1 00:00:00,719 --> 00:00:03,719 Ron. 2 00:00:04,319 --> 00:00:09,440 All right. Uh, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the regular board 3 00:00:07,279 --> 00:00:16,200 meeting on Shields Township for August 2026. 4 00:00:11,200 --> 00:00:16,200 I called this meeting to order at 5:31. 5 00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:23,039 Please call the >> uh Trusty Sworthout 6 00:00:22,560 --> 00:00:24,320 » here. >> Trusty Prager 7 00:00:23,920 --> 00:00:26,240 » here. >> Supervisor Erso 8 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:28,080 » here. >> Uh Trusty Parnell 9 00:00:27,519 --> 00:00:31,519 » here. >> And trustee Oliver Sella 10 00:00:30,080 --> 00:00:36,559 » here. >> Okay. Attorneys also on speaker have any 11 00:00:34,960 --> 00:00:39,440 questions. And um now I ask that you all rise to 12 00:00:38,879 --> 00:00:42,440 the >> algiance 13 00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:55,440 flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation 14 00:00:52,079 --> 00:00:59,079 under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. 15 00:01:02,800 --> 00:01:13,240 Next item on the agenda is session. Is there a motion to executive session or 16 00:01:09,040 --> 00:01:13,240 any state on the agenda? 17 00:01:13,360 --> 00:01:21,439 Okay. Hearing none, I will close this portion of the meeting. 18 00:01:17,840 --> 00:01:24,560 Okay. The next part is public comment. Um this is a portion of the meeting 19 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:28,960 where anyone in the audience who wishes to address the board may do so. We ask 20 00:01:27,200 --> 00:01:31,840 that you come forward state your name. of your last name for the record. 21 00:01:30,159 --> 00:01:35,439 Provide your address. We also ask that you limit your comment to three minutes. 22 00:01:33,920 --> 00:01:39,200 Uh because the state law limits the board to consideration of the matters 23 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:43,920 listed on the published agenda, we ask that you please uh not take offense if 24 00:01:41,520 --> 00:01:48,399 you do not respond to matters and you may rise in public comment. Uh with that 25 00:01:46,399 --> 00:01:52,840 being said, madam clerk, is there anyone sign up? 26 00:01:48,960 --> 00:01:52,840 » Uh yes, Mrs. Snowberg. 27 00:01:58,159 --> 00:02:08,160 My name is Jan Schnelber and I live in Lake B. 28 00:02:03,119 --> 00:02:13,599 The July 16, 2026 meeting was a shameful display of the way a taxpayer supported 29 00:02:11,280 --> 00:02:19,200 government agency such as Shields Township conducts business and manages 30 00:02:16,239 --> 00:02:24,400 property owners tax. After 16 months in office, the 31 00:02:21,440 --> 00:02:29,360 supervisor is still unable to draft a meeting agenda or conduct a public 32 00:02:26,720 --> 00:02:35,280 meeting effectively without the township attorney. Legal costs to taxpayers, 33 00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:40,400 including phone calls and travel, are approximately $280 34 00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:45,840 per hour. For all the money being spent on legal 35 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:51,599 fees, it is unclear how a road was approved to be paid without prior notice 36 00:02:49,040 --> 00:02:57,920 to the community affected or how the supervisor believe the road varants had 37 00:02:55,680 --> 00:03:03,280 been widened. A majority of the five board members 38 00:03:00,640 --> 00:03:10,159 continue to support a financial agreement that directs spending toward 39 00:03:06,640 --> 00:03:15,760 equipment and self-interest projects that benefit two or three insiders 40 00:03:13,040 --> 00:03:22,480 rather than residents who should receive the full value of taxpayer dollars. 41 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:28,879 Three full-time employees were blessed 32 hours per week and received full 42 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:35,920 health care benefits including dental insurance as well as I am benefit 43 00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:43,519 one full-time employer also manages a private landscaping company with the 44 00:03:38,319 --> 00:03:47,200 shield township which is a questionable accident. 45 00:03:45,599 --> 00:03:52,879 Two employees have been frequently observed and overheard making offhand 46 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:58,239 derogatory comments about meeting attendees who come to seek knowledge and 47 00:03:55,440 --> 00:04:03,040 assistance from township officials. The supervisor does nothing to stop these 48 00:04:00,480 --> 00:04:09,519 subversive activities. We have heard on several cases in the 49 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:15,680 past 16 months that there is a limited money that there is limited money for 50 00:04:11,840 --> 00:04:21,600 road paving. Maybe that is because 8% of the road budget is used to pay 51 00:04:19,040 --> 00:04:27,280 salary and overhead. The township has less than 9 miles of 52 00:04:24,240 --> 00:04:32,800 road to maintain and we are being led to believe there is a shortage of funds. 53 00:04:30,240 --> 00:04:37,280 Instead, it appears more like there is an abundance of employees. 54 00:04:35,360 --> 00:04:42,639 The supervisor should not need an attorney to prepare an agenda. Run 55 00:04:40,320 --> 00:04:48,560 monthly meetings. Hold full-time employees accountable. develop a 56 00:04:45,040 --> 00:04:54,720 systematic plan to maintain accounts or demonstrate fiscal responsibility. 57 00:04:51,520 --> 00:04:58,680 She simply needs to do the job taxpayers elected her to do. 58 00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:04,040 » Samantha Medlin 59 00:05:07,680 --> 00:05:13,280 Sam Medlin Drive. I want to thank Trusty Oliver Sella. Throughout the past few 60 00:05:12,080 --> 00:05:16,479 months, she was the only person who advocated for an open discussion and 61 00:05:14,880 --> 00:05:20,080 made genuine effort to answer our questions. Unfortunately, the rest of 62 00:05:18,400 --> 00:05:23,199 our experience has been very different. We were met with inconsistent 63 00:05:21,360 --> 00:05:27,520 explanations, unanswered questions, and dismissive responses. At one point, a 64 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:31,039 trustee said, "It is what it is, that we should all see any harsh and shifted the 65 00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:34,479 discussion to property values rather than actually addressing our questions." 66 00:05:33,039 --> 00:05:37,759 Even more troubling has been the difference in treatment of those 67 00:05:35,840 --> 00:05:41,680 appearing before the township. When the owners of the proposed development spoke 68 00:05:39,360 --> 00:05:45,199 in 2025, they received a warm welcome, empathy, and full support. The road 69 00:05:43,600 --> 00:05:48,639 commissioner advocated for them. They received private emails and letters of 70 00:05:46,800 --> 00:05:52,800 support from the current supervisor, and the former supervisor wrote directly to 71 00:05:50,479 --> 00:05:56,960 the county on their behalf. Yet, they don't even live in Shields Township. The 72 00:05:54,880 --> 00:06:01,280 township has repeatedly advocated for people who are not residents. All while 73 00:05:59,600 --> 00:06:05,520 those of us who actually do live here and who fund and maintain this road have 74 00:06:03,120 --> 00:06:09,039 been dismissed. And now the township is accepting only a small portion of the 75 00:06:07,199 --> 00:06:12,400 road, leaving existing homeowners with the cost and burden of maintaining the 76 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:15,759 rest. Despite the safety and width concerns we raised, the lack of 77 00:06:14,160 --> 00:06:18,400 understanding was further reflected in our and how our concerns were 78 00:06:17,039 --> 00:06:21,919 characterized. The township administrator implied that residents had 79 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:25,680 trespassed, moved flags, and didn't want new neighbors. Those statements are 80 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:29,120 completely untrue and based on poor assumptions. Then after last month's 81 00:06:27,520 --> 00:06:32,880 meeting, a township employee pointed at residents and stated, "You all have 82 00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:36,960 issues." A remark witnessed by multiple people. These incidents raise a question 83 00:06:34,800 --> 00:06:39,680 of accountability. Given the conduct residents have experienced, does this 84 00:06:38,400 --> 00:06:43,600 board truly believe that it's appropriate for township administrator 85 00:06:41,360 --> 00:06:47,199 and foy officer to continue serving in their respective roles? This is not how 86 00:06:45,840 --> 00:06:51,039 government employees should speak to the taxpayers who fund the government or the 87 00:06:49,199 --> 00:06:54,720 residents they serve. Yet, the message we have received is that our concerns 88 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:57,919 were an inconvenience. We should not have to fight this hard to receive clear 89 00:06:56,319 --> 00:07:02,240 answers or be treated with basic respect. Unfortunately, we're now the 90 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:05,759 ones living with your inaction. Storm water and sediment runoff from the site 91 00:07:03,840 --> 00:07:09,440 has lost junk gravel, created large potholes, and caused flooding. Because 92 00:07:07,759 --> 00:07:12,639 the roadway and drainage infrastructure have not been installed, water from the 93 00:07:11,199 --> 00:07:16,080 site is being directed toward our property. Contractors have been running 94 00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:19,759 a generator to pump water out of the foundation toward our property and then 95 00:07:17,840 --> 00:07:24,080 even asked us to supply the electricity for that pump. This is a drainage issue 96 00:07:22,319 --> 00:07:28,000 that did not exist before construction began. We trusted the township would 97 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:31,039 follow its own procedure and protect the interests of those of us who actually 98 00:07:29,360 --> 00:07:35,440 live here. That trust was clearly misplaced. Instead, we were dismissed, 99 00:07:33,520 --> 00:07:39,680 disrespected, and subjected to personal attacks. I'm going to leave you with one 100 00:07:37,280 --> 00:07:43,039 question. Will this township hold itself and its employees to a standard of 101 00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:46,720 professionalism, accountability, and respect, or does it consider disrespect 102 00:07:45,199 --> 00:07:50,680 and hostility towards residents an acceptable part of your government? 103 00:07:54,879 --> 00:07:57,879 » Elizabeth. 104 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:07,440 Elizabeth Sass 181 Velvet Drive. Um, good evening. Samantha summarized 105 00:08:05,919 --> 00:08:12,879 everything pretty nicely, so I'll keep it brief, but I too would like to thank 106 00:08:09,759 --> 00:08:16,560 Trust Trustee Oliver Silla for taking this matter seriously. Other than that, 107 00:08:15,039 --> 00:08:21,520 this process has been rather circus-like. Um, it was appalling that 108 00:08:19,280 --> 00:08:25,919 we were treated like children. Honestly, if you were a fee for service business, 109 00:08:23,919 --> 00:08:29,280 I don't know how you could sustain it because I'm not business treats its 110 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:33,039 customers in the manner we've been treated or what employees speak to their 111 00:08:31,599 --> 00:08:37,039 customers in the way we've been spoken to. I know I would be fired 112 00:08:34,800 --> 00:08:40,399 instantaneously from my from my job if I treated my clients the way you've been 113 00:08:38,479 --> 00:08:44,720 treated. Having the public here and hearing public comments is your job. We 114 00:08:42,479 --> 00:08:49,200 are your customers. We still don't have transparency around why you deviated 115 00:08:46,959 --> 00:08:52,320 from your own set of standards. What I will say is that when new a new set of 116 00:08:51,040 --> 00:08:56,800 standards are put in place, they're put in place for a reason. I'm a nurse. So 117 00:08:54,720 --> 00:09:01,120 imagine if there were new standards for procedure on you as a patient and that 118 00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:05,760 would make your procedure safer, pose less risk of infection, be less painful. 119 00:09:03,920 --> 00:09:10,399 I would imagine you would want me to follow that. So the same the same 120 00:09:07,760 --> 00:09:14,000 rational sort of applies here. We don't care about the width of other roads in 121 00:09:12,080 --> 00:09:18,720 Lake Bluff. Those roads were built long before you adopted your new standards. 122 00:09:16,880 --> 00:09:22,640 We care about how wide and long this road was supposed to be according to 123 00:09:20,399 --> 00:09:26,480 your standards. Now there's another lot that's going to be developed and that 124 00:09:24,080 --> 00:09:30,320 probably will continue. We had the to get the infrastructure that would meet 125 00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:36,080 your own guidelines and be carried forward as more development occurs. 188 126 00:09:33,760 --> 00:09:40,080 Melvin is um it was a a vacant lot. It is vacant lot. It's now sold. So, as res 127 00:09:38,640 --> 00:09:45,120 residents, we will definitely be monitoring this like Hawk um as we've 128 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:48,640 lost faith in this the system. That resident will have to bring that road 129 00:09:46,480 --> 00:09:52,720 from Douglas to their property. So, that is more road that he'll be taking in 130 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:56,959 service. And so, we'll be back to be asking about street signs, lights, fire 131 00:09:54,720 --> 00:10:00,839 hydrants, and all the that neighborhoods should have. Thank you. 132 00:10:01,920 --> 00:10:07,959 » Uh Jackie Bton. 133 00:10:16,720 --> 00:10:25,519 Hi, my name is Jackie Ramon Johnson and I am a resident of North Chicago as well 134 00:10:22,399 --> 00:10:29,760 as a resident of Shields um Township as well. And I have brought a couple of 135 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:35,920 other residents with us collectively between the three of us. We have been 136 00:10:31,920 --> 00:10:41,519 residents in North Chicago for over 50 years, 50 to 60 years, although we don't 137 00:10:37,920 --> 00:10:48,000 look that old. Um, I'd like to thank uh Camila Hersto, supervisor of the Shields 138 00:10:45,200 --> 00:10:52,959 Township for inviting us. Um, she attended a meeting that we had. Carl 139 00:10:50,399 --> 00:10:58,640 Evans uh who was an alderman in North Chicago uh invited um supervisor to 140 00:10:56,800 --> 00:11:03,680 speak to us about the different opportunities that the Shields Township 141 00:11:01,440 --> 00:11:08,240 has and those for the residents in the north Chicago area. So, I'd like to 142 00:11:05,360 --> 00:11:14,640 thank you personally uh for inviting us to come and be part of this meeting and 143 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:18,959 to listen to everyone. Um we uh we look forward to collaborating with Shields 144 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:23,839 Township and representing our North Chicago members here and collaborating 145 00:11:22,079 --> 00:11:28,240 uh in the future with different programs that you have. We look forward to uh 146 00:11:26,399 --> 00:11:33,120 collaborating and then disseminating information and opportunities and 147 00:11:30,800 --> 00:11:38,560 programs that you have and how we can work better together. We were not aware 148 00:11:36,560 --> 00:11:44,399 um as residents and I'm I've been a resident for over 30 years now North 149 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:49,279 Chicago. Uh I wasn't aware when this meeting was and shame on me. I do have 150 00:11:46,480 --> 00:11:53,600 internet. I can't look it up. Um, but I did know that it was u something that 151 00:11:51,360 --> 00:11:57,839 more Chicago members can attend, residents can attend. So, we will look 152 00:11:55,279 --> 00:12:02,959 forward to participating in the future and learning more and then how we best 153 00:12:00,399 --> 00:12:07,640 collaborate across the board um to make our communities across the board better. 154 00:12:17,519 --> 00:12:24,480 Hi, my name is Chris Cook. I went on 196 M. 155 00:12:22,560 --> 00:12:30,160 I'm still disappointed with the lane decision. Um, when Jessica bought that 156 00:12:27,279 --> 00:12:40,560 land, she knew she had paid the whole road. Okay. Then it got down at from 400 157 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:47,200 ft to 250 ft where she built a a turnaround in the in the in the other 158 00:12:43,519 --> 00:12:53,920 lane. And then the board of you guys said that she only has to pave 140 ft 159 00:12:50,480 --> 00:12:59,200 because at 150 ft she has to put the turnaround in. And the turnaround is on 160 00:12:56,560 --> 00:13:05,360 the other side of the construction gate which is like 250 ft down the lane that 161 00:13:02,480 --> 00:13:13,120 she's been using to pour concrete maintenance like Sam said drain drain it 162 00:13:09,279 --> 00:13:17,360 drain everything. So that's excuse me I'm speaking for myself that's my 163 00:13:14,959 --> 00:13:22,480 private lane. I've lived there for 22 years on that lane and I've maintained 164 00:13:19,519 --> 00:13:27,600 it filled a million pothles and Shields Township and Mr. Rogers. I never The 165 00:13:24,800 --> 00:13:32,160 only time I saw him, Miss Hersel, is when you were there with when you were 166 00:13:29,200 --> 00:13:35,760 there with Jessica and he was so aggressive towards me. I had to walk 167 00:13:34,160 --> 00:13:42,399 away and all I did was try to come down there and say hi to you guys. And it was 168 00:13:38,560 --> 00:13:49,360 I felt this big and I'm I'm 66 years old almost. So I think that if if you're 169 00:13:46,240 --> 00:13:56,480 just going to grant Jessica 140 ft and now they put a 10-ft gate with two 170 00:13:53,839 --> 00:14:02,639 chain link temporary fences with no lock on it for her driveway. So, I don't 171 00:14:00,639 --> 00:14:07,680 think she should be able to use Goran's gate because that's 200 ft down the 172 00:14:05,760 --> 00:14:12,880 lane. So, it's going to make it harder for her to get all her construction 173 00:14:10,160 --> 00:14:20,959 stuff on her 10 foot drive. So, I think that Jessica should really think about 174 00:14:16,959 --> 00:14:26,639 she's excuse me, Jessica's wealthy. she could bathe another 200 ft and and put a 175 00:14:24,399 --> 00:14:31,920 turnaround in it. So, we're all safe. That's my honest opinion. So, I'm 176 00:14:29,600 --> 00:14:37,279 thinking that that's my private drive past her 140 ft that you guys granted 177 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:42,720 her. So, should I put some private drive signs up so that our construction guys 178 00:14:39,360 --> 00:14:47,199 don't park on my lane that I take care of, or should I let them park on there? 179 00:14:45,600 --> 00:14:51,760 Or should I call the Lake County Department of Sheriff and say when she's 180 00:14:49,600 --> 00:14:56,880 getting all this equipment in, should I say, "Hey, she's in my lane. Can you get 181 00:14:55,120 --> 00:15:02,639 her guys out of my lane and have them park on cold?" And I'm sorry. I'm not 182 00:15:00,399 --> 00:15:09,120 sorry. I'm just speaking from my heart. I've been there so long and It's it's 183 00:15:05,440 --> 00:15:14,160 it's just a nightmare right now. So, I hope you guys understand that we're the 184 00:15:11,600 --> 00:15:18,959 three of the three houses back here. We love each other and we we're a good 185 00:15:16,639 --> 00:15:24,399 community back there and we take care of each other and this new addition is it's 186 00:15:22,880 --> 00:15:29,510 been a nightmare. I'm going to be honest with you. Sorry. I apologize. Have a 187 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:29,510 great day. [music] 188 00:15:31,519 --> 00:15:37,560 » Doesn't want to go off. There we go. Uh Jefferson. 189 00:15:37,920 --> 00:15:46,480 » All right. Uh Jeffo Lake. Um all right. I just want to talk about the storm. 190 00:15:44,480 --> 00:15:50,880 First up, I think it's a little ironic mother daughter combo that has cost the 191 00:15:48,079 --> 00:15:56,480 township over $100,000 about $280. 192 00:15:53,440 --> 00:16:01,360 Uh but after the storms, we had an incredible opportunity um from our road 193 00:15:59,199 --> 00:16:06,079 district and I got to see it firsthand. Dan, Rob, and crew shut down multiple 194 00:16:04,240 --> 00:16:10,000 roads with power lines laying down. Trees were about to fall. There's 195 00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:14,800 multiple trees in the roads. Within hours, they had roads closed, cleaned 196 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:20,480 up. We had trees um the township had trees taken down. Uh large trees on 197 00:16:18,160 --> 00:16:24,720 Washington uh just to protect everyone's safety. We have multiple volunteer 198 00:16:22,320 --> 00:16:29,759 firemen out there uh running around and kind of letting the township guys know 199 00:16:26,959 --> 00:16:33,839 where to go and uh how to make everyone safe. couldn't get out for hours 200 00:16:32,079 --> 00:16:39,600 obviously because power lines were out everywhere. So putting uh road closures 201 00:16:36,880 --> 00:16:42,800 and uh you know staying as late as they did. They were chipping when it was 202 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:47,279 dark. We have multiple lights out there. It was amazing. So um kudos to our road 203 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:52,000 district. Kudos to you guys for empowering them to get that cleaned up. 204 00:16:50,160 --> 00:16:56,959 I would say that shields I I had an opportunity to drive through Lake Bluff 205 00:16:53,279 --> 00:17:02,399 and Lake Forest and Motop and Ardore. Um, we had ours cleaned up probably 206 00:17:00,079 --> 00:17:06,559 quickest, our roads shut down quickest and everything back to operational 207 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:10,400 quickest. So, kudos to you guys. I think it was a great thing. I know you hear a 208 00:17:08,160 --> 00:17:14,559 lot of negative stuff, but on the positive side, I think the team did 209 00:17:12,319 --> 00:17:19,199 amazing and when uh, you know, when stuff hit the fan, they came and they 210 00:17:16,720 --> 00:17:23,480 showed up and they did their job. So, very proud of everyone. Thank you. 211 00:17:23,600 --> 00:17:27,919 » Does anyone else want to speak that didn't sign up? 212 00:17:28,160 --> 00:17:31,160 Okay. 213 00:17:33,600 --> 00:17:38,760 Okay. Next thing is reports. Um, 214 00:17:39,360 --> 00:17:46,000 okay. I'll do my supervisor reports. Okay. So, uh, the recent major storm 215 00:17:43,600 --> 00:17:49,120 spread significant wind and debris throughout our community. I want to take 216 00:17:47,600 --> 00:17:52,720 a moment to sincerely thank our road crew for their incredible work during 217 00:17:50,559 --> 00:17:57,360 the cleanup. They have worked tirelessly to clear fallen branches and debris and 218 00:17:55,840 --> 00:18:02,000 to get our roads and neighborhoods back in order. And we truly appreciate their 219 00:17:59,360 --> 00:18:05,360 hard work and dedication. Uh we also still have wood chips available from the 220 00:18:03,840 --> 00:18:08,880 cleanup. If you are interested in getting wood chips, please contact the 221 00:18:06,880 --> 00:18:14,160 township office and we'll be happy to provide uh more information. Um and we 222 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:19,200 are also pleased to have new speed pumps installed on Safford, Burus, Smith, 223 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:23,039 Green, Burch, and Jenson. Uh these improvements are another tool to remind 224 00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:26,160 drivers to slow down and be mindful of families, children, and pedestrians who 225 00:18:24,799 --> 00:18:29,160 live and travel throughout our neighborhoods. 226 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:49,360 » Hi, I'm Carl Kitsro, administrator. Um, again, I want to extend our gratitude to 227 00:18:47,679 --> 00:18:53,520 the road crew. I think Jeff did a pretty good job, so I don't need to beat the 228 00:18:50,799 --> 00:18:57,440 beat it anymore, but um they were there late at night. We had trees come down 229 00:18:55,200 --> 00:19:02,000 later in in several days later that finally let loose and they were here 8 230 00:18:59,679 --> 00:19:06,960 10 11 at night to pull them off the road so residents could. So they've done a 231 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:11,440 great job [clears throat] of that. Um I'd also like to let you know that um 232 00:19:09,120 --> 00:19:15,760 under Lette's direction, our new custom website will be completely completed. 233 00:19:13,360 --> 00:19:19,039 Well, at least we hope best by next meeting. Uh there'll be a lot more bells 234 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:23,600 and whistles on it than there are there are now a lot more links, but right now 235 00:19:21,440 --> 00:19:31,840 it is functional. It's just not fully activated. So, thanks. Our paving is 236 00:19:27,280 --> 00:19:38,080 complete. Um besides the speed humps and a little bit of a a good luck, we didn't 237 00:19:35,360 --> 00:19:44,799 realize how much motor fuel tax we had. We budgeted about 150,000 for the paving 238 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:49,840 that we did this this period this year. um to um under Dan's direction, we 239 00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:53,520 discovered there were some deficiencies in their signage. Um so we got a 240 00:19:51,760 --> 00:19:59,039 reduction there. There's also another reduction on retainage. And then we had 241 00:19:55,919 --> 00:20:04,480 $42,000 motor fuel tax over several years. We it can accumulate year-toear. 242 00:20:02,080 --> 00:20:11,039 So the the final budget or the final total for our paving, which is quite 243 00:20:07,200 --> 00:20:17,360 extensive, was $66,635 and change. Um so that was a pleasant 244 00:20:13,760 --> 00:20:22,559 surprise. Um okay so that's complete. Um from the assessor side I do want to 245 00:20:19,840 --> 00:20:27,600 mention that the uh blue slips or if you will the assessments are coming out in 246 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:31,760 probably two to three weeks. Uh they come out in three batches. So if you 247 00:20:29,200 --> 00:20:36,559 have people half the people in Lake Buff are in different area. Um so there's 18 248 00:20:34,640 --> 00:20:39,840 townships in Lake County. They don't want them all at once in the first place 249 00:20:38,080 --> 00:20:43,840 because they couldn't handle them all in one month of appeals. So, I do them in 250 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:49,600 about six, six, and six. So, we'll be in the last group of the sixes for the 18. 251 00:20:47,039 --> 00:20:53,120 Uh, and if you have any questions about appeals or questions about your 252 00:20:51,280 --> 00:20:58,159 property, you're welcome to call the office. You can speak to me. Um, uh, 253 00:20:56,559 --> 00:21:02,880 that's all I have on that. The wood chips were handled and the the great job 254 00:21:01,120 --> 00:21:05,880 the road crew was handled. So, thank you, 255 00:21:06,159 --> 00:21:12,400 » Carl. Can I ask a couple questions? >> Absolutely. 256 00:21:09,120 --> 00:21:16,720 » Um, one is the Did we follow up with the situation with the county with the 257 00:21:14,080 --> 00:21:21,360 pavers? Um I I know that we had talked about that last meeting and and you and 258 00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:26,159 I and Dan had talked a couple times um that I felt that their quality was 259 00:21:23,120 --> 00:21:30,799 slightly uh below par and certainly caused a lot of damage [clears throat] 260 00:21:27,440 --> 00:21:35,039 after the work was done. Um it do you feel like that was rectified in in a in 261 00:21:33,039 --> 00:21:39,280 a quantifative way? Um >> yeah, I think I think first of all we're 262 00:21:37,200 --> 00:21:43,520 lucky that we we partner with the county because they have a lot more weight when 263 00:21:40,880 --> 00:21:48,960 they called up and said, "Hey, we the issues were by the end of Foster there." 264 00:21:46,320 --> 00:21:53,440 Um they did come and correct them. Um they wouldn't have come. We tried one 265 00:21:50,559 --> 00:21:58,640 year to get contractors back and for our if you will small jobs um it's almost 266 00:21:56,960 --> 00:22:03,280 impossible. But the county calls and they came pretty quick. I think they 267 00:22:00,559 --> 00:22:09,840 rectified it. Um, their bid, I believe, I don't have it in my head, is either 12 268 00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:14,400 or 17,000 less than the uh the the other bid. We've used this company twice. 269 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:19,280 They're well known throughout all the Chicago land, but we've had two 270 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:24,720 unsatisfactory experiences with them. I think next time we'll take a look if the 271 00:22:21,520 --> 00:22:28,880 quotes are close. Um, and we think we have a way of ensuring that everybody's 272 00:22:27,120 --> 00:22:34,960 on the same page because some of the companies are quoting different uh 273 00:22:31,280 --> 00:22:38,400 measures for safety. Um, so we if we have a choice and it's not a large 274 00:22:36,880 --> 00:22:43,520 margin, we'll probably go with somebody else next time. If not, we still have 275 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:47,520 the county behind us to uh back up what what's been happening. And do we know 276 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:51,760 whether or not they're going to trim the edges of the roads and so forth because 277 00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:55,440 there was so much slag on the on the ends of the roads and so forth. I I know 278 00:22:53,760 --> 00:22:58,159 that Dan was talking about something like that, but I you may not have had 279 00:22:57,679 --> 00:23:02,799 that conversation. >> No, I I we basically wait till the fall 280 00:23:00,559 --> 00:23:07,840 to do any of the the repair work along the side where you put down some grass, 281 00:23:05,440 --> 00:23:10,640 some mesh and grass so it doesn't erode. Um you don't want to do it in the summer 282 00:23:09,280 --> 00:23:14,559 because we don't have trucks that can water it or budget to water it. So the 283 00:23:13,039 --> 00:23:19,600 fall is a great time for playing. Get the warm day, cool night, and hopefully 284 00:23:17,360 --> 00:23:24,880 get enough rain to make it grow. So any of those roads will be um if you will 285 00:23:23,280 --> 00:23:27,919 repaired in one way or another. Some of them might have a little gravel. It just 286 00:23:26,159 --> 00:23:33,520 depends on the usage there. >> Do we have any idea on the cost of the 287 00:23:30,720 --> 00:23:36,480 storm for us as far as coming out of you know the budget at this point? 288 00:23:35,120 --> 00:23:39,679 » No, we don't at this point. >> Okay. 289 00:23:37,679 --> 00:23:43,600 » Thank you, Carl. But we did we did receive a lot of compliments and we did 290 00:23:41,280 --> 00:23:47,440 have neighbors that um before we even got there had come out with you know 291 00:23:45,039 --> 00:23:52,880 their own chainsaws and helped um where it was uh applicable. Um so the n the 292 00:23:50,159 --> 00:23:56,640 community did jump in um and which were very pleased with and they usually have 293 00:23:55,200 --> 00:24:03,039 so I mean it's not something that's a surprise but it was ext I mean there was 294 00:23:59,120 --> 00:24:07,200 no place untouched as you all know and um we got it cleaned up pretty well. 295 00:24:04,880 --> 00:24:11,279 We're still not completely finished. We still have a lot more chipping to do. 296 00:24:08,960 --> 00:24:14,799 That's why if anybody wants free chips, we'd be happy to dump them in their 297 00:24:12,720 --> 00:24:19,279 drive in their driveway. Um, just call the office and we'll get your 298 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:21,440 information. Um, so that's Do you have anything else, 299 00:24:21,120 --> 00:24:24,080 Chris? >> No, no, I appreciate your answer. Thank 300 00:24:23,120 --> 00:24:29,039 you. >> I also had a question. Can you help me 301 00:24:26,720 --> 00:24:32,720 understand a little bit more about the tax credit that you were mentioning? And 302 00:24:31,440 --> 00:24:37,600 I may not be using it right, but you said there was a like a positive offset, 303 00:24:35,760 --> 00:24:41,279 right? the motor fuel tax. >> Yeah. 304 00:24:38,080 --> 00:24:46,159 » Yeah. Um, every community gets a certain amount. Illinois taxes are like the 305 00:24:44,240 --> 00:24:51,679 highest in the country, right? And a very very small percent of that goes to 306 00:24:48,960 --> 00:24:57,200 each township, municipality, etc. Based on how many miles of road you have. So, 307 00:24:53,679 --> 00:25:01,039 generally we get maybe 12,000 a year because we just don't have that many 308 00:24:58,320 --> 00:25:06,559 roads. Um, and and that's just a credit back and we don't actually get it. So 309 00:25:03,440 --> 00:25:11,600 they're not sending us a check to do with it as you will. It's supposed to go 310 00:25:09,200 --> 00:25:17,279 in paving and improving. So and that's what it is going to. So I I I was 311 00:25:15,360 --> 00:25:20,880 surprised it was 42 because we used it several years ago, but I'm happy that 312 00:25:19,120 --> 00:25:24,799 there was that much in there. We don't come up with that number. The county 313 00:25:22,240 --> 00:25:27,039 does and applies it to the bill. Um that's why we had a considerable 314 00:25:26,159 --> 00:25:33,120 savings. >> Okay. So, with that extra money, I know 315 00:25:30,799 --> 00:25:38,320 there was a limit to the number of roads right on on the agenda or on the list of 316 00:25:35,600 --> 00:25:43,279 roads that could be completely repaved. Um, is there an ability to add or is 317 00:25:40,880 --> 00:25:48,559 that insufficient to repave a couple of the roads that are on that list? 318 00:25:45,120 --> 00:25:52,480 » Um, yeah, every year we will revisit the list and we usually only pay two to 319 00:25:50,799 --> 00:25:57,279 three depending on the length of the roads. This time we kind of paid three 320 00:25:54,159 --> 00:26:02,000 with a four, if you will. But yeah, um there'll definitely be there'll be 321 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:06,480 usually with the amount of money we have in our budget, it's every other year we 322 00:26:03,840 --> 00:26:10,559 do paving or we may do a small road. So this year I believe I mean we'll see how 323 00:26:08,640 --> 00:26:14,880 the budget shakes out, but I believe that we'll be able to pave again in 27 324 00:26:13,440 --> 00:26:19,919 which will be great. So we can just continue on. There's never going to not 325 00:26:16,720 --> 00:26:23,200 be a road that needs you know some work. But they pick the ones that need the 326 00:26:21,279 --> 00:26:28,080 most. And there's no sense to make a list right now of what road needs the 327 00:26:25,120 --> 00:26:31,520 most paving has been suggested because we have a whole winter's worth of wear. 328 00:26:30,080 --> 00:26:35,120 And during the winter, you have not only do you have the plows down and the salt 329 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:40,480 down, but then when spring comes, you have heave from depending on the 330 00:26:37,279 --> 00:26:45,200 weather. And so we know ones that we think we'd like to pay, but that doesn't 331 00:26:42,159 --> 00:26:50,080 mean that one that doesn't heave or gets torn up isn't going to make the top of 332 00:26:47,440 --> 00:26:54,320 the list. So we don't schedule a road. There's no way to schedule what we don't 333 00:26:51,600 --> 00:26:57,120 know has happened yet. So we we will definitely pave it next year. I'm I'm 334 00:26:56,080 --> 00:27:00,080 pretty confident. >> Okay. 335 00:26:58,080 --> 00:27:06,559 » The other thing I I wanted to address and I appreciate your 336 00:27:02,640 --> 00:27:10,240 conversation with me. Um like we I you know with with the massive storms that 337 00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:15,520 that we've had right and I I have seen the Shields Township truck going around. 338 00:27:13,120 --> 00:27:18,720 has that Shield township truck made it all the way over to 339 00:27:16,799 --> 00:27:22,240 Melbourne at all to kind of check out that area? And I understand that right 340 00:27:20,640 --> 00:27:25,760 now that's still private lane because it hasn't been paved yet, 341 00:27:23,760 --> 00:27:30,799 » right? We've been down there and and looked at it. Um and um it's been 342 00:27:28,720 --> 00:27:34,240 everywhere. So there's shore acres over there and there's that's where a good 343 00:27:32,799 --> 00:27:39,440 amount of damage was because there's a lot of old growth, huge trees and just 344 00:27:36,960 --> 00:27:43,600 old trees. So yeah, we spent some considerable time there. One of one of 345 00:27:40,960 --> 00:27:49,600 the big ones took out a power line took us about it took Kameed I think three 346 00:27:46,640 --> 00:27:54,000 days and there was one over on Quasi or maybe Washington keep can't keep track 347 00:27:51,600 --> 00:27:58,000 of where the power line was the tree was caught in the power line and even though 348 00:27:56,159 --> 00:28:02,559 the tree doesn't conduct electricity apparently can hold a charge. So 349 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:06,399 commented says until we get there can't do anything. That's where Rob and the 350 00:28:04,480 --> 00:28:10,480 crew came in putting barricades up right away and making sure that you know 351 00:28:08,799 --> 00:28:13,360 people it's pretty obvious you could drive through but there was danger as 352 00:28:12,640 --> 00:28:17,840 well. >> Yeah. I just want to make sure that 353 00:28:14,640 --> 00:28:22,480 they're feeling inclusive rather than with all the the issues and I'm not I'm 354 00:28:20,240 --> 00:28:26,640 not casting blame. I again want to make sure that that they do feel part of the 355 00:28:24,880 --> 00:28:29,640 community more. >> Okay. 356 00:28:30,480 --> 00:28:35,679 But that's in my report. >> All right. Thank you, Minister portion 357 00:28:33,840 --> 00:28:40,399 of the meeting. >> Fine. Next thing on the agenda is 358 00:28:37,360 --> 00:28:45,360 approval of bills. So we have three sets of bills for the board's consideration. 359 00:28:42,799 --> 00:28:49,080 Uh payroll and bills of the town fund in the amount of 41,53454. 360 00:28:49,520 --> 00:28:55,159 Payroll and bills for general assistance in the amount of 5,251.77. 361 00:28:55,279 --> 00:29:02,000 Payroll and bills for the road and bridge in the amount of 31 362 00:28:59,760 --> 00:29:05,760 36.98. Uh, is there a motion to approve payment 363 00:29:03,679 --> 00:29:11,159 of the payroll bills of the town general assistance and grow and fridge as 364 00:29:08,159 --> 00:29:11,159 presented? 365 00:29:11,760 --> 00:29:20,559 » Is there a second? >> I do have a question about the actual 366 00:29:17,520 --> 00:29:26,840 first budget. The liability insurance line item is at 322%. Do we know why 367 00:29:23,440 --> 00:29:26,840 that's high? 368 00:29:27,600 --> 00:29:33,760 Um, no. I'm looking at the Shields Township budget first actual. 369 00:29:31,440 --> 00:29:37,360 » They I think they put both the uh road and the town in the same thing, but if 370 00:29:35,360 --> 00:29:42,720 you want to call them, I'd be happy to read it. But that's my recollection that 371 00:29:39,440 --> 00:29:48,240 it was accidentally put from town and road in the same one. So that's why 372 00:29:44,880 --> 00:29:52,240 » and that's driving the percentage over. >> Well, if you looked at road, I don't 373 00:29:49,520 --> 00:29:55,279 think there's an expenditure there. But again, um, if you want to call, I'll 374 00:29:54,080 --> 00:29:59,360 take a look at the budget with you and we can discuss that. Okay, sounds good. 375 00:29:57,600 --> 00:30:03,840 Thank you. >> All right, so the motion is made by uh 376 00:30:01,279 --> 00:30:07,200 trustworth and second by trust. Is there any discussion? 377 00:30:05,600 --> 00:30:09,919 » Okay, hearing none. Bad court, please call the role. 378 00:30:08,799 --> 00:30:11,039 » Trust. >> Trusty. 379 00:30:10,720 --> 00:30:12,320 » Hi. >> Supervisor Ursa. 380 00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:20,000 » Hi. >> Trusty. Hi. 381 00:30:15,760 --> 00:30:26,320 » Okay. The motion carries with presented. >> Next thing is um old business. 382 00:30:23,200 --> 00:30:26,320 » I'll handle that. 383 00:30:26,815 --> 00:30:28,836 » [snorts] 384 00:30:30,080 --> 00:30:36,320 » Okay. So, the reason the item is on there is the the recently approval of 385 00:30:34,480 --> 00:30:41,919 purchase of a new township truck is on there again is after um it was approved 386 00:30:39,919 --> 00:30:45,840 last month by the board um during the attorney review process determined that 387 00:30:44,159 --> 00:30:52,640 the vehicle identified in the original bid wouldn't accommodate the uplifting 388 00:30:49,039 --> 00:30:56,000 um specifications presented. So, we worked with the dealer to identify a 389 00:30:54,480 --> 00:31:00,720 suitable replacement, but they weren't able to find another vehicle. We're 390 00:30:57,440 --> 00:31:05,600 hoping to use the same dealer and uh um work with them, but they couldn't come 391 00:31:02,080 --> 00:31:13,679 up with one. So, we um obtained a proposal from Sutton Ford for the 392 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:23,520 purchase of an F550 XL regular 4x4 27 2027 year um uh in the amount of 57,356 393 00:31:21,440 --> 00:31:31,039 for a purchasing co-op suburban purchasing co cooperative. Um and so 394 00:31:27,520 --> 00:31:35,440 that's the bid. The proposed truck is 91 $172 less than the one we quoted before. 395 00:31:33,840 --> 00:31:41,919 So, we're able to save you some extra money or save the township some extra 396 00:31:37,440 --> 00:31:45,760 money there. Um so the the proposed truck would receive the same general 397 00:31:43,760 --> 00:31:50,799 outfitting that was approved by the board last time to performed by 398 00:31:47,760 --> 00:31:54,600 Henderson again same outfitter um for the amount of 79,3428 399 00:31:55,600 --> 00:32:02,559 um not to exceed that. Um, and is there a motion? So, there I'm going to ask, is 400 00:32:01,039 --> 00:32:12,080 there a motion to approve the purchase of the 2027 Ford F550 XL regular a 4x4 401 00:32:10,000 --> 00:32:19,679 um from Sutton dealership together with the proposed upfetting by Henderson for 402 00:32:14,960 --> 00:32:24,679 a total of 13660 and 28 cents. We have a motion. 403 00:32:25,600 --> 00:32:33,200 » Second. Does anybody have any questions? >> Yeah. Is would it be possible to get a 404 00:32:30,799 --> 00:32:37,200 2026 slightly less expensive? >> No, that was what was available. 405 00:32:35,919 --> 00:32:41,480 » The 2027. >> The 2027. Yes. 406 00:32:41,919 --> 00:32:48,320 » Even though we're not in year 2027, >> we're not going to get delivery on the 407 00:32:46,480 --> 00:32:52,880 truck right now either. They're all these trucks are in big demand. So, um 408 00:32:51,200 --> 00:32:57,519 they don't have one in inventory. They'd love to sell us an old one at last 409 00:32:55,600 --> 00:33:00,559 year's model and and we probably could have struck a better deal probably, but 410 00:32:59,440 --> 00:33:05,279 the fact of the matter is they didn't have one and we would have been more 411 00:33:02,320 --> 00:33:08,559 than happy to take an older 26 year we could because we'd have it that much 412 00:33:06,559 --> 00:33:13,360 sooner to send it to the outfitter which has a large backlog of orders for 413 00:33:11,039 --> 00:33:19,360 outfitting if you will. [snorts] >> Okay. Thank you. 414 00:33:16,240 --> 00:33:24,000 » Thank you. Okay. So, the motion made by trustee, second by trustee. 415 00:33:22,320 --> 00:33:26,399 discussion. Okay. Madam clerk, please call the role. 416 00:33:25,120 --> 00:33:28,880 » Uh trusty sworth. >> Hi. 417 00:33:27,440 --> 00:33:32,320 » Trusty Prager. >> No. 418 00:33:30,320 --> 00:33:34,559 » Supervisor Ersoto. >> Hi. 419 00:33:33,440 --> 00:33:36,799 » Trusty Cardell. >> Hi. 420 00:33:35,200 --> 00:33:40,000 » Trusty Oliver Sella. >> No. 421 00:33:38,399 --> 00:33:43,600 » The motion carries and the contractor for the purchase of the new township 422 00:33:41,360 --> 00:33:47,760 truck is approved is approved as presented. 423 00:33:46,159 --> 00:33:52,000 » Okay. Next thing on the agenda is new 424 00:33:49,039 --> 00:33:55,039 business. The next item um is new business. The only item on the new 425 00:33:53,519 --> 00:34:00,080 business is approval of the regular board meeting minutes for July 16, 2026. 426 00:33:58,480 --> 00:34:06,360 Is there a motion to approve the minutes as presented? 427 00:34:02,880 --> 00:34:06,360 » Is there a second? 428 00:34:06,720 --> 00:34:13,359 » The motion is made by Trusty Sel, seconded by Trusty Prager. Any 429 00:34:10,639 --> 00:34:15,760 discussion? Madam cler, please call the role. 430 00:34:14,639 --> 00:34:16,960 » Trusty Sworth. >> Trusty Prager. 431 00:34:16,639 --> 00:34:19,119 » Hi. >> Supervisor Erso. Hi. 432 00:34:18,159 --> 00:34:22,639 » Trusty Pel. >> Hi. 433 00:34:19,440 --> 00:34:26,720 » Trusty Alberta. The motion carries and the regular 434 00:34:24,480 --> 00:34:32,399 meeting minutes of July 16, 2026 are approved as presented. 435 00:34:29,200 --> 00:34:36,000 The next thing is other business. Um, is there any other business that any member 436 00:34:33,839 --> 00:34:40,320 of this board wishes to bring forward? >> Um, I'm just going to bring up the fact 437 00:34:37,839 --> 00:34:46,480 that we talked about working with Renew Chicago. Um, and uh, I have to talk with 438 00:34:43,679 --> 00:34:51,760 the folks over there. uh they're they didn't do any big projects this summer 439 00:34:49,440 --> 00:34:59,040 and so they're struggling for something that could be um if you will all shield 440 00:34:56,240 --> 00:35:04,480 township too so to speak. So I have spoken with those folks um we might 441 00:35:01,440 --> 00:35:08,400 possibly have a garage built this fall um but it's in the works so I just don't 442 00:35:06,480 --> 00:35:12,480 want that anybody to feel that we've let that stuff through the cracks. It's just 443 00:35:10,079 --> 00:35:19,560 that uh not the right time or not the right place. 444 00:35:14,320 --> 00:35:19,560 it will bring to the board. 445 00:35:19,680 --> 00:35:29,079 » Thank you. >> Okay. Um hearing none. Is there a motion 446 00:35:25,920 --> 00:35:29,079 to adjurnn? 447 00:35:29,440 --> 00:35:32,920 » Is there a second? 448 00:35:34,079 --> 00:35:37,079 » Motion. 449 00:35:38,640 --> 00:35:42,680 All in favor say I. 450 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:47,800 Uh