The Green Garden Township Board pushed forward with plans for a new town hall and approved key budget transfers to support the assessor’s office during its August 11th meeting. Supervisor Dean Christofilos announced that formal paperwork had been submitted to Will County to transfer a $500,000 grant, originally for renovating the current building, to the new construction project. The township has already consulted with architects and engineers and scheduled a preliminary permit meeting with the county. More details on the project’s progress are available in a full story.

In another significant action, the board approved shifting funds within its budget to provide $12,600 for a new staff member in the assessor’s office and to move the office’s rent payment to a more appropriate line item. The move follows the county’s application of a 6% assessment multiplier on all residential properties. For a detailed breakdown of the financial transfers, see the standalone article. The board also heard from a county representative about ongoing solar farm litigation and received updates on numerous road projects.

Road Work Progresses Across Township
Road Commissioner Jim Hilliard reported that annual paving projects are complete, with sections of Stagger Road, Stunkle Road, and Hunter Court finished. Hilliard noted a savings of about $45,000 after the state took over a planned project near Route 45. He also announced that the Dralle Road box culvert replacement was completed last week, coming in approximately $15,000 under budget. Ongoing work includes repairs on Pauling Road and driveway culvert installations.

Meeting Planned for Potential I-57 Interchange
An informational meeting will be held on August 26th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Will County Fairgrounds to discuss potential new access to Interstate 57. Road Commissioner Jim Hilliard reported that the Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on the possibility of adding a new interchange somewhere between Manhattan-Monee Road and Wilmington-Peotone Road. This is the second public meeting IDOT has held on the topic.

School Board Voices Concerns Over Center Road Widening
The planned widening of Center Road is causing safety concerns for Peotone School District 207-U, according to board member Ashley Stachniak. Speaking during public comment, Stachniak said the school board is worried about increased traffic, particularly semi-trucks, using the route once a stoplight is installed. The proximity of the new traffic lanes to the school building and playgrounds is a primary concern, as are potential impacts on the school’s wells and septic systems.

IT Security Contract Tabled
The board voted to table a discussion on a service contract with RWK IT Services for cybersecurity protection. Trustee Wesley Shepherd, who presented the preliminary quote, requested the delay to allow the board more time to review the proposal and to consult with the township’s web manager. The issue is expected to be on the agenda for next month’s meeting.

Trustee Initiatives Update
Trustee Monroe Striggow reported he is working on several community initiatives. He is conducting a revised audit of the township’s insurance policies to confirm all property and equipment values are up to date. Striggow is also compiling a list of all veterans living in Green Garden to better service their needs and is working with the cemetery group to resolve issues at the Union Cemetery.

Comprehensive Plan Update Postponed
An update on the township’s comprehensive plan was postponed after Planning Commission Chairman Mark Sarkisian was unable to attend the meeting. Supervisor Dean Christofilos said Sarkisian’s committee was not yet prepared to give a full report but will provide a complete update at the board workshop meeting in two weeks. The board agreed to also request an update at the next regular monthly meeting.

Resident Airs Grievances Over Road Maintenance
During public comments, a resident voiced several complaints about the Road Commissioner’s department, citing unresolved drainage issues, incomplete tree and brush removal, and the prioritization of certain roads over others. Another resident who works for the road district disputed the claims, stating the crew works hard. Supervisor Dean Christofilos encouraged the parties to have a private meeting to resolve the concerns.