh 709 00:59:09,359 --> 00:59:15,520 Dr. King believed that we were more courageous if we were able to live 710 00:59:12,559 --> 00:59:19,520 nonviolent. The second one is I think what uh Trusty Washington we've talked 711 00:59:18,079 --> 00:59:23,920 about in the past and what we're working towards is the beloved community is the 712 00:59:22,160 --> 00:59:27,440 framework and the foundation of the future. So we want to bring in more 713 00:59:25,520 --> 00:59:33,040 partnerships, get the community more involved um towards building a better 714 00:59:31,280 --> 00:59:38,640 future for greater Joliet in our partnering uh regions. 715 00:59:35,760 --> 00:59:43,119 Um what I have here is it says attack forces of evil but I think it's speak 716 00:59:41,040 --> 00:59:48,720 out against contest and disagree with forces of evil as opposed to persons 717 00:59:46,240 --> 00:59:53,119 doing evil. And that would be hard to do, right? You want to say that person's 718 00:59:50,480 --> 00:59:57,119 doing these bad things, but that in itself is kind of a violent accusation. 719 00:59:55,440 --> 01:00:02,000 Whereas we want to acknowledge the things being done are not right, right? 720 00:59:59,119 --> 01:00:07,359 Or unjust. Number four is accepting suffering without retaliation, 721 01:00:04,960 --> 01:00:12,480 which just sounds difficult to do, >> but if we're able to achieve that, then 722 01:00:09,760 --> 01:00:17,920 we will be contributing to peace as opposed to perpetrating more the cycle 723 01:00:14,960 --> 01:00:22,720 of violence. um accepting suffering without retaliation for the sake of the 724 01:00:19,839 --> 01:00:28,079 cause to achieve the goal. I think there was a lot of controversy 725 01:00:24,319 --> 01:00:35,119 for Dr. King on that one, right? But I try to live by it too. Uh avoid internal 726 01:00:31,599 --> 01:00:39,119 violence of spirit as well as external violence. And as uh as a therapist 727 01:00:36,880 --> 01:00:42,160 myself, I think that's our own inner selft talk. If you get frustrated with 728 01:00:40,559 --> 01:00:46,799 yourself, disappointing yourself, angry at yourself, you're being violent 729 01:00:43,760 --> 01:00:51,280 towards yourself. But trying avoid that. Uh the last one is the universe is on 730 01:00:49,040 --> 01:00:56,319 the side of justice. So if you believe it, we can achieve it, right? So I just 731 01:00:54,640 --> 01:01:01,200 want to earlier when the speakers before they left, I was like yes. Um but I just 732 01:00:59,680 --> 01:01:04,079 wanted to close with that. Uh thank you. If there's no question for the updates, 733 01:01:03,119 --> 01:01:06,787 thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] 734 01:01:10,480 --> 01:01:18,599 Then right up next we'll have our behavioral health team director uh Katie 735 01:01:15,599 --> 01:01:18,599 Martinez. 736 01:01:21,599 --> 01:01:30,400 » Good evening everyone. So currently the program is serving um 21 individual 737 01:01:28,079 --> 01:01:34,640 clients. Um this month of January we have completed three intakes so far. So 738 01:01:32,400 --> 01:01:38,640 that number should be increasing um for the next quarters to come. We have We 739 01:01:36,960 --> 01:01:43,119 connected with the Lincoln school to restart our second round of group 740 01:01:40,160 --> 01:01:48,559 therapy, increasing it from two groups um last quarter to now four groups this 741 01:01:45,920 --> 01:01:52,960 upcoming um this month of January. So, we're just working out the final details 742 01:01:50,319 --> 01:01:58,240 so that we can start providing uh four groups in total to the school at 743 01:01:55,119 --> 01:02:02,000 Lincoln. Um in December, I participated in two professional training courses 744 01:02:00,319 --> 01:02:06,559 focused on trauma and juvenile delinquency as well as domestic violence 745 01:02:04,880 --> 01:02:10,160 and trauma. These trainings support continued skill development and ensure 746 01:02:08,559 --> 01:02:13,839 evidence informs care for the populations we are currently serving. 747 01:02:12,480 --> 01:02:17,280 Additionally, I have been working closely with Anna, the executive 748 01:02:15,440 --> 01:02:22,160 assistant, to revamp our reporting process in order to capture the most 749 01:02:19,440 --> 01:02:26,000 accurate data possible. This is to support the completion of accuracy for 750 01:02:24,000 --> 01:02:31,359 quarter 2, which we'll be submitting this um Thursday, and to make sure all 751 01:02:28,640 --> 01:02:36,440 future quarters are more in compliance and that we're providing accurate data. 752 01:02:42,160 --> 01:02:48,119 Director of human resources, Dr. Erica Waters. 753 01:03:02,720 --> 01:03:08,599 Good evening. >> Happy new year. 754 01:03:05,599 --> 01:03:08,599 » 26 755 01:03:08,880 --> 01:03:15,119 last year. [laughter] >> Wait, I'm to say that. 756 01:03:12,880 --> 01:03:21,280 » I know, right? My new year. 757 01:03:18,000 --> 01:03:24,520 » It's been to the 31st. >> Oh, sorry. 758 01:03:28,319 --> 01:03:36,240 » Um like earlier, so the organizations that did come for the proclamation. I'm 759 01:03:33,760 --> 01:03:45,760 a member of both the National Hookup of Black Women and NAACP women. So, yeah. 760 01:03:40,799 --> 01:03:49,520 Uh yes, I am grateful for MLK uh as well because it reminds us that leadership 761 01:03:47,440 --> 01:03:54,000 doesn't start with us and it won't end with us. But Dr. King lived with 762 01:03:51,280 --> 01:03:58,000 courage, conviction, and service even when it cost him everything. And as a 763 01:03:56,079 --> 01:04:02,799 leader today, I don't compare myself to his greatness. I align myself with his 764 01:04:00,400 --> 01:04:08,319 responsibility to serve people, speak truth, and leave the door open wider 765 01:04:04,880 --> 01:04:15,920 than I found it. So, as we go into this new year, um human resources, uh you 766 01:04:13,440 --> 01:04:21,280 know, my job is really good. Like, I love y'all. Uh but we focus on 767 01:04:19,280 --> 01:04:27,200 leadership development, safety, and compliance, and workforce planning as we 768 01:04:23,839 --> 01:04:30,640 close out 2025 and prepare for 2026. The leadership training continued with an 769 01:04:28,880 --> 01:04:35,920 emphasis on accountability, communication, and supervisory 770 01:04:32,720 --> 01:04:41,119 effectiveness. Uh safety efforts include ongoing coordination with Torma and 771 01:04:38,319 --> 01:04:45,920 Narcan training followup with them uh with an additional sessions scheduled 772 01:04:43,039 --> 01:04:51,599 for January 16th. There has been no reported safety incidents in the last 773 01:04:48,079 --> 01:04:56,400 past 30 days. Let's keep that up. uh reflecting strong adherence to safety 774 01:04:53,760 --> 01:05:01,680 protocols, HR continues personnel file audits, attendance and approval reviews 775 01:04:59,280 --> 01:05:06,559 and benefits and leave administration to maintain compliance. Upcoming priorities 776 01:05:04,559 --> 01:05:11,200 include finalizing personnel file reviews, implementing the summer 777 01:05:08,559 --> 01:05:17,119 internship program with our partners and releasing the January 2026 coral HR 778 01:05:14,799 --> 01:05:21,359 newsletter highlighting 2025 accomplishments. 779 01:05:18,720 --> 01:05:26,400 I give y'all a more longer version. I didn't want to do that to the people. 780 01:05:22,799 --> 01:05:34,039 So, any questions for me? >> Good. Good to see y'all again in 2026. 781 01:05:30,799 --> 01:05:34,039 » Thank you. 782 01:05:35,359 --> 01:05:43,200 » And we'll have our hear from our senior leazison Wallace. 783 01:05:40,559 --> 01:05:47,760 » Absolutely. Um 784 01:05:45,839 --> 01:05:51,760 » well last part of uh December after our meetings I was talking to veterans that 785 01:05:49,359 --> 01:05:57,920 came to our lunchon I've been talking about our tax service program there's an 786 01:05:54,880 --> 01:06:04,640 old senior service calendar for the first time I I've called and called and 787 01:06:01,359 --> 01:06:09,520 called and called and uh I saw a lady at a senior group last Thursday that goes 788 01:06:06,880 --> 01:06:13,119 down there quite frequently and she was really not sure how much staff to 789 01:06:13,280 --> 01:06:20,000 I leave messages and there's no response. 790 01:06:17,440 --> 01:06:24,960 Um, so I'm going to get some flyers for our 791 01:06:22,000 --> 01:06:27,920 tax service program. I'm going to start handing those out the 792 01:06:26,720 --> 01:06:32,000 rest of this month in the month of February. 793 01:06:29,520 --> 01:06:36,559 Um, there was a few groups that didn't meet 794 01:06:33,839 --> 01:06:40,920 this month. They take off January, but February have 10 meetings. 795 01:06:41,200 --> 01:06:49,960 That's all we have to go to. So, if you have any questions, just don't hesitate 796 01:06:46,559 --> 01:06:49,960 to ask me. 797 01:06:50,319 --> 01:06:53,480 » Thank you. 798 01:07:00,640 --> 01:07:06,880 » So, for December, we were working with the state archivist office regarding 799 01:07:04,720 --> 01:07:11,440 record retention management in order to stay compum. 800 01:07:09,680 --> 01:07:14,559 records that like including election records and records from the 801 01:07:12,720 --> 01:07:19,760 transportation and private prevention programs that weren't added on the 802 01:07:16,960 --> 01:07:25,680 records retention schedule before. So now as we had our first bid opening for 803 01:07:22,960 --> 01:07:31,200 the road district and our first grass cutting lean that we had to file um and 804 01:07:28,480 --> 01:07:37,119 then as you all heard one all of the ordinances the ordinances 417420 that 805 01:07:34,559 --> 01:07:42,799 were on the agenda today so we're thankful for that and the website's been 806 01:07:39,599 --> 01:07:47,119 updated on the clerk's office page. Um, and then a section on the website has 807 01:07:44,880 --> 01:07:50,240 been included about election dates. So, that's on there. And then the 808 01:07:48,400 --> 01:07:55,960 organizational charts and other documents that need to be on display 809 01:07:51,839 --> 01:07:55,960 have been updated as well. 810 01:07:56,640 --> 01:07:59,640 Questions? 811 01:08:06,559 --> 01:08:12,960 Um I think everyone got through really the 812 01:08:11,839 --> 01:08:19,040 highlights that I wanted to share previously. Um so I guess just looking 813 01:08:16,400 --> 01:08:24,277 ahead uh well tonight we approved our amended budget uh and we're already 814 01:08:21,759 --> 01:08:28,640 considerations for the upcoming fiscal [snorts] year uh starting on April 1st. 815 01:08:26,719 --> 01:08:36,080 So we're already kind of laying the groundwork to uh plan around next uh 816 01:08:31,440 --> 01:08:41,440 next fiscal year. Um, as you saw in in the amendments tonight, uh, you know, 817 01:08:38,560 --> 01:08:45,920 our expenses have increased and so without really getting into the 818 01:08:42,960 --> 01:08:52,560 particulars or or the details just yet, um, you know, we're we're really trying 819 01:08:49,040 --> 01:08:59,600 our our our best to uh continue all of our services, make sure that there isn't 820 01:08:54,640 --> 01:09:06,640 a a lapse in service. Um but getting creative with uh kind of adapting some 821 01:09:03,199 --> 01:09:11,759 programs how they operate. Um a very good example is our our transportation 822 01:09:08,880 --> 01:09:16,319 program. Uh so we will be retaining a a fleet of vehicles even though we are uh 823 01:09:14,480 --> 01:09:22,159 transitioning some of our ridership over to uh the county style ride service. So 824 01:09:19,679 --> 01:09:27,040 um it's that sort of uh that sort of thinking um really having to get uh 825 01:09:24,799 --> 01:09:31,440 creative with some of these solutions to ensure that no matter what happens, we 826 01:09:29,759 --> 01:09:36,640 continue to provide those services to the public. Clearly, there's there's a a 827 01:09:34,080 --> 01:09:40,960 demand, there's a need uh for for these to be addressed. Um but we're we're 828 01:09:39,199 --> 01:09:46,880 trying our best to to do those within the the constraints of our of our 829 01:09:43,040 --> 01:09:50,640 limited budgets. Um since really the only way for us to increase revenues 830 01:09:48,719 --> 01:09:56,640 would be to increase taxes and nobody wants to do that. So, um I'll be meeting 831 01:09:54,320 --> 01:10:02,640 uh hopefully with uh each each one of the trustees individually uh over the 832 01:09:58,800 --> 01:10:07,280 weeks to come um to discuss kind next year's budget. It's never never too 833 01:10:04,719 --> 01:10:13,280 early to start. Uh so we do have a couple of months to prepare and and 834 01:10:09,840 --> 01:10:17,360 bring that to order for April 1st fiscal year. Um but again, we'd like to have 835 01:10:15,520 --> 01:10:23,440 those conversations started now well in advance uh so we're ready to kind of hit 836 01:10:19,840 --> 01:10:30,080 the ground running. Um, we've made some, uh, good building improvements that's 837 01:10:26,320 --> 01:10:34,640 kind of been on ongoing. Uh, so we'll expect to see some improvements to our 838 01:10:32,640 --> 01:10:40,400 first floor lobby here at our main office very soon. Um, continued 839 01:10:38,159 --> 01:10:46,640 improvements at the Louise Ray uh, center. We've got designs for animal 840 01:10:42,560 --> 01:10:50,719 control building. Um, so you know, I I kind of touch on uh capital improvements 841 01:10:48,880 --> 01:10:55,280 every time we're here, but these are long-term projects that take many months 842 01:10:52,480 --> 01:11:01,440 to complete. So, uh, glad to see progress being made on on those fronts. 843 01:10:57,440 --> 01:11:05,280 And again, um, thanks to to all of our, uh, different employees, our our 844 01:11:03,120 --> 01:11:09,120 department heads. Uh, none of this work is possible without you guys. And so, 845 01:11:06,880 --> 01:11:12,560 I'm very grateful for for all of you. Um, we're going to make sure that we 846 01:11:10,880 --> 01:11:17,480 continue to provide u, you know, excellent service to to all of our 847 01:11:14,080 --> 01:11:17,480 township residents. 848 01:11:20,960 --> 01:11:30,320 So, we'll carry on with the remainder of the agenda as I'm sure everyone's 849 01:11:26,719 --> 01:11:36,800 anxious to wrap up here and get home. So, uh, first would be approval of cash 850 01:11:35,280 --> 01:11:44,199 receipts. Cash receipts for uh the month of 851 01:11:39,920 --> 01:11:44,199 December totaled $142,121.93. 852 01:11:45,920 --> 01:11:51,120 Is there a motion and a second for the approval of cash receipts? 853 01:11:49,440 --> 01:11:55,040 » So move second. 854 01:11:52,800 --> 01:11:59,120 » So that's a motion by trusty Gavin, second by Trusty Adams. 855 01:11:57,920 --> 01:12:04,320 » Trusty Gavin. Hi, >> Trusty Adamski. Hi, Trusty Vivian. Hi, 856 01:12:01,840 --> 01:12:10,560 Trusty Washington. Hi, Supervisor Guo. Hi. Motion carried. Moving [snorts] on 857 01:12:07,360 --> 01:12:17,080 now to expenditures. Uh the general town fund for the month of December, uh 858 01:12:12,960 --> 01:12:17,080 expenditures total $367,66.90. 859 01:12:18,000 --> 01:12:24,880 There a motion and a second to approve the expenditures for general town fund. 860 01:12:22,400 --> 01:12:26,719 » So move second. >> Trustee Washington. 861 01:12:26,320 --> 01:12:29,040 » I. >> Trusty Gavin. Hi. 862 01:12:27,920 --> 01:12:30,239 » Trustee Adamski. >> Hi. 863 01:12:29,360 --> 01:12:32,000 » Trusty Bivian. >> Hi. 864 01:12:30,640 --> 01:12:36,480 » Supervisor Guo. Hi. >> Motion carried. 865 01:12:34,159 --> 01:12:43,120 Next is our capital fund for the month of December. Expenditures total $32,816. 866 01:12:41,280 --> 01:12:48,040 There a motion and a second to approve these expenditures. So move 867 01:12:45,040 --> 01:12:48,040 » second. 868 01:12:48,159 --> 01:12:50,640 » Trustee Gavin. Hi. >> Trusty Bivian. 869 01:12:50,320 --> 01:12:53,360 » Hi. >> Trustee Adamski. Hi. 870 01:12:52,080 --> 01:12:56,560 » Trusty Washington. Hi. >> Supervisor Guerrero. 871 01:12:54,880 --> 01:13:00,480 » Motion carries. >> Next is our general assistance fund for 872 01:12:58,800 --> 01:13:03,960 the month of December. expenditures total $41,78455. 873 01:13:05,199 --> 01:13:12,480 Is there a motion and a second to approve uh these expenditures? 874 01:13:09,199 --> 01:13:13,840 » So move second. >> Trustee Gavin. 875 01:13:13,440 --> 01:13:16,560 » Hi. >> Trustee Washington. Hi. 876 01:13:15,199 --> 01:13:17,920 » Trustee Adamski. Hi. >> Trusty Vivian. 877 01:13:17,520 --> 01:13:19,360 » Hi. >> Supervisor Guerrero. 878 01:13:19,040 --> 01:13:23,199 » Hi. >> Motion carried. 879 01:13:21,280 --> 01:13:28,360 Road and Bridge Fund for the month of December had expenditures totaling 880 01:13:25,360 --> 01:13:28,360 $99,854.72. 881 01:13:29,440 --> 01:13:34,920 » A motion and a second to approve. >> So move. 882 01:13:34,960 --> 01:13:37,679 » Trusty Washington. >> Hi, 883 01:13:36,480 --> 01:13:40,320 » Trusty Gavin. Hi, >> Trusty Adamski. Hi, 884 01:13:39,120 --> 01:13:41,840 » Trusty Vivian. Hi, >> Supervisor Guerrero. 885 01:13:41,520 --> 01:13:45,920 » Hi. >> Motion carries. 886 01:13:44,000 --> 01:13:51,159 and patrol fund for the month of December uh expenditures total $12,1358. 887 01:13:51,600 --> 01:13:57,280 Is there a motion and a second to approve these expenditures? 888 01:13:54,880 --> 01:13:58,560 » So move second. >> Trustee Gavin. 889 01:13:58,239 --> 01:13:59,840 » Hi. >> Trustee Adamski. 890 01:13:59,600 --> 01:14:01,280 » Hi. >> Trusty Vivian. 891 01:14:00,880 --> 01:14:02,800 » Hi. >> Trustee Washington. 892 01:14:02,320 --> 01:14:06,080 » Hi. >> Supervisor Guerrero. Hi. 893 01:14:04,239 --> 01:14:09,520 » Motion carries. >> And [snorts] finally our senior fund 894 01:14:07,679 --> 01:14:13,840 expenditure for the month of December total $1,080. 895 01:14:12,480 --> 01:14:17,600 Is there a motion and a second to approve? 896 01:14:14,719 --> 01:14:20,000 » So second >> trustee Gavin. Hi 897 01:14:18,880 --> 01:14:22,960 » Trusty Bivian. Hi >> Trusty Adamski. Hi 898 01:14:21,360 --> 01:14:24,960 » Trusty Washington. >> Hi. 899 01:14:23,440 --> 01:14:30,080 » Supervisor Guerrero. >> Motion carries. 900 01:14:27,040 --> 01:14:35,760 » Thank you. So that concludes uh expenditures and bills for approval for 901 01:14:32,800 --> 01:14:42,640 this month. The final item on our agenda is a uh to be held in close session. So 902 01:14:39,440 --> 01:14:47,920 just as advisory to our audience, we will be entertaining a motion uh to 903 01:14:44,960 --> 01:14:52,560 enter close session to discuss personnel matters. Uh upon conclusion of close 904 01:14:50,320 --> 01:14:59,360 session, we'll return, but since there are no longer any agenda items um for 905 01:14:55,920 --> 01:15:05,199 the open session, this is effectively the conclusion of our meeting. Um but 906 01:15:02,719 --> 01:15:11,520 for our board formally, we will be looking for a motion and a second to to 907 01:15:08,320 --> 01:15:16,640 to uh suspend our open meeting and enter close session to discuss personnel. 908 01:15:13,760 --> 01:15:19,520 » So second that's a motion by trustee Adamski and a second by trustee Gavin. 909 01:15:19,199 --> 01:15:21,920 Madam >> cler call the role. 910 01:15:20,800 --> 01:15:23,360 » Trustee Adamski. >> Hi. 911 01:15:22,320 --> 01:15:24,719 » Trustee Gavin. >> Hi. 912 01:15:23,760 --> 01:15:26,159 » Trusty Bibian. >> Hi. 913 01:15:25,040 --> 01:15:27,679 » Trusty Washington. >> Hi. 914 01:15:26,560 --> 01:15:31,480 » Supervisor Guerrero. >> Hi. 915 01:15:28,080 --> 01:15:31,480 » Motion carried. 916 01:15:37,280 --> 01:15:48,080 Okay, so we are once again recording um 917 01:15:43,600 --> 01:15:54,800 we have returned from our close session and are now looking to 918 01:15:52,400 --> 01:15:58,800 really only one one thing left uh with everything on our agenda having been 919 01:15:57,280 --> 01:16:04,159 addressed. Supervisor, do you want to say that there is nothing to vote on uh 920 01:16:01,840 --> 01:16:07,367 that arose in the closed session? Just for the record, even though I just said 921 01:16:05,679 --> 01:16:10,719 it. [snorts] 922 01:16:07,760 --> 01:16:16,480 » So, um so for the record of our close session meeting, there was nothing 923 01:16:13,199 --> 01:16:19,840 required a vote. Um so, we are now returning to our public session. Is that 924 01:16:19,199 --> 01:16:24,800 sufficient? >> Yes. 925 01:16:21,679 --> 01:16:30,000 Um, so unless there's any closing thoughts, uh, everything on our agenda 926 01:16:27,360 --> 01:16:33,520 has been covered. Only item that is left is adjournments. 927 01:16:31,520 --> 01:16:38,320 » I have a motion and a second to adjurnn. >> So second, 928 01:16:37,040 --> 01:16:41,120 » Trusty Gavin, hi, >> Trusty Washington. Hi, 929 01:16:39,679 --> 01:16:43,920 » Trustee Adamski. Hi, >> Trusty Bibian. Hi, 930 01:16:42,400 --> 01:16:49,480 » Supervisor Guerrero. Hi. >> Motion carries 931 01:16:46,320 --> 01:16:49,480 at 73. 932 01:16:52,159 --> 01:16:54,560 I got to