Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for February 10, 2026
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026
The Will County Landfill Committee met on Tuesday to address legal preparations for the upcoming landfill expansion and operational needs at the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility. The meeting was dominated by a presentation from Special Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Helsten, who detailed the “ethical wall” required to separate the County Board’s role as decision-makers from the county staff’s role as applicants. The committee also reviewed financial data showing the RNG plant is operating at a net loss after debt service, despite record production numbers in late 2025.
In addition to the legal briefing, the committee took decisive action to improve the RNG plant’s reliability by approving a major equipment purchase.
Brief: Heavy Equipment Purchase Paused
The committee agreed to pause the proposed purchase of a manlift and telehandler for the RNG facility, opting to continue leasing the equipment for the immediate future. Director Dave Hartke presented quotes showing a cost of $90,000 for a manlift and $252,000 for a telehandler. Currently, the county leases these items for approximately $3,000 per month. Hartke suggested waiting until later in the fiscal year to reassess finances before committing to the $342,000 capital expense. “I think that would be the conservative approach at this point,” Hartke said. The committee directed staff to attempt to bypass third-party markups by contacting Sunbelt Rentals directly to negotiate a purchase price for the currently rented units.
Brief: Minutes and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM with a quorum present. Members in attendance included Herbert Brooks Jr. (D-Joliet), Dawn Bullock (D-Plainfield), Kelly Hickey (D-Naperville), Sherry Newquist (D-Steger), Dave Oxley (R-Lockport), and Frankie Pretzel (R-New Lenox). The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the January 13, 2026, meeting. There were no public comments.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for August 14, 2025
Peotone Schools Face ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Board Considers School Closures and New Construction
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Facing Budget Crisis, Peotone Committee Questions Athletic Field Project
Committee Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education Committee of the Whole
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
