By Andrea Arens

The Peotone Administrative Oversight Committee tackled several long-term planning issues during its July 15 meeting, including hiring a new code enforcement officer, how to spend a $100,000 solar company donation, improving communication with residents and planning for future administrative operations.

Much of the discussion focused on the future of the historic mill, which is owned by the Village of Peotone, but maintained by the Peotone Historical Society.

Gary Hudson, Historical Society Vice President and Village Trustee, explained the organization currently has approximately $90,000 raised toward exterior restoration.

Estimates place the cost of stabilizing and restoring the building’s exterior between $250,000 and $275,000. One bid was received some time ago, and it was suggested that the Historical Society obtain more bids for the proposed work and they be submitted to the village for review.

Hudson emphasized that volunteers have dedicated significant time maintaining the structure and that restoring the building could encourage additional fundraising.

“If they see us contributing to it, then they realize there’s actually something they can support,” Hudson said.

Village Administrator Nick Palmer suggested the village first establish a formal memorandum of understanding with the Historical Society outlining each party’s responsibilities before committing funding. While the Village owns the Mill, the Historical Society is currently fundraising for the restoration of the property.

Committee members generally agreed that any village investment should be accompanied by a long-term preservation plan detailing how remaining funds would be raised and how future maintenance would be handled.

Members also discussed whether tax increment financing (TIF) or other economic development funding sources could assist with the project.

No funding decisions were made, but a consensus was agreed that the Historical Society would not receive the grant money directly, and that a formal plan for restoration along with the Memorandum of Understanding would be created first.

Solar donation

The committee also began discussing how to use a $100,000 community contribution from ESP Solar, which is being paid in two installments.

Palmer noted the money comes with no formal restrictions, but suggested using it for a visible community improvement that demonstrates the village’s investment and could encourage future corporate donations.

Members agreed they did not want to simply place the money into the general fund without a specific purpose.

Communication strategy

The committee reviewed the village’s communication efforts and discussed creating a more formal communications plan.

Palmer reviewed the village’s transparency efforts, noting that board packets, agendas, minutes and meeting videos are available online.

Committee members discussed expanding communication through additional website improvements, educational permit information and possibly creating a quarterly printed newsletter in partnership with other local taxing bodies. The concept would rely on sponsorships to offset printing and mailing costs.

No action was taken on the proposal.

New financial software

Palmer also updated the committee on implementation of the village’s new BS&A financial software system, scheduled to go live in August.

He said staff training will require significant time and may temporarily limit Village Hall operations while employees complete implementation.

The administrator is also reviewing employee responsibilities and workloads as part of a broader succession planning effort to ensure village operations remain efficient despite limited staffing.

“We have X amount of work in this village,” he said. “I don’t think it’s impossible to manage with the staff, but we have to manage the workload.”

Code enforcement officer search

One of the committee’s primary discussions centered on replacing the village’s part-time code enforcement officer.

Palmer agreed finding the right personality is just as important as finding someone with technical knowledge.

Committee members — including Trustees Patrick Bowden, Julie Sluis and Hudson — stressed that the position requires someone who can enforce ordinances while maintaining positive relationships with residents.

“You’ve got to find the right person,” Hudson said. “We’ve had people with a chip on their shoulder that just disrupted the community.”

Palmer said neighboring communities pay anywhere from about $20 to more than $40 per hour, depending on size of the community, with Beecher paying $23.50 per hour plus a vehicle stipend. He recommended advertising the Peotone position between $20 and $25 per hour to attract qualified applicants, preferably someone nearing retirement with experience in construction, inspections or public safety.

Committee members also discussed the village’s aging code enforcement vehicle, which recently developed a significant exhaust leak. Initial estimates placed repairs near $3,000, prompting discussion about whether the vehicle should be repaired or whether the future employee should receive a vehicle allowance instead.

No decisions was made, and it was suggested that additional quotes for the vehicle repair be sought.

Andrea Arens is a freelance reporter.