New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | July 10, 2025

The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees took several key actions during its meeting on July 10, 2025, most notably approving a rent increase for its senior housing facility and accepting a clean annual financial audit. The board unanimously passed an approximate 5% rent hike for the Guy Sell Senior Housing apartments to cover rising maintenance and material costs. For more details on the new rental rates and the board’s discussion, see the full story.

Additionally, the board received a positive annual audit report from its accounting firm, which commended the township for its financial strength and fiscal responsibility. More information on the audit presentation can be found in a separate article. The board also heard updates from various township officials on services ranging from electronics recycling to food pantry operations.

Township Officials to Co-Host Food Drive:
Supervisor Cass Wennlund announced an upcoming food drive on July 19 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Jewel on Nelson Road. The event is a collaborative effort co-hosted by Wennlund, State Representative Sheehan, and New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann. The initiative aims to collect food items to support local residents and families in need within the community.

Electronics Recycling and Mosquito Abatement Update:
Trustee Martin Boban reported that the township’s electronics recycling program continues to be well-utilized, averaging 50-60 cars per collection event. The township is also upgrading its used oil collection with two new containers from GFL Co. at a significantly lower fee. Regarding mosquito abatement, Boban noted that brood counts remain below the threshold for spraying, but equipment is calibrated and ready for use after significant rainfall.

Food Pantry Reports Strong Community Support:
In June, the township food pantry served 371 families, comprising 969 individuals, according to a report from Trustee Barbara Kaupas. The pantry received significant donations from food drives held by the Union school cereal drive, United Methodist Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church. The pantry is also set to receive a substantial donation from Cooper’s Hawk, which hosted a “5k Wine Run” with over 500 participants.

Township Transportation Rides Decrease in June:
Trustee Patty Deiters reported that the township provided 410 transportation rides in June, bringing the year-to-date total to 2,605. The number of rides was lower than usual, which Deiters attributed to the Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) being on summer break. Income from the service in June was $1,501, while fuel costs for the month were just over $333.

Highway Department Focuses on Drainage Project:
Highway Commissioner Mike Potocki reported that his department is working on a major underground piping project to improve drainage within the township. Potocki noted that to reduce expenses, most of the work is being performed by the township’s in-house staff rather than being outsourced to external contractors. He stated that the project is progressing well.

Township to Seek Proposals for Boardroom Chairs:
Supervisor Cass Wennlund has tasked Trustee Patty Deiters with gathering proposals for new chairs for the township’s board room. Deiters will research options and present them to the board for consideration at a future meeting. This initiative is part of the township’s ongoing efforts to maintain and update its public facilities.

Board Approves Bill Payments:
The board concluded its financial business by approving the payment of all submitted bills and late bills. The motion was made by Trustee Barbara Kaupas and seconded by Trustee Patty Deiters. It passed by a unanimous roll call vote, ensuring the township’s vendors and suppliers are paid in a timely manner.